Page 20 of One Hot Summer

“It's absolutely lovely,” I whisper, drinking in every detail.

Carson's hand finds mine, his calloused fingers intertwining with my own. “I’m glad you like it.” He leads me toward the table. “I know things haven't been easy for you lately. I just wanted to show you that... well, that you matter. That you're appreciated.”

His words touch something deep and tears prick at the corners of my eyes. I blink them back, offering him a genuine smile. “Thank you. This means more than you know.”

Things have been electrifying since the moment I stepped onto his porch that first day and at this rate we will be married by month’s end. It didn’t matter how much space I put between us at this point, we keep coming back together. My mind just keeps going back to what is going to happen when I finally get my insurance payout?

As we sit down across from each other, the candlelight flickering between us. As I look up at him, I am struck by the vulnerability in his eyes.

“I wanted to thank you properly for everything you've done for me and Collin. You've brought light back into our lives when we needed it most.”

My heart swells at his words, and I lean in. “Carson, I-”

He holds up a hand, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Please, let me finish. I'm not great with words, but I need you to know how much you mean to us.”

I let my gaze wander, taking in the transformed barn. “You've done so much,” I murmur, overwhelmed by the effort he's put into this evening. “I don't know what to say.”

Carson reaches across the table, his fingers brushing mine. “You don't have to say anything. Just... be here. With me.”

I take a deep breath, inhaling the stew as Carson ladles it into our bowls. As we begin to eat, I notice Carson's hands trembling slightly, betraying a nervousness I've never seen in him before.

“You know,” he begins, “before you came here, I was barely keeping it together. Collin needed so much, and I... I felt like I was failing him every day.”

I set my spoon down, my heart aching for the struggle I see etched in the lines of his face. “You're an amazing father. Collin adores you.”

He shakes his head, a sad smile playing on his lips. “I was drowning, Kelsie. But then you showed up, and it was like... like someone threw me a lifeline. I don't know how to thank you. You've brought light back into our lives.”

My defenses shatter, my own uncertainties rising to the surface. “The truth is, I needed this place as much as you needed me. After everything I've been through, I wasn't sure I'd ever feel... whole again.”

Carson reaches across the table, his calloused hand engulfing mine.

“Being here, with you and Collin... it's given me a purpose again. A reason to keep going.” I pause. “I’ve found a home here, Carson. A place where I feel safe.”

As our eyes meet across the candlelight, I realize that home isn't just the ranch – it is here, in this moment, with Carson.

His gaze drops to my lips, then back to my eyes. The hunger I see there makes my breath catch in my throat.

“Kelsie.”

I shiver at the sound of my name on his lips. His touch is feather-light, his fingertips tracing patterns on my skin.

His hand envelopes mine, warm and strong. I marvel at how something so simple can feel so profound. Every nerve in my body comes alive, hyper-aware of his presence, his touch, the way his thumb now caresses my palm.

I want to say something, to put into words the storm of emotions swirling inside me. But as I meet Carson's gaze again, words weren't necessary. My heart races as I slowly rose from my chair, drawn to Carson. The wooden floorboards creak softly beneath my feet, each step measured and deliberate.

“I…” The words caught in my throat. So instead, I let my actions speak, closing the distance between us.

Carson stands, his movements fluid and graceful despite his rugged exterior. We face each other, barely a breath apart.His hand reaches up, gently cupping my cheek. His touch is surprisingly tender, his calloused thumb tracing a path along my cheekbone. I lean into his palm, savoring the warmth of his skin against mine.

He understands the fear that keeps me guarded, the pain of past losses that make me hesitant to open my heart. Just as I understand his own struggles, the weight of being a single father, the scars left by previous heartaches.

We stand there, face to face, hearts beating in sync, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable in a way neither of us have been in a long time.

Carson's piercing blue eyes search mine. He leans in, his breath warm against my skin, and presses his lips to mine. The kiss is gentle at first, as if he is giving me a chance to pull away. But I don't want to pull away. I want to lose myself in this moment.

My fingers curl into the fabric of his shirt, drawing him closer. The kiss deepens, growing more intense with each passing second. Carson's arms encircle my waist, strong and sure, as if he never wants to let go.

When we finally break apart, Carson rests his forehead against mine. “Kelsie,” he murmurs, “I don't know how to thank you for being here the last few weeks. My life has been so much brighter with you around. My son is happy.”

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