the sun was warm on billies cheeks as she leaned against the fence, her fingers brushing through the tall golden grass. your familys ranch stretched for miles with the late afternoon light painting the world in honey. it smelt like hay and wood, the horses lingered in the air, and billie looked completely at home in it. she turned to smile at you with the kind of smile she saved for when she was really really happy

you mounted your white mare, daisy. she was calm, gentle, and smart as hell. the perfect match for you. billie on the other hand was brushing her hands through the coarse brown mane, copper. he was a little wild and stubborn but full of heart just like billie

“you good?” you asked, adjusting the reins

billie looked up at you with a grin, already swinging her leg over coppers saddle “im more than good. ive been waiting all week for this.”

you laughed “i know. my mom said youve been texting her more than me about it”

“she sends me pictures of the horses. sue me.” she gave copper a light pat on the neck as he started walking beside daisy “also your dad said i can help much stalls later and im not saying im excited for that but-“ you give her a look “okay yeah i know of am.”

“god youre such a horse girl”

she looked slightly offended “excuse me horse woman. ive been riding since i was like five”

“you were that little kid who made horse noises and galloped in the grocery store werent you?”

“no” she said flatly then muttered “okay yeah. maybe.”

the two of you rode side by side, hooves crunching along the dirt path that looped through your familys pastures and into the hills. the wind pulled at billies hoodie and swept her hair back from her face. you caught yourself just staring at how relaxed she looked and how real this all felt with no press or noise, just her, the horses, and you

you led her down towards the creek where wildflowers grew thick and bright along the banks. copper started trotting and daisy followed suit. you both laughed, clinging to the rhythm of the ride as the wind picked up and the golden world around you blurred into motion

when you finally slowed near the water billie hopped down, holding coppers reins with ease. you dismounted too and the two of you just stood there for a moment in the quiet, brushing your fingers through the horses manes and listening to the water

“thank you for bringing me here” she said softly, not looking at you but gently scratching under coppers jaw “its like.. every part of me feels okay here”

“my parents already offered you a room you know” you said with a smile, stepping close enough to tuck a piece of her hair behind her ear “you could just move in”

she smirked, leaning into your hand “dont tempt me”