Page 113 of Saddled in Secrets
“And tomorrow, we can do everything else you had in mind. It’ll still be there. By then, I’ll be good as new.”
“Along with matching Halloween costumes.”
My smirk rises for the occasion. “Something like that.”
True to my initial itinerary for Colton’s birthday, we find ourselves at the Shetland County fairgrounds on Halloween. Haunted Harvest Haze is in full swing. The smell of pumpkin spice and fried food on a stick hangs in the air. Kids are racing around with their faces painted in a variety of recognizable designs. It’s total chaos, which is my happy place.
Colton hasn’t fussed about our social outing. For once, he appears to be at ease in a crowd. That has me thinking about his relaxed stride as we puttered down Main Street earlier.
“You’re different,” I observe while we walk past the corn maze.
A downward sweep showcases his entirely black outfit including the Stetson on his head. “Sure about that? I’m ashadow blending into the background. You don’t see me there protecting you.”
Meanwhile, I’m wearing a bright green dress that sticks out like a pageant queen in a parade. “The princess and her stalker.”
“Clever, huh?” My grumpy jailer winks.
The carefree, flirtatious action stuns me momentarily. It was shocking enough that he wanted us to make a scene throughout town. Our couple costume, which probably doesn’t make sense to many, put me in a very cozy mood. I’ve been snuggling against him all day and people have stopped to stare.
Lynn Ellen Paige—the biggest gossip in Cloverleaf Meadows—chooses that moment to strut by us. I wiggle my fingers in greeting before lifting onto the tips of my cowboy boots to kiss Colton’s cheek. He wraps one arm around my waist, bracing the other behind my shoulders, and lowers me into a romantic dip. Our lips brush in a chaste peck before he flings me back to my feet. Giddy flutters swarm my entire system, but I still hear when the rumor hound gasps at our display. She quickly skitters off like a cockroach to spread the news.
I nudge him with my elbow. “Are you enjoying the attention?”
He nods and puffs out his chest. “We’re making a very public announcement. You willingly claimed me as yours for the entire town to see.”
Warmth spreads through me. “I’m proud to show you off, but I couldn’t care less who notices. You’re meant to be beside me. That’s the way it should always be.”
His chin tucks, trying to mask the bashful redness coloring his face. “Means the world, baby girl.”
“Been waiting for that, hmm?”
He reaches for my hand, threading our fingers together with a gentle squeeze. “Feels like I can finally breathe.”
My bottom lip gets tortured between my teeth as I consider bursting the bubble. “What happened to staying under the radar?”
“You’re safe with me.”
I study his casual gait and sunny expression. This man is completely unbothered.
“There’s more to it,” I prod.
“Just choosing to take it all in,” he sighs.
It’s a positive view from him. One I can effortlessly share in this festive atmosphere. Haunted Harvest Haze is another event that was very near to my mother’s heart. Her memory lingers in every cheerful laugh that dances on the autumn breeze. But that doesn’t explain Colton’s sudden change in attitude.
I want to drop it. Probably should. But there’s an itch under my skin that demands I unsaddle this secret.
“What’s the latest with your father?”
He doesn’t falter. If anything, his posture broadens. “Had a stroke yesterday. He’s catatonic.”
Air gets caught in my throat and I cough. Welp, that’ll do it. He’s nonchalant and unapologetic. That’s the biggest “fuck you” he can offer to James Keller. It’s not the reaction I’d have about my dad, but our childhoods couldn’t be more opposite. Colton’s past has obviously weighed him down and this update has significantly lightened his load. I can’t fault him for celebrating.
That’s why I find myself directing us to a certain food truck. “Can I interest you in a meat tornado?”
“Fuuuuuuck,” he groans. “I love you.”
My hip bumps into his. “Love you right back.”
