“Just you wait, Daisy. I’m going to whip up something nice for supper.”
“Oh, you’re cooking?”
“Sure am. It’s all part of my plan.”
“Well, I hope the food is as good as last time you cooked.”
“It’ll be even better."
* * *
We drove back to the house in silence, stealing silent smiles across the cab. Colt gave me all the butterflies. He made me more excited than I was as a kid going to a rodeo, and honestly, I’m thinking about our future.
I spent the short ride daydreaming about what the end of summer would be like if I didn’t decide to go back to the city. If I decided to stay.
The city and all its chaos, noise, and people was feeling so far away. This summer has been peaceful and relaxing, and amuch-needed break for me from all my busy life. The air was so polluted there, and here it was fresh. I didn’t hear the honking of car horns or all the chatter of people. I heard the rustling of the wind, the mooing of the cattle in the fields, and the clopping of horse hooves against the ground.
I thought about when I was last here, seven or some years ago. I thought about waking to the heat of the sun filtering through the window against my face. I thought about the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the mornings and the sound of a familiar laugh echoing through the house. Colt’s laugh.
There was potential for us to build a life together.
With Colt, I knew there would be plenty of adventures and those special, quiet moments. We could work together on Walt’s ranch or even help my dad out at his. We could do both. Make both our dads proud. We could have a family barbeque again, and it could be me, Colt, Walt, and my dad. It could be as close to old times as we could get. Our mothers wouldn’t be there physically, but they would certainly be there in spirit. I can see our dads telling stories while we gathered on the porch, sure to share their wisdom and make us laugh. I could see myself planting flowers around the yard, riding horses with Colt, and sharing our dreams under the stars like we did as kids.
As the evening sun began to set, I felt a hint of longing. I knew my daily life of being on the ranch with Colt was fleeting, but the thought of a future with him filled my heart with joy. I wanted to hold onto this feeling. I wanted to capture it like a snapshot in my mind so it would stay there forever.
Staying here and building a life with Colt was a dream that I hoped could become a reality.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Colt
As I pulled the truck up to the house, the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue through the sky. I felt a rush of heat as I stepped out of the truck and headed to Daisy’s side of the truck to open her door. I followed behind her to the door of the house, opening it for her. I quickly jumped back with the pang I had just felt.
“Hey!”
“Sorry, cowboy. I just couldn’t help myself.”
“Darlin’, are you admitting you’ve been checking out my butt?” She grinned ever so slightly, her teeth biting on her lip. Dang, she was tempting.
“Sure am.” I pulled her inside and pushed her against the back of the door. I leaned in, taking a moment to look at her before planting a kiss on her lips.
“Let’s get cleaned up.” She held a playful grin, playfully messing up my hair. Daisy nodded, my heart jumping at thesight of her. She walked down the hallway, and I followed behind, stopping at my room and watching as she continued to hers. “I’ll hop in the shower first so I can go work on supper!” I no longer saw her, but I knew she was listening.
I went to the bathroom first to shower and change. I had left Daisy with plenty of thoughts to keep her mind occupied while she was waiting for me to finish. Honestly, she had left me with plenty, too.
I love the way she moves.
I loved the way she never backs down from a challenge and is always up for an adventure.
I love the way she makes me smile.
I love her laugh and the way she gets louder with each chuckle.
I love her confidence.
I love the way she makes me feel like a crazy, in-love teenager again.
After a few minutes, I emerged from the bathroom, steam flooding behind me. I peeked out the door and called to Daisy.
