I wipe the remaining traces of grease from my hands with a raggedy old cloth, humming quietly along with Wildest Dreams. I was feeling particularly wistful today, hence the LEON playlist blaring from my Bluetooth speaker.
I give the tractor engine one last check before stowing away the rag and walking over to the barn doors. I peer outside for any signs of dust being kicked up from car tires that would indicate the imminent return of my girl.
Sadly, all I am met with is the dusky midday light and the distant rumbling of thunder as yet another storm rolls in.
I sigh in disappointment, feeling exceptionally sorry for myself. My world revolves around Waverly now and whenever we are separated, I long for her return every second she is away.
"Get a damn grip, Haught. It's only been an hour. They will be back from town soon." I chastise myself, falling onto my bed with a loud huff.
Waverly and Jeremy had gone into town to collect their final results for twelfth grade, results that would determine their future. Their lotto ticket which would decide if their dreams would be a sure thing or not.
I had no doubt that they both aced it. I mean it's Waverly and Jeremy. They are literally the smartest people I know.
But the two of them had been anxiously awaiting this day for weeks after their final exam.
Chrissy had offered to collect the results for them like she usually did as exam invigilator, but the pair of geniuses had vehemently declined with statements of This is our rite of passage, the key to our future. How can we be responsible adults one day if we can't even pick up our own results?!
And so Chrissy surrendered, allowing them to fetch their results at the post office themselves, like real adults.
Having nothing to do but listen to my own thoughts until Waverly returned and made my heart come alive again, I take a moment to reflect on the past two weeks.
After the successful rescue mission at the Svane House, Waverly, myself and a very stabbed Dolls were rushed to hospital.
They stitched up Dolls's side and treated the cuts on my hand before checking our lungs for damage from smoke inhalation.
Rachel and her mom had met up with us at the hospital, having sped behind the ambulance so they could make sure we were alright.
I was completely thrown at observing the warm embrace shared between Rachel and Waverly. Never thought I'd see the day, with them having been at each other's throats since their first meeting.
However, there was no denying that the way they clung to each other and the relief that was visibly emanating from their embrace came from a place of deep connection despite their troubled beginnings.
After the initial surprise seeped out and warmth crawled under my skin, I just watched them interact with a secret smile. Joy Farm's ability to heal hearts and bring forth concealed love had struck again.
Gloria and Rachel left soon after to spend some much-needed mother-daughter time and get their apartment back in order.
Despite being back with her mom, Rachel still attended the online high school classes at the farm. She even stayed most days after school to help out with the animals, claiming we had grown on her and that she had an interest in becoming a livestock vet one day.
Doc Holliday had started showing her the ropes of being a veterinarian whenever he visited the farm and said he could use a young apprentice once she was done with college. Rachel Valdez was certainly going places.
Minutes after the pair of Valdez's left the hospital, two very disheveled Nedleys plus Jeremy stormed our examination room.
At the doctor's protests at their unauthorized interruption, Randy Nedley's mustache twitched in indignant aggravation.
I remember thinking Oh shit. You asked for it now, Doc right before my paternal figure unleashed a barrage of comments about the disgrace of a man not being allowed to see if his kids were okay.
Waverly and I had shared a look of amusement, the same warmth spreading through our hearts at Nedley's fatherly protectiveness.
Chrissy had hurriedly apologized to the doctor and practically dragged her father from the room, promising we would be right outside. She held Waverly and I in a heavily stern gaze that radiated You two have a lot of explaining to do.
A sentiment very much echoed by Jeremy's expression as the trio exited the room.
Safe to say, once we were free from the safety of the examination room, Waverly and I got the talking to of a lifetime.
After promising on our next lasagna dinner that we would never again put ourselves in such danger, we were embraced with so much love that no pain, fear or history of abandonment could ever latch back onto our warmed bones.
We all cried, we all laughed. We all felt home, we all felt family.
Waverly and I had to stay in the hospital for observation overnight as per medical protocol. The Nedleys plus Jeremy stayed by our side till visiting time ended, only leaving once the hospital security made a polite request for them to do so.
During the night, Wynonna somehow managed to sneak into our room. Apparently BBD agents could get access into anywhere. Or out for that matter.
Just by flashing his badge, Dolls got to leave the hospital immediately after they stitched him up. Lucky bastard.
When she arrived, Wynonna checked each of us for any signs of injury and interrogated us about how we were feeling.
