27-REAGAN
I was unsure of everything I was doing. Miles had practically forced me into Vincent’s truck and said he would take my car to our mother’s.
The ride went faster than I anticipated, and our minds and conversations were filled with deep topics. I was still as confused as earlier. If not more since hearing his ex is still around. He made it sound like it was a one-time thing, but what is stopping her from coming back?
The way he held me close under his arm made everything reassuring.
He was saying a lot of the things you want to hear in this situation, but a man isn’t going to fight your ex if he’s not in it for the long haul.
He isn’t going to drive you back to his home and joke about moving you in if he isn’t even a little serious.
I was feeling antsy and unsure about joining him on the ranch. Meeting his family would be one thing, but how would I fit into his life? Vincent was strong, bold, and didn’t hold back. He practically lived every day as if it were his last. It was everything I needed in a man.
The truck slowed as we approached a driveway. Two cedar wood pillars on either side held up an intricate, wrought-iron sign reading “Callahan Ranch”. The headlights beamed onto a two-story log cabin with a wraparound porch on the right. The lights are on, but not lighting much.
“That’s my grandpa and grandma’s house.” He points as we roll slowly down a gravel road.
“That big building,” He points to the dark mass under the bright moonlight, “Is the stables. It’s where I do most of my work.
There are pastures on the other side of it.
My uncle Mark and his family live on the other side of that.
You can see it in the daylight, but everyone is obviously in for the night. ”
The sound of the rocks grinding under the tires continued, punctuated by the hollow pops of rogue stones.
After a thick of trees, another dimly lit home appeared on the left.
“Alright. This is my mom’s. My place is still getting all the finishing work done.
It’s down by the pond at the end of this road.
I can show you it tomorrow if you would like. ”
He cuts the headlights before they hit the house and steers the truck into a bare spot in the grass and weeds, parallel to the house.
“I can take you up, show you the room, then come back for your things for you. No need for you to stumble around in the dark.”
“Sure.” I grab my purse and sling it over my shoulder before sliding out, assisted by his hand. I jumped into the smell of horse manure, musty hay, and wet wood. It wasn’t the worst smell in the world. Vincent gingerly closed his truck door and led me by hand through the worn-down path.
Each step up the porch steps bowed slightly under my weight.
He twisted the knob, and the door popped open without being locked.
A light illuminated a corner in the living room across from the kitchen we had entered, but no one was there.
I took in what I could make out as Vincent closed the door behind us.
Wood. Leather. Pictures of horses and some indigenous artwork. Enough to be manly but still carry a woman’s touch.
“This way.” His hand pressed against the small of my back, leading me to a set of stairs. In the stillness of the morning, each wooden step rattled quietly until we reached the top.
The wood interior continued upstairs. Vincent pointed to a door at the end of the short hall. “The bathroom is right here when you need it.” Then he escorted me to a room on the right. The door creaked slowly, exposing a dark room. He reached in, and flicked the light on.
His deep blue bed sat centered on the opposite wall between a bookshelf and a nightstand. A few generic photos on the wall and mismatched pillows on the bed. The bed rested on top of a rug that stretched across the floor.
“This is it. Make yourself at home. I’ll grab your things and be right up.”
I gave a quick nod, feeling exhaustion rush over me. My purse found a chair in the corner, and I draped my jacket over it. I overheard Vincent coming back upstairs and wait to change into pajamas. That would be a first for us.
He gives a tired smile when he enters the room. I remember how he needs to get up early, and the guilt creeps in again. Part of me wonders if I shouldn’t have called him in the first place.
“Hey.” He sets down my pile of things on the edge of the bed. Two steps and he’s next to me.
“Hi,” I mumble as I drape my hands over the back of his neck. “Thank you…again. It means a lot. And please—tell me if I overstay my welcome.”
He gives me a kiss, ignoring my request. “Let’s get you into bed.”
“You need to get some rest in the next hour or two.”
Vincent keeps me close. “I can try. It’ll be difficult with you next to me.”
“I’m sure you will pass out immediately. It’s so late. You’re probably drained.”
“I might be.” He steps back. “Strip down, change, whatever you need to do to get some good sleep. I know how hard it can be to sleep away from home. Do you need anything? A towel? Water? A fan or heater?”
“No, I like to sleep in the cold. Maybe a bottle of water, if you have it, and a towel for tomorrow so I don’t have to bother you during your work.”
“You could never bother me.” He leaned in to kiss me before leaving the room.
I set my pillow on the bed and unzip my duffle bag.
My pajamas are right on top, and I muster up the energy to change into them.
I tossed my phone charger next to my purse, deciding I would worry about it when I woke up, and neatly stacked my tote on top of my duffle bag.
I jump as the door softly thuds against the frame. Vincent chuckles before making eye contact with me. “Cute.” He sets the towel down over my hoodie and hands me the water bottle. “Here, make yourself comfortable.”
The rubber of his boots hit the rug one after the other. “My mom will be around the house when you wake up. She can show you where I am, and I’ll let her know you’re here when I get up.”
Too tired to respond, I pick the side I am closest to and throw back the covers before crawling in.
He stands and tosses his socks into his hamper in the corner.
“Or you can call me or hang out around my room. There isn’t a lot of work today, just the basics.
I shouldn’t be too long.” He strips his pants and shirt off, and after flicking the light off, he rounds to the other side of the bed.
“I just might be done before you wake up.”
“Hm.” I give a smile. “In that case, bring a giant cup of coffee.”
“You got it.” His body presses to mine. Holding me close to him like I might actually try to escape.