“I can’t believe you were this close and I was looking all over for you.”
“I guess tonight wasn’t a coincidence,” she says.
“I think God had big plans for you and me, darlin’.”
She nods and smiles before averting her gaze. “I love the area around the firepit with blue glass rocks. It’s one of my favorite spots on the ranch. It’s so peaceful. I can chill out in the cozy sitting area for hours reading a book on my days off.”
“So, you’re good with that idea?”
“I am,” she says as we approach.
“Why don’t we sit on the couch over there.”
“Sounds good.”
We sit next to each other. I scoot closer to her so our thighs touch.
She laughs at my lack of subtlety.
She moves her gaze up. “One of the best things about living on a ranch is the sky.”
“How so?”
“I’m from New York. You’re so busy all the time, you never look up… and when you do, the buildings are so tall and shine so bright, they trump the sky’s beauty. I lived for a bit in LA and it’s true the buildings aren’t as tall and life isn’t nearly as chaotic, but you’re still busy. Since I’ve been here, I’ve learned to look up at the stars.”
Even with all the electric lanterns illuminating the area, it’s impossible to remain oblivious to the twinkling sky.
“I guess I take it for granted,” I say. “I’ve lived here my whole life, and this is all I know. I don’t see the stars anymore unless I’m lying on my back when I’m camping or after fishing.”
“You’ve never been to New York?”
I shake my head. “No, but I hope to go some day.”
“You’ll have to ring me up when you’re up there.”
“Or we could go together.” I flash her a grin and a wink.
“You’re so bold, unafraid of putting it out there.”
I let out a heavy sigh. “I’ve stared death in the face. Maybe that’s why I don’t hold back anymore...” Not that I ever had much of a filter before when it comes to a beautiful woman.
She knits her eyebrows together. “What do you mean by starring death in the face?”
Shoot.“Nothin’.” Going down that road would be a mood killer.Time to change the subject.“You like it out here?”
“I do. I didn’t get it before coming here, but I understand why a Chicago girl like Allison would never dream of going back home. The same for Miranda. LA is beautiful, but it’s not the same as out here.”
“You think you could become a cowgirl?”
“I’m not sure about that. I think I flunked already since I don’t even have appropriate footwear.”
I laugh. “We can fix that real quick.”
We don’t speak for a few long seconds, enjoying the evening’s quietude. Music from the garden travels all the way out here, and I can’t help but tap my foot to“Die a Happy Man”.
“Just like the stars and dark skies, I’m starting to appreciate country music,” she says.
“Really?”
