Chapter 30: Slow Down - Life Ahead

Scott’s lips touch mine, ever so gently. The kiss lasts a long time. My body wants to shoot into the air like a firecracker.

I hear whistling. How can Scott whistle and kiss me at the same time?

My eyes pop open. A dream. So real, my lips are burning. I roll over and see Mom’s palomino horse on the pillow next to me. The leg is attached and looks like it has never been broken.

Tears well up in my eyes. “Thank you, Faro,” I say, hoping she hears.

I hear Scott whistling. Looking out the window, I see that the Dudley’s are almost ready to leave. I quickly pull on clothes and hurry out the front door.

Scott is helping the limousine driver load the trunks and suitcases.

“Now be especially careful with those last two suitcases, Scott. Don’t put anything on top of them.”

“Yes, M’am.” He winks when he sees me.

Daria is already sitting in the limousine, Godzilla in a cat carrier on her lap.

“Bye, Daria.” I smile. “Watch out for dogs at the airport.”

She glares at me and closes the window.

“Goodbye, Charles,” says Mrs. Dudley.

“You did a great job on the wedding, Erminia,” Dad says. “Thank you. I appreciate your help while I had to be gone.”

“You’re welcome, Charles,” she says. “Thank you for allowing us to stay with you. I know how inconvenient it is to board strangers.”

Dad hugs her and said, “We’re family now.”

Not to me, I think. No way. Not ever.

Her black eyes turn to mine. “Perhaps you can learn a thing or two from Claire while she stays here, Winifred.”

I smile at her. “Goodbye, Mrs. Dudley.”

She climbs into the limo and slams the door shut.

Dad shakes Mr. Dudley’s hand. “Have a safe trip, Otis, and let us know when you arrive home safely.”

“Goodbye, Charles,” says Mr. Dudley. “Thanks for everything. A few of my friends are quite interested in your stallion. Let me know when he sires some foals.” He smiles at me and says, “I have no doubt you’ll make your own luck, young lady.”

“Bye,” I say, smiling back.

He climbs in and the limousine driver takes off.

Dad, Scott and I heave huge sighs. We look at each other and laugh.

“Let’s get to work,” orders Dad in a voice like Mrs. Dudley’s.

We laugh again.

Dad strides off toward the stable.

I smile at Scott. This summer is going to be way cool.

He grabs my hand. “Time to work, cowgirl.”

“Think you can handle it, city slicker?”

We laugh and follow Dad.

Scott whistles all the way to the barn.

I look at his lips and quiver. Sometime this summer, I’ll make my dream come true.

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I have always loved Cinderella stories. I hope you enjoyed reading this one as much as I enjoyed writing it.

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