Page 53 of Steadfast

They’re doomed.

Before they made their way upstairs, Paisley finally had the opportunity to meet Crew. The two chatted briefly before Paisley excused herself to bed.

She caught Oakleigh’s attention on her way upstairs.

“I like this one, Oaks,” she whispered indiscreetly, loud enough for Crew to hear. “Much better than Hudson.”

Oakleigh bristled at the mention of her ex-boyfriend. His name sent unpleasant chills up and down her spine. Crew sensed her discomfort and stepped closely by her side. She felt his fingers intertwine in hers.

It was the first time that day they had a chance to be alone without any distractions or looming obligations.

She hugged him tightly around the middle. Closing her eyes, she nuzzled into his soft shirt. She didn’t even mind the scent of the barn animals that he had just been tending to.

“Thank you for not being Hudson.”

“And what’s that all about?” Crew let out a short laugh and wrapped his strong arms around her. He put his hand under her chin, raising her eyes to his. “Let’s hang out for a bit, you and me.”

Oakleigh bit her lip and glanced at the clock on the wall. He would have to be up in just a few short hours.

“It’s late.”

“Nope, not having that sorry excuse.” He shook his head. “I’ve always got plenty of time for you.”

She could see the sincerity in his eyes, but she still felt a pang of guilt for taking up his entire evening. Despite her reservations, she gave him a nod. He led her by the hand to their favorite spot outside.

Crew pulled off his cowboy hat and ran his fingers through his long blonde hair. He flipped his thumb over the brim of the hat as they rocked gently on the porch swing. After wrestling with his thoughts, he put his arm around her.

“You know, I’m leaving next week for Nationals.”

“Yeah, I know,” Oakleigh said, kicking up a little dust with her boot. “I’m sorry for keeping you tonight.”

“No, it’s not about that,” Crew responded quickly. “It’s just, well—with the way things are looking, Maeve’s talkin’ about asking you to stay behind at the ranch with her. I thought I’d better be the first to tell you because I knew you wouldn’t like it.”

She scanned the dark pasture as she mulled over the news.

“I figured as much.” Oakleigh shrugged, giving his knee a reassuring pat. With storms looming in the forecast, it made sense for her to be called upon to help. She had to admit, it made her stomach hurt to consider being absent from Crew’s side for the most significant moment of his career.

“Well, the thing is,” Crew continued, his voice tremored as he sounded more nervous than ever. “I know you don’t like me being around all those rodeo girls. And well, I just want to let you know, Oakleigh—you’re the only one for me.”

His declaration caught her off guard, and the sincerity in his tone brought tears to her eyes. She ran her fingers down his gruff five o’clock shadow and gently pulled him in. His lips pressed to hers in a light, tender kiss.

In a moment of sheer intoxication in her closeness to Crew, Oakleigh whispered the words she had promised herself she would never be the first to say.

“I love you.”

Her mouth went dry as the realization of her mistake set in.

“I mean—I trust you, my love,” she rapidly stuttered, hoping to correct her mistake.

Crew tilted his head, biting his lip to hide the smile radiating to the crinkled corners of his ocean blue eyes. Leaning forward, he whispered in her ear.

“You lose.”

“Well, aren’t you gonna say it back?” She demanded. Shaking her head in defeat, she playfully gave him a sharp elbow to the chest.

“Oof,” he exclaimed, followed by a burst of his contagious laughter. “I’m just savoring the moment. I don’t get to win too often with you.” He inhaled, purposefully taking his sweet time as he clasped her hand.

She felt breathless. The look in his eyes told Oakleigh that she was the prize he had been seeking his whole life.

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