Page 104 of Rewrite Our Story

My head cocksto the side. Before I can question what he means, his picture pops up on my phone. I swipe to answer immediately, comforted by seeing him.

Cade smiles. “There’s my girl.”

I tuck my feet underneath me, snuggling deeper into my writing chair as I hold the phone out in front of me. “You’re up late.”

As if on cue, he yawns. “To you it’s early.”

“I’m trying to write two chapters tonight so I'll probably be up until you wake up for chores in the morning.”

“How’s it coming?” His voice sounds tired and his eyelids are heavy. I pick up my glass of wine with my free hand, taking a sip as I appreciate the man on the other side of the screen.

Even though I know he’d typically be asleep by now, he’s staying up just to talk to me. To see my face. My heart thumps in my chest with love. I can’t believe he’s mine.

“I’m so happy with the direction of the story. I think people will love it.”

“Of course they will.” His voice is sleepy. His eyes get heavier and heavier with each minute that passes by.

“How’s everything on the ranch?”

He pulls the blanket close to his face, getting more comfortable. “Busy.Sobusy.”

This time when his eyes drift shut, they don’t open again. His breaths even out, and he’s fallen asleep. I watch him for a few moments, wishing I was lying in bed next to him. I wish I could reach out and play with his overgrown hair. That I could feel the scratch of his facial hair against my palm.

“I love you,” I whisper. He doesn’t respond but he doesn’t have to. I can feel his love. I feel it all the time, even though we aren’t with each other.

Sighing, I end the call. I want to rifle through my suitcase that I still haven’t unpacked from Sutten and pull out one of his shirts I stole and brought home. I packed as many as possible, wanting to have things that smell like him while we were apart.

Tonight, as I write, it hits a little harder that I’m not with him. I use the pain of missing him to my advantage. I write three chapters quickly, knowing the more I can give to my editor, the closer I am to finishing the book—which means the closer I am to seeing him.

CADE

Sending a picture of your marigolds.

They look beautiful this morning.

MARE

I wish I were there with you.

CADE

I love you.

MARE

I love you, too.

* * *

MARE

You haven’t answered me all day, and I know you’re busy getting ready for the fall.

Send me a picture of you all sweaty from working outside. Don’t be shy, get that marigold in there. ??

CADE

I’ll send you a picture of whatever you want, Goldie.

---