Page 48 of Rust and Stardust

“He’s got a life back in New York,” I interjected. “A career. And I’m not gonna force him to stay here just for me.”

Mabel stared at us for a long moment, her eyes looking us up and down as if inspecting us for inconsistencies.

Mabel's eyes softened as she looked between us. “Well, I reckon that's somethin' you two will have to figure out for yourselves. But let me tell you somethin' - love ain't about forcin' anyone to doanythin'. It's about findin' a way to make it work, no matter the distance or circumstances.”

Lucas nodded, his grip on my hand tightening. “I know that, ma'am. And I want to make it work with Beau. I just... I don't know how yet.”

Mabel leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile spreading across her face. “You know, when Frank and I first got together, folks said it'd never work. Him bein' a rancher and me bein' a city girl from Dallas. But we found a way. Sometimes love means makin' sacrifices, but it also means findin' compromises. Now, you two drink your coffee before it gets cold, and I’ll finish breakfast. We can talk more about this later.” She stood up once more, but paused, glancing back at me. “And no more sneakin’ around Beau Turner. You’re an adult and this is your home. Act like it.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Mabel gave him a gentle smile before she started bustling about the kitchen once more. Lucas and I exchanged glances, a mix of relief and lingering anxiety in our eyes. We spent the rest of the meal in silence, the weight of the morning's revelations still settling over us.

We ate quickly, avoiding the rest of the family. I wasn’t quite ready to have the big talk with all of them at once just yet. Lucas and I stepped out onto the front porch, the warm Texas sun already beating down. I leaned against the railing, my mind racing.

“Well, that wasn't so bad,” Lucas said, bumping his shoulder against mine.

I let out a shaky laugh. “Could've been worse, I reckon. But now...”

“Now what?” Lucas asked, turning to face me.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Now we gotta figure out what to do. How to deal with this all.”

“Got any ideas?”

“Just one,” I grinned, grabbing him by the hand. “Come on.”

Ten minutes later we were at the back of the barn, Willow’s bridle in my hand and Daisy next to Lucas. He kept glancing at hernervously, but I was too busy putting up with Willow’s irritated nips at my shoulder.

“I know, I know,” I said, patting her gently. “I’m sorry I’ve been so busy. But we’re gonna make up for that right now, girl.” She didn’t look impressed or pleased, but she wasn’t running off either. I turned to Lucas. “You okay with ridin’ Daisy? We’ll take it real slow.”

“As long as she doesn’t try to run the Kentucky Derby again with me on her back, I think I’ll be fine.”

“Just don’t kick her this time and you’ll be okay. Besides,” I said, reaching out and grabbing his hand. “I’ll be right here if you need to be rescued again.”

Lucas smiled, a mix of nervousness and excitement in his eyes. “My hero,” he said, leaning in to steal a quick kiss. “So, where are we going?”

I grinned, swinging up onto Willow's back with practiced ease. “It's a surprise. Just follow my lead.”

We rode out across the rolling prairie, the morning sun warming our backs. Lucas was still a bit stiff in the saddle, but he was getting better. I kept glancing over, making sure he was alright, and each time he'd catch my eye and smile. It made my heart skip a beat every damn time.

After about an hour, we crested a small hill, and I pulled Willow to a stop. Below us stretched a hidden valley, lush and green, with a small stream winding through it. Wildflowers dotted the grass in splashes of purple and yellow. It was a little piece of paradise tucked away in the back of the Turner ranch.

“It's beautiful,” Lucas breathed, his eyes wide as he took in the view.

I dismounted Willow, patting her flank as I moved to help Lucas off Daisy. “This is my favorite spot on the whole ranch. I come here when I need to think or just... be.”

Lucas slid off the horse, stumbling slightly as his feet hit the ground. I caught him, steadying him with my hands on his hips. Helooked up at me, a soft smile on his face. “And you're sharing it with me?”

“'Course I am,” I said, my voice low. “I want to share everything with you, Lucas.”

His hands came up to rest on my chest, fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt. “Everything, huh?”

I nodded, leaning in to press my forehead against his. “Everything.”

We stood there for a moment, just breathing each other in. Then Lucas tilted his chin up, brushing his lips against mine in a soft kiss. I melted into it, pulling him closer as the kiss deepened. The horses nickered softly behind us, but I paid them no mind. All I could focus on was Lucas - the taste of him, the feel of his body against mine, the little sounds he made as I slid my hands down to cup his ass.

When we finally broke apart, both of us were breathing heavily. Lucas's eyes were dark with desire as he looked up at me. “So,” he said, his voice husky, “is this why you brought me out here? To have your way with me, cowboy?”

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