Page 42 of The Rebel with Broken Strings
As they stood there, surrounded by the laughter and warmth of the community, Aubrey felt the last of her walls crumbling. In Gunner’s eyes, she saw a future she’d never dared to dream of, right here in Timber Falls. “This is just amazing,” she repeated, not sure how to word all she was feeling.
Gunner’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he took Aubrey’s hand, his touch sending a familiar shiver down her spine. “Say, Miss Hale,” he drawled, “how’d you like to be my navigator for the sleigh ride? I promise I’ll be a perfect gentleman.”
Aubrey laughed, the sound bright and clear. “A perfect gentleman? Now that, I’d like to see,” she teased, feeling a flutter of excitement in her chest. She squeezed his hand, her eyes meeting his. “I’d love to.”
As they made their way to the sleigh, Aubrey’s mind raced. How had this man, this place, become so important to her in such a short time? The thought both thrilled and terrified her. She was barely thinking about how much she didn’t like small-town life anymore.
When they reached the sleigh, Gunner placed his hands on her waist, his touch gentle but sure. “Allow me, darlin’,” he said, helping her climb aboard.
Aubrey settled into the seat, the worn wood smooth beneath her. Gunner joined her, his body a solid warmth against her side.
He offered her a wool blanket. “Thanks,” she said, tucking it around her.
Just then, Gunner let out a sharp whistle, and a group of excited children came running towards the sleigh. As they clambered aboard, their giggles and chatter filling the air, Aubrey couldn’t help but smile.
The sleigh lurched forward as Gunner clucked softly to the horse, its hooves crunching through the snow-covered field. Aubrey inhaled deeply, the crisp winter air filling her lungs as she took in the breathtaking scenery around her.
“It’s like something out of a fairy tale,” Aubrey murmured, her eyes wide with wonder.
Gunner’s low chuckle brushed over her. “Glad you approve. Though I’d say you outshine the view any day.”
Aubrey felt a blush creep up her cheeks, still unused to his easy compliments. She turned to watch the children, their faces alight with joy as they pointed out snow-capped trees and the occasional wildlife.
“Look, a deer!” one little girl squealed, causing a chorus of excited gasps.
As Gunner guided the horse around a gentle bend, Aubrey found herself lost in thought. How different this was from the bustling kitchens and city lights she once knew. Yet, surrounded by laughter and wrapped in Gunner’s warmth, she felt a peace she’d never experienced before. This was it, she realized. This was where she belonged.
“You look a million miles away,” Gunner said softly, his eyes searching hers. “Everything alright?”
Aubrey smiled, surprised to find tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. “More than alright,” she whispered. “I just… I never expected to find this kind of happiness here.”
Gunner’s arm tightened around her, and she leaned into his embrace, savoring the moment. As the sleigh glided across the snow, Aubrey felt a deep sense of contentment settle over her.
For the first time since moving to Timber Falls, she felt truly like maybe she could make this town work.
* * *
The winter sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the snow-covered pasture as Gunner, Jaxon and Eli watched the last minivan crunch down the gravel driveway.
Gunner let out a low whistle. “Well, I’d say that went better than even I expected.”
Jaxon chuckled, his breath visible in the crisp air. “You’re not wrong. Those kids had more energy than a rodeo bull on Red Bull.”
“Speak for yourself,” Eli grumbled, but the twinkle in his eyes betrayed his amusement. “I feel like I just went ten rounds with a mechanical bull.”
Gunner clapped him on the shoulder. “Aw, come on now, Cole. Don’t tell me the infamous bull rider’s getting soft in his old age?”
As they shared a laugh, Gunner’s smile felt easier. It had been a long time since he’d felt this sense of belonging, of being part of something bigger than himself. The talent show kids, their infectious enthusiasm… It all stirred something in him he thought he’d lost. A purpose.
“Alright,” Gunner said, straightening up. “One last chore and we can call it a day.” He turned to the mare and the sleigh.
Gunner took hold of her bridle, stroking her velvety nose. “Let’s get you settled for the night, huh?”
After Eli and Jaxon unhooked the horse from the sleigh, he led the mare toward the barn, Jaxon and Eli falling into step behind him. The steady clip-clop of hooves on packed snow gave way to a hollow echo as they entered the barn, the familiar scents of hay and leather enveloping them.
Once inside, Gunner’s cold fingers worked at the horse’s harness, the familiar motions a soothing rhythm. As he unbuckled the last strap, Jaxon cleared his throat.
“So, uh, how’re things going with Aubrey?” Jaxon’s tone was casual, but there was a hint of genuine curiosity beneath it.
