Chapter 48
48
PENNY
The day was finally over—thank God.
I collapsed into my desk chair with a sigh that came straight from my soul. Every muscle in my body went limp, my arms dangling over the sides like I’d just run a marathon instead of managing chaos for eight hours straight. My office was quiet, blessedly so, and I could finally breathe.
There had to be a full moon coming. Either that or the end-of-year madness had taken full control. School let out next week, and the kids were basically feral. One student tried to eat a crayon today. A Macaroni and Cheese-colored crayon, no less, because he thought it would taste like pasta. That was the final straw. I fled to my office before I said something I’d regret.
Outside, summer was settling in like a hot breath on the back of my neck. Spring was officially saying goodbye, and Texas wasn’t wasting any time bringing the heat.
I sat up straighter, shaking off the exhaustion, when I noticed something resting across my keyboard.
A single red rose.
My breath caught.
I was so distracted by my thoughts that I didn’t notice it until now.
I reached for it gently, twirling the stem between my fingers. Its petals were velvet-soft, a perfect bloom of deep red, so vibrant it almost didn’t look real.
Attached to the stem with a piece of twine was a small folded note. I carefully untied it and opened it, heart skipping even before I read the first word.
Penelope,
I put together a scavenger hunt for you. I’ll be waiting at the end. Read each clue carefully.
Your first stop: the place to go when you were having a rough day. They’re always consistent and the only spot in Faircloud that has your favorite kind of this food.
—Mac
I pressed the note to my chest, a smile tugging at my lips, and let out a soft laugh. A scavenger hunt? For me? With Mac waiting at the end?
My heart swelled, full and warm. This was his Hail Mary. His big gesture.
Leaving everything behind except my phone and keys, I slipped out of my office and through the library, weaving past coworkers and curious glances without stopping. The front doors of the building opened to a golden horizon—the sun was setting, casting honey-colored light across the pavement—and the warmth wrapped around me like encouragement.
I already knew the answer to his first clue.
There was only one place in Faircloud that served my favorite comfort food. One place that never failed to lift my spirits when I was low.
The little Italian restaurant just a few doors down Main Street.
As I walked, I thought of the time Mac showed up at my place unannounced and filled my fridge with groceries and a container of chicken parmesan.
Thoughtful. Generous. Always paying attention.
That was Mac.
I reached the restaurant and pulled open the door, greeted instantly by the smell of roasted garlic, basil, and marinara. Soft Italian music floated through the air, and the lights inside were low, casting everything in a cozy, golden glow.
The hostess at the front counter smiled knowingly.
Without a word, she ducked behind the counter and came back up holding another red rose—and a white to-go container.
I smiled and offered a heartfelt “thank you” before stepping back out into the warm evening air. On the sidewalk, I paused to unfold the next note that was tucked beneath the rose’s petals.
Penelope,
Go to the place where we danced for the first time. It’s familiar. Completely you. It’s also where you burned the breadsticks and tried to blame me…
—Mac
A laugh bubbled up in my chest.
My apartment.
That night had been an accidental kind of magic—music playing from the speaker on my counter, our impromptu dance in the living room, and, yes, the breadsticks that ended up charred because we were too wrapped up in each other to notice the timer.
I quickened my pace, passing the darkened windows of Petal Pusher, still closed. The stairwell to my apartment seemed steeper than usual, anticipation bubbling with each step.
I slipped inside, eyes scanning every surface for a flash of red.
Nothing in the entryway. Nothing on the coffee table or counters.
I placed the container in the fridge and continued my search, heart racing now.
Down the hallway, I wandered into my bedroom, and that’s when I saw it lying across my bed.
A dress lay draped across the blanket, soft fabric rippling. A rose rested on top, as delicate and perfect as the others.
The dress was beautiful—long and flowing, with a thigh-high slit and cap sleeves. The soft pink floral pattern looked like it belonged in a garden of daydreams. My fingers skimmed the fabric, and something inside me fluttered.
I picked up the rose, then the note tucked beneath it, ready for the next clue.
