The arrangement was straightforward. Cullen needed Veronica to watch Sabrina for the weekend.
Over the last two years, Cullen had shouldered most of the childcare responsibilities, whatever his motivations might have been. But when business obligations or personal matters prevented him from taking Sabrina along, the duty naturally shifted to Veronica during his absence.
Veronica drove back to the estate that evening.
Over dinner, she looked across the table at Sabrina. "What would you like to do this weekend?"
Sabrina considered the question carefully, her small brow furrowing in concentration before she shook her head. "I don't really have any ideas."
But Veronica could read the disappointment written across the child's features. Sabrina wasn't lacking in enthusiasm for weekend activities. She simply preferred spending her free time with Cullen and Niall. Without either of them present, even the most exciting prospects seemed to lose their appeal.
Rather than point out the obvious, Veronica offered an alternative. "What do you think about horseback riding?"
The suggestion immediately transformed Sabrina's expression. Her eyes brightened with genuine interest. She hadn't been riding in months, and the prospect clearly appealed to her. "That sounds perfect!"
The following morning, Veronica drove them to the local equestrian facility.
While adjusting her riding gear in the preparation area, Veronica overheard Sabrina enthusiastically talking with Alexander Monarch, one of the senior instructors. With her back turned toward Veronica, Sabrina was saying, "My father rides incredibly well, and so does one of my aunts. They both look so elegant in the saddle! I really wish they could have joined us today."
Veronica remained near the doorway, choosing not to interrupt the conversation.
Alexander spotted her first and offered a respectful greeting. "Good morning, Ms. Murray."
Veronica acknowledged him with a brief nod. Alexander continued, "Would you prefer if I arranged for an additional instructor to work with you?"
"That would be helpful," Veronica agreed.
While she was certainly capable of riding independently, it had been three or four years since her last proper session. During Sabrina's earlier years, Veronica had brought her to this facility regularly, but her attention had always been devoted entirely to supervising Sabrina rather than focusing on her own riding.
Alexander guided Sabrina toward the beginner's training ring, while Veronica was directed to a different practice area.
Her assigned instructor initially assumed she was a complete newcomer to the sport. However, watching Veronica mount her horse with fluid, confident movements, he couldn't conceal his amazement. "You clearly have significant experience, Ms. Murray?"
"Some," Veronica responded simply.
After a brief refresher session, she took complete control of the reins. With a sharp crack of her riding crop, the white mare responded with a spirited whinny and launched into a powerful gallop.
Following several circuits around the training ring, Veronica finally brought her horse to a stop and dismounted, intending to check on Sabrina's progress.
As she walked toward Sabrina's training area, she came to an abrupt halt approximately ten yards from her destination.
Cullen and Niall had arrived at the equestrian center.
Sabrina was practically bouncing with delight as she wrapped her arms around Niall's legs. Her face radiated pure happiness as the three of them engaged in animated conversation.
Within minutes, Sabrina and Niall had mounted the same horse, with Sabrina positioned securely in front while Niall held the reins from behind. Cullen rode alongside them on a separate mount.
The two horses moved in perfect synchronization, their riders sharing laughter and easy conversation. Observing them from her vantage point, they presented the unmistakable image of a contented family unit.
Veronica stood motionless, watching as their silhouettes gradually disappeared into the distance. None of them had noticed her presence, and eventually she turned away, heading back toward the facility's main building.
She returned to the changing area, removed her riding attire, and took several sips of water before settling into one of the lounge chairs.
Her phone buzzed after only a short wait. Cullen's name appeared on the screen.
Veronica accepted the call. "Yes?"
"I'm here at the equestrian center," Cullen's voice came through clearly. "I'll be taking Sabrina with me from this point."
"Understood," Veronica replied.
The moment her response ended, she heard the familiar, abrupt sound of Cullen disconnecting the call.
Veronica had been anticipating this exact conversation. With Sabrina's afternoon plans now settled, she gathered her belongings and walked out of the equestrian center.