Page 27 of A Cowboy's Halloween

“His name is Matthew, and he’s been an absolute gem.”

Heather grinned to herself. She could hear the smile in Jessica’s voice.

“We met through mutual friends,” Jessica said, “and he’s shown me what a healthy and loving relationship should be like. He’s patient, caring, and understanding, and he’s helped me heal from past wounds.”

Heather couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope as she listened to Jessica’s story. The fact that her friend had found happiness in a healthy relationship gave her a new perspective.

“Maybe someday, I’ll meet someone like Matthew, but for now, I think I need to focus on healing and rediscovering myself.”

“Healing is so important,” Jessica said.

Heather laughed slightly. “I hurt my wrist, and so many people have said that healing should be my top priority, health… It’s true, but it’s not just about physical healing.”

“So true! When the time is right, you’ll know. And until then, you have friends who care about you and will be there every step of the way.”

Their conversation reassured Heather that there was hope for the future, and with friends like Jessica by her side, she felt more optimistic about the possibility of trusting and loving again when the time was right.

CHAPTER13

The next morning, as Jack went about his morning routine, he was taken completely by surprise when he heard a knock at his door. It was early, and he couldn’t fathom who might be visiting at this hour.

With a sense of curiosity and a touch of excitement, he quickly made his way to the door and swung it open. To his amazement, standing there on his doorstep was Heather, her presence bringing a smile to his face.

“Heather? What brings you here so early?” he asked, surprised and delighted.

He had tossed and turned all night long, afraid that he had ruined their friendship and that things would be terribly awkward between them. His feelings hadn’t changed in the slightest. More than anything, he wanted them to be together, but only if that was what Heather wanted too.

Heather looked a bit hesitant but determined as she met Jack’s gaze. “Jack, there’s something important I need to talk to you about.”

Jack could sense the urgency in her tone, and without hesitation, he stepped aside, inviting her into his apartment.

“Of course, Heather. Come on in. Let’s talk,” he said warmly, still hoping that this would be a good talk.

As Heather entered Jack’s home, the atmosphere was filled with a mix of emotions—surprise, concern, and a hint of anticipation. Whatever was on her mind, Jack was ready to listen and offer his support as their friendship continued to deepen and evolve.

Before she had a chance to speak, Jack took a moment to address her, his expression sincere and regretful.

“Heather, before we get into anything else, I want to apologize for everything. I never should have put you on the spot like that, and I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable with my earlier request. Our friendship means a lot to me, and I shouldn’t have pushed you into something you weren’t ready for.”

Heather smiled and nodded. “Jack, I appreciate your apology, and I want you to know that it means a lot to me. I understand that your intentions were sincere, and it’s okay.”

Their exchange of understanding and forgiveness set a positive tone for their conversation. With the air cleared, Jack hoped Heather felt more comfortable sharing whatever it was that had brought her to his doorstep that morning. He hoped she knew that he was a true friend who would listen and support her through whatever challenges lay ahead.

Heather smiled. “Jack, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and I realized that I want to give this a chance. So, what do you say? Would you like to go out with me?”

Jack blinked a few times. He couldn’t have predicted this turn of events, but a sense of happiness and excitement welled up within him as he heard her invitation.

His face lit up with a joyful grin, his heart filled with a sense of exhilaration. “Heather, I’d love to go out with you!”

Heather’s smile grew wider. “Great! How about we celebrate with breakfast right now? There’s a charming little café not far from here.”

Jack couldn’t contain his excitement as he agreed to her proposal. “Breakfast sounds perfect, Heather. Lead the way!”

As they embarked on this unexpected adventure, Jack and Heather knew that this breakfast date marked the beginning of a new chapter in their friendship, one filled with the potential for something more. With smiles on their faces and anticipation in their hearts, they left Jack’s apartment together, ready to enjoy a delicious meal and each other’s company.

* * *

Despite the initial excitement and their shared desire to explore a potential romantic connection, Jack and Heather’s breakfast date turned out to be surprisingly awkward. As they sat across from each other in the cozy café, an unexpected tension seemed to hang in the air.

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