Mine
Chapter 17 "Truth Hurts"
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my made up characters!
Saturday May 12th
Kit POV
I looked up from the bags of ribbon Tia handed me to see Katie walking in. "Aren't you supposed to be taking Molly off on some fake adventure to keep her occupied?"
Katie smiled at me—a rare thing these days—and gestured towards the front of the property. "I sent her off in the capable hands of Ryan. He'll keep her occupied until it's time for her to come back."
"Ryan?" I questioned, trying to remember who Ryan was.
"Slocum. He and Molly have become friends since she's been here. She's pretty fascinated with his accent." Katie smirked and I frowned. I didn't like the way Katie said that.
"When will your brothers be here with the tables?" Tia asked and I turned to her.
"Should be in the next ten minutes or so. Nate confirmed with his friend this morning about borrowing the tables." I answered, feeling so out of place among the decorations that Katie and Tia had bought.
I knew Katie had recruited Sam and Jen, my mother, Hope and her friends to help also. They would be here soon. I should have volunteered to help with the tables, but I figured I should be here with Molly's mom and helping her.
As Tia went to greet my mother, Sam, and Jen, I moved next to Katie. "Hey, can we talk?"
Katie didn't look up from what she was doing, only sighed in irritation. "What is it, Kit?"
I glanced up to where Tia was with the other girls. Too far away to hear anything. "I'm telling Molly about the thing back in February."
Katie's head jerked up. "Today? You're telling her today?" She hissed at me, looking angry.
I shook my head. "No! Not today. But before I leave again. I…" I sighed. "I want to propose to her and I can't without telling her. I…I know that she'll probably break up with me, but on the off chance she doesn't, we can start working on repairing our relationship."
Her face softened. "You want to propose to Molly?"
I nodded with a smile. "I love her, Katie. I've known for a while now that she's the one. I just have to make myself worthy of being her husband."
Katie frowned and rubbed her forehead. "I really wished you had never done what you did. I could be so much more happy about what you just told me."
I sighed as Tia and the other woman made their way back to us. "Me too, Katie, me too."
…..
Molly POV
I knew I should be watching Ryan and his horse as they cantered in front of me, but my thoughts were on anything but.
What had started out as a small seed of doubt a few weeks ago, had grown into full blown anxious thoughts.
I wouldn't say the words out loud. I didn't even want to think them but I had to acknowledge them.
There was a strong possibility that Kit had cheated on me. I hadn't said anything to him yet and I went through the motions these past few weeks. Whether he noticed something was off or not, I didn't know. If he did, he didn't say anything.
I had been going back and forth with myself for the past few weeks. Did I ask him? Did I reach out to the girl? I still remembered her name and had found her FB profile.
She was so pretty. Blonde, fit, a girl who wore makeup and knew how to put it on well. Her clothes fit her well and when I went to her Instagram—super snooping—there were many pictures of her in a bikini, her at rodeos, selfies with a lot of the cowboys on the circuit.
If she had offered herself to Kit, how could he resist? She was hot and willing. It had been a while even before Kit and I had gotten together since he had been with someone and…
I closed my eyes. I didn't want to think about it. I had already done so many stupid things. Finding her profile, snooping through her FB and Instagram. Then like an idiot, I had messaged her.
I thought of how I told her who I was, why I was reaching out, and that I just wanted the truth.
Why had I done that?
Wasn't there some quote or saying that said something like "Don't ask questions that you don't want the answers to?"
That had been earlier this morning but either she hadn't read it yet or had read the message and decided not to answer. Or not answer yet.
"Molly?" I was jerked out of my thoughts by Ryan's voice. I looked up and saw that he was right in front of me, not exercising anymore. "You okay?"
I flushed. "I'm so sorry Ryan, I spaced out. You and Hotspot do work well together though. From what I saw."
Ryan smiled. "It's okay. We only cleared an five foot fence while you were 'spacing out'."
I laughed at his words. "Oh was that all? That's nothing. I can do that in my sleep." I teased and he rolled his eyes.
"If you promise not to space out again, I'll let you ride her."
I pretended to think. "I could probably handle that."
Ryan handed me the reins and helped me into the saddle. "Let's see what you can do."
…
Katie POV
"Ouch!" Glen gaped at me as I yanked him aside. "Pull a little less hard next time, Katie."
I winced. "Sorry, but I need to tell you something."
"What's wrong?" Glen asked, noting my expression. I looked around to make sure no one was near us.
"Kit's telling Molly—about…well you know." I whispered to him. Glen's eyes widened.
"Today?" Glen whispered back, sounding just as surprised and mad as I had been.
I shook my head. "He says he's waiting until after today but before he leaves again. Which as far as I know is tomorrow or Monday. I'm so worried Glen."
Glen rubbed my shoulders. "I know you are, but all you can do is be there for Molly."
I looked down. "He told me that he wants to propose to her."
Glen exhaled heavily. "Well I don't think that will be happening. I can't see Molly taking the news well enough that their relationship won't be, at the very least, fractured."
I nodded. "He says the only way they can start working on repairing it is if he tells her. Which is true…but I don't see her staying either."
"Well…I don't have too many appointments tomorrow. I'll make sure I'm around." Glen put his arms around me. "That's all we can do for her, is be here."
"I love you." I said softly, leaning my head against his shoulder.
"I love you too." He kissed my forehead.
"Please don't ever cheat on me." I whispered, putting my arms around his waist. Glen held me, giving me a squeeze.
"Never." He promised.
…
Molly POV
Ryan drove into the yard at Sterling Stables and pulled up by the apartments. I felt like I had been gone forever though I'd only been gone half the day.
Kit sat on the stairs by the apartments, waiting for me. Ryan looked over at me as he put the car in park. "Thanks for hanging out with me today and working with Hotspot and I. It was fun."
I smiled at him. "Thanks for having me. It was nice."
"Katie's home right? I've got a question for her." Ryan said, glancing back through the rear window.
"She should be. I don't think she had any plans for today."
