This life.
This moment.
We race in tandem for another hundred yards, then slow. Blake releases a thrilled laugh, ending on a contented sigh.
I shake my head, unable to suppress a chuckle. I could watch this woman all day.
“There she is,” I say as if I’m uttering a reverent prayer.
Blake brings Shadow to a complete stop, angling her head toward me. “What do you mean?”
Halting Ace, I dismount, rounding to Blake’s side. I peer up at her and answer, “You’re free. Nothing weighing you down. Just you.”
Blake swallows and descends from the saddle, her eyes glassy. Engulfing her in my embrace, I add, “You’ve spent so much time surviving that you forgot how to live.”
“Don’t you dare make me cry,” she whispers, shaking her head. Her watery smile causes my chest to clench. “You going to teach me how to live?”
“Damn straight,” I promise her.
Blake lets out a humorless laugh. “Good God.” Her arms circle around my neck as she pulls me in for a soft kiss. “I love you, cowboy,” she says against my lips.
My breath catches, and a sweet warmth unfurls low in my stomach. Everything narrows to her—just her. I can’t stop smiling because she is my missing piece. With her, Levi, and Walker, the ranch truly feels like a home.
Pressing my head to hers, I whisper back, “Te amo, Mi Cielo.”
I love you, my Sky.
CHAPTER 39
BLAKE
Lazy Sundays are my new favorite.
I convinced the guys to relax with me. Yes, the world around us may be a complete nightmare, but it’s Sunday. The day of not giving a fuck.
I exerted the most energy when I went down the stairs to lie on the couch.
We’ve watched TV, cuddled, napped, read books—all the things necessary for a carefree day.
Even my outfit matches the occasion.
I stole Santiago’s wool socks, and they keep my feet at the perfect temperature. Levi’s tee almost reaches my knees, and Walker’s sweatpants barely stay on my hips. It feels like I’m wrapped in a large blanket.
Santiago wakes me from a nap on Levi’s chest on the couch. “It’s time to wake up,” he coos gently.
“Why?” I question with a yawn.
Levi stretches, waking up with me.
Santiago grasps my hands and guides me to my feet. “We’re going to dinner.”
I give Santiago a teasing smirk. “Are you asking me on a date, cowboy?”
“If you want to see it that way,” he attempts to hide a knowing smile. “But do dates include parents?”
The P-word chases away the last of the fog from my mind as I stand up straight.
“Parents?” My question comes out higher pitched than intended.
