Page 2 of Relentless

“Lead the way,” Maeve relented, wearing an irrepressible smile.

They went through the pasture towards home. Maeve and Dallas lingered a few paces behind, enjoying the quiet moment together before they were bombarded with excitement from their family and friends.

The sprawling ranch house was surrounded by cars and trucks lining the long, dusty driveway.

Oakleigh had attempted to narrow down the guest list, and Maeve eventually told her to just throw in the towel. When they had announced friends and family were welcome, they knew that meanteveryone.

Callaway Ranch had plenty of room to accommodate them all.

The fire was crackling in the large fireplace, warming the expansive house from the brand-new hardwood floor to the beams of the vaulted ceiling. June, who had been a friend to the Callaways longer than anyone could remember, had been hard at work all day making sure to meet all of Oakleigh’s specifications. She was bustling around in her best floral dress and barking orders to the ladies on the church events committee.

The guests were mingling throughout the large living room. There was a symphony of the clattering of plates, clinking of silverware, and friendly chatter.

Sawyer propped a wooden stool beside Bethany near the warm hearth. Picking up his guitar, he gestured with a nod. She pulled the microphone to her lips and began to sing a lilting melody. Her long brown hair was pulled into a low ponytail over her shoulder. It was clear she couldn’t help but smile when he was near.

Oakleigh was certain Sawyer couldn’t possibly have that same effect on anyone else.

She observed them together. They were perfect for each other but matched at the wrong time. Even though the two had broken up over a year before, they had managed to maintain a close friendship. After leading worship in the coffee shop together every Sunday, it was only fitting that they filled the corners of the house with music for Maeve and Dallas’ wedding reception.

Oakleigh propped her arm on Crew’s shoulder, lifting her chin in their direction. “You think those two will ever work it out?”

“Eh, I dunno,” Crew said with a shrug. “Sawyer doesn’t have anything on his mind except Callaway Ranch.”

Taking in the sight around her, she noticed Maeve leaning on Dallas with her hand on his knee. Through all the ups and downs of their relationship, the chemistry between the pastorand the most talked about widow in White Bridge had been undeniable.

“If it could happen for those two,” Oakleigh remarked. “I suppose there’s hope for Sawyer.”

Crew took her hand and gently ran his thumb over her smooth palm. “And what about you and me?”

She leaned on his muscular shoulder and clasped his firm bicep. “Us too.”

Crew cleared his throat, nervously rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand. “Mind if we get some air?”

She tilted her head as she attempted to decipher his sudden change in body language. “Sure? I guess?”

Crew stood to his feet and offered his hand. He led her to the front door, and she noticed his grip going clammy. She took one last look behind her before heading outside, catching Maeve’s concerned expression from across the room.

Oakleigh simply shrugged, entirely unsure of why hercute cowboywas in such a hurry.

Propping the door open, he placed his hand on her lower back and ushered her over the threshold. She stepped into the chilly night air and could already see her breath making clouds. Another sign that the frigid Montana winter was already on its way.

“What are we doing?” she asked, slightly annoyed to be taken away from the party.

“Just come sit with me for a minute,” Crew replied. Intertwining his fingers with hers, he led the way to their favorite spot on the porch swing.

Feeling his warmth beside her, Oakleigh’s annoyance evaporated. She pulled his strong bicep closer, holding on with a grip that conveyed all the yearning built up over the time he was away, competing in the sport he loved.

“You missed me, huh?” Crew breathed as he lifted her chin and kissed her tenderly.

She sighed. “Things just aren’t the same when you’re away.” She had been keeping busy around the ranch, taking on more responsibilities, all the while juggling her social media career. She was even spending less time at the coffee shop, handing over the position of manager into Audrey’s eager clutches. It was all an effort to keep her mind off her boyfriend’s booming rodeo career that kept him on the road for weeks at a time.

They rocked gently together on the swing. The icy mountain breeze brushed over them, sweeping through her long blonde hair.

“I’m hoping you can join me on the road for a bit,” Crew spoke up apprehensively.

Oakleigh gave him a skeptical sideways glance. They had both approached Maeve with the subject on multiple occasions. She had responded with a sarcastic burst of laughter, muttering under her breath something like —

Yeah, sure. We’ll discuss that on the twelfth of never.

---