Page 48 of Saddles and Snowstorms
“No,” he cut me off firmly. “I’m not going to let fear of what other people think dictate my happiness.” He shifted, moving to sit beside me on the armchair, his thigh pressed against mine. “I’ve already done that once. I let my ex control my life because I was afraid of rocking the boat. I’m not making that mistake again.”
I glanced sideways at him, taking in his determined expression. The fire cast shadows across his face, highlighting that scar on his jaw. Somehow, that little imperfection made him even more beautiful to me.
“You’re too damn stubborn for your own good,” I muttered.
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Pot, meet kettle.”
Despite myself, I felt a chuckle rumble in my chest. “Fair enough.”
We sat in silence for a moment, the only sounds the crackling fire and Hank’s contented sighs as he settled back down on the rug.
“I can’t promise I won’t mess this up,” I finally said, my voice barely audible. “I ain’t been with anyone in a long time, Rowan. I don’t know if I remember how. Once this storm clears and the world comes crashing back in… I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle it.”
Rowan’s hand found mine again, his touch gentle but sure. “I’m not asking for a promise, Brooks. Or forever.” He leaned close, pressing his forehead against mine. “I’d just like a chance.”
My heart thudded wildly in my chest as I breathed him in. “I… I’ll try.”
Rowan smiled, pressing a small kiss to my cheek. “That’s all I can ask.”
Without a word, I wrapped him up in my arms, pulling him tightly against my body. His warmth and presence made me feel like anything was possible. But once that snow melted, I had no idea how I’d handle it. I wanted to think it would be easy, that I could just focus on Rowan, and everything would work itself out. But nothing in the world ever went that smoothly. I wouldn’t know anything until the first speed bump came.
But for now, for this fleeting moment, Rowan was mine.
Chapter 18
Rowan
The moment I stepped out of the front door that morning, I knew the snow wasn’t long for this world. Despite the deep drifts and the glaring white covering the world, the sky was clear and there was an unmistakable warmth to the sunlight streaming down on my face. By the time I’d trudged my way out to the barn to feed the animals for the morning, I could feel the sweat forming under my jacket. As soon as I stepped in the barn, I shrugged it off and got to work.
The animals seemed restless, like they could sense the sunshine outside after the two days of endless snow. It was clear they wanted to be let out, but considering the drifts, I figured it was best to keep them inside for just one more day. They weren’t happy about that, and I got several annoyed moos as I finished up the chores and headed back toward the door. However, just as I was about to pull it open, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw the message from Lucas.
You alive? I stopped by the clinic and didn’t see you there.
I couldn’t help smiling as I typed my answer.
I’m fine. Still snowed in for the moment. Couldn’t get the truck out of here if I tried.
It took less than ten seconds for Lucas’s reply to come through.
Ooh la la. Hopefully Brooks hasn’t been too much of an asshole. We’reusing some of the tractors to clear the roads in town now. Once we’re done here, we’ll come out and dig you out.
I stared at my phone for a full thirty seconds feeling the knot twisting in the pit of my stomach. It was nice of them to think of me, but I wasn’t sure I really wanted them to help me just yet. As foolish as it was, I wanted another night with Brooks before I had to go back to the real world.
Don’t rush on my account. Maybe, if you can… give me just one more night.
Three dots bounced at the bottom of the text thread for a moment before the reply came through.
We’ll be there in the morning then.
I couldn’t help but smile as I pushed my phone back into my pocket. One day more with Brooks in our little cocoon of privacy. It was a selfish move, I knew that. Brooks needed an x-ray just to rule out any fracture in his ankle, although I was fairly confident it wasn’t broken based on how fast it was recovering. Still, I didn’t want to give up this hard-won peace just yet. I hadn’t had a break in a long time and Brooks, as far as I could tell, hadn’t smiled this much in years. Maybe it was good for both of us to have one last day to prepare for getting back to real life.
I pushed the barn door open and squinted against the brightness. The snow had already started to melt, forming little rivulets that dripped from the barn roof. The drifts that had been up to my thighs yesterday were now only knee-deep in places. Nature had a way of reclaiming itself, even in the harshest conditions.
When I got back to the house, Brooks was in the kitchen, his ankle propped up on a chair as he attempted to make coffee. His dark hair was mussed from sleep, and his scruffy jaw looked even more rugged in the morning light. He’d thrown on a flannel shirt but hadn’t bothered to button it all the way, giving me a tantalizing glimpse of his chest.
“Animals all fed?” he asked, his deep voice still rough with sleep.
“Yeah. They’re not happy about being cooped up, but one more day won’t kill them.” I hung my coat by the door and moved to help him with the coffee. “You shouldn’t be on that ankle.”
