Page 93 of In the Dust

26

Colton

Six Months Later

Things have seemed to go back to normal since the funeral.Well, our new normal.

There’s no denying how heavy Burl’s death has weighed on all of us. Dixie’s been painting more, which I’m grateful for. She’s coping better than I expected.I think her growth from the first few months of her returning home helped keep her here. So much happened after her return, I thought for sure she’d run.

But she didn’t.

I like to think my love for her played a role.

I’ve been spending a lot of time at the lake, our lake. Dix just thinks it’s how I’m dealing with his death since I won’t let her come with me. But that’s not it.

I have a surprise for her.

* * *

“She’s in the shower,”Harper reveals.

“Thank you for keeping her busy today.”

“Of course!” she beams. “You’d better hurry before she finishes.”

I quietly sneak into her room while she’s in the bathroom. I take in a deep breath, savoring the scent of strawberries and lavender that floats through the air. I walk up to her nightstand and place my handwritten note next to the old frame that holds a newer picture of two fools in love.

Dixie May Norwood,

Wear your best.

Meet me at the stables.

Six o’clock sharp.

-Colton

* * *

My nerves beginto unravel as I stand outside of the stable with Pixie. I’m wearing a dusty blue button up shirt with my darkest pair of Wrangler’s, which I’ve paired with my Ariat boots I know she loves.

Pixie moves, and I rub her neck. “She’ll be here any minute now.”

I look towards the house and realize Dixie is already halfway to me.

Holy shit.

A knot forms in my chest, constricting my airways. She looks absolutely stunning. She’s wearing a light denim dress that stops just above her knees, a thin brown belt secured around her waist, and a pair of cowboy boots.

Her long dark hair is curled, and it bounces with every step she takes. She’s giving me that sweet smile she reserves only for me.

“Hey, handsome.”

I clear my throat. “You look beautiful.”

Her cheeks flush. “Thank you. So, where are you taking me?”

“It’s a surprise. I need you to wear this.” I pull out a long piece of fabric, and she grows hesitant. “Do you trust me?”

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