"Well I'll head over there then. See you later, Molly."
"Bye Ryan!" I got out of the car and walked towards Kit. He wore a gray t-shirt and his jeans, boots, and of course his Stetson. "Hey there, cowboy, you waiting for me?"
He stood up and grinned at me. "Only you."
I didn't answer, only started up towards my apartment. Mac had made such progress in the last couple of weeks that he was using a cane now and I had—at Mac's suggestion and gentle prodding—moved back into my apartment at Sterling Stables. It felt weird not to walk into Mac's kitchen and see him over breakfast. I missed it.
Kit followed me. "Did you have fun with Ryan?"
I nodded as I took a seat at the breakfast counter. "Yeah, we ran a few errands around town then I watched him work with Hotspot. I rode her too. Her and Princess may both be Appaloosas, but man, Hotspot is smoother than her."
Kit smiled. "I think you're holding a grudge against Princess from the show."
I shook my head and laughed. "No, I'm not. Really. Though I did let Katie take her back with training. Let her get a little less balky and then we'll see."
Kit pushed my hair back out of my face. "Katie said something to me while you were gone about having dinner over at her place with Drew and Glen. They want to celebrate you becoming a college graduate. You up for that?"
I smiled. "Yeah! Let me change into something nicer and we'll head over."
"Maybe a dress?" Kit grinned, following me into the bedroom. I saw a dress laying out on the bed. It was a V-neck navy blue dress with sunflowers on it. I turned back to Kit and his grin widened. "Part of a graduation gift from my mom."
"Well then I guess I'll wear a dress." I said to Kit and he kissed my cheek before giving me privacy.
I changed into the dress and on a whim, pulled half of my hair back and put a clip in my hair, leaving my face open. I looked in my closet and found a pair of white sandals to wear with the dress. They were not quite flip flops but similar.
Seeing how pale I was around my shoulders and all, I told myself I'd have to start wearing tank tops more to get myself a bit more tan.
I left the bedroom and found Kit waiting for me in the kitchen. His eyes lit up as he saw me. "You look beautiful in that dress."
Feeling pretty, I twirled in the dress and it spun freely. "I love it. I'll have to shoot your mom a text to thank her."
Kit took my phone from my hands and sat it on the counter. "Later. Let's leave your phone here so we can enjoy the evening with Katie and them."
"Well let's go, cowboy." I took his hand, determined to at least enjoy this evening. Later, the chips could all fall where they may. But not now.
Kit and I walked hand-in-hand towards Katie's house. Ryan's car was still there—they must be chatting it up. I smiled thinking of the long conversations those two could have about horses and jumping.
"I think she said they'd be out back. Drew was planning on grilling tonight." Kit pulled me around the side of the house, towards the backyard. I had been out there a few times—they had a nice deck to hang out on and a good sized yard that I knew Drew like to use to entertain when they could.
I was expecting to see them sitting on the deck but I got a surprise.
"Surprise!" I stopped in shock as I faced a sea of grinning people. There were decorations everywhere—paper lanterns hung up on a string around the yard, tables of food and drinks and on the deck hung a sign that read Congratulations on Graduating Molly!
"Oh my gosh." I gasped and looked up at Kit. He had his 'happy wolf' grin on his face (as Sam liked to call it) and wasn't a bit surprised. "A surprise party?"
He chuckled. "Me and Tia couldn't let this opportunity pass without celebrating. We've been planning this for weeks."
Suddenly, I was surrounded by friends. Tia, Katie, Drew, Mac, all of the Elys, Sam and Jen, Hope and Paul, Glen, and my students. Jason and Lynn!
"Happy Graduation Day Molly!" Ellie told me, smiling up at me as she gave me a hug.
"Thanks Ellie! I can't believe you guys kept this a secret from me." I said to my small group of almost nine year old's.
"It was hard but Miss Katie asked us to try really hard to keep it a secret!" Simon grinned at me and I laughed.
"Well thank you guys. I was really surprised!"
"You're a graduate!" Sam said as she and Jen came up to me. "Again!" She pulled me into a hug.
I couldn't stop smiling. "In a few weeks, it'll be your and Jen's turn for graduating! Goodbye to high school!"
Sam grinned. "I cannot wait!"
Jen shook her head as she hugged me next. "She literally counts down the days every morning at the bus stop."
"Aw, but it's so exciting!" I laughed at Jen's tone. "Even if she'll be stuck in school for another four years."
Jen and I laughed at Sam's expression. "Better than eight more years." Jen elbowed Sam. I knew Jen wanted to be a Vet, so after college she'd be doing another four years in Vet school.
"Then you can become a partner at Glen's practice." I winked at Jen and she smiled.
"That's the hope."
"Sorry girls! You're hogging the guest of honor." Maxine slid through to me and gave me a hug. "So glad you're wearing the dress I bought, I thought you'd like it. You look so beautiful!"
"Thank you! I really love it." I returned her hug and meant it. I usually didn't wear dresses but this one was comfortable—not too short, not too revealing (though the v-neck did come down a little far), and it wasn't tight, it was flowy.
Tia popped up beside me. "Alright, now before we really start the party, we want you to participate in a tradition."
I looked at her and Kit questioningly as Tia pulled me in front of the sign and handed me a bag. I pulled out a cap and gown. It was the one that matched my school. "How did you get this?" I asked in disbelief.
Tia smiled and shrugged. "Called your school and they were more than willing to send one out here. I thought you should have the cap and gown. Look—you even got the special tassel. That's because you're graduating with honors."
She helped me put the gown on over my dress and settled the cap on my head. Her arms moved me back a step and then she motioned to someone—Paul—for something. It was a camera. "Now let me get some pictures of you, okay?"
I obliged, letting her get a picture of me in my cap and gown. Then she took one of me and Kit, me and Mac together, Katie and I, Hope and I. I met Kit's eyes and said "Hey Kit, will you get some of me and my mom?"
