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Lost in my fantasies, I hadn’t realized we’d made it so far until Adler gave another whistle. “I knew they were doing good, but I had hoped it wasn’t so bad.”
I followed his gaze to find a herd of cars parked haphazardly all down the road and in a big empty field next to what looked like a small carnival.
The market!
Fuck me. How could I have forgotten about the market they had each month? My brain hadn’t been keeping track of the days to remember it was this weekend. Now I wouldn’t just be showing up unannounced, but I would also be doing so in front of strangers.
At least it was late enough in the afternoon that I figured there wasn’t much time left for it to keep going. Adler confirmed my thoughts as he parked near the edge of the crowd.
“They’ve only got an hour or so left to wrap things up. I’ll go wander around for a bit if you wanted to change or something.”
“How did you —?”
He grinned as he pointed to his face. “Your expression dropped when I mentioned the sandbox and your clothes. I figure you’ve got some stuff in your bag. Freshen up, then come find whoever it is that had you traveling across the world.”
I swallowed thickly at the matter-of-fact way he spoke. His smirk was knowing, though there was no way he could know exactly who I was her for, nor did he have a clue just how important said person was to me.
“Thanks, Adler. I wish I could repay your kindness.”
He shook his head. “There’s nothing to repay. It was a right place, right time type of thing. Besides, I’d like to think we could be friends if you stick around this place. If I thought you had a phone, I’d give you my number so you could reach out for a beer when you’re ready.”
“Give it to me anyway,” I told him as I pulled out my bus ticket to hand to him. “I’ll find a way to meet you and then we can get that drink. I’ll probably need a few friends along the way.”
Adler wrote his number on the ticket, then handed it back. “I’m good with that. Besides, as long as I’m not getting on that bus, then I should make the most of this place. Take your time. I’m not in any hurry.”
With that, he took off to walk towards the long drive leading up to the market activities. I watched him until he was far enough away that I knew I was alone. Only then did I bow my head and let the few tears of thankfulness I felt fall.
I’d always been an easy crier when my emotions became too much. During my time in the army, I’d learned how to control it, but since the day everything changed, I’d lost the skill.
Wiping my eyes, I took two deep breaths to steady myself. I had to change and then I needed to go find the one person in this world I wanted to see.
I’d made it this far. What were a few more steps when they brought me to him?
So maybe I’dbeen underestimating myself when I said a few more steps. It felt like I’d walked a marathon by the time I made it through the front gates of the Coleman Ranch.
People milled about the land as they took in all the ranch had to offer. Fun activities for families and stands designed to sell various goods from people who lived in the area were spread out far and wide.
As I made my way through the crowd with my bag on my shoulder, I noticed more than one person looking my way. Theyall smiled and gave me a little nod, but it still felt off. It was like I was under scrutiny already despite none of them knowing my true motives.
I didn’t want to have to ask for Corey since I didn’t know how I’d explain our relationship to others. If they asked, I’d simply have to think of something on the fly.
Telling them he’d been my pen pal for nearly a decade and that I was more than a little in like with him wasn’t an option. Neither was mentioning my tiny obsession with the daddies and boys I knew lived on the ranch too. Especially since I wasn’t supposed to know about them.
Hell, I hadn’t met a single person, yet I felt like they were all my friends too thanks to the years of letters and stories.
Adler appeared beside me as I watched some kids getting their faces painted. It was probably weird for me to watch, but I couldn’t help it. I wanted to do it myself. I wasn’t brave enough to though. Not when I had such trepidation over what was next.
“I’m going to head out if you’re good with sticking around,” he told me as he waved at someone he knew amongst the crowd.
“I’ll be ok. If it doesn’t work out, then I’ll just walk back to the bus.”
He scowled. “Or you’ll call me, and I’ll come grab you.”
“That's also an option.”
“I doubt you’ll need me anyway. Atticus wouldn’t dare send you away no matter what the circumstance. He’s got too big a heart.”
I nodded since I knew just how true the words were. I had heard all about Atticus Coleman, from his childhood tragedies to his departure and eventual return. It was all old hat with how much I’d read Corey’s letters.
