Chapter 13
EASTON
It’s been two days since that night after the sing-along.
Two days of questioning if I shared too much.
Honestly, I don’t know what good it did, seeing as how our friendship here isn’t lasting.
But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel good to talk to someone about it.
Collie and I have spent the past two days getting a lay of the land in Yellowstone. I could call it exploring, but we more so just scoped things out we knew we wanted to prioritize, and got some insight from a few locals.
Surprisingly, a lot of the other couples crashing at the campsite are from Wyoming, giving us some pretty promising recommendations themselves.
Back home in Salt Hollow, there are dive bars and breweries galore. I was stoked to hear from Wendy, the excursion specialist, that there’s a well-known cowboy bar called High Noon Hideout that’s worth checking out.
Collie seemed to be down for it, too, for when we next find ourselves back in town.
Today, we’re headed to the outskirts of Yellowstone to visit a well-known ranch for horseback riding. This is the one and only excursion I knew I wanted to make a priority when Sydney planned the trip.
I may not know much about computers and all those gadgets, but I’m a fucking boss in the outdoors. I was born to work with my hands and take pride in a day’s hard work.
It’s just as much a part of me as my own family is.
One of the first things my dad did with me as a kid was teach me how to fish and gig. He’d say, “If the world went to shit tomorrow, you gotta know what it takes to survive, son.”
Knowing we had to get a move on around sunrise, I planned to wake up early and attempt to make Collie and me some breakfast over the fire while she slept a little longer.
But the natural go-getter beat me to it.
Not with breakfast, I mean. But by the time I opened the hatch to the camper, wondering