She spoke up, her tone light and daring. "Impressive. I'll pick a horse and challenge her to a race!"
Whether it was horseback riding or rock climbing, Millie was good at just about everything. She'd even earned her pilot's license—she could fly a plane. As for riding, in Millie's mind, that was hardly worth mentioning.
She picked out a horse and headed for the changing room.
Out on the field, Danielle was riding full tilt, her hair streaming behind her. After two laps, she felt a little winded and swung down from the saddle in a single, fluid motion, pulling off her helmet and shaking out her hair.
There was something bright and unrestrained about her; her presence lit up the riding arena.
"Way to go!" someone called, whistling and breaking into enthusiastic applause.
Danielle gave a small, nonchalant smile and said nothing.
A stable hand led her horse, Thunderbolt, aside to remove its tack.
Danielle kept her eyes lowered, adjusting her riding jacket. By now, Millie and her family had changed and come back out.
Danielle looked up and spotted them immediately. She arched a brow, expression cool and unreadable.
What are the odds, she thought grimly. Trouble just has a way of finding me.
"Mom, you'll look way cooler than that lady out there," Raffy said, gazing up at Millie with open admiration.
Millie smiled, serene and sure, then turned to Alexander. "Could you check if my helmet's straight? I think it's a little crooked."
He lowered his gaze, eyes softening, and reached up to adjust her helmet. Alexander was never this patient or gentle—except, it seemed, with her.
The three of them—happy, close, a picture-perfect family.
This is what a real family looks like, Danielle thought bitterly. That coldness she and Niki had endured before… it was just the absence of love, nothing more.
She turned away, her gaze distant.
Just then, the coach came over with Niki, complimenting her practice run.
Danielle ruffled Niki's hair affectionately. "Want to ride a little longer?"
Niki nodded, eyes bright. "Just a little, then let's go eat."
That's when Raffy, sharp-eyed, spotted Danielle and Niki by the exit, deep in conversation. He strode over, his tone mocking.
"If you two don't even know how to ride, what are you doing here? Trying to embarrass yourselves?"
He shot Danielle and Niki a scornful look.
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