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"I promise," I said, returning her hug. "You've been like family to me, Tamara. I won't forget you."
As we parted, the honk of Marley's car echoed outside. Tamara wiped away a tear, offering me a brave smile. "Go on. Marley's waiting."
I stepped out into the crisp air, my breath forming small clouds in the early morning chill. Marley's car, a familiar sight, idled at the curb. I waved back at Brett, standing on the porch, as I made my way to the car.
"Hey, Casey!" Marley greeted, her face brightening with a smile. "Ready for the next adventure?"
I returned her smile, the weight of the moment lifting momentarily. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Bags were stowed, doors were shut, and with a final wave to Brett and Tamara, we pulled away from the ranch, leaving behind the memories and the unexpected connections that had become a part of me. As the familiar landscape blurred through the car window, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. The ranch had changed me in ways I hadn't expected, and leaving wasn't as simple as closing a chapter; it felt like turning the pages of a book that I wasn't quite ready to finish.
CHAPTER 14
Christian: Flickers & Fate
The soft creaking of the barn doors echoed as I stood in the large space, holding my phone. Brett worked nearby, his hands deftly repairing one of the horse stall doors, oblivious to the internal tempest brewing within me. The email from Marley yesterday stared back at me, words etched in digital permanence.
"Christian, Casey has a great opportunity in the city. She doesn't need to be held down by some cowboy. Let her go. It's what's best, and you know it. Your past and her future just don't mix. If you truly care about her, then the city is best for her."
The words hung in the air, a weight pressing on my chest. The barn, once a sanctuary, felt stifling. My fingers traced the edges of the phone, the corners of the email. Marley, in her straightforward way, had laid bare the truth as she saw it. Yet, the truth had a way of unraveling in the recesses of my mind.
"She's too good for me," I muttered, the words escaping in a low whisper. Brett looked up from his task, but I shook my head, dismissing any concern.
Sparky walked over and sat beside me, looking up into my eyes.
The conflict raged within, a storm of doubt and self-deprecation. Casey was heading to the city, a place where dreams expanded and opportunities unfolded like a tapestry of possibilities. What could a rancher like me offer against the backdrop of skyscrapers and bustling streets? The ranch, despite its rugged charm, suddenly felt like a shackle, binding her to a life that seemed too distant from her aspirations.
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, the scent of hay and earth grounding me momentarily. Marley's words echoed in my mind, and I grappled with the realization that maybe she was right. Maybe I wasn't enough for her.
"What?" Brett walked over to me.
"She deserves the world," I admitted, more to myself than to Brett.
Yet, as I considered letting her go, a pang of regret sliced through me. Casey had become an integral part of the ranch, her laughter intertwined with the rustle of leaves and the neighing of horses. The prospect of her absence felt like a tear in the fabric of the life I had come to know.
Brett finished his task, sensing the weight of my thoughts. He laid a hand on my shoulder, a silent gesture of solidarity.
"Hey, man. Forget what Marley thinks. I know Casey. I know the way she looks at you. She likes you, man." He nodded and patted me on the back.
"Are you going to let some 'friend' and an email hold you back from something really great?" Brett's words sunk into me.
"Maybe she could be happy here." I almost said it as a question. I thought about it for a moment. The memories of us laughing and working on the ranch flooded in. She would be happy. I think, at least. I had to try.
"I messed up," I said, looking at Brett.
He nodded. He pulled his keys from his pocket. "Let's go."
The city lights flickered like distant stars as Brett and I approached Marley and Casey's apartment building. My heart raced with every step, the anticipation of facing Casey's decision clawing at my insides. We reached the door, and I hesitated only for a moment before knocking.
Marley opened the door, her expression guarded. "Christian, she doesn't want to see you. You should leave."
"Is she home?" I pleaded, my gaze searching the small apartment behind Marley.
Marley sighed, annoyance etched on her face. "Just go, Christian."
"Please," I said.
"She doesn't want to see you." Marley was about to close the door.
