Chapter 30
Kacey
The space on the bed next to me is cold when I wake up. I knew he didn’t want to wake me, and we’ll FaceTime tonight, but I hate that I didn’t get to tell him goodbye.
Knowing this, I love how passionate he is about his dream. Just listening to him talk about bull riding, you can hear how much he loves it. I want to be there for him and support him however I can. My fear last night stopped me from telling him that, so I’ll find ways to show him.
I’ll be counting down the days until Estes Park when I can see him again. I could see the fear in his eyes—fear that we won’t make it through the summer. And I know he could see the fear in mine for his safety. But I meant what I said last night—I’m his.
There is no one else.
Rolling out of bed, I can feel how sore I am. It’s a good sore though, it reminds me this is real. I’ve never been with someone who made me feel so alive. It was the best sex I’ve ever had.
I head for the bathroom to start going through my morning routine.
Seeing the passion and love on Knox’s face last night reminded me that’s how I used to feel about ranching.
Ever since Chet was hired, and I wasn’t offered the foreman job, I’ve felt like I’m not good enough.
I don’t take enough responsibility or help grow the ranch.
It’s been weighing on my shoulders so much I think I’ve lost a little bit of my love for the ranch, but I want to get it back. I just don’t know how.
I head for the kitchen to start my coffee. When I round the island, I see a piece of folded paper leaning against my coffee maker with my name across the front. I smile. He knew I wouldn’t miss the note if he left it here. I never go without my morning coffee.
I unfold it and start to read.
Kacey,
I didn’t want to wake you, but we had to leave, or we wouldn’t make it to Vernal in time.
When I came to Colorado this spring, you were the last thing I thought I’d find.
As soon as we met, I felt a connection like I have never felt before.
And it only gets stronger and stronger every minute I spend with you.
Not seeing you the last few weeks was tough, and now we’re going into a longer run of rodeos.
But I now know if there’s a relationship that stands a chance of surviving a rodeo season, it’s ours.
I can’t promise this summer will be easy, but I can promise I will do everything in my power to make this work and give us a real shot.
I’ll see you in Estes, sweetheart.
- Knox
I feel tears welling up, but I take a deep breath, holding them back.
I feel like an idiot. Why did I wait so long to give him a chance?
We could’ve had weeks together, but I was too afraid to open myself up.
I won’t make that mistake again, we will make it through the summer and get our chance to be together.
I press the start button on my coffee maker, then pull out my phone and send him a text.
Kacey
Go kick their asses out there. I’ll be here waiting for you and cheering you on.