Page 54 of Promise You Forever

“Probably.” I scoot back a bit so I can look up into his eyes. “Are we really doing this?”

“Yes. Don’t even think about backing out now. We can take it as slow as you need, just stay with me.”

The scariest thing is that I don’t have the urge to run from this. Now that I’ve allowed my heart to be open to him, to this,I feel peace. Lying here in bed with him feels right in a way that nothing has before.

Even the other times before for us didn’t feel like this. Maybe it’s because he’s opened himself up to me. He’s sharing his vulnerabilities instead of pushing me away.

Of course, there’s still a part of me pulling on the reins to slow us down. I’m not going to forget what happened before, but I do forgive him. He hasn’t shared the details of what happened to make him flip his switch, but the fact that he’s sought help and been in therapy speaks volumes.

“I’m in this.” Those are the last words I speak before falling asleep draped around him.

I woke up when Luke’s alarm went off, which was just as well since I have to drive Amber to the airport this morning. She’s already sitting at the counter studying with a cup of coffee by the time I get down to the kitchen. Her eyes find mine with a knowing gleam.

“Somebody had a good time last night,” she says before sipping her coffee.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The smile on my face belies the words I speak.

“Right.” She sets her cup down and checks her phone. “Dad said the plane should be here by nine this morning.”

“Okay, I’ll make us a quick breakfast and we can get going.”

“Do you think you’ll come out to LA anytime soon to pack up the rest of your things?”

“Yeah, I need to turn in my work badge and computer and clean out my office.” I crack a few eggs into a bowl. “I’m thinkingthe week before Christmas. I’ll check in with my parents for the obligatory holiday dinner then, too.”

“Have you spoken with them at all since the funeral?”

“Just a few sporadic texts about Grandpa.”

I’ve come to accept that it’s the most I’ll get from them. They hated my job but aren’t pleased about me moving here to take over the ranch either. In fact, Dad sent me three lengthy paragraphs telling me why he thinks it’s a mistake. Their opinion holds no weight for me, though. If anything, it fuels the fire to do this and be successful even more.

I make sure to make enough breakfast that Luke can come grab some. He didn’t even grab coffee yet, so I know he’ll be back.

“I think you’re going to be successful doing this.” Amber sits back in her chair and pushes her now empty plate away. “I’m sure there’s going to be setbacks, but you’ve always been your happiest here.”

I look around the kitchen with all the touches that remind me of Grams. “I think so, too. Maybe it’s blind confidence, but I feel like this is my purpose. Taking care of the ranch is the best way to honor Grams and Gramps.”

“The view’s not bad either.” She smiles as Luke and Colt walk into the kitchen, stomping snow off their boots. I’m not sure if she’s talking about the view of the mountains or the guys, they’re both equally captivating.

They grab some breakfast and fill their coffees before telling Amber goodbye. Luke pulls me aside to tell me he’s found a possible livestock guardian for the goats, one who has worked with them before. While we’re talking I notice Colt and Amber peeking over at us, smirking and laughing like they’re in on some private joke. One of which I assume is about us.

“They’re talking about us.” I gesture toward them with my head.

“Does it bother you?”

“No, it’s just funny for them to be so invested. It’s like they’re watching a sitcom unfold in front of them.”

Before I can even form a thought, his lips cover mine and his tongue invades my parted lips. He dips me backwards, and I have no choice but to wrap my arms around him. My stomach swoops when he rights us and breaks the kiss, his nose brushing mine for good measure.

“What was that for?” I ask breathlessly.

“Figured we might as well give them a show since they couldn’t stop looking.”

“I thought you were going to drop me.”

“The only place I’ll ever let you fall is back in love with me.”

Twenty-Two

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