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He thought for a moment. “I’m not sure.” He smiled.
“Really?” I said, excited at the thought of both of us staying.
“This rental is really nice. Plus, Christian is going to need a ranch hand.”
“That sounds great, Brett, I’m really happy for you.”
He nodded. “Spending the summers here just isn’t enough anymore.” He sighed.
“Well, let’s go tell Christian.” I smiled, knowing that I would be adding the news of my own staying.
We locked up, got in the car, and left for the ranch. Brett parked the car in front, and we got out in search for Christian.
The ranch house still bore the scars of the fire, but Christian was tirelessly working to mend the wounds, a testament to his determination. I rushed in, eager to share the news about the job offer that could alter the course of my life.
"Christian, I need to talk to you," I blurted out, my words carrying a mix of excitement and apprehension. “Well, we need to talk to you.” I motioned toward Brett, who smiled.
He glanced down from the ladder, paintbrush in hand, a furrow forming on his brow. "What is it?"
The room echoed with the scuffle of his tools against the charred walls.
"I got the job offer," I began, the words dancing on my tongue, ready to burst out. "But-"
Before I could elaborate, he cut in, his tone unyielding. "Go, Casey. You belong in the city."
My eyes widened, and I felt a surge of shock. This wasn't the reaction I had expected. "Christian, I wanted to stay. I care about the ranch, and I care about you."
His voice, typically warm and comforting, took on a harsh edge. "You can care from afar. This ranch will survive, and you don't need to tie yourself down here."
His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I had anticipated surprise or maybe even reluctance, but this adamant insistence shocked me. The ranch meant a lot to him, but so did he to me.
"But I want to stay," I insisted, my voice carrying a mix of confusion and hurt. "Christian, I wanted to tell you about a job offer I got. A marketing position in the city. I wanted to turn it down."
His resolve didn't waver, and the firmness in his eyes bordered on anger. "Go, Casey. You don't belong here."
The weight of his words hung heavily in the air. It was as if the walls themselves were bearing witness to an unexpected rift. I stood there, my excitement replaced by a cold reality. The man I cared about was asking me to leave, convinced that it was the best course of action.
As I left the room, confusion and hurt etched across my features, I couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted. The ranch, a place that had become a symbol of rebuilding, suddenly felt like a barrier standing between us.
“What happened?” Brett was standing on the porch, looking at the charred remains of the edge of the porch.
“Nothing. I’m going back to the city.” I walked past him and towards the car.
“What?” He followed behind me.
“I got a job offer. I’m going back. I’m tired of this country hole!” I stomped up to the car, got in, and slammed the door behind me.
As I zipped up my suitcase, a heavy sense of finality settled in the room. It was time to say goodbye to the ranch, to Christian, to the unexpected connection that had grown between us. My phone buzzed, and Marley's text lit up the screen, announcing her imminent arrival. I took a deep breath, collecting myself, and headed next door to bid farewell to Tamara.
The door opened, and Tamara's eyes widened at the sight of my packed bags. "Casey, you're really leaving?"
I nodded, a bittersweet smile playing on my lips. "Yeah, Marley's on her way. I just wanted to say goodbye."
Tamara's eyes welled up with emotion. "But you can't go! Christian likes you, you know?"
I chuckled, brushing off her statement. "Tamara, we're just friends. Besides, I got a job offer in the city. It's an opportunity I can't pass up."
She sighed, pulling me into a tight hug. "Promise me you'll visit, okay? And keep in touch. We'll miss you around here."