Penelope,
Put on the dress with your favorite pair of boots and then head to the heart of Faircloud. After you find the next note, there will be a car waiting to take you to the next stop.
—Mac
The heart of Faircloud. That had to mean the Community Park—right in the center of town, the place where everything happened.
I slipped out of my clothes and stepped into the dress. The fabric hugged my hips as I pulled it up, fitting like it had been made just for me.
I walked over to the standing mirror and took myself in.
Every dip. Every curve.
The way the material clung to my skin made me feel like I wasn’t just wearing a dress—I was wearing a memory. Mac knew my body better than anyone. He’d memorized it with his hands, with his eyes, with every glance that lingered too long and every touch that left me breathless.
Dropping to my hands and knees, I crawled into the back of my closet, fumbling for my favorite pair of boots—the exact ones Mac always said made me look like trouble in the best possible way.
My heart pounded. Excitement bubbled hot in my chest. I didn’t know what he had waiting at the end of this hunt, but every step closer made me feel like I was walking toward something that would change everything.
If I had the lungs for it, I’d have sprinted to the park. But I also knew my own stamina and, frankly, it wasn’t going to get me far in this heat.
So, I walked. Briskly.
Down the stairs, back into the golden dusk of the Texas evening. I didn’t bother with the crosswalk—just darted across the street and into the park, my boots clicking against the pavement.
Who was I looking for?
What was I even supposed to be looking for?
The winding sidewalk stretched out ahead of me, curving gently through the trees and flower beds. I let instinct lead, trying to think like Mac.
If I were Mac, where would I leave a clue in the heart of Faircloud?
Maybe… the heart of the park, too.
The pavilion.
The tall, white structure came into view just beyond a bend in the path. I felt my pulse kick. Someone was already standing beneath it.
Back turned.
But I knew that hair. That stance. That energy.
Sandy.
I slowed my steps and crept up behind her, but my boots gave me away. She turned, grinning as she held out another rose.
I blinked at her, smiling in disbelief. “He roped you into this?”
She shrugged, proud. “Of course he did. He’s very persuasive and he sure as hell loves you.”
Her words hit me square in the chest.
He loves you.
My throat tightened. I swallowed.
I’d known it, hadn’t I? Felt it in every gesture, every look, every ridiculous thing he did to make me smile. But hearing it—saying it—was something else.
“I love him, too,” I whispered, the words tumbling out like a prayer, light and sacred. It was the easiest truth I’d ever spoken.
Sandy smiled, eyes soft, and pulled me into a quick, warm hug. She planted a dramatic kiss on my cheek and pulled back, placing the rose in my hand with a wink.
“Go get him,” she said gently.
I nodded, turning as she pressed the rose into my palm. Another note was tied around the stem with twine. My fingers trembled slightly as I unfolded it and read:
Penelope,
There’s a truck waiting for you around the bend. Your driver’s ready.
Your next destination is a place we’d go on the nights we needed to escape reality. The stars never shone quite as bright as you.
—Mac
I scanned the area, searching for a truck. Not that it helped much—this was small-town Texas, and everyone drove a truck. It was practically a requirement for residency.
But then, one stood out.
Leaning casually against the front bumper was Rhodes, his ankles crossed as he stared out at the fiery sunset sinking beneath the horizon.
“Rhodes?” I called, uncertainty lacing my voice.
He turned at the sound of my voice, that familiar, gentle smile blooming across his face. “Penny,” he said softly. “You look lovely.”
He was wearing a suit.
A damn suit.
Rhodes. The man who practically lived in jeans and a flannel. His hat was missing, too—his usually wild hair was brushed back neatly behind his ears. It was so unlike him, yet somehow still him.
Without a word, he walked around the truck and opened the passenger door, holding it open with quiet expectation. I hesitated, just for a second. Then I trusted my gut—and Mac—and slid inside with a soft smile.
He shut the door gently, like the moment was something sacred, and then circled around to the driver’s seat.
