Chapter 11
11
Sofia
Max, Brett and I wandered toward the town square. Strings of twinkling lights draped from tree to tree. The air was thick with the scent of buttery popcorn and sweet cotton candy, mingling with the earthy aroma of fresh hay bales dotting the festival grounds.
“Look Mom, a Ferris wheel!” Max exclaimed, tugging at my hand. “Can we go on it, please?”
“Sure thing, buddy,” Brett agreed, his voice deep and warm like honey. He flashed a reassuring smile.
As we approached the Ferris wheel, Brett purchased tickets for the three of us, effortlessly striking up a conversation with the ticket vendor. It was a talent of his, making friends wherever he went. I watched him, heart swelling. It wasn't long ago that Brett had walked back into my life, and already, he had become an irreplaceable presence on the ranch and in Max's life. But could I trust him not to break my heart again?
“Ready to go?” Brett asked, returning to my side and handing me a ticket.
“Y-yeah,” I stammered, my cheeks flushed.
“Mom, you're blushing!” Max giggled.
“Am I?” I replied, attempting to brush off the embarrassment. “Must be the sun.”
We climbed into the Ferris wheel car, with Brett securing the safety bar over our laps. As we ascended into the sky, my heart raced, not from fear of heights, but from the close proximity to Brett. His blue eyes seemed to hold an ocean of secrets.
“Beautiful view, isn't it?” he murmured, gazing out at the town below.
“Y-yes,” I agreed, trying to focus on the scenery instead of the man beside me. I closed my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady my racing thoughts. Risking my heart again was terrifying, but as the Ferris wheel turned, maybe, just maybe, it would be worth it.
Once we got off, Max ran us all over the place.
“Have you tried the caramel apples?” Brett asked. “They're amazing.”
“Are they? Alright, let's give them a try.”
As we approached the small stand adorned with colorful signs advertising the various treats, Max eagerly tugged on my arm. “Mom, can I try one too?”
“Of course,” I replied, ruffling his dark hair.
Brett bought three caramel apples, handing one to me and another to Max.
“This is delicious!” Max exclaimed through a mouthful of gooey caramel and crisp apple.
“Isn't it?” Brett grinned, watching as Max's face lit up. His gaze then shifted to me, his blue eyes softening. “I’m glad we could spend this time together.”
“Me too.”
As we continued walking through the event, thoughts drifted back to the times when we were inseparable, heart aching for what they once had.
“Brett, I... I don't know if I can let myself fall for you again. There's so much at stake now, with the ranch and Max…”
“Hey, I understand,” Brett interrupted, his eyes full of sincerity. “I’m not asking you to forget about everything that happened between us, but I am asking for a chance to prove that things can be different this time.”
As we walked away from the booth, there was a growing warmth in my chest. Brett was determined to win my heart, but could I find the courage to give him a chance? With that sneaky business guy wanting the ranch now… things were swirling around in my head.
“Time to head home, buddy.”
We began walking towards the truck, steps slow and hesitant.
“Today was really fun,” I admitted, eyes lingering on Brett for a moment before looking away. The more time we spent together, the harder it would become to keep my heart guarded.
“It was,” Brett agreed, his hand brushing against mine ever so lightly, a fleeting touch.
We reached the truck. As I buckled Max in, part of me thought that Brett was showing me how much he cared for us already. Things like tonight - he didn’t have to take us here, but he wanted to. He had always been a great person - but he had become an even better man.
“Thank you for everything today.”
“Of course,” he replied.
Maybe one day I’d have my happily ever after, but right now the ranch and Max were my priority.