Unbound - Rachel's Story
Copyright© 2025 by A Kiwi Guy
Chapter 19
Rachel felt the pull of fatigue once the excitement of the afternoon’s ride wore off. “I think I’ll rest for a little while before dinner,” she said, excusing herself with a tired smile.
Caroline nodded understandingly. “Go on, love. You’ve packed a lot into one weekend. A nap will do you good.”
Once Rachel had wheeled herself down the passage, the living room grew quieter, the fire popping softly in the grate. Matt stretched his legs, glancing between his parents. “Well,” he began, “you’ve seen plenty of Rachel now. What do you think?”
Geordie chuckled. “Straight to the point, eh?” He leaned back, eyes thoughtful. “She’s bright. Level-headed. And she doesn’t get flustered easily. That’s a good match for you, lad.”
Caroline folded her hands, her face softening. “I’ve been very impressed. In a short space of time, she’s shown such courage—and adaptability. Honestly, I was surprised how naturally she took to riding. With practice, she could do very well indeed.”
Matt smiled, remembering Rachel’s laughter out on the track. “Yeah, she has picked it up quickly. Incidentally, I noticed you two spent a while in the kitchen Friday night. What did you talk about?”
Caroline’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “That was girl talk. Not for other ears. But let’s just say it confirmed the opinion I’ve been forming.”
Geordie leaned forward, eyes twinkling. “And what about you, son? Where do your thoughts lie with this young lady?”
Matt hesitated, running a hand along the armrest of his chair. “I’m ... rapidly coming to some conclusions. But it’s still a bit soon to lay them out. You know most of the story already—the crazy few weeks since we met. But everything about her feels ... different.”
Neither Caroline nor Geordie pressed further. Caroline simply reached over and touched his hand. “We don’t want to prejudge anything, Matt. But if this should become serious, we’d be very happy to welcome Rachel into the family. She’s a fine girl. I can’t think of anyone nicer for you.”
Matt’s throat tightened. He looked between them, grateful. “Thanks, Mum. Thanks, Dad. I think one of the biggest gifts you could give her is your mentoring, Mum. You know better than anyone how to build a full life as a paraplegic. That could make all the difference for her.”
Caroline’s eyes shone. “If she wants it, I’d be honoured to walk alongside her.”
A short while later, Rachel re-emerged, fresher but still subdued. She smiled shyly as Matt waved her over. “Feel like a quieter activity? I thought I’d show you a few old photo albums.”
Rachel brightened. “I’d love that.”
Together they sat on the couch, paging through school photos, family holidays, and early horse shows. Rachel teased him gently about his teenage haircut, while Matt pointed out Caroline’s early medals and Geordie’s farming triumphs.
At dinner, Caroline asked Rachel, “Well, what do you make of your weekend with us?”
Rachel set down her fork thoughtfully. “Honestly? It’s been wonderful. Riding Trixie has been a dream—I’d love to do it again. Archery, though...” She laughed. “I think I’ll leave that to Matt.”
“Fair enough,” Geordie grinned. “One step at a time.”
By mid-evening, the weekend had wound itself down, the kitchen tidied and the fire banked. Matt and Rachel said their goodbyes, and soon their car hummed along the dark road home.
Rachel leaned her head against the seat, eyelids heavy despite her afternoon rest. Her words blurred with sleepiness. “It’s been ... such a good weekend.”
“Glad to hear it,” Matt murmured, glancing at her fondly.
By the time he pulled up outside her home, her head had dropped to one side, eyes closed. Smiling, he stepped out, carefully lifted her into his arms, and carried her inside. She stirred faintly as he set her down on her bed, removing her shoes.
“Rest easy,” he whispered, brushing a gentle kiss across her forehead. Then, quietly, he let himself out.
...
Rachel felt a little disoriented when she awoke. It took a moment to realise she was in her own bed, still fully clothed. Then the memory came back in fragments: Matt’s quiet hands lifting her from the car, the murmur of his voice as he carried her inside, and the faintest brush of lips on her forehead before she drifted away again.
She gave a wry smile. Sad, yes, that she hadn’t stayed awake long enough to kiss him goodnight — but deeply thankful he had not taken any advantage.
“What an honourable man,” she whispered to herself.
After a shower and breakfast, her phone buzzed.
“Good morning, my sweet,” came Matt’s warm voice. “How are you today?”
Rachel laughed softly. “Slightly woozy — as if I’d had one glass too many. But it was good wine, Matt, and an even better weekend. I must have been too far gone last night to thank you properly. I’ll make it up to you when I see you again. Soon, I hope.”
To read the complete story you need to be logged in:
Log In or
Register for a Free account
(Why register?)
* Allows you 3 stories to read in 24 hours.