Page 46 of Alive and Wells

Once the snow falls.

“Even with the trucks, snowstorms can trap us here for days at a time.” I watch her reaction intently, preparing for any sign of discomfort. Savannah used to get antsy about winters—in hindsight, that should’ve been a clue she wasn’t cut out for life here. It’s not like leaving to spend a month or two with her sister in Florida every year would’ve been an option if we had gotten married and had kids.

“Well, now I’m sold. Winter here sounds like a dream. Watching it snow outside while I’m curled up by the fire with tea and a good book. Sign me the hell up. Although, we need to get something other thanHappy Dayson DVD to watch because, as much as I love the Fonz, I’m going to need a break at some point. Oooh, and we can make s’mores inside—your fireplace is like the perfect spot for it.”

I nearly choke on my spit at Cecily wanting to make plans for the winter. Plans that seemingly involve me.

“Don’t let the guys hear you talking fondly about snow and cold. It’s a pain in the ass—things freeze up, engines don’t start, it’s more work to keep the animals fed and safe.” All that might be bearable if it means coming back to a warm house with a beautiful girl inside, though.

“I’m sor—I shouldn’t have gotten mad about the gift thing when you weren’t aware it was an issue for me.” She shifts on the couch so our legs are touching. On top of the hot electrical jolt it creates, I’m awash with relief. “You’re a good guy, Aus.”

“Yeah?”

“You know you are. It’s too bad you aren’t always this humble,Mr. Best Cowboy Around.”

“Nothing cocky about telling the truth, darlin’. If I were a cowboy, I’d be the best.”

Her laughter is pure magic.

“Okay, Not-A-Cowboy, let’s go to bed. Platonic cuddling?” she asks through a yawn.

Yes, fucking please.It may not be exactly what I had pictured doing to her tonight, but I’ll take anything she’s willing to give me. Especially since, for a while, it seemed like I might not be welcome in her presence at all.

“I should shower first,” I say.

“Good call. I should, too. You can have it first.”

“You’re good out here?”

“I think I’ll be okay tonight, yeah. If my murderous ex-husband shows up. I’ll try to give you enough warning to throw some pants on before you have to fight him.” She smiles like she’s the most hilarious person in the room. I could—maybe evenshould—tell her it’s inappropriate to make jokes about somebody trying to kill her. But I’m not ruining another moment with my big mouth.

“Thank you. I’d hate for the first time you see me naked to be while I’m beating the shit out of yourex-husband.” I emphasize the “ex” part—though it’s not legally true yet. I need us both to be on the same page that what’s going on between us isn’t breaking marital vows.

“Who said it was the first time?” She cups her hands over her eyes, and spreads her fingers to wink at me.

20

Cecily

BythetimeIcrawled into bed next to him last night, my limbs were aching and my eyes heavy. In the dark room, he looped his arm around my waist. Held tight to him, we breathed the same air. Sleepy, feather-light kisses swapped back and forth under the smooth sheets while his hands roamed my body without urgency. I don’t remember falling asleep. But I slipped into a calm, contented dream with my face burrowed in the space between his collarbone and jaw.

In the quiet of morning, I reach behind me and skim over the sheets, searching for his warm body. Expecting to find the slow rise and fall of his thick chest. My heart flip-flops at the unexpected absence on his side of the bed; a small twinge of fear running rampant through my veins.

No, if something happened, I wouldn’t have been left asleep in bed.I roll over and confirm what I already knew. He’s gone. The panic slows when I look at the clock:7:04.

Oh, I’ll be hearing all about this today, I’m sure. It’s the latest I’ve slept since I got here, and I’m well aware how Austin feels about late risers. I groan into the pillow. Whatever mattress he has, I need to save up and buy the same for my place, because I swear I’ve never slept this well in my entire life. Although, maybe it has more to do with who’s in the bed with me—might need a few more nights snuggled in his arms to be sure.Y’know, for science.

Shuffling out from his room, the aroma of bacon, eggs, and fresh coffee wafting through the air greet me. Austin’s sitting comfortably on the couch reading. Well past when he should be working.

Clearly, I’m still asleep.

“Is this a dream?” I ask from the doorway, watching him abruptly set the book down and look over at me. “If so, you have to tell me. I think it’s like when you ask a cop if they’re a cop.”

“Not a dream, darlin’. Also, that’s a myth. They don’t have to tell you shit.” He stands up and walks toward me, placing a barely there kiss on my forehead before striding into the kitchen. Trailing sparks of a firework explode out from the spot his lips just left.

“Then what’s all this?” I gesture to the food on the counter. “And why aren’t you working?”

“A certain city girl couldn’t get outta bed after a long day of cowgirling, and missed regular breakfast. And not for lack of trying. I literally shook you, but it was like waking the dead. I guess this is—what do you call it in the city? Brunch?”

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