Page 73 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

HAYLEY

Someone once ask me what happiness is – I think I know what it is now.

And I mean a different type of happiness.

Dating Austin is like living in a dream. He stays true to his words, making me feel special in ways I never thought possible. I always look forward to our dates, and the more people see us together, the less attention we receive.

I am simply known as Martha's girl, the lawyer, and Austin's girl – each title I embrace.

Last weekend, Austin and I had a picnic by the lake. He surprised me with a basket full of my favorite foods, including homemade strawberry tarts that melt in my mouth. "Gordon Austin showing up again," I chuckle.

"Just tell me whatever you want, I'll cook it for you."

"I might as well die happy," I grin, taking another bite.

"You can't die yet," Austin muses, kissing my palm. "We need to live a long life, so we can spend a lot of time together."

As we sit on the checkered blanket, the sun warming our skin, I can't help but marvel at how perfect everything feels.

Although he hasn't said it outright, Austin always says things like "for a long time, forever, when we are old." Words like that leave me with a type of nervous energy in my belly. It's almost as if he's hinting at –

"What are you thinking about?" Austin asks, drawing me back to the present.

"Hmm..." I mumble, chewing. I smile, leaning into him. "Just how happy I am. How did I get so lucky?"

He wraps an arm around me, planting a soft kiss on my forehead. "I'm the lucky one, Hayley."

The next week, he takes me fishing. I used to fish with my dad when I was younger, but it's been a while. Austin is patient, guiding my hands as he teaches me how to cast the line.

"Easy does it," he murmurs, his chest pressed against my back. "Now, just flick your wrist... perfect!"

"I got it now. Want to bet who will catch the most fish?"

"Why not?" Austin says a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Together, we begin to fish, both of us betting on catching at least five fish each. "Come on fishy, fishy," I mutter.

But even after an hour, none of us have managed to catch anything.

"Tch, I was thinking at least one of the fish would bite the bait."

"They must have been scared away by your beauty," Austin comments.

I cringe, looking away to stop seeing his face. "Gosh, you do say the weirdest things sometimes."

Austin laughs.

Even though we didn't catch anything that day, it's still one of the best afternoons I've ever had.

News of our relationship continues to spread through the town like wildfire. It seems like everywhere I go, someone has something to say about it. Just yesterday, as I am picking up some groceries, Mrs. Beatrice corners me in the produce aisle.

"Well, well, well," she says, a knowing smile on her face. "If it isn't our town's newest sweetheart. How are things with your handsome cowboy, dear?"

I feel my cheeks flush. "Things are... good, Mrs. Beatrice. Really good."

"Oh, I bet they are," she winks. "Austin's quite the catch. You hold onto him tight; you hear?"

Before I can respond, Mrs. Jenkins appears, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Ooh, are we talking about Hayley and Austin? Isn't it just the sweetest thing?"

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