Page 31 of Steadfast

All the air left Maeve in a single forceful breath.

“Dallas—” she started, knowing full well that her lack of immediate return spoke volumes. There was something within her that dug its heels into her heart and tied her tongue into a knot. She ran her fingers across her lips, struggling to find the words that would somehow make it all okay.

Dallas was her best friend, herperson.However—

There was only one man she had ever said those sacred words to and meant them with her whole heart.

Gracious as always, Dallas filled the unbearable silence. Pulling her in, he rested his head softly on hers once again.

“As long as it takes, Maeve.”

And she knew he meant it.

Tears stung her eyes, threatening to tumble down her cheeks. Despite her well crafted facade, her chest ached with doubt that she may never be ready.

It wasn’t until Dallas gently shook her awake that Maeve realized she had dozed off. He was her safe harbor and was graciousto hold her there as she slept soundly for the first time in awhile with her head propped on his shoulder.

“I better get going,” he whispered.

“I’m sorry, Dal,” she said, orienting herself through her sleep filled eyes.

“I’m just happy you got some rest,” Dallas replied with a sober smile. “I’m worried about you, Maeve.”

“No, not just that,” Maeve said softly, dashing a tear from her eye with her knuckle. “I’m sorry about everything.”

“It’s okay,” He nodded. “I understand.”

She knew he was masking his disappointment for her sake.

They crossed the gravel driveway to where his truck was parked. Dallas leaned against the driver’s door, pulling Maeve in close. She leaned her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat through the soft flannel of his shirt.

She felt his hand under her chin, raising her eyes to meet his gaze. There was love there, pure and simple.

Stepping into his truck, he gave her one last reassuring glance.

“We’re okay, Maeve.”

She nodded, crossing her arms in the shadow of the early morning hours. She lingered there, watching the red glow of his truck’s tail lights disappear in a cloud of dust down the long dirt road. Completely lost in her thoughts, she kicked a piece of gravel, causing it to clatter into the darkness.

It all felt like an end.

Chapter 11

Ferociously Fluffy

Oakleigh went live as usual that Sunday morning while doing her barn chores. She wore sturdy overalls, a warm long sleeve shirt, and a gray beanie over her long blonde braided hair. Her followers devoured watching the former socialite do the filthy manual labor around the ranch, and Oakleigh was ready and willing to capitalize on their enthusiasm. Standing next to a horse stall with a pitchfork in one hand and her phone in the other, she answered a few of the questions that scrolled rapidly across her screen.

Connecting with her fans was the easy, gratifying part of her day. Their adoration was seemingly unwavering, and they were eager for just a fleeting moment of her attention.

It felt good to be appreciated.

“All right, guys,” she said, winding the live video down. “I’ve got to get down to the real work around here. I’ll go live later if you want to join us at White Bridge Community Church. I’ll have an update soon about the amazing work we’re doing from our crowdfund.”

Bringing her video to a close, Oakleigh gave her Sunday sendoff that she had developed over the last year.

“To those of you who are feeling lonely or unloved, you’re always welcome here.” It was more than just words to Oakleigh, who still felt a nagging ache that she didn’t quite belong anywhere.

Digging the large metal scoop into the barrel of horse feed, she poured the pellets into the trough.

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