Once she was satisfied that we were of perfect health, she whipped out her trusty flask and offered us a swig of her beloved whiskey.
Waverly shot her a disapproving look, which was only amplified towards me when I accepted the flask and doused my tired spirit in spirits. I simply shrugged at my girlfriend sheepishly before meeting Wynonna's high five.
The older Earp left for her hotel soon after, having become anxious about Dolls's well-being. Waverly and I cashed in on the opportunity to make fun of the badass BBD agent turning into a worried love wreck when it came to Dolls.
Wynonna quickly retorted that our sickening googly eyes made the Notebook look bleak, before leaving us to get some sleep.
I smile, remembering how Waverly had immediately snuck out of her bed and clambering into mine, falling asleep against my body as I held her close.
Safe to say, the doctor was not impressed with finding us all cuddled up like that the next morning. Still, she at least acknowledged we were cute together.
She then requested that Waverly attend a therapy session with one of the hospital's best shrinks. This was also part of protocol since my girlfriend had been put through a very traumatic experience at the hands of a maniac.
Waverly had looked a bit unsure about going at first, but with some encouragement and a warm smile from me she finally relented.
I had waited patiently for her return, happily surprised to find her looking much lighter after the therapy session.
Nedley came to pick us up soon thereafter, and during the trip home Waverly told me all about her therapy experience.
She said she was unprepared for just how much it helped to talk to someone about her feelings after what happened with Bobo and that she had even felt the urge to tell the therapist about what happened with her dad. Once the session was done, she immediately booked another one for the following week.
My heart had burst with pride at how far Waverly had come. I was sure to tell as much, covering her cheek with a delicate kiss.
She rewarded me with a smile that was carefree and light, filling my world with beauty, before saying that it was my support and love that got her there.
As for Bobo, the maniac is currently held in GRT state prison awaiting trial. The flower traces in the drugs Wynonna told them to test matched with flowers only sold by Swan flowers.
This allowed the police to obtain a warrant to search the facility, where they quickly found the underground lab which had imprisoned Gloria Valdez.
They also discovered more than 2 tons of cheaply cooked street drugs worth over $30 million stashed all over the lab.
Champ Hardy was caught red handed right in the process of snorting some of the product. They arrested the dumbass boy man along with any other employees on site.
When taken in for questioning, Champ immediately spilled the beans on Bobo. This confession combined with Gloria's testament, the stuff we found in our research, Waverly and I's statements, the Ford Cortina and other evidence found in the burnt remains of the house was enough to put Bobo and all his cronies away for life.
We were all called to testify at Bobo's trial, which was happening next week.
I smile contently, reminded of all we managed to accomplish. Our motley crew of misfits really managed to take down one of the biggest evils Purgatory had ever known.
I slowly drift off to sleep, instantly pulled into dreams of hazel eyes and hair the color of honey.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
I only wake again when soft lips start peppering my cheeks, forehead and neck.
My eyes lazily flicker open to meet hazel ones glimmering with hope, excitement and blatant adoration. How was I this privileged? To know love from a being akin to a damn goddess?
I register the notes of Space Between Us by VHS Collection playing softly from my Bluetooth speaker as I wipe my sleepy eyes.
Now finally able to focus again, I could fully take in the beauty of my gorgeous girlfriend.
"You are a vision." I breathe, shamelessly staring at the etherealness of Waverly Earp.
The vision of beauty giggles, causing the sleepy butterflies in my belly to swarm at recognizing the voice of their creator.
I lift my hand to gently tuck a rogue honey brown strand behind Waverly's ear
"What did the results say, gorgeous?" I ask.
I already had an inkling of what the answer would be, but knew it would make my girl abundantly happy to be able to share the news herself.
A happy squeal resounds, making the smile on my cheeks spread even wider.
"We both passed with flying colors!" Waverly announces happily.
I grab her hips, drawing a surprised gasp from the angelic brunette when I pull her down and pin her to my bed.
"I never had any doubt you would make a mockery of those tests, Waverly Genius Earp."
She giggles and I am quick to swallow the sound in a tender kiss to reward her accomplishment. "I am so proud of you, baby." I whisper against her lips when we end the kiss.
She smiles contently up at me and it causes the butterflies to ricochet violently off the walls of my belly. Her beauty was surely going to be the death of me.
What a wonderful way to go it would be.