He smiled and took the camera from her hands. "Sure will. Go on in there Tia."
I didn't say anything about the tears brimming in her eyes, just slid my arm around her waist as she did to me. He took the picture and then looked at Hope and Paul. "You two get in there too. Family picture."
I swallowed hard at Kit's words. Family picture. He was a sweetheart. So Hope, Paul, Tia, and I got a picture.
Mac grabbed the camera from Kit and nodded towards us. "Kit, why don't you get in there with them and I'll get the five of you?"
"Yes! Kit, come on in. Plenty of room for you here." Tia said, sliding over to make room next to me for Kit. He put his arm around my waist and smiled down at me.
"Told you that you have plenty of family around here." He whispered into my ear and I smiled, though it faltered. I shook the thoughts away. No, I'd enjoy my party. Let everything else happen later.
And it was a blast. We ate burgers and hot dogs, danced to the iPod and speakers Nate had helped set up, ate the delicious cake Grace—Sam's Gram—had baked, and had fun.
Laughing and dancing with Katie to Thomas Rhett's "T-shirt", our favorite song. Dancing with Pepper from Riverbend, much to Kit's chagrin, and Sam and Jen.
My heart felt full when Kit pulled me into his arms to dance to one of my new favorite Kane Brown songs "Worship You".
Now I ain't saying you can walk on water, or that you can turn it into wine, but, girl it feels like a miracle that you're mine.
"You know your brothers are over there mock gagging right?" I giggled as we swayed to the music.
"I can't see anything but you." Kit murmured before leaning down to kiss me.
Jason cut in on the next dance, smoothly moving around with me. "I'm so proud of you, Molly. Graduating and doing so good here, making a career. I'm feeling like a proud big brother."
I smiled up at him, feeling my heart warm at his words. "You're part of the reason why I'm here, doing this well. You've been such a big part of my life the past few years and then you introduced me to Kit, which got me here, to Sterling Stables, my dream job. I couldn't be more thankful for that."
Jason gave me a squeeze before glancing over towards Kit, who was dancing with Lynn. "He treating you okay?" Jason said it quietly, so no one else could hear.
"He's been really good to me." It wasn't really a lie. Kit had been a good boyfriend. The jury was still out on exactly how good though.
"You'd tell me if there was anything to tell right?" Jason looked at me and I wondered if Jason himself had heard the rumors.
"Yeah, of course." That was a lie but what else could I say?
After the dance with Jason, I sat down at one of the tables and Mac joined me. "You look tired." Mac winked at me.
I smiled at him. "I am, it's been a long day and a lot of dancing."
He chuckled. "It's been awhile since we've had good fun like this. I'm glad we're all here."
"Me too." We looked around at everybody there. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, talking, dancing, laughing.
"I find that I really miss having you at my house." Mac said, his gaze coming back to me.
I reached over to squeeze his arm. "I miss being there and our mornings together. But hey, you're the one that kicked me out." I grinned.
He laughed heartily. "No, I did not kick you out. I told you to go enjoy your freedom. I'm moving well enough now with this cane that I can take care of myself, you should be able to enjoy your youth. Plus shorter commute."
"There is that." I sighed and found my eyes falling on Kit. He was talking with his dad and Paul, smiling about whatever they talked about.
Mac leaned over. "I have never seen my eldest grandson so happy. You have changed him in many ways, all of them good."
"I like to think we changed each other." I said softly, thinking about how great our relationship had been.
I could say for sure that we had changed each other.
…
"Oh I'm so exhausted." I leaned against Kit as we walked towards my apartment. He chuckled and then the next thing I knew, my feet left the ground. "Kit!"
He grinned down at me as he held me in his arms, carrying me towards the apartment. "You said you were exhausted. I can help with that, ma'am."
I laughed. "This is not what I meant for you to do."
"Tough." He said and started up the stairs to the apartment. He opened the door and walked me through, his smile growing. "This is what I'll get to do when we get married. Carry you over the threshold."
I reached up to touch his face as he sat me down on the ground. Kit released my hair and it fell, surrounding my face. "You're so beautiful." He whispered before touching his lips to mine. "And I love you. More than anything."
He removed his hat and sat it on the counter. Kit leaned his forehead against mine. "Tell me you love me."
"I love you, Kit. So much." He kissed me again, my back against the counter, my face in his hands.
"Let's go lay down." Kit whispered. "I want to hold you."
I smiled. "I'll be right there."
I watched as he went to the bedroom, taking his shirt off along the way. My eyes glanced at the counter, searching for my phone.
I'd said earlier that I wouldn't think about all this stuff, I'd enjoy the night. Did I dare look at it now—or wait until morning? Could I wait?
Taking a breath, I went to the bathroom. I changed out of the dress, into a pair of comfortable shorts and a tank top.
Leaving the bathroom, I decided whatever the phone said, would wait until morning and I'd enjoy this night.
Kit was waiting for me when I got into bed and he reached out for me. The smell of beer wafted from him—I knew he had gotten a little toasted with Jason and his brothers. I didn't mind, tonight had been so fun and we both deserved some fun.
"Love you." He mumbled sleepily and I snuggled into his chest.
"Love you too. Go to sleep." I whispered and it wasn't long before he was out. My head laid against his warm chest and I listened to his soft heartbeat. It lulled me into what became a restless sleep.
…
I groaned as my alarm went off. I had forgotten to turn it off. Ugh. Sliding slowly out of Kit's grasp, my hand smacked the off button. Five am. No. I did not want to be up.
Burrowing into my covers, I attempted to go back to sleep. Before long, I knew it was useless. I was up.
Sitting up, I glanced back at Kit. The alarm hadn't stirred him at all. Leaning over, I kissed his shoulder before I left the bedroom. I'd shower and maybe read some of my new book out in the living room.
I tried to be quiet taking the shower and grabbing clean clothes out of my room. Kit was still out. Last night must have really did him in.
Turning from the room, showered and dressed, my eyes focused on the phone sitting on my counter.
