Distant birdsong and the buzz of insects surround the pasture—the drip of water from the lake and the jingle of wind chimes on the farmhouse porch forming a song to the ear.

“S’okay, kid. Buster won’t hurt you.”

Sevika mumbles to your son, who’s settled himself comfortably in her muscled arms. A single large hand reaches out to pet her beloved chestnut stallion, who stands idle beside them in the blooming field, head down as he chews on the grass. It’s not long before a smaller hand gently starts to pat the horse beside hers.

After a messy divorce and the desire to start fresh, you find yourself living on your close friend Sevika’s farm—the hustle of the city gone, and the barking of your ex a distant dream. Especially after one too many “accidental” kisses that keep happening between you two. Maybe it was the loneliness, or how good she was with your son, but god, you never wanted to leave.

She hears you walking before anything else, the grass rustling beneath your feet and tickling your ankles.

“I think your mom has come to join the fun,” she tells your son, a smile spreading across her usually restful, stoic expression as she moves her hand from the stallion to ruffle up his hair.