"Thanks for always believing in me, Nicole. I love you." She smiles another, softer smile.
"I love you too, Waves." I echo, before fixing her with an expectant look.
"So, gorgeous, what are your plans now that you are a high school graduate?"
Waverly suddenly becomes hesitant, playing with her hands nervously.
"I… I want to learn more about fire. Specifically its role in socio-ecological history. So I applied for the Environmental History degree program at GRT University." She says, biting her lip as she awaits my response.
Her sudden nervousness baffles me. Anything Waverly would ever choose to do would be amazing to me, as long as it made her happy.
"Waves, that sounds awesome! I know how much you love history. It suits who you are perfectly. I just know you will be the top student in all your classes."
"Yeah?" Waverly asks, a hopeful smile on her face.
I instantly nod in the affirmative. "Yes, baby. You are gonna kill it!" I smile at her encouragingly, pride swimming in my bones.
Something particular in her choice of study direction intrigues me especially though.
"Why fire? Is it because of what happened with Bobo?" I ask gently, not wishing to trigger any bad memories.
She smiles a soft, knowing smile which only amplifies my intrigue.
"Partly yes. The other reason is you." She confesses.
I frown at this. "Me? Waves, what do you mean?"
Her knowing smile increases as her eyes regard me with a reverence I don't think I will ever feel worthy enough for.
"I had a question in a test once, about the role of fire in a forest ecosystem. The answer is that it removes alien plants and undergrowth to allow sunlight in so native tree species can grow. It reminded me of you."
My frown deepens, I smile quizzically as hazel eyes crinkle in delight. "Waves, that is interesting and all, but I don't get how I have anything to do with forests and fires and sunlight?"
She laughs unreservedly, cupping my cheeks. "Don't you get it? You, Nicole Haught, came into my life and with your beautiful heart burnt away all the bad stuff that kept me from seeing the light. You are my fire."
Her words leave me completely speechless. That was the most beautiful thing anyone has ever said to me.
With a heart touched by the greatest love I had ever known, I rise from my bed and pull Waverly close, kissing her with every ounce of my passion.
Her hands automatically tangle in my hair as my lips say everything my words could never do justice.
When we separate, both utterly breathless, I gently lower my forehead onto hers. Her sweet breaths blow over my skin in erratic puffs, matching the wild beats of my heart.
"I am only your fire, because you set me alight first Waves."
"You smooth charmer." Comes the breathless response as gentle hands play with the baby hairs at the back of my neck.
I pull her body impossibly closer to mine, our hearts beating in tandem as not an inch of space remains between us. We remain in this moment of contentment for a long time, before Waverly's face suddenly becomes thoughtful.
"Oh I just remembered something."
She exits our bubble of bliss to fetch something from her bag, her footsteps drowned out by heavy drops of rain that has started pattering loudly against the roof of the barn.
Waverly returns to me holding up a form, her eyes holding mine with hopeful expectation. "I went by the Police Station to say hi to Joey. He asked me to give you this."
I frown up at her as my eyes flick down to the document. "Waves, what…?"
Application for GRT Police College it reads. A wave of doubt knocks on my heart, bleeding into my skin and marring it with an even deeper frown.
"Waves, I can't… what about the farm? What about Nedley?" What if I end up like my dad?
Waverly looks at me with a tenderness wrapped in pride and certainty, as she takes hold of my hands gently.
"You don't have to do it if you don't want to. I think you are amazing at whatever you do, Nicole. You can literally do anything with that heart and passion of yours. You would make a wonderful police officer. Hell, you could easily be a sexy shirtless firewoman too, if you wanted." She says, wiggling her eyebrows.
I can't help but smile at that, Waverly's eyes crinkling at the corners as they respond to my moment of joy amidst the chaos of my doubt.
"Just make sure that whatever you do in life, it's for you next. You are always conforming to other people's wants and needs, picking up the pieces of other people's brokenness. But you have done enough of that, Nicole. It's time now to fill that empty part in your heart, the part that's reserved for your own dreams."
I bite my lip, my mind running with a million different thoughts and things to consider. A gentle hand cups my cheek, breaking through my mental turmoil.
"You don't have to have an answer right now. Just think about it, okay?" Waverly's eyes hold mine with relentless support and love. How was I to ever deny her?
"Okay. I'll think about it, Waves." I say, finally relenting.
"Good." Waverly says, kissing my lips softly. She then removes the document from my hands and places it neatly on my bedside table for when I felt ready to revisit the offer.