It was a new day. I'd have to face it sooner or later.
Taking a deep breath, I went over and picked it up. Many missed notifications.
But all I could focus on was the Facebook message. She had answered.
Somehow my mind read through them.
….met at the bar…
….Valentine's Day….
…we went back to his hotel room together….
…we had sex, I'm sorry….
….didn't know he had a girlfriend until the end….
….again, I'm so sorry this happened, I didn't know about you….
A sharp pain burned inside me and my breath caught in my throat. My stomach rolled and the phone clattered against the counter. I stumbled to the door, shoving my boots on before escaping out the door.
The cool morning air hit my face and I took a deep breath before continuing on. I needed space.
Kit. Kit had cheated on me. The man I loved, the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, had cheated on me. It was official. Confirmed.
There was a difference between rumor and confirmation. These last few weeks, I could fight it, say that it was just a rumor. But now…now I couldn't fight it anymore.
The dirt and gravel crunched underneath my boots as I walked to the barn, not seeing the sky lighting up, not seeing the mist over the pastures.
I needed out of here. Truck? No, no it'd wake everyone up. I wasn't ready to face anyone.
Grabbing a bridle, I went to find Honor. She was grazing in one of the pastures, happy to see me when I appeared. I gently rubbed her neck before putting the bridle on her.
"My sweet girl, you're always there for me." I whispered as I swung onto her back.
After maneuvering her through the gate and closing it, I nudged her with my heels and she went, carrying me away from my life.
…
Kit POV
I stretched out and frowned when my arm hit an empty spot. Opening my eyes, I saw Molly wasn't in bed. I glanced at the clock and grunted in surprise as I saw it was nearly nine-thirty.
Sliding out of bed, I went out into the main room—no Molly. She must be out in the barn already.
I decided to hop in the shower. I'd join her after I showered and dressed.
Once I was done with my shower, fresh clothes on, I went into the kitchen. I frowned at the untouched coffee pot. Usually when she was up first, she made coffee. No big deal, I'd make some.
I poured some into two travel mugs. I'd take one to Molly, I thought to myself as I doctored her coffee the way she liked it.
My eyes noticed her phone sitting on the counter and I thought that was weird. Usually she carried it on her.
I walked out of the apartment into the May sunshine. It looked like it was going to be a gorgeous day. Maybe I'd ask Molly to take a ride with me, grab a horse from Three Ponies and we'd ride out to War Drum Flats.
One last good thing before I'd have to wreck her world. I sighed, I didn't want to but I was leaving soon and I wanted her to know now that her graduation party was over. I was going to do whatever I had to, to convince her that I wouldn't ever do it again. That I would never be unfaithful again.
Walking into the barn where Molly usually was, I only saw Katie and Julio. "Hey Katie, y'know where Molly is? She was out before I was."
Katie looked up at me with a frown. "I haven't seen her all morning. I thought she was sleeping in."
I stopped and sat the coffees down on a tack box. "No…I just got up and she's not in there."
"Well her truck's still here—she's here somewhere." Katie was still frowning.
"Maybe she's out in the pasture with Honor." Julio suggested as he broke apart a hay bale.
"Yeah, I'll check." Something didn't feel right. If Molly wasn't out here, wasn't in her apartment—where was she?
I hurried out to Honor's pasture and looked over the horses grazing. No Honor.
The first trickle of panic stirred inside me. Honor was gone. So was Molly. I glanced around the stable yard. No horse or rider was in the outdoor arena or the round pen.
Checking the indoor arena, I found that empty too. I picked up the pace as I walked back to the barn where Katie was.
She glanced up as she heard my boots. "Find her?"
I shook my head and Katie straightened up from the horse she was checking. "Is Molly's tack gone?" I asked, trying not to let panic into my voice.
Katie went to the tack room and came back quickly. "Honor's bridle is gone but her saddle's still in there."
"Her phone's in the apartment. Katie, you and I both know she wouldn't leave without her phone."
Katie made a soothing motion. "Let's take a deep breath here, Kit. It's very possible Molly went for a ride and forgot her phone. Hell, I forget my phone here in the barn or at the house all the time, okay?"
I gave a quick nod, though I didn't like Katie's words. Her head tilted as she looked at me. "Did something happen between you two? Did you…?"
I shook my head quickly. "No, no, I was going to tell her today. We had a good night—a great night actually. She was herself."
Katie pursed her lips. "Okay, let's do this. Let's wait thirty minutes and if Molly's not back by then, we'll ride out to see if we can find her, okay?"
Though I didn't like it, I nodded. This would the longest thirty minutes of my life.
….
Molly POV
I sat watching the creek move slowly downstream. The May sun was warming the day and the rock I sat on. Honor was grazing near me.
I told myself that I'd have to go back eventually. I wasn't sure what time it was but I knew it had been a while.
It all didn't feel real.
I didn't want the confrontation that was inevitable. I didn't want to go back and tell Kit what I knew, have the conversation that was bound to happen.
I wasn't emotionally ready.
Kit. His face popped into my mind and I rubbed at my chest. It ached. It ached so freaking bad when I thought about him touching someone else. Kissing someone else. I loved Kit. Loved him so, so much. He was my everything.
How could I do this? How could I face him after what I found out? I had no experience in any of this.
I knew I was way too calm and the bad stuff hadn't even started yet. It would come when we were over. When he was gone.
Telling myself to get up, I found it was tough. My limbs felt heavy and hard to move. My body didn't want to get up. It just wanted to sit here and idly watch the creek.
Sighing, I gave in. Who cared anyways?
….
Kit POV
"Katie, it's been thirty minutes." I paced back and forth. She nodded grimly.
"First things first—let's call Riverbend and Harmony Ranch. Maybe she's visiting Sam or Jen—or even Ryan. We should also call over to Trudy's place. She may be there."
As much as I wanted to object, I knew she was right. We should cover our bases before raising any alarms.
