We come every year. It’s Trace’s favorite event besides the Mayson County rodeo. But usually it’s Parker-free. Not this year.
“Of course.” I smile. “You need help with the food?”
“If you don’t mind. Ivy and Dakota will be helping as well, but Ivy can’t do much lifting now.”
“I’ll be here ready for duty.” I salute.
She chuckles before she and Emmett continue their journey to the office next to the barn.
After they get a safe distance, Parker slips a finger under my chin, tilting my face. The move is so achingly familiar I actuallylet him do it. “I want to make your life easier, Firefly. Not harder. Let me do that.”
Gah, I hate when he melts me.
Before I do something stupid like remember how much I love him, I step away.
“Fine. But I’m paying you back,” I quip as I rip open the door to my car.
He shakes his head. “It’s already your money, Laiken. See you in an hour.”
Happy Freaking Friday.
Then
I sit on the front porch of my house, a stack of postcards in my hand. It’s been four long months since I’ve seen Parker. He’s been on the road, working toward his dream of making the PBR. I want nothing but the best for him, and I’m his biggest cheerleader. He sends me a postcard from every town he visits, telling me how much he misses me. How he wishes I were with him. Maybe when I graduate, we can make that a reality, but right now I need him here. With me.
My heart is broken. My family is in shambles while my father is currently at the Mayson County mortuary.
I need him.
And the reason I’m unconditionally in love with him is because when I called this morning in brutal tears, he dropped everything, left a rodeo states away, and was on the way to Mayson Ridge.
Headlights finally bleed through the trees ahead a little after midnight, and just the sight of his truck makes me want to break down and cry. I place the stack of postcards down on the step, pushing to my feet as he parks in the drive. When his door opens, I pick up my pace and launch into a jog. He slams the door, his eyes already on me as I cross to him.
“Firefly.” His voice catches with emotion.
With a leap, I fly toward him, my chest meeting his as my arms wrap around his neck. A sob rips from my throat, the comfort of his arms and the heartbreak of my loss overwhelming me. I sag against him, my body weak from the tears and little sleep. He lifts me up, wrapping my legs around his waist as I sob into his neck. A palm glides along my back, his voice soft as he whispers in my ear.
“I’m here, baby.” He soothes. “I got you.”
He walks to the tailgate, drops it down, then places me gently on the cool metal.
I sniff, bringing my eyes to his. “He’s gone.”
His thumbs brush beneath my eyes. “I’m so sorry.”
He presses a kiss to my forehead as tears stream down my face. “What do you need?”
I lace his fingers with mine. “Just be here with me?”
He brings our conjoined hands up to his mouth and drops a kiss on my knuckles. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Chapter fifteen
Parker
We’ve spent the last five hours putting the Mayson Ridge Ranch brand on more cattle than I can count. It’s a sunny seventy-five outside, and we’ve come to a stopping point to have a quick lunch.
“They aren’t letting you on any bulls anymore?” Clyde climbs down from a sorrel mare, his gray mustache twitching.