Just as she starts walking back to me, Soaked by LEON starts playing from my speaker.
Recognizing it, Waverly immediately perks up in excitement.
"Oooh I love this song!" She says and runs over to my speaker, turning up the volume to full.
Then she grabs my hand and pulls me out of the barn into the pouring rain.
"Waves, we are gonna get pneumonia!" I exclaim incredulously, smiling at my girlfriend's crazy antics as she starts twirling in the midst of the storm.
She pauses to look back at me and the sight of her in that moment causes my heart to freeze in place.
Honey brown hair glistens with droplets of rain and clothes start clinging to every heavenly forged curve.
I am still trying to catch the breath I lost at the sight of a rain-soaked Waverly when she holds out her hand. "Come dance with me?"
Who the hell was I to deny the wishes of the gorgeous woman who held every part of me already? I laugh exasperatedly and grab her hand, pulling her close. I twirl her in my arms as the rain pelts down on the both of us.
She giggles in delight, which turns to a joyful squeal when I pick her up and spin her in such a way that droplets of rain get flung in every direction to the beat of Soaked.
When it's pouring, I go out in the rain and I am waiting for a way for a change. And I just want to get soaked and rinse it all off….
I set her down again, my heart beating like a possessed drummer inside my chest as I once again look towards my beautiful rain-soaked girl. The honey brown strand I had tucked away earlier had once again gone rogue.
Unable to help myself, I raise my hand to tuck it back in place. As I draw my hand back, Waverly grabs it. My eyes meet her with questions, finding hazel alight with a fire of desire as they flicker to my lips.
The look of want, of need, sparks a heat way down low in my belly. Being a simple woman in love, I can do nothing but allow myself to be pulled uselessly towards Waverly's flame.
My hands float to her waist, pulling her so close that the heat from our touching bodies negate the chill of the storm.
I lower my lips to hers, claiming her mouth with reckless abandon. She tastes of fresh rain and earth, and I was a desperately needy little desert flower.
She opens her mouth to allow my tongue a greater area of discovery in the expanse of her sweetness, the resulting moan when I comply with her request turning the fire in my bellow to a raging inferno.
We make out like hormonal, deeply in love teenagers as Soaked comes to an end, our clothes become only more drenched by the rain as our desires reach unbearable levels.
Waverly jumps up, her strong thighs circling my waist. My hands roam over the expanse of her back as we continue to kiss wildly.
"Barn. Now." Waverly manages breathlessly, only briefly breaking the kiss.
"Waves, are… are you sure?" It takes every inch of my willpower to form the words through the haze of desire, but I was nothing if not a gentlewoman who knew the importance of consent.
Waverly nods, not a single sign of doubt on her features. Her eyes only said one thing. "I want all of you, Nicole Haught."
Seeing not a single reason to protest against my lady's request, I comply and walk us slowly over to the barn. My lips never leave Waverly's as we re-enter the shelter the building offered.
Gentle hands that were tangled into my hair now start desperately clawing at the buttons of my shirt and jeans.
Very soon our wet clothes are left abandoned on the barn floor, the heat shared between our bodies more than sufficient to keep our temperatures high as we finally get to physically express the depth of our love for each other.
Claps of thunder throughout the evening is the only sound heard across the farm grounds, masking moans of pleasure echoing through the barn walls.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
The call that flips my world once more comes two days later, just as Waverly and I return from our horseback ride around the farm on Eos.
With a lot of hard work and patience, we finally got Eos to allow not only me, but also Waverly to ride on his back.
I dismount and lead him and Waverly towards his corral. He grunts in disapproval when Nedley approaches us from the house.
I help Waverly down, gently grabbing hold of her waist, as we watch our paternal figure walk towards us.
Nedley's posture seemed tense, immediately putting me on edge.
I pat Eos gently on the neck just as Nedley reaches the edge of the corral. "Good job, boy." I whisper to my horse. He seems to understand, neighing in approval.
My conversation with Eos now done, I turn towards Nedley, with a questioning gaze.
"Hey, Nedley. What's up?"
With a sigh, he removes his Stetson and fiddles with it in his hands. Clearing his throat, Nedley addresses me in a cautious voice.
"Nicole, There's uh… there's someone on the phone for ya'."
"Someone for me? Who is it?" I ask, taking Waverly's hand as we start walking with Nedley to the house.
