Page 115 of The Wayward Son

Friday came sooner than Sawyer wanted it to and as he packed the few things he’d be taking with him, he really wished he wasn’t going to be gone for three days. He didn’t mind spending the weekend with J.T., his dad, and the men. But he knew he was going to miss Jade.

They’d been able to find some time alone over the last two days, but each time made it a little bit harder for him to go along with her plan. He wanted to be with her openly. He didn’t like sneaking around. Although the urgency did lend to a rather satisfying experience. He’d trade it though for the chance to kiss her in public, or even just hold her hand. He was in love with Jade, and he wanted his family to know it.

It was still dark when he drove down the road to Sage’s house. He parked the truck and went around the house to Jade’s bedroom window. He knocked softly, wanting to wake her, but not scare her.

A moment later, she appeared at the window and opened it.

“What are you doing here?”

“I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye.”

“We said goodbye last night.”

“Still.”

“How soon are you leaving?”

“In about a half hour.”

She smiled. “You should’ve come a little earlier.”

“Come out to the front porch for a minute.”

She nodded, then closed the window. Sawyer went back around the house and reached the porch as she came out the front door wrapped in a blanket. He went up the steps and gave her a hug.

She smiled at him. “Don’t go falling off your horse or get trampled by a cow.”

“I’m not planning on it.”

“Well, I’m sure nobody plans on it. It just happens.”

“Not to me. I’ve got to make it home in one piece.”

“Why?”

He brushed some hair off her face. “So I can do this.” He pulled her in for another kiss.

“I’m counting on it.”

He moved back a little, but kept his arms around her waist. “Good luck with your interview today.”

She waved a hand. “No problem. The job is in the bag.”

“Will you let me come down and see you while you’re working?”

“Of course. After the first week or so. You need to give me a little time to learn the bar.”

He smiled at her. “Just watch out for those cowboys.”

“I can handle the cowboys.”

He grinned. “I know you can. But there’s only one cowboy I want you handling.”

“Don’t worry. I only have eyes for you, Hercules.”

He kissed her again. “I should go.”

“Be safe. I know you’re not going to fall off your horse or get run over by a cow. But still be careful and come back to me in one piece.”

---