“We’re here,” Matty said.
“We’re here,” I whispered but didn’t move. My limbs had gone heavy, and my brain was spinning. My throat was so tight it felt like I couldn’t breathe.
“You should go in. The plane already landed.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Mechanically I released the seat belt and got out of the truck. Head down, I shuffled through throngs of people to the designated area to wait. The airport was crowded, which didn’t help with the tight compression on my chest. People ran to each other, hugging, kissing, laughing.
There would be no joyous reunion for me.
My phone vibrated, pulling me out of my trance. I dug it out of my pocket and checked the screen. Warmth spread through me, and my lips curved in a smile.
I love you.
Gray’s words were all I needed. My breathing slowly adjusted to normal. The tightness in my chest released, and I unclenched my intestines. I held the phone tight, hanging on to those three words.
I love you.
I closed my eyes, picturing the way I’d woken up this morning in Gray’s arms. I let the memories of the past weeks with him take over, bolstering my confidence and resolving my purpose.
32
OZZIE
“Ozzie.”
I opened my eyes. Carter—a well-tanned Carter—stood a few feet away from me. He looked good. For the first time, I noticed the similarities to Gray: the same gray eyes, the arch of the nose, the full eyebrows, the strong square jawline. But he was nothing like Gray. Carter’s gray eyes were closed off. He’d always kept a part of himself private, even from me.
“Carter.” I smiled. “You’re here.”
He swept his gaze over me slowly.
“It’s been too long.” He released his hold on his suitcases and shook his head. “You look…amazing.”
Did I? I chuckled and tugged at my stylish top. Never would I have worn it for him. He never liked me dressing well, as if it was a waste of effort.
“It’s the shirt, I think.”
“No, it’s more.” He brushed his fingertips over my cheek. “You look radiant. So happy.”
“What? You thought I’d be miserable because you abandoned me?”
He flinched and dropped his hand. “I deserve that. I owe you an apology.”
“That’s a start, but not here. I’m glad you got back safely. Maybe we can stop somewhere on the way home and have something to eat. Then we can talk.”
“Or we can go back to the ranch, and I’ll make it up to you.”
“It’s best we talk first. We’d have some privacy.”
“Are you mad at me?”
I walked off without looking back. He was free to follow me. He wheeled his suitcases and jogged to catch up with me.
“Who brought you? Did you drive?”
“Matty. He’s waiting for us in the truck.”
