Page 112 of True North

I’m a damn fool.

Now I have strung Louisa along with my foolishness.

I can’t open my eyes and see the disappointment on her face. The realization that I don’t have any of this figured out. That this could all turn bad inside of a few months.

“I’ll sell my share of the restaurant.”

My eyes snap open so fast, a wave of dizziness threatens as the gelding sways with my jerk. “Like hell.”

Louisa sits taller in the saddle. “If it comes down to this place or the restaurant, I’m selling it.”

“No, you fuckin’ won’t.”

“Harry Rawlins, I thought you woulda realized by now there’s no point in arguing.”

Ma’s words settle into my mind.A good woman is the makin’s of a man. There are some things you can’t do in this life alone. Those things, essentially, mean the most... She’s your captain. You, her first mate. You’re mighty strong by yourself.With her, you’d be unstoppable.

“Well, if you say so, Captain,” I finally drawl.

“See... isn’t it better when you listen to reason?” The widest grin splits her pretty face, the worry that twisted her face completely melted away, as if proving Ma’s point, even now.

But there is no way in hell I’m lettin’ Lou lose her dream.

Hell will freeze over before that day comes.

* * *

The restaurant is bustling when I pull up by the curb outside on Wednesday evening. I can see Lou through the oversized windows, talking to a couple at a table. Her smile tugs one onto my own face. She really is content here. Doin’ what she loves, she’s in her element.

I’m an hour early. But sittin’ around home without her wasn’t doin’ me any favors, so here I am. Waitin’. Hangin’ around like a lost pup.

Some things never change...

The truck’s wheel is hot, sittin’ in the sunny parking lot. Mid-May will do that. With the windows rolled down, I settle back into the seat as Louisa wanders from the doors as the end-of-day school bell rings. Her friend June walks with her as they chat, laughing at something Lou says.

She hasn’t seen my truck yet. I wanted to surprise her.

She is almost done with her senior year.

Almost finishing one phase of her life, ready for the next.

I chew on the stalk of hay I plucked from the bale in the barn before I left. My life is all work—milkin’ cows, chasing herds, building, hard labor—no play. I want more for Lou, but I want her by my side.

There’s no other girl I can ever imagine having in my life.

She’s it for me.

Leanin’ over, I tug the glove compartment open, double-checking the small velvet box I picked up on my way here is still there. Like it could vanish.

I’ve been dreamin’ about this since the day she agreed to go steady with me. Twelve months, three weeks, and six days ago.

I’m done for with this girl.

I take her in as she moves closer to the truck. Her gaze homes in on the old buckboard now, piercing the glass windshield, right through me. The passenger door cracks open as June waves a goodbye to the both of us. I offer up a small smile and nod. I like June. She’s sensible, smart. Most importantly, a great friend. The two girls make a good pair.

“Well, hello,” Louisa coos, sliding onto the seat. She tosses her satchel into the footwell and leans over, taking my face in her hands. “This is a nice surprise.”

I crash my mouth to hers.

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