I called Riverbend and got Sam as Katie called Harmony Ranch—formerly Gold Dust. "Sorry Kit, I haven't talked to Molly since we left last night but I can shoot her a text or give her a call if you'd like."
"Thanks for the offer, Sam, but she left her phone here. Call me, if you hear anything?"
"Of course, Kit. Keep me posted as well." I hung up and looked at Katie. She shook her head.
"Ryan's calling down to Jen's house now to confirm but it's not looking likely."
I dialed the number for Trudy's ranch. "Hello?" Her voice came over the line.
"Hi Trudy, it's Kit Ely, Ma'am."
"Well hello Kit! How are you?"
"I'm okay, Trudy. I'm calling to see if Molly might have rode over there. It seems she went on a ride earlier this morning and didn't take her phone."
"No, Kit, I'm sorry. No one has been over today. Is there anything Preston and I can do to help?" Trudy's voice sounded concerned.
"Not at the moment but if you hear anything from her, please let me or Katie Sterling know."
"Of course. Call if there's any news."
I glanced back at Katie, she was hanging up her phone. "She's not at Harmony. No luck at Trudy's?" I shook my head. Katie sighed. "Okay, first we have to try to think of how long she could have been gone. I came down around seven-thirty….Julio!"
"Yes, Katie?" Julio came out of the feed room.
Katie faced him and asked "When did you get down to the barn this morning?"
Julio put his hands on his hips as he thought about it. "I'd say about a little bit before seven, no later than seven."
"And you didn't see Molly at all?" I said to him and he shook his head.
"No sir. I didn't see anyone until Katie came down."
"So that's at least two-three hours." Katie sighed and rubbed her forehead. "If she went out on a ride, she'd probably be back by now. Right?"
I nodded. "She wouldn't be gone this long, even if she rode out to War Drum Flats, especially riding bareback."
Katie met my eyes. "I think it's time to raise the alarms."
I swallowed hard before speaking. "I'll call my family to see if they can help look for her."
"I'll call back over to Harmony and Riverbend. Most likely she went up the ridge trail—if someone rides up there and someone else heads out to the flats, someone should pass her." Katie said, pulling her phone back out.
"I'll get a few horses tacked up and ready to go." Julio started back to towards the tack room.
Taking a deep breath, I dialed my family's number.
Twenty minutes later, trucks and trailers pulled in. My parents came, with Bryan, Adam, and Jake in tow. Thank goodness Jake had come. He was a good tracker. Nate and Quinn must be riding the ridge trail. Behind them, was Ryan Slocum pulling a trailer. I knew that Jen and her father Jed were riding the trail—as were Sam and Brynna.
Wyatt and his hands offered to go out to War Drum, to check that way. Trudy and Preston would be coming our way to help set up a base since Preston was experienced.
"Sweetheart." My mother came up to me and gave me a hug. "No word yet still?"
I shook my head. "Mom, I'm real worried about her. What if she fell off and got hurt? It's been hours."
Mom shushed me. "Honey, we're not going to think about that. It's possible she lost track of time, maybe she went exploring. It'll be okay. Molly's got a good head on her shoulders and Honor is a good horse. We'll find her."
Ryan walked up to our group. "I brought a few horses in case anyone needs one. I want to do whatever I can to help find Molly."
"Thank you." I shook his hand and motioned to Jake as I grabbed the horse Julio had tacked up for me. "I want us to start at the pasture where Honor was. No horses have been in or out this morning besides Honor so it should be easy."
Jake nodded and looked around at all the people. "Dad's got some walkies for us to use since reception out here is spotty. Let's get those distributed and then we can start looking. Maybe Sam and Brynna will stumble upon her before we get the chance."
I sighed. "I can hope."
….
Molly POV
"Honor, which way do we want to go?" I stopped her as we faced a fork in the trail. The right would lead us straight back to Sterling Stables. The left one would take us back to Sterling Stables but was a longer way. "Left it is."
I frowned as I heard something in the distance. "Did you hear that girl? I swear it sounded like someone calling my name." I waited a moment to see if I heard anything else but I didn't so I moved Honor forward.
We had just ridden a little bit farther when I heard my name. This time, it was closer and it definitely was someone yelling my name. I pulled Honor up and turned around. Farther back on the trail, were two riders. They waved their arms at me and squinting at them, I realized it was two of the Ely's. I couldn't tell which ones this far away but the one horse definitely looked like Chip, Quinn's horse.
They moved towards us in a ground-eating lope and I saw that it was Quinn and Nate.
"Molly! Are you okay? Everyone's been looking for you!" Nate shouted as he got closer. He pulled Digger up next to Honor and his eyes were looking me over.
"Nate—wait why is everyone looking for me?" Oh God. Oh God. How long had I been gone? How long had I been sitting there at that little creek watching it rush by?
"Are you okay?" Nate repeated and I thought about how to answer. Physically? I was fine. Emotionally was more….well, the jury was still out.
"I'm okay." I answered and he crushed me to him. I tried to steady myself on Honor. Our horses—luckily—were about the same height so I wasn't pulled off.
"Kit and Katie called around, worried about you. They said you and Honor were gone, your phone was at the apartment, and no one had seen you for hours. We were worried that you had been hurt—or lost." Quinn answered as Nate let me go.
I thought of my rush to get out of there, get away from Kit. I sighed, running my hands over my face. I had reacted emotionally—not logically. Of course, them seeing me gone, my phone at home, they would have worried.
I hadn't been thinking of anything but my need to leave.
"I…I was…"I trailed off, not quite knowing what to say. I looked down at Honor's mane and twirled a piece of her hair as my emotions threatened to take over. Squeezing my eyes shut, I took a few deep breaths, focusing on the feeling of Honor underneath me, of the smell of the horses, the sound of leather creaking.
"Molly?" Nate sounded concerned and I shook my head. I could not breakdown right now. I couldn't right now. Later, not now. I told myself quietly.
"I'm fine." I said quietly, knowing I didn't sound fine at all.
