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Leah rubbed her forearms and headed to the stables. When she came to Molly’s stall, she patted the mare’s neck. Molly nuzzled her face as usual when she greeted her.
****
Cole’s eyes roamed the barn. Where was Leah? She couldn’t have left. Spotting Gemma, he tapped her shoulder.
“Have you seen Leah?” he asked.
Gemma tapped her lips. “She may have stepped outside.”
He nodded and snuck outside. He then took a minute to set his award inside his truck, but after locking up, he scanned the land for Leah. He didn’t know how many acres of land Will had, but it would take all night to search the place. He paced toward the barn, hearing the neighs of a horse. Peeking inside, his body relaxed.
“I thought you left me for a second,” he said with a smile dancing on his lips.
Leah didn’t return the gesture. She didn’t even make eye contact. “I’m here.”
He stepped closer. Something was wrong. A frown replaced her smile from earlier.
“Leah, what’s wrong? Did something happen?” His eyebrows etched together.
She lifted her chin and fixed her gaze on him. “Why didn’t you tell me you donated to the community center?”
He drew closer and rested his hands on her shoulders. “I didn’t want a lot of attention. I wanted to help.”
“I was so proud of you in there. You helped the town you love. You’re more amazing than what you give yourself credit for.”
Next thing he knew, Leah kissed him. It only made his spirits buoyed. He held her tight. If she only knew the depths of his love for her. When she pulled away, she released a deep breath.
“It’s too soon,” she said.
“Too soon for what?”
She pulled out her phone. What for? “I need to go home. Tell everyone I’m not feeling well.” She pivoted around him and headed for the door, but Cole took her free hand.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
Leah stuffed her phone back in her purse. “I… nothing I need to go home. Now.”
“Leah? You can tell me anything.”
Her lips gave half a smile. “I… I love you.”
She loved him. He was speechless.
Leah took a breath. “I love you so much. I don’t know if it’s too
soon to say it, but I… I couldn’t hold it in any longer.”
Cole dropped her hand and his arms hung loosely at his sides. She loved him. Did he hear her right or was that ringing in his ears? Her feelings for him based on her touch was clear. He loved her kisses, but love… it blew him away. His lips parted. He must have waited too long to respond.
Leah winced and covered her face with her hands. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”
He grabbed her hands. “No, don’t think I—”
“Cole!” Seth shouted, interrupting them. “Man, there you are. April wants pictures of you and your award.”
“I need to go,” Leah said.
“Leah?”
