Element, Part 1 by CM Doporto Page A

Ryan turned to Natalie.
    She wanted to ride with him now more than anything. Since
there were no signs of dizziness she decided it would be safe. “Yes, I do.”
    “I’m going to make some sandwiches for lunch. Nothing big,”
Steph said rubbing her stomach. “Would you like to stay?”
    Natalie turned to Ryan, waiting for him to ask her.
    “Please stay. I’d like for ya to eat with us,” he replied.
    She nodded at Steph. “Sure. I’d be happy to.”
    “Great. See y’all in a little while.” She turned and walked
into the kitchen.
    Ryan put his arm around her and she knew without a doubt she
had made the right decision to follow her heart. “C’mon let’s go for that
ride.” He picked up his hat and led her outside.
    “Have you ever ridden before?” Ryan asked as they stepped
out the kitchen back door.
    “Yes, but it’s been several years. I’m going to need a
refresher and probably some guidance.” Natalie put her sunglasses back on,
despite the slight haze in the air.
    “Okay, no problem.” Ryan put his hat on and adjusted it,
bringing it slightly forward where only his dazzling brown eyes showed.
    They walked across the yard over to a cowboy holding the
reins for two horses. “Natalie, this is my brother Lance. Lance, this is
Natalie.”
    She extended her hand and said, “Hello.”
    He wiped his hand on his dingy jeans and then shook her
hand. “Nice to meet ya.” He had a heavier twang than Ryan and they looked very
much alike with the exception of Lance being slightly taller and leaner. “So
are ya ready to show him how to ride?” He let out a smile and motioned with his
head toward Ryan.
    She giggled. “I’m sure he’ll be the one showing me.” 
    She approached the horse slowly and patted him on the nose.
“What’s your name?”  She stroked the horse’s head, allowing him to get to know
her.
    “This is Freedom.” Ryan took the reins from Lance. “Freedom,
this is your master for today. Treat her well. Ya hear me.” The horse neighed
and took a few steps back.
    “So, do you remember what to do?” Ryan tugged on the saddle,
making sure it was secured on the horse.
    “Yeah, I think so. It’s all coming back to me.” Natalie ran
her hand down the side of the American Paint horse. “Hi Freedom. You sure are a
beautiful horse. I love your markings.” The horse nickered and neighed, giving
her the sign to proceed. She prepared to mount the horse when Ryan stopped
her. 
    “Wait a minute. You’re missin’ something.” He held his hand
up and then dashed into the barn calling out, “I’ll be right back.”
    Natalie checked the saddle but didn’t see anything missing.
However, it had been a long time since she’d saddled up a horse.
    He returned with a cowgirl hat in his hand. “You’re not
complete without this.”
    Natalie placed her hand on his, helping him fit the hat on
her head. “Whose is this?”
    “It’s my sister’s. Do ya mind?”
    “No, as long as she doesn’t.”  She winked.
    “Nah, she won’t mind. Wow, you make a beautiful cowgirl.”
Ryan winked backed at her. He knew how to make her smile and she had to admit
that she loved being complimented by him. “Can I help you up?”
    “Please.” Natalie placed her foot into the stirrup while he
held on to the reins, keeping the horse steady.
    “Ya good?”
    “Yes.” She ensured she had a good grip on the reins and her
feet were properly in place.
    He walked over to his horse and got on with little effort.
    “You guys be careful, ya hear. I’ll be on the east side of
the property and will be back in an hour or so.” Lance stepped out of the way.
    “Okay. We’ll be back shortly.” Ryan looked over at Natalie.
“Let’s start out slow, okay?”
    Natalie nodded. “Okay.”
    She kept her horse in sync with Ryan’s, walking at a slow
pace. The morning sun’s rays peaked over the tall oak trees, preparing to beat
the ground with another day of record-breaking heat. They wouldn’t be able