Page 72 of Fall With Me (Sugarland Creek)

“Well, if you wanna stick around, I’ll read to you both.”

My heart swells at the thought of him sitting in Ranger’s stall and reading to him. I know Ranger must love it.

“Sure, I can stay for a while.”

As I continue brushing Ranger’s coat and combing through his mane, Landen reads and it’s mesmerizing. He has a great reading voice.

“Sweetheart, it’s gettin’ late. We should go,” my dad says an hour later.

When I stick out my lower lip, he sighs. “You can’t push yourself too quickly.”

“I’m just standin’ here,” I argue.

He gives me a pointed look. “You know what I mean.”

“Can you bring me back tomorrow?” I ask him.

“Maybe. We’ll see how you’re feelin’.”

Landen flashes me a small smile, and I give him one in return. “Thanks for readin’ to Ranger and me.”

“Anytime, Ellie.”

The smooth way he says my name sounds like he’s been eagerly waiting to speak it out loud.

Dad nods at Landen, and then I say goodbye.

As we drive back into town, I get a text from a number I don’t recognize.

Unknown

You forgot something.

Well, that could be anything considering…but first…

Ellie

Who is this?

Unknown

Wow, seriously? You never even saved my name in your phone. Why am I not surprised?

I snort.Previous Ellie really did hate him.

Ellie

Maybe I was just trying to come up with a name as clever as Little Devil.

Unknown

I’m sure that was the case.

Ellie

Well, give me an idea…what name would I have put your number under?

Unknown

---