I push open the door next to Nova's. “Four bedrooms and two bathrooms.” I don’t know why I do it, but I say the words I thought would always be out of reach. “I always envisioned having a big family. I didn’t get that growing up. It was just me and Laine. I built this house hoping to fill it with my own family one day. It’s, well, it’s great for having Nova over, I guess.”
Maisie’s round eyes find mine. “You want kids?” she whispers.
I nibble my lip, setting her bag on the bed. “It was a dream at one point, yeah. Now, I’m not sure I’m suited for it. Life goes by fast, and, before you know it, I’ll be old and gray. I’m not sure kids are in the cards for me anymore, if I’m being honest. I have Nova, and she’s more than enough.” Even I can hear the disappointment in my words.
Maisie doesn’t back down. “But you wanted them? You…want to be a dad?” Her eyes look so hopeful and my chest twinges.
Does she want kids? I wasn’t sure if she would witheverything she’s been through. I should have known. She’s an empath and caretaker at heart. She would make the perfect mother, and any child would be lucky to have her.
I let my honesty bleed through for once. “In a perfect world, yes, I would love that very much. But life isn’t always rainbows and sunshine.” What I don’t say is I’m already 27, and my life is nowhere near safe for a child.
Maisie nods, her lips pinching down at the corners. She points to the bed full of her stuff. “Thank you for this. All of this. I owe you big time for letting me crash here.”
Our fingers brush when I exit her room. “You’re always welcome in my home, Maisie. Even if life isn’t all rainbows and sunshine, there’s always room for you here. Never doubt that.”
Again, what I don’t say is that I’ll be able to breathe better tonight knowing she’s under my roof, safe and protected. It feels right having her here, even if she’s not in my bed with me.
She belongs here.
maisie
. . .
TWENTY-NINE
I checkmyself out in the mirror of Grayson’s spare bathroom. There’s plenty of space to get all dolled up for tonight. I pretend I’m getting all dressed up for myself, but that would be a lie. I want to catch a certain cowboy’s eye tonight.
After getting all my stuff settled, Grayson informed me I had one hour to get ready for the annual cookout. Apparently, Roxy and Walter host a huge BBQ with the whole ranch crew to celebrate opening day tomorrow and all the work they’ve put in to get here.
My mid-length dress swishes against my cowgirl boots as I slide them into place. The sun decided to make an appearance today, spring in full force. I decided to break out one of my summer dresses paired with my jean button up vest.
“Ready?” Grayson calls through the door.
“Coming,” I respond. I plant a kiss on Evie’s head, and she lets out a howl of protest until she notices the pile of treats I left behind on the bed.
The walk to The Den is fairly quick when it’s bright out and I can see the path clearly. I’ve walked this path countless times now, and I could do it in my sleep. How far I’ve come from that first night here. It seems like just yesterday, I wasstumbling through these woods, lost in more than one way, before a cowboy swooped me up and guided me in the right direction.
The party is already rambunctious by the time we make our arrival, and I immediately seek out Laine and Hunter. We started a group chat, and it’s been so fun having friends to talk to as an adult. It’s never something I thought I was missing out on, but now, after having these two for support, I couldn’t imagine a life without them. It’s going to be hard leaving them behind in a couple months.
“It’s about time your ass showed up,” Hunter says, shoving a drink in my hand before I’ve even made it to her. “And with arm candy this time, I see.”
“Eww that’s my brother,” Laine gags, drawing me in for a hug. “Hey girly, I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you both too,” I laugh, drawing Hunter in for a hug next. “So, what have I missed?”
“Besides Grayson eye-fucking you since the moment you split ways, nothing much. Roxy and Walter had a pretty good kiss earlier that I had to shield my eyes from, and the cowboys are already drunk and definitely going to be regretting it tomorrow morning,” Hunter says, unfazed, planting a hand on her hip.
“La, la, la, la, I don’t want to hear that,” Laine yells, plugging her ears.
“He was not,” I deflect, hiding my face behind my cup. That’s when I notice the shadows heading our way. “Shit, we’ve summoned them,” I hiss under my breath.
“Dammit. Now the fun's over.” Hunter pouts, downing her drink. “Where’s the fresh meat? I'm tired of seeing these grumpy cowboys’ faces day in and day out at my bar.”
“Hello to you too, Hunter darling,” Chesney calls, drawing her in for a side hug. “Maybe the cowboys aren’t the issue, and you’re just too picky.”
She gives him a fake smile. “I need more booze to deal withyou. I’ll be back.” She slips from his arm, on a hunt for the cooler.
“You’re no fun,” he calls after her, scooting over to Laine’s side. She side-eyes him but keeps her distance.