“Sandy and now you?” I asked, turning slightly to face him. “Are you going to give me any hints about what he’s planning?”
Rhodes tsked under his breath and gave a short shake of his head. “Not a chance.” He glanced at me, his lips twitching. “So, where to?”
I pulled the note from my lap and read it again, this time with a little more weight.
“The overlook.”
Rhodes nodded, shifted the truck into drive, and pulled onto the road. I doubted he didn’t know where we were going; he was just asking for good measure.
Silence fell between us, but it wasn’t uncomfortable.
“I know you knew the whole time,” I finally said.
He gave me a sidelong glance. “It wasn’t my place to say anything. But for what it’s worth… he’s really sorry, Penny. I’ve known Mac a long time. I’ve never seen him like this.”
“I know,” I whispered, looking down at the rose still in my lap. “I can see how hard he’s trying. He’s been trying for a while now.”
The overlook wasn’t far—just a few minutes from downtown Faircloud. As we got closer, my heart beat faster, nerves tangling with anticipation in the center of my chest.
“So,” Rhodes began, “you two came here a lot?”
I smiled and turned to the window, my gaze drifting to the trees Mac and I parked beneath more than once.
“We did,” I said softly. “Nights when we needed to breathe. When his place felt too small, mine too quiet.”
I could still picture it. The two of us lying in the truck bed, the stars twinkling above us like our own private sky. We’d point out fake constellations and invent stories for them, laughing until our stomachs hurt. He’d wrap his arm around my shoulders, at first pretending it was just to stay warm or get comfortable.
But now? I knew better. It was always just an excuse to hold me closer.
The truck rolled to a stop, and I spotted a figure near the edge of the overlook.
Boone.
He stood with his back to me, the familiar shape of his cowboy hat outlined by the fading sun. He turned as I approached, his signature smirk already in place.
I didn’t wait for Rhodes to open my door—I was already out and striding toward him.
“Oh my God,” I said, laughing as I threw my hands up. “Did Mac recruit everyone for this?”
“Just about,” Boone said, pulling me into a one-armed hug. “Took a lot of planning. He wanted it perfect.”
“I can tell,” I replied, my voice thick with emotion.
Boone’s smile softened. “I’m sure Rhodes said something like this already, but I’m saying it, too. Mac really does love you, Penny.”
The words landed deep in my chest. And not in a shocking way. No, they settled there like they’d always belonged.
And the fact that our friends saw it, believed in us enough to dress up and play along, to spend their night helping Mac…
It meant everything.
“Good thing I feel the same way about him.”
Boone grinned and handed me the rose, letting it go only when he was sure I had it. A note was tied around the stem with twine.
I untied it with trembling fingers, heart racing, and read:
Penelope,
I can’t wait to see you.
Your next and final stop is the place where we spent our first night together, surrounded by our friends. It was the night I knew I’d make you mine.
Boone is going to blindfold you. The next part is a surprise.
See you soon, Trouble.
—Mac
My breath caught.
This was really happening.
My attention snapped to Boone, who now held a black blindfold between his fingers, letting it dangle like a challenge.
“Time to get your man,” he said with a grin, then stepped behind me and gently wrapped the fabric around my eyes. The world went dark.
Boone’s hand found mine, firm and steady, guiding me toward a waiting truck. I didn’t know if he or Rhodes would be driving, it didn’t matter. My heart was pounding so loud I could hear it in my ears. As I sank into the passenger seat, one leg bounced uncontrollably with anticipation.
I stayed quiet for the entire ride, lost in thought, spinning through every possibility of what Mac was planning in the end. Boone didn’t ask any questions. He knew exactly what this was, where we were going. That much was clear.
There was only one place that made sense.
Cassidy Ranch.
The first night I’d met Mac one-on-one had been at a bonfire there with Aspen and Theo. We’d flirted, joked, connected in a way that felt simple and magnetic. From that moment, it had been nothing but tension until the day we finally gave in.
And now here I was, blindfolded in a truck, following clues in a romantic scavenger hunt planned by the man I loved.