Warmth surrounded me on both sides and as I opened my eyes, I could see they had put me in the middle of their horses. "Let's get back, okay?" Quinn suggested gently and we started back.
Great, now the demise of Kit and I's relationship could have an audience. What more could a girl whose heart was breaking ask for?
….
Kit POV
"And nothing was on her phone?" Preston, Trudy's husband, asked. "No texts to someone that she was meeting up with, no phone calls?"
I froze. "I didn't even check. I was so worried, I didn't even think about it."
"That's okay." Preston said with a nod. "Not everyone thinks about that, but why don't you go grab her phone now and we'll take a look, alright?"
I did as Preston said and went to grab her phone. Most of the people she talked to were either on this farm or riding out to look for her. The exception being Tia and her family (they hadn't heard from her either), Joe (no luck there), and Jason and Lynn had come as soon as they were called. They hadn't heard anything from her either.
I grabbed it off the counter and went back outside. I doubted there would be anything helpful, but if Preston—a former cop—thought we should do it, we would.
Making my way back to where the group had gathered, I unlocked her phone. The first thing to pop up, made my heart stop.
It was a Facebook conversation. But it was with…a girl named Amber. Seeing the profile picture, I realized that I would not want to read this conversation. At all.
"Kit?" My mother said my name but I didn't answer her as I read through the conversation. Molly reached out. Amber had answered it—and lied! My eyes bulged as I read the part where she said we had sex. That was a lie!
"Oh my God." I whispered, my body going cold. It made sense now. Why Molly had left her phone, why she hadn't saddled Honor, why she had left so early. I had been too late to come clean to her. She had found out on her own.
There was no way she'd forgive me now. I took a shaky step back and didn't notice the concerned looks I was getting.
Was it just me or was it harder to get air? The sounds around me were as if they were far away.
"Kit?" Preston stepped towards me and his voice sounded distorted. "What is it, Kit?"
My eyes glanced around until they found Katie. I saw her face change and her shoulders sag. Her words snapped me back to reality. "She knows, doesn't she?"
Swallowing so hard that I was sure everyone could hear, I nodded. Katie threw her hands up in the air. "Great, just great! So she's out there, not in her right mind, because of—ugh!" She screeched at me.
Glen reached out for Katie and she side-stepped out of his reach. He gave her a look and she glared at him. "No, don't look at me like that Glen!"
Everyone looked at Katie as she stalked off towards the barn, Glen giving me a pitying look before following.
"Kit, what is she talking about?" Jason asked quietly, arms crossed. "What does Molly know?"
I held my hands up, trying to think of what to say. "Listen, I did something really stupid, she doesn't understand, she doesn't have the right facts. I…"
Lynn's face went pale and I could see the uneasy shifting of my brothers as they looked at each other. Preston straightened up, his thumbs hooked into his belt and his body language was fully cop.
"You're saying that this girl may have left the ranch in an unstable emotional state, on a horse, bareback, in a place she's only lived in six months?" Preston's voice was quiet and serious.
I let a shaky breath out and tried to avoid his and Jason's eyes. "She may have been upset when she left."
Preston looked at Jake. "Jake, I think you need to get over to that pasture right now and start tracking."
Jake nodded quietly and took Witch towards the pastures. I started to follow but Preston grabbed my arm. "Son, I think it's best if you stay here. I doubt you being out there will help anything."
I wanted to fight his words, say I needed to be out there…but ultimately he was right. If this was why Molly had left, why she was out there, seeing me would only distress her more.
"I'll take this, sweetheart." Mom said gently, taking Molly's cellphone from my tight grip.
I couldn't talk, couldn't answer her. My mind was racing and my chest hurt. I rubbed at my chest and Mom put her hand on my arm. "Kit, it's okay. Take a deep breath, okay?"
I looked up and saw Jason staring at me. Well, glaring was more like it. "Tell me—the rumors, they were true weren't they?"
I frowned. "Rumors?"
"Been rumors going around the circuit since February that you and some girl hooked up Valentine's Day. I told everyone that said something that it wasn't true, you would never do that to Molly. But it's true isn't it?"
I took off my Stetson and held it in my hands. "Not in the way you think it is."
Jason grabbed my shirt and half-yanked me off the ground. "Jason!" Lynn cried out as he slammed me into the ground. I winced as my body hit the ground and then his fist plowed into my face.
I didn't fight him, didn't try to. I deserved it. I had hurt Molly. I felt someone helping me to my feet as they pulled Jason off me and saw Preston holding him back, talking lowly.
My jaw throbbed where he punched me but it was nothing compared to the pain in my chest. Mom fretted over my face as I told her that I was okay, I was fine.
Lynn led Jason off away from me and I could see her talking quickly to him. His anger was evident in each stride.
"Kit…" Mom started and I knew where she was going.
"Mom, I can't talk about it right now. I can't until I see that Molly is okay." I barely whispered. She nodded and put her hand on my shoulder.
We'd have to wait and hope someone found her.
….
Molly POV
It had been a quiet ride back. Nate and Quinn hadn't said much, which was fine with me. I had no desire to talk. I could sense that they were looking at each other, trying to put the pieces together, trying to figure out exactly what was going on.
Ahead, I saw Jake with Witch, behind him Adam and Bryan. Nate waved them off and they headed back towards the stable, to tell everyone I'm sure.
People came running. I could make out Katie, Glen, Drew, and Kit but there were more.
My chest tightened at the sight of all of them and the thought of facing Kit. I must have made a noise because Quinn said "I'll handle them."
Nate grabbed Honor's reins and pulled me in the opposite direction, towards one of the barns. "I've got you, Mol."
Once in the barn, he helped me dismount from Honor and just held me by the shoulders for a moment. I could feel the numbness starting to fade.
I wasn't ready for the onslaught of emotions that were coming.
"What happened?" Nate asked quietly, still holding me.
Saying it out loud for the first time I said "He cheated on me."
…..
