Page 57 of In the Dust

“I wanted to surprise you with it later.” His eyes flit back to me. “I figured you’d sleep in a little longer.”

“Me too,” I reply with a laugh. “I have to call Harper.”

“Tell her to come over later with Jackson. We can all explore it tonight.” He leans in to kiss my forehead. “I still have a few more things to finish up in there.”

“Good idea.” I wrap my arms around his waist.

I rest my head against his chest, perfectly content while staring at the symbol of how far this man is willing to go to make me happy.

* * *

Jackson’s truckpulls up several hours later, leaving a trail of dust behind him.

I look out at the pasture, watching as the sun casts a beautiful golden glow across everything in its path.

Once he comes to a stop, I walk towards Harper’s door, ready to show off the sweet gift Colton made, but she jumps out before I can get too close.

“I’ve been meaning to call you.” She lets out an awkward laugh.

“No more avoiding.” I give her a serious look. “At least tell me it’s official, and then you can explain everything else later.”

Harper smiles. “Okay, okay … We’re exclusive.”

I let out an excited squeal as I embrace her. “Yay! I’m so happy for you.” I look over to Jackson, who is laughing with Colton by the front porch. “He’s a great guy. He’ll treat you well.”

“That he will.” She winks, and we both break out in laughter. “I have a surprise for you.” She points at Jackson’s truck, waving her hand.

What is it with surprises lately?

The back passenger door swings open, and out steps someone I didn’t think I’d be seeing anytime soon.

“Gina!” I can’t believe my eyes. She was such a rock for me in New York, the one person I could always rely on for anything, and now she’s here in my little town.

I’m overcome with emotions as I throw my arms around her, squeezing tight to make sure she’s real.

“I missed you too, Dixie!” She giggles as I release my tight grip on her.

“Oh, Harper.” I turn to embrace her. “This is the best surprise!”

Harper looks past me, smiling at someone behind me.

I look to see who it is. “Colton?” I give her a confused look before glancing back at him again. He’s now standing closer to us with his hands in his pockets and a sweet smile adorning his face.

“Don’t thank me, Dix.” She nods her head. “Thank him. It was his idea.”

“What?” I shake my head in disbelief. “How?”

“I just had the idea, and Harper made it happen,” he answers.

As if this man couldn’t be any more romantic. My heart feels like it’s about to explode from all the excitement and joy I’m experiencing at this moment.

I grab Colton’s face, looking him straight in the eyes. “Have I told you I love you lately?”

He places a hand on the small of my back. “Yes, but feel free to remind me any chance you get.” He leans in to plant a gentle kiss to my pouty lips.

“Are you going to introduce me to your sexy new cowboy or make out all day?” Gina grins, holding back a laugh.

“Right.” I blush. “Gina, this is Colton.” I gesture to the statue next to me. “Colton, this is Gina.”

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