"You will know soon." He says cryptically.
We follow him into the kitchen, where he left the phone still on call. He lifts it up and holds it out towards me to take.
I frown at it, my eyes meeting Waverly's own questioning ones. She gives my hand a comforting squeeze, encouraging me to take the phone. I do, meeting Nedley's look of I got you kid as he nods at me.
"Hello?" I ask, watching Nedley leave the kitchen and head to the living room to give me some privacy.
"Nicole. It's so good to hear your voice."
I nearly drop the phone with the shock of hearing my father's voice across the receiver. Waverly is at my side in an instant, eyes alive with worry. She grabs my hand again, squeezing it gently.
Drawing strength from having her by my side, I manage to compose myself slightly. "D… dad?" I say in a shaky voice. Waverly mouths I'll be right outside, before leaving to wait for me on the porch.
"Yes, sweetheart. It's… it's me. Uh, Joey called and told me about how you helped get Bobo Del Rey captured." My father says. There's a pause, like he is waiting for me to say something. But I didn't have anything to say, did not know how to talk to him after all this time.
The line remains quiet for a few seconds before my father clears his throat.
"Look, I know I am putting you on the spot by calling you out of the blue like this after not hearing anything from me for so long. But I… I wanted to say that I am so proud of you. Your momma would have been too."
My resolve melts as tears start rolling down my cheeks. "Dad I…" I try to find words, but they still fail me. Luckily my father keeps talking so I don't have to.
"Wynonna Earp told me how brave you were, kiddo. Told me you free climbed an 18-foot wall just to save her sister from a burning building. That's wild!"
I laugh despite myself, words finally coming to me. "Yeah, the climbing skills I got from you came in handy after all."
My father releases a breath, like he was relieved to finally hear me speak too. "You were always a better climber than I ever was. You were destined to be better than I ever could be at everything." A heavy pause follows again before he says the words I had longed to hear for years.
"Nicole, I know how much I failed as a father. I abandoned my own daughter, purposefully removed myself from your life. But I need you to know none of it was ever because of you. I left because I was ashamed to call myself your father, felt unworthy of the title." My father's voice breaks, and I can hear the tears increase with every humble word spoken. My heart clenches with indecisiveness of how I should feel.
"After your momma died, I lost myself completely. I loved her so much… it was like my light was stolen and all I could see was darkness when she was gone. You look just like her, and it… it hurt whenever I would see her eyes in yours."
"I am sorry." I choke out, my voice broken.
"No sweetheart. You never did anything wrong, not a damn thing. You didn't deserve it. I just never could quite get over your momma's death, I let it fester into something so ugly in my heart that I had to leave before it ruined your life too. So that's why I left. I thought it was the best thing I could do for you for so long. But then Wynonna Earp set me straight the other day. She made me realize how much my actions affected you."
"Wynonna?" I ask, surprised.
My dad laughs tearily. "Oh yeah. She is quite an interesting woman."
I smile, thinking of what a wonderful person Waverly's sister truly was despite the rough exterior and life she had. Earp women just were that way. Furiously passionate, brave and humblingly kind.
"She sure is." I say softly.
"When she took up my offer to help me investigate Bobo, never in my life did I imagine it would lead me back to you. But damn am I glad it did. Wynonna came to have a close out meeting on the Bobo case the other day. Before she left, she told me about how special you are, and how she wished she had a father who still cared in her life. Told me I still had the chance to give that back to you, that I should not waste it."
He swallows audibly, clearing his throat from heavy emotion that prevented him from speaking clearly.
"It's that conversion that finally gave me the kick in the ass to make this phone call. So I guess all I am really asking, Nicole, is a chance to fix things. To be part of your life again, to earn my place as your dad again. I know I don't—"
My heart, softened by the love I received from my time at Joy Farm, had been starving for those very words for so long. I could do nothing else but forgive him.
"Yes, dad. Yes. I forgive you, and I… I want to try too."
"Yeah?" Comes the nearly audible and baffled response.
"Yes, Dad. I want you back in my life too."
The line is filled with the sound of sobbing, which I soon join in with. "Tha… thank you, Nicole. I promise you, it's going to be better from here. I love you, kid. Gonna work my ass off to prove that."
"I know dad. I… love you too." I never stopped long my dad despite the pain he caused me. Guess I was just never programmed towards resentment.
There is a rustling in the background before my dad speaks again. "Listen kiddo, the nurse has just brought my meds so I gotta go. But I promise to call you again soon to see if we can organize a meet up? I'd really love to see you. Heard you are dating Wynonna's kid sister. I would love to meet the girl who caught my baby girl's eye too, if that's okay?"
I smile, that one part of my heart that used to still be empty slowly starting to fill again with warmth. "I would like that a lot."
We end the call after this, and I am left staring at the phone dumbfounded.
"You okay?" Nedley asks from his place leaning against the kitchen door frame.
I meet him with a grateful smile. "I am. My dad wants to try again." I say, still very much in awe at what just happened.
Nedley smiles warmly at me. "That's great, kid."
I walk over to him, embracing him. He grunts in surprise before patting me affectionately on the back. "What's this for?"
I separate from him and smile. "I just wanted to say thank you. For everything you have done for me. You gave me a home, a purpose, when I felt I had nothing left in life. I could never repay you for that."
His mustache twitches with subdued emotion. "No need to ever repay me kid. No matter where you guys go in life from here, Joy Farm will always be your home." He says with conviction.
"Thank you, Nedley." I say, my heart alight with gratefulness for the man who would always be like a father to me.
"Don't sweat it, kid. But there is something you can do for me."
I perk up, glad for any chance to give back to him. "Okay, sure."
"I heard Sergeant Detective Mason gave you an application to join the Police Academy. I really think you should do it. I have always seen your ambition and talent for figuring stuff out. And for helping other people. You would make an excellent cop, kid."
I hesitate as my head fills with doubts once more. "I can't, Nedley… you need me to help out on the farm and—"
Nedley holds up his hand, interrupting my speech. "You are the finest farm hand I have ever had, but it's time you go live your own dreams too. Besides, I already managed to get two newbies to join us on the farm next week. Both victims of Bobo who were also forced to smuggle drugs for him after he killed their parents."
I nod solemnly, once again glad that the world was rid of Bobo. I
"Replacing me already?" I tell Nedley with a lopsided smile.
Nedley's mustache twitches in amusement. "Yep, so you better join that academy then, huh?"
I breath out, all doubt finally leaving my body, replaced by pure excitement at the prospect of a career in law enforcement.
"Okay. I am gonna do it." I say, earning a squeeze to the shoulder from a proud looking Nedley. "Good. Now leave me be will ya'? Pretty Little Liars is about to come on."
With a laugh and shake of my head I part ways with my guardian, only one destination in mind.
I exit the kitchen, finding Waverly sitting on the top step of the porch as she peers across the farm. She only shifts her gaze when she hears the creak of wood from the pressure of my footsteps behind her.
"Hi." She says with a warm smile, her eyes analyzing my emotional state as I sit down beside her.
"Hey." I respond, kissing her on the cheek softly.
"You okay?"
"I think I am. My dad wants to try, Waves." I say, still in the process of making sense of this revelation.
"And how do you feel about that?" Waverly asks cautiously, giving me a safe space to be real about what was going on in my heart.
"I want to give him a chance. I have agreed to meet up with him soon."
Waverly gets up and clambers onto my lap, her arms sliding around my neck. She looks at me with eyes brimming with love.
"I am so proud of you." She praises, kissing me deeply to emphasize her words.
When she ends the kiss, she lowers her head onto my chest, right above my heart.
The organ now beats freely, the weight of abandonment and pain finally vanquished and replaced by the fullness that only unconditional love could forge.
"Thank you for giving me the courage, Waves. I love you." I say, pulling her closer to me and kissing her temple.
"I love you too." She echoes, running her fingers across my collarbone.
"So, what's next for you Nicole Haught?" She asks and I can feel her smile form against my neck.
"I don't know, Waves. I just know that the amount of love in my life is going to give me the strength for anything life throws at me." I whisper against her hair, breathing in the sweetness of honey and earth and love.
We hear a neighing from the corral and observe Eos walking towards our side of the corral. He looks at us expectantly, giving an idea. "Hey Waves, want to go on an adventure?"
Waverly looks up at me with unfiltered joy, getting up from her seat. She holds out her hand, inviting me with a smile that held nothing but a promise of forever. "With you, I'd go anywhere."
Hand in hand we walk over to the corral, our hearts brimming with all the possibilities the future holds.
We start our new adventure on the back of a once wild horse just as the sun starts to set on yet another day at Joy Farm.
Fin.