Page 19 of Joy Ride
“We all need SAT phones.” Chase grunts. “Damn cell service is so unreliable here, but I’m glad you had the sense to pull over and wait out the storm. Where’d you end up staying?”
“Ah…” I stammer, trying not to seem guilty. Although I’m a grown woman and have the right to sleep wherever I want, I’m not about to bring up Travis. “I pulled over at the first welcoming light I saw,” I admit, not lying. “Got a good night sleep in a really comfortable bed,” I explain, again, telling him the God’s honest truth.
“Well, you’re here now, and that’s all that matters,” Shane, the oldest says from behind me. Soon, I’m hugging him and his wife Brooke, and meeting their new baby, Bo. I get a sweet kiss from Abby who’s two now. I’m not sure she remembers me, but little Shane Jr. does.
Ryder’s wife Emma lets me hold Owen, another sweetheart I’m just meeting. I breathe in his baby soft skin as their toddlers hug my legs. All my Montana cousins are here except for one.
“Where’s Jenny?”
“She was here earlier and dropped off her kids,” Chase answers. “She and William had a few last-minute details to take care of at their place, but they’ll be back in time for dinner. Let’s go check in on her little rug rats. They’re not so little anymore.”
I grin following him to the family room where an enormous tree covered with candy canes graces the center. A miniature train toots its horn as it travels around the base. I’m trying not to gawk as Jessie, Lara, and Leo abandon their puzzles and almost knock me over with hugs. After a few minutes of working on their puzzle with them, Lexi drags me away to get me settled in.
Shane and Ryder help unload the car as Lexi escorts me to my cottage, which is probably bigger than my family’s house in Wyoming. I take in the enchanting tree of red bows and white lights and Chase throws some wood on the fire.
After everyone leaves, I change into yoga pants, and a Luke Combs sweatshirt, and then sprawl out on the bed to text Travis.
I think I’m in love with you.Is the first sentence that flies from my fingers, but I can’t send that, can I? I delete it and purse my lips, contemplating something more appropriate to write. But I have no idea what the correct sentiment to someone who took my virginity and my heart along with it should be. I try again:
Jolene: I’m here. Thank you so much for everything.
Much better. I hit send. And wait. My phone pings immediately.
Travis: I’m glad you’re safe.
My pulse hammers wildly as I stare at his words and wait for him to write something else, but nothing comes.
Jolene:I miss you.
I hit send and wait again. Still nothing.
Jolene: I thought of you the whole drive over.
Travis: I think it was a mistake to let you go.
My heart leaps.
Travis: But I had no choice.
Travis: When will I see you again?
Jolene: Maybe when I drive back through town?
Travis: Just say the word, and I’ll be here.
Jolene: And you won’t think I’m a thief if I bang on your window?
Travis: I’d leave every window open for you in a blizzard.
Jolene: For me?
Travis: And you alone.
Travis: I hope you realize I’ll be dreaming of you all night.
Jolene: What part of me will you be dreaming about first?
I hit send grinning from ear to ear just as someone knocks on my door. “Come in,” I shout while quickly typing.
