AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Anna’s leg healed quickly and soon, she was discharged. I recalled that day like yesterday. I’d picked her up when the sun was setting. When she climbed into my truck, I kept staring at the leg that sustained the injury, grateful that it was still intact.
While she was recuperating, I assisted Anna with leg exercises. I supported her as she walked to regain strength in her injured leg. Our routines were simple. They included stretches, short walks around the ranch, and balancing exercises.
She performed them all with determination, that grit that always defined her.
We gradually became close friends. It was a closeness born out of care and shared moments.
Meanwhile, a fire broke out in my barn one night. It was deliberate arson. We immediately called the police, who arrested the perpetrator. The investigation led straight to Richard. Since he was tied to the crime, he was arrested and I filed a lawsuit against him.
The loss made me understand what Anna had been experiencing. I started helping her to rebuild Harrington Ranch while working on my ranch.
Anna’s ranch began to flourish. Profit rose as we introduced more animals and began renovations. We worked hard together rebuilding structures, reroofing the buildings, and planning for the future. It was during this time that I truly saw the potential of what we could achieve together.
Presently, as we neared the pond, the memory of our last visit here lingered in my mind.
I watched Anna glance at the wildflowers, smiling. Everything about her captivated me. I admired not just her physical beauty, but also her inner strength and resilience that had seen her through tough times.
The moment we sat by the pond, I began to speak.
“I’ve been meaning to tell you something, Anna. Last time we were here, I wanted you to be in an exclusive relationship with me. But I couldn’t tell you then because I wasn’t honest about my past actions against you.”
She listened quietly, gazing into my eyes.
“I’ve changed, Anna. My feelings for you are real and have grown stronger. I no longer have any intention of taking your ranch. It’s you I want, just you.”
The silence stretched between us. Finally, she spoke with a soft voice.
“I’ll give us a chance, Max. I want to be in a relationship with you.”
Hearing her words, I felt happy. The future was now filled with great possibilities with Anna by my side.
21
Anna
I stood in my room, looking at myself in the full-length mirror. My wedding gown flowed around me. My gloves felt cool against my skin.
I smiled, reflecting on my journey since arriving in Marfa, Texas. It felt like I had been living a different life in Chicago back then. Initially, I had come to inherit the ranch, unsure whether to sell it or find a manager. Now, here I was, dressed in white and about to marry Max, the man I’d loved since I was a teenager.
The ranch had reshaped my life in ways I never anticipated. The challenges I faced taught me resilience and made me find a purpose in life.
My thoughts drifted to Max, making my stomach tingle. Our teenage love had been reborn from the ashes of past hurt. I’d also been able to forgive him for abandoning me and trying to take the ranch from me. The way he saved me during the storm and helped me rebuild the ranch made me realize he was a man I could trust and love with all my heart.
I walked downstairs and stepped outside where our wedding was about to take place. Country Christian music played in the background. Several guests, including Beth, Ethan, Jake, and Luna were smiling.
Max and I exchanged our vows, then the minister pronounced us husband and wife.
“You may kiss the bride,” he said.
In that second, our lips met.
I kissed to a new life built on understanding, respect, and shared dreams. I kissed, imagining a future filled with love as Max and I worked side by side on the ranches we both cherished.
The End
