CHAPTER 24 | Ellie
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This early in the morning, Jacks or Better is almost magical. It’s how the sunrise slants pink and gold across the fields, how I can ride Beckon past a herd of deer and they don’t run away, how everything is quiet. It gives me plenty of time to think, my thoughts straying from the upcoming competition to Caleb to the chores I need to do.
And then return to Caleb.
I’d slipped out of his bed just as the light edged around his window. He’d briefly stirred, but fallen back asleep almost immediately. I wasn’t surprised. Even while resting, Caleb had looked exhausted. His face was pale and there were half-moon shadows under his eyes.
It hadn’t surprised me really. He’d been pushing as hard as I had been—harder—but I can’t shake the memory. I squeeze my calves aga
