Page 45 of A Cowboy's Halloween

“Makeup can hide the scars on the outside, but it can’t heal the ones on the inside,” she whispered to herself.

She took a moment to reflect on the journey she had undertaken to heal and rebuild her life after leaving her abusive ex. It had been a challenging path, one filled with moments of strength and resilience, as well as moments of vulnerability and pain.

As she climbed into bed, she knew that healing wasn’t a linear process and that the scars, both visible and hidden, were a part of her story. What mattered most was the love and support she had received from her family and friends, and the newfound strength she had discovered within herself.

“I’ll keep moving forward, one day at a time, healing both on the outside and on the inside.”

Before drifting off to sleep, Heather bowed her head in a quiet moment of reflection and prayer. It was a nightly ritual that brought her a sense of peace and solace, allowing her to connect with her faith and find strength in her beliefs.

“Dear God, thank You for the blessings in my life, for my family’s love and support, and for the opportunities I’ve been given. Please continue to guide me on this journey of healing and help me find the strength to overcome my past. Amen.”

Heather knew she had to face the challenges of her past and contemplate the uncertainties of her future. Her prayer was a moment of surrender and trust in God, seeking guidance and protection for the path that lay ahead.

With her prayers offered and a sense of calm washing over her, Heather felt determination and hope for the future. She closed her eyes, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead and continue her journey toward complete healing and happiness. With a slight smile on her lips, she settled into the embrace of sleep, hoping for a restful night and a new day filled with possibilities.

CHAPTER21

The next morning, as Jack went about his routine, he heard a familiar knock at his apartment door. He couldn’t help but be amazed when he opened it and found Heather standing there, her makeup transforming her into a remarkable likeness of the Swamp Thing.

His jaw dropped. He couldn’t be more surprised or impressed. You would think that he would have realized she was a master already, but she had outdone herself yet again.

“Heather, you look incredible! That makeup is unbelievable.”

She grinned. “Thanks, Jack! I thought I’d surprise you today.”

Jack was genuinely overwhelmed by Heather’s makeup artistry. The intricate details and the way she had transformed herself into a swampy, otherworldly creature were nothing short of astonishing.

“You’re like a master of disguise. How did you even come up with this idea?” He smacked his forehead. “Come in, come in!”

She laughed and followed him into his place. He shut the door behind her and gestured toward the couch.

Heather sat. “I felt a little left out since everyone else looked so amazing, and I wanted to do something too. I figured since it’s the Haunted Harvest, I should get into the spirit of things. Plus, I wanted to see if I could top my zombie makeup from last night.”

Jack chuckled, appreciating Heather’s creativity and dedication to the event. He smiled as he said, “Well, you’ve definitely set the bar high. I’m looking forward to seeing the reactions from the visitors today.”

“Maybe I’ll have to give you a spooky makeover too, Jack.”

He laughed. “I’d be up for it if you’re willing to turn me into something terrifying.”

Their lighthearted banter filled the room, and Jack couldn’t help but admire Heather’s talent and enthusiasm. It was another reminder of the unique and remarkable person she was, and it warmed his heart to have her in his life.

“Seriously, though, you’re amazing at what you do, Heather. I’m lucky to know you.”

She blushed. “Thank you, Jack. That means a lot.”

As they shared a moment of appreciation and camaraderie, it was clear that their connection was growing stronger, and the Haunted Harvest was bringing them closer together, both professionally and personally.

Seeing Heather’s surprise visit and her incredible Swamp Thing makeup had brightened Jack’s morning. He decided to seize the opportunity to make their encounter even more special. Instead of making his usual eggs, he decided to whip up a batch of delicious pancakes for them to enjoy together.

He grinned and rubbed his hands together. “How about some blueberry pancakes to start our day? Or did you already eat?”

“I hadn’t eaten yet,” she said softly. “I was hoping for a redo of yesterday… but I hadn’t thought about all of this and going out so eating here suits me just fine!”

He chuckled. “You could’ve been a walking advertisement for the Haunted Harvest, though,” he teased.

“Nope! You mentioned blueberry pancakes, and that sounds fantastic, so let’s go with that.”

He laughed some more. “You got it!”

---