Molly POV
Though it was barely noon, it felt as if it should be nighttime. Glen and Drew had handled everyone for me—assuring them that I was okay but that I needed a moment, offering them drinks or food as I walked back to my apartment.
Katie followed closely behind, her hand like a gentle guide on my back. I didn't make it past my living room. I slid down to the carpet and leaned back against the wall.
Katie sat down in front of me and held my hand, not saying anything.
"He cheated on me, Katie." I whispered. She nodded.
"I saw the messages." She said gently. I glanced at her, the tears blurring her face.
"I knew. I heard the rumors weeks ago and I didn't want to admit it to myself, but deep down, I knew."
"New Mexico. The show." Katie's eyes widened, thinking of my fall. "That's why you fell off Princess. You were distracted."
I nodded slowly. There was a knock at the door and we both looked at each other, Katie's face a mask of anger, mine one of panic. "Katie, I can't see him! I just can't!"
"I'll handle it." She said quietly, getting up. "Just a minute!" She called out to the knocker.
I watched in confusion as she went into the bedroom. I heard a zipper and something being thrown into a bag. Making myself move, I walked into the bedroom.
Katie was shoving clothes—Kit's clothes—into his duffel bag. She glanced back at me. "You don't want him here right?"
I bit my lip and shook my head. "I can't face him yet."
Katie nodded. "I've got this. Stay in here." Katie put the bag's strap onto her shoulder and left the room.
I cringed as the front door opened and then slammed behind her. Well Katie definitely had my back, that was for sure.
…
Kit POV
I jumped back in surprise as Katie came out carrying a bag. I stumbled back into Nate, who was waiting outside as were my parents and Glen. We all wanted to see Molly.
Katie dropped my duffel bag in front of me and stood there, arms crossed, her eyes pure steel and the anger was radiating off her. "You really think she wants to see you right now?" The venom in her voice astounded me and I heard Nate take a deep breath behind me.
Suddenly, I felt like my throat was closing in. "Katie." I managed to croak out. "Katie, please, let me see her, talk to her. I need to explain and apologize." I barely noticed as everyone moved farther down the steps trying to give space.
Katie shook her head, glaring at me. "You don't get to talk to her, Kit. You don't get to see her." Katie pointed at me as she spoke and I thought if looks could kill, I'd be dead on the spot. "You didn't see her face crumble when she realized it was true. You didn't see the tears in her eyes. All you did was break her."
I lost it at hearing Molly's pain. Tears ran down my face unashamedly. "Katie, please." My voice broke, my heart feeling like it was dying. Like I was dying. "I know I hurt her, I know I did. I'm a fucking idiot, Katie. But I love her, I love her so much that I can't imagine life without her."
"You sure didn't have any problem imagining life without her when you cheated on her!" Katie hissed at me and she turned back towards the door. "Go home, Kit. I don't want to see you here again unless you're asked. You need to leave Molly be, don't try to contact her, let her be miserable in peace. We will help her get through this, we—and Molly—don't need you."
Katie went back into the apartment and slammed the door. I stood frozen to in my spot, unsure of what to do. I heard someone clear their throat behind me and Dad reached for my duffel bag, grabbing it.
He put his hand on my shoulder. "Let's head back to Three Ponies. Give her some space."
Glen nodded. "That's what you should do, Kit. I'll….I'll update you later, okay?"
Finally, I gave in. "Thanks Glen."
As I walked with my parents to my truck, I saw Jason and Lynn heading towards Molly's apartment. Jason didn't even look my way. Lynn looked at me sadly before following Jason.
Well it was all out now and I didn't see how things would ever get better.
…
Molly POV
How could heartbreak cause so much physical pain? My eyelids felt as if they were made of sandpaper, my throat was raw, and there was a deep piercing ache inside my chest.
I missed the numbness. Everything had finally hit full force.
In the dark room, I turned over on my side, pulling the empty pillow in so I could hold it.
That was a mistake. Tears pricked my eyes as Kit's scent filled my nose. I curled in on myself as the sharp pain ran through my chest.
How could someone break your heart and you still want them so badly?
I didn't want to see Kit—but I wanted him to hold me. But I also didn't want him to touch me. I just wanted him to kiss me and tell me everything was alright, that it was all untrue.
Everything was so confusing.
Outside my room, I could hear the low voices talking in my living room. Katie, Nate, Glen, Jason and Lynn. Tia too, I think. They were all out there in case I needed them, in case I wanted to talk.
I didn't. I didn't want to do anything quite honestly.
A light appeared at my bedside. Another notification on my stupid phone. Turning, I looked at it and saw a missed call with a new voicemail. Kit, the screen read.
Knowing it would be like sticking a knife in my chest, but not being able to stop myself, I hit play.
"Molly. It's me. I…" His voice cut off and I heard him take a tearful breath. "I'm so sorry Molly. You can't believe how sorry I truly am. Please let me explain. I understand you're hurting and you don't want to see me, but please, let me explain the truth to you. I love you."
The door creaked open and I turned to face it, sitting the phone back on the stand. Katie was standing there. "How are you?" She asked, coming in and climbing into the bed with me.
I shrugged, not wanting to have the dam burst again. Katie sighed and grabbed my hand, holding it in hers. "I know it all hurts right now, Molly. It freaking sucks. I know you can't imagine how you're going to go on after this, but you will. You will go on and it won't hurt like this forever. I promise you."
I squeezed her hand. "Thanks, Katie, for being here. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You're my best friend. I'd do anything for you." Katie whispered and put her arms around me.
I took comfort in that.
…..….
The next day, I woke up and for a moment, it was like nothing had happened. I wasn't alone in the bed. For a foggy moment, I reached out, thinking it was Kit.
Then it all came rushing back as Nate turned towards me. "Hey, you okay?"
I blinked hard, trying to get rid of my tears and ignored the ache. "Yeah, I'm okay."
"I hope you don't mind but I sent Katie and them home last night once you fell asleep. I told them I'd stay with you, make sure you were okay." Nate said sleepily and I nodded.
