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Come down and meet me for breakfast.
The boys are going fly-fishing, so it’s just you, me, and the antelope.
Or are they bison? Or buffalo?
I don’t know!
BUT
We’re going to find out today!
I was so excited—I would ride a horse and see a real-life antelope or whatever it was! I quickly kissed Cole while he was still asleep and whispered goodbye. Of course, I stopped to stare at him for a moment. He was so handsome. This peaceful looktook over his face when he was asleep as if he were still a little boy. My heart swelled just from looking at him. Tears welled in my eyes.
Boy, did I have it bad.
But the antelope waited. I hustled to dress in the clothes Audrey had instructed me to wear—jeans, sturdy boots, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and a heavy sweater. I grabbed the parka Shirley had bought for me, which was cream-colored and so pretty. I sent her a quick text.
You did real good with the coat, Shirl. Thank you!
Three dots immediately appeared, and I had to laugh. Shirley was always up and at it!
Yay!
Are you having the BEST time?
Is the resort nice?
How is Mr. Bryson?
I grinned to myself. Shirley was the best assistantever. She was more like family. She genuinely cared about Cole, which made me love her even more.
We are having the BEST time.
Cole is going fly-fishing today! Can you believe it?
I want to see him in those wader boot things, lol!
Audrey and I are going horseback riding. I’m so excited!
Be safe! Bundle up!
I checked the temperature out there. It will only be 40 degrees this morning!
And please have the most wonderful time!
I am sitting here in Boston, thinking happy thoughts for both of you. I hope this is the most romantic trip ever!
She included about five thousand heart emojis.
For the second time that morning, my eyes welled with tears. Shirley was like a mom to me—she’d checked the temperature in Jackson and wanted me to stay warm. Could she beanycuter?
I hadn’t even had a coffee yet, and I’d already almost cried twice. But Shirley was the best. She’d accepted me from the beginning and continued rooting for me. It made me feel welcome, which in turn made me feel like a million bucks. That was the magic of someone’s kindness. Shirley didn’t know me, but she’d given me a chance. For a girl like me, that felt like a pretty big gift.
Shirley’s kindness led me to think about Cole. Cole was also the best. He’d accepted me from the beginning and continued to show up for me. Sure, Cole had been cold after I ran out on him. He’d made some empty threats, too. But he’d thawed pretty quickly and been nothing but remarkable ever since. What was it he’d said last night?“There’s only one world, Jenny.”Maybe that was true. Perhaps I could remain with the safety and warmth of the Coles and Shirleys of the world. My auntie Theresa and Cole’s father threatened me from the periphery, but again, I ignored them. Wyoming Jenny was blessed. Whatever waited back at home could do just that—wait.
I hustled downstairs and found Audrey sitting alone at a table in the empty dining room. “I don’t think we’ll have to wait for service,” she joked. She looked lovely as ever in a cashmere turtleneck sweater, jeans, and boots.
“You look so classy,” I told my friend.
