THE WEIGHT OF DREAMS, Cole Walter ✓

19| PROMISES

Cole kindly offered Charis his support, assuring her that she could always borrow from him if she needed anything. He even extended the offer for Bandit to stay with the Walters if he ever needed more pasture or space than what Charis's family could provide. Charis expressed her gratitude for his generosity, acknowledging that while they had a pasture behind their house, it wasn't nearly as extensive as what Cole's family had. She appreciated his willingness to help and felt reassured knowing that she had his support whenever she needed it.

Cole parked in the driveway, and Charis grabbed the cinch while Cole picked up the barbed wire. Together, they made their way to the barn to put away their respective items.

"I just realized that I've never been in here," Cole remarked as they both pulled open the heavy, dusty barn door.

"Really?" Charis replied, coughing slightly as debris floated into the air. Cole nodded, and they entered together. Charis showed him where to store the cinch, and Cole wandered around, taking in the sights.

Charis nodded, her thoughts mirroring Cole's observation. "Yeah, we definitely need to give this place some TLC," she agreed, looking around the barn with a critical eye. "It's not in the best condition right now."

Cole followed her gaze, taking in the worn-out wood, the cobwebs in the corners, and the overall disarray. "We'll repair and clean it up," he agreed. "But with a little work, it'll be good as new."

Charis smiled at his optimism. "Yeah, it'll be worth it. Bandit deserves a nice place to stay."

"And we'll make sure he gets it," Cole added, determination shining in his eyes.

Together, they made a mental note to start planning the barn's renovation, excited for the future and the adventures they would share with Bandit.

He noticed a door with Malory's name on it, and beside it hung her reins, awards, and personal belongings. "This is where Malory used to stay?" he asked Charis, who nodded beside him.

"And where that foal was supposed to come, I guess," she added, her tone tinged with sadness.

"Things turned out for the best after all. Bandit will come here in a few weeks," Cole said, wrapping his arms around Charis from behind and resting his chin on top of her head.

"Things are going to get real. I'm going to suck at first," Charis sighed, looking at the trophies.

"You're not, and I'm going to be there with you every step of the way," Cole reassured her, spinning her around to face him.

"You and Leah and James," Charis giggled.

"Of course, they're the package," Cole replied, rolling his eyes playfully.

As they walked back towards the house, Charis couldn't help but steal glances at Cole, admiring the way the fading sunlight danced across his features. His profile was etched with a sense of calm and determination, and she felt a surge of warmth in her chest as she watched him. 

Unbeknownst to her, he quietly observed the poem displayed among the awards. He recognized her handwriting immediately, but what surprised him was the depth and beauty of the words she had penned. As he glanced from the paper to her, he couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for her talent. She was a true gem, and he felt fortunate to have her in his life.

"You're staring," Cole teased, his voice tinged with amusement as he glanced at her.

"I can't help it," Charis admitted with a soft smile, feeling a blush creeping up her cheeks.

Cole turned to her with a grin, his eyes sparkling with affection. "Well, I don't mind," he said, reaching for her hand and intertwining their fingers.

Charis felt a flutter of happiness in her chest at his touch, reveling in the simple intimacy between them. As they reached the porch of the house, she leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, savoring the moment of quiet connection before they headed inside.