"Yeah, no I don't mind. Everyone should be able to go home. Including you." I sat up and sighed.
"You sure you're going to be okay alone?" Nate asked dubiously as we got up.
"Yes. I'm going to go take a shower and when you get home you can…" I stopped to take a breath. "You can ask your brother to come over, so we can talk."
Nate stopped where he was. "You…you want to see Kit?"
"I have to see him." I said instead. Nate nodded and stopped at the bedroom door.
"You call me, if you need anything okay? I don't care if I'm at work or busy. I'm here for you."
"Thanks Nate." I smiled weakly, thinking about what I was about to do.
The shower helped calm my nerves but they reappeared in full force when there was a knock at the door.
My hand shook as I opened the door and there he was. Why did he still look so good to me? Why did I still want to fall into his arms and mold myself to him?
I stepped back to let him in and he didn't stray far from me. Shutting the door, I gestured towards the living room. We both sat on the couch, me moving away as he moved closer. He frowned.
Now that I really looked at him, I could see his eyes were bloodshot as if he didn't get much sleep, there were bags underneath his eyes and the shirt he wore was wrinkled.
Before he had gotten here, I had told myself that I'd handle this without emotion, be civil, break it off quickly and easily. Why should I prolong it or make it more painful than it needed to be?
But as he sat there in front of me, I was breaking all over again, my heart aching. I couldn't help but ask, "Why?" as my voice cracked.
Kit reached out for me and I let him take my hand. "Molly, please, what that girl said in those messages, it's not true."
I shook my head, not believing him. "Kit, the entire rodeo circuit is talking about it."
Kit grimaced. "I understand that. But I did not hook up with her. I didn't."
"Oh, just like you didn't cheat on me, right?" Cruel sarcasm layered my voice. Kit sighed, looking pained.
"Molly, listen, yes I did cheat on you. I kissed that girl. That's all. We went back to my hotel room after some drinks, yes. I kissed her and you called and that was it."
"Okay—so let's say you didn't have sex with her, which I don't believe, what would have happened in that hotel room had I not called you that night? What would have happened?" I asked acidly.
Kit gave me a look that begged me to listen. "Molly, I wouldn't have let it get that far. I didn't let it get that far. She's lying."
I turned my head as tears burned my eyes. "Why should I believe you? You have lied to me for months!"
Kit winced. "Baby, please, I never wanted to keep this from you. I just…I just wanted more time with you before I told you and then days turned into weeks, then months. We were having such a wonderful time together. We're in love."
"All the more reason I should have known!" I shouted at him, standing up, breaking our link. "You made me see a future that I'll never have!" Tears streaked down both our faces. "There will be no rodeo school for us, no building a house together, no kids! Because you cheated!"
Kit stood, reaching out for me. I stepped back, everything hurting. "Why would you do this, Kit? I loved you! Everything was going so well. I thought…I thought we were doing good. Was it the sex? Was it really that hard to abstain? If sex was so important, why didn't you just say so? I thought I was enough." My voice broke on the last part.
Kit shook his head, moving to hold me. I couldn't move anymore, I was against the wall. "Baby, you are enough. It was never the sex or anything like that! I was drunk and dumb and I wasn't thinking."
Kit touched my cheek. "Molly, please, just give me a chance to make this up to you. I promise you, I will never be unfaithful again. These past few months have been so amazing. I want that life we planned. I want to make you my wife. I would never do anything to hurt you, ever again."
Some part of me wanted to give in, tell him we could try, that maybe I could forgive him. But that part was beat down by another part that couldn't see past this.
"Kit…" I said, my voice cracking. He shook his head, knowing what was coming. "You had sex with someone else while I'm saving myself for marriage. You said it wasn't an issue for you, but obviously it is. Sex is important to you and I can't give you what you need."
"No! No! Molly, I did not have sex with her! She's lying. We kissed a few times and then we stopped. That was it. As soon as we stopped, I came here, to you. I put everything on hold so I could be here with you. You are the most important thing in my life." Kit's face was streaked with tears, something I hadn't seen before but also a bit crazed. "Listen! I'll give up the rodeo for you. I'll stop. I will quit today, if you just say we can try again."
My heart nearly stopped but I shook my head. "Kit, you would resent me forever if you gave up rodeo for me. We both know that you love the rodeo more than anything."
"Not more than you! You are my world, Molly. My everything. Please. Give me a chance." Kit begged.
I glanced down at his lips. The lips that had given me my first kiss. And that gave me that 'happy wolf grin' whenever he was happy. The knife that was in my heart was already twisting—so while I was at it, why not make it worth it?
Against all my brain's objections, I slid against him and pressed my lips to his. He had not been expecting this but he responded eagerly. His arms wrapped around my waist and his lips moved feverishly against mine.
After a moment, he saw it for what it was: a goodbye kiss.
I pulled back, gently untangling myself from him. I met his brown eyes, seeing the pain and the loss in them. I wondered how it was possible to feel as if my heart was literally being tore apart and still be alive. "Kit, I really do love you and a part of me will always love you. You're my first love and that will always make you special to me…but I can't let this go. Especially knowing that I can't meet your needs and it's bound to happen again. I'm sorry, but this is it."
Kit stepped back and he swallowed so hard that I could hear it.
"I think you should leave." I whispered and he gave a curt nod. He leaned forward and kissed my forehead gently before heading to the door.
He stopped there, hand on the doorknob. "I will always love you, Molly, and I will spend the rest of my life hoping that you change your mind."
And then he was gone. I leaned back against the wall, my legs weak. They gave out and I slid to the ground.
It was done.
Kit and I were over.
…..
AN: Hi readers! I…can't say I enjoyed writing this chapter but it was always going to happen. This note will be short.
Please let me know your thoughts on this chapter. Please review if you read 😊
Thank you for reading!
Always,
QuinnandSethsgirl15 (contemplating a name change. Quinn used to be my favorite Ely brother but Kit has kind of captured my heart ever since Wild Horse Island…)