Chapter 34

Shaking off the heavy, melancholic mood that threatened to engulf me, I glanced around, taking in the sights and sounds of the surroundings. Spotting the tack room, I made my way over to it, the creaking of the wooden door echoing in the quiet barn. Stepping inside, I was greeted by the scent of fresh hay and leather, mingling together in a comforting embrace. The room was spacious and meticulously organized, every tool in its designated place. Locating the grooming box, I carefully retrieved a currycomb and a dandy brush, feeling the smoothness of the handles against my palm. With the tools in hand, I made my way back to the stall, the straw crunching softly beneath my feet. Unfastening the latch, I slipped inside the enclosure, my presence immediately acknowledged by the mare. Crooning softly, I began to groom her, the rhythmic strokes of the brush soothing both her and myself. As I combed and brushed, I could feel the mare's muscles relax under my touch, a sense of connection forming between us.

The mare stomped her foot and flicked her tail, the swishing sound cutting through the stillness of the barn, as she tried to ward off the pesky flies that landed on her withers. Making a final swipe with the comb, I set it aside, and continued talking to her, my voice rising and falling in a comforting melody. With each word, the mare's ears twitched, attuned to the cadence of my voice. I brushed gently around her extended middle, feeling the warmth of her body radiate through the bristles of the brush.

"You're going to have a baby, huh? Soon, I'd say, since Ethan has you stalled," I softly chattered, my words filled with anticipation. The mare snorted in response, and I couldn't help but laugh. "Oh, now, it won't be that bad. Soon, you'll have a little one frolicking around out in the field. A beautiful little colt that will melt your heart, you wait and see." After giving her a final swipe with the brush, I stepped out of the stall, the scent of hay and horse lingering in the air.

Glancing up, I saw Ethan leaning back against the opposite stall door, his gaze fixed on me. "I didn't know you liked horses," he remarked, curiosity evident in his voice. I shrugged, a faint smile playing on my lips. "They're a weakness of mine."

Pushing away from the stall door, he approached me, his finger tracing a gentle path down my cheek. "You're like a rose. With each new petal that unfolds, something new reveals itself, making you even more beautiful."

The mare nipped at my shoulder, causing me to laugh and dance away from her playful bite, right into Ethan's waiting arms. Ethan breathed in deeply, his warm breath caressing my skin, as he spoke in a husky voice. "She likes you."

I swallowed, my insides fluttering with a mixture of emotions. "How long does she have before she foals?" I asked, my voice filled with curiosity.

"Any time now. This is her first, and I wanted to keep an eye on her," he replied, his words tinged with a hint of concern. Bending his head, he kissed the top of mine, before reluctantly stepping back, releasing a deep sigh. "I better get back before Ember tears the house apart and comes looking for me."

Nodding silently, I watched as he turned to leave the barn, my heart heavy with uncertainty. As his figure receded, I called out after him, my voice carrying a tinge of vulnerability. "With all things considered, it might be best if I get a motel room until I figure out what to do."

He whipped back around, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the empty barn. There’s plenty of room here." His words floated in the air, mingling with the scent of hay and the faint whinny of a horse.

Ember’s voice intervened, breaking the tension forming between us. "Ethan, are you out here?" The dim light filtered through the barn, casting long shadows on the worn wooden floor.

Ethan closed his eyes, a frustrated groan rumbling from his lips. "Yes, Ember, I’m checking on the mare." Shaking his head, he swore under his breath. "Jesus Christ, this is getting ridiculous!"

Turning, I rubbed my fingers on the velvety softness of the mare’s nose again. Night had fallen while we’d been in the barn, the interior growing murky with the sun's goodnight kiss. "For God’s sake, Ethan, turn some lights on. You can’t see a damn thing in here," Ember complained as she stepped into the waning light inside the barn.

"What, your damn arm broke or something? You’re closer to the blasted switch than I am," Ethan hissed to himself. Before blowing out a breath, he made his way over and flipped a switch, flooding the barn with harsh fluorescent light.

Ember frowned, squinting against the sudden brightness. "Why were you standing around in the dark, anyway?"

Ethan cocked his head, his body language expressing his aggravation. "Because, Ember, we weren’t having any problems seeing."

Ember’s head swiveled until he spotted me. Giving me the evil eye, she took another step forward and planted her foot in a pile of horseshit. "Son of a bitch! This is why I don’t come out here. I hate horses and their shit!"

Snorting, I tried to stop the bubble of mirth that worked its way from the center of my stomach toward my mouth, my eyes watering from the effort.

Ember heard what I couldn’t smother, and rounded on me. "Shut up, bitch."

The words had barely left her lips before Ethan was moving in her direction, his heavy footsteps reverberating through the barn. He came to a stop in front of her, his eyes filled with anger. "Apologize," he snarled.

"Like hell, I will," she screamed back at him.

Ethan’s voice was low and deadly when he spoke again. "Ember, I said apologize," he hissed.

Realizing Ethan wasn’t backing down, Ember's next words were sugar-sweet. "I’m sorry, Nicole," she uttered, before turning so Ethan couldn’t see her, she mouthed, "not really, bitch," at the same time flipping me the finger.

"No problem," I returned my own words as insincere as hers were.

I glanced down at her feet, the smell of fresh manure lingering in the air. "Oh, your poor shoes, what a shame…."

Ember peered down at her shoes, which looked new. "What… These old things?" She shrugged. "It’s time to toss them, anyway."

Ethan shook his head, the sound of his sigh mingling with the distant chirping of crickets. "I’m getting a beer, would anyone else like one?"
Ember turned, her piercing gaze fixated on him, as if searching for something in his eyes. "I'll take a glass of wine," she declared, her voice edged with a hint of annoyance.

Ethan's response rumbled like a low growl, his frustration palpable. "I didn't offer wine. I offered a beer. Now, do you want one or not?"

Ember's hair swayed as she tossed her head in defiance, the disappointment evident on her face. "No, I don't want a beer. I want wine, and since you're being an ass, I'll get it myself!" Her words hung in the air, tense and charged.

"Fine, whatever, Ember," Ethan muttered, a flicker of anger twitching in his clenched jaw.
Turning towards me, he asked, "How about you, want a beer?"

Standing beside them, I tried to make sense of their complex relationship, the enigma that shrouded their interactions. What was their beef with each other, anyway? And why, despite their apparent dislike for one another, were they still married? But I kept my curiosity to myself, not daring to probe further. "A beer sounds good about now," I stated.

Ember gave a low growl, then stomped off ahead of us, her frustrated footsteps echoing in the room.

I fell into step beside Ethan and with a sigh, he leaned closer to me. "I'm sorry she's such a bitch," he murmured, his voice tinged with sincerity.

I shook my head, a knowing smile playing on my lips. "Stop apologizing for her. She's a grown woman, and she knew exactly what she was saying. Besides, I was enjoying the show she was putting on."
Ethan's eyes met mine, a moment of understanding passing between us, before he erupted into laughter. "You're something else, you know that?"