Expect The Unexspected

Mom&Veronica

Veronica burst into the sunroom, a whirlwind of youthful energy. She flung herself onto the plush sofa beside her mother, who was meticulously arranging a vase of lilies.

"Mom! Can we go riding today? Please?"

Grace looked up, a smile softening the lines of worry etched around her eyes. "Riding, sweetheart? Is that what you're asking?"

Veronica nodded eagerly, her eyes shining with anticipation. "Yes! Princess is getting restless, I think. And I miss her so much."

Grace’s smile faltered slightly. The thought of spending a peaceful afternoon with Veronica, away from the looming pressure of the Gatsby party and Richard's expectations, was a welcome respite. But practicality tugged at her.

"Sweetheart, I have so much to do for the party this weekend. I'm swamped."

Veronica’s face fell. "Oh." Her voice was small, disappointed.

Grace softened. She knew how much Veronica loved Princess, the chestnut mare Richard had lavishly gifted her for her fifth birthday last year. It had been a grand gesture, a public display of affection, but the horse had become a genuine source of joy for Veronica.

"Look," Grace said, gently taking Veronica's hand. "How about this? I'll finish up some of these arrangements, and then we'll go. We can spend a couple of hours with Princess before dinner. Does that work?"

Veronica's face lit up. "Really? Yes! That's perfect, Mom! Thank you!" She squeezed Grace's hand, her enthusiasm infectious.

"But," Grace added, a touch of caution in her voice, "we need to be back before six. Richard will want you looking your best for the party guests."

Veronica's smile dimmed slightly at the mention of the party, but she quickly recovered. "Okay, Mom. Six o'clock sharp. We'll have the best time with Princess." She hopped off the sofa, already brimming with excitement.

Grace watched her daughter go, a mixture of love and apprehension swirling within her. The afternoon with Veronica would be a precious escape, a brief respite from the whirlwind of preparations and the suffocating weight of expectations. But the party loomed, a stark reminder of the delicate balance she had to maintain – between her own desires and Richard's demands, between her role as a wife and her role as a mother. For now, though, there was the promise of an afternoon spent with a horse and a daughter, a small victory in the face of a demanding weekend.

The afternoon sun warmed their backs as they rode Princess through the rolling fields. Veronica, perched confidently in the saddle, laughed as Princess playfully tossed her head. Grace, riding alongside, couldn’t help but smile at her daughter's infectious joy.

"Faster, Princess!" Veronica urged, her voice ringing with delight. Princess responded with a spirited trot, her hooves drumming a happy rhythm against the earth.

"Whoa there, slow down, you two," Grace chuckled, her own horse ambling along at a more sedate pace. "We don't want to tire Princess out before the party."

Veronica giggled. "But Mom, she loves to run!"

"I know, sweetheart," Grace replied, her voice tender. "But we need to be back by six, remember? And we don't want to be late for dinner."

They spent the next hour exploring the familiar trails, Veronica chattering excitedly about school, friends, and her dreams. Grace listened patiently, occasionally interjecting with a question or a shared memory. It was a simple pleasure, this time spent together, a precious escape from the looming demands of the weekend.

Back at the stables, they carefully groomed Princess, brushing her coat until it gleamed. Veronica hummed a cheerful tune, her fingers deftly working through the horse's mane. The shared task fostered a quiet intimacy, a comfortable silence punctuated by the soft swish of brushes and the gentle whinnies of Princess.

Dinner was a relaxed affair, a welcome contrast to the anticipated formality of the evening's gathering. Richard, surprisingly subdued, even joined in their laughter, sharing a story about his own childhood adventures with horses. For a brief moment, the family felt united, a small island of peace in the midst of the impending storm.

Later, tucked into bed, Veronica snuggled close to her mother. "Tell me a story, Mom," she whispered, her eyes already half-closed.

Grace smiled, her heart softening. She knew exactly which story to tell. It was a favorite, a tale of a brave prince and his beautiful princess.

"Once upon a time," Grace began, her voice a gentle lullaby, "in a kingdom nestled amongst rolling hills and sparkling rivers, lived a handsome prince. He was kind and courageous, but he longed for a princess as brave and beautiful as the sun."

Veronica listened intently, her breathing slowing with each word. The story unfolded, a tale of adventure, love, and unwavering loyalty. The prince, through trials and tribulations, found his princess, not in a grand castle, but in a quiet meadow, where they rode side-by-side, their hearts as one.

"...and so," Grace concluded, her voice barely a whisper, "the prince and his beautiful princess lived happily ever after, riding through life together, side by side, their love as strong and enduring as the mountains themselves."

Veronica drifted off to sleep, a peaceful smile on her face. Grace kissed her forehead, a bittersweet feeling settling in her heart. The party loomed, but for now, there was only the quiet contentment of a mother and daughter sharing a moment of love and connection, a small victory in the face of the upcoming weekend's challenges.