Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 89772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“Your husband had him delivered this morning.”
“Why didn’t you tell me he was doing all of this?”
“It wasn’t my information to share.”
“So you’ve known? This entire time?”
“Cruz had the architect design your stable how he thought you’d want it.”
“I can’t believe he never said anything.”
I thought about all the times we fought, and I went for his throat. Being the biggest bitch. I felt the shame of treating him the way I had for the last three months. I wish he would have told me, it would have helped, and probably changed a lot.
“This is my dream stable, Uncle. How did he know?”
He shrugged. “Your father did let him in your bedroom one afternoon while you were gone. Cruz said he wanted to get to know you. I guess…he did.”
After my mother died, I started putting together a collection of all the things I wanted in my life. He must have found my manifestation book. For the last ten years, I cut out clippings of my dream stable. It was the one possession I wanted more than anything.
I was in awe that he actually made it happen.
I couldn’t wait to ride Massimo. Grabbing the pad and saddle, I placed it on my horse’s back. His feet stomped in the same excitement I was feeling.
“I know, Massimo, I’m excited too.”
I inserted the bit into his mouth, and made sure it was comfortable for him. Securing the reigns, checking off the list in my head for a safe ride.
“Uncle Gino, would you mind taking me back to the house to change?”
“There’s no need.”
I watched as he opened a door by Massimo’s stall, presenting me with yet another surprise. There was an extravagant, oversized closet with a dressing room area and full-length mirror. All my riding gear hung on the racks, including new clothing and boots.
“My husband thought of everything.”
Wow…My husband…I can’t believe I just called him that to someone else.
Because I had no patience, I grabbed the first outfit I saw and quickly put it on. In less than five minutes, I was standing at the left side of Massimo, placing my foot in the stirrup to pull myself up. Getting accustomed to riding was easy, the expression, “It’s like riding a bike,” was the same for a horse. Nodding to my uncle once I was ready, he opened the stall door.
I made a short click sound with my mouth, Massimo’s command to move, and off we went like no time had passed us by. I spent the rest of the morning and afternoon riding around the property, taking my time to really enjoy how blessed I truly was. Riding along the countryside, trotting and running, jumping over fallen trees, admiring all Mother Nature had to offer.
My day was complete, thanks to Cruz. On top of feeling like this was the ultimate gift he could give me, I couldn’t believe he hid it from me for so long. I treated him so badly and he didn’t deserve all the shit I handed him.
With the breeze in my face and the sun on my skin, it was everything I could ask for and more. The joy I found in being with my best friend was hard to put into words. Hour after hour flew by, until I was putting Massimo away for the night. Nose-to-nose, placing my hands on the sides of his face, I promised him I’d be back the next morning and we could do it all over again.
All of this was possible…
Because of my husband.
PART IIII
Chapter 32
—Alejandro Martinez —
I walked into a church off the rainy streets of New York City. One foot in front of the other.
Deliberate.
Calculated.
Precise steps.
Down the aisle in between the pews, I followed my demons to the point of no return. Droplets of water fell to the marble floor off my suit from the storm raging outside. I instantly felt the judgment from the angels looking down from the stained glass windows in the cathedral.
Jesus Christ himself was hanging on the cross in front of me. The man who died in the name of our sins, while I was resurrected in the name of mine. Strikes of lightning flashed through the windows, setting an eerie tone as thunder crashed, announcing my arrival in the Lord’s realm. Almost like he was furious I had the audacity to show up in his promise land.
More flashes lit up with strobes of light and the echoing booms sounded with every step I took. A wave of guilt and shame cascaded down my body like God spitefully threw holy water at me. He banned my soul and condemned me from his kingdom a long time ago. I was shamelessly coming into his place of worship to try and save whatever was left of my humanity.
Unable to go on like this anymore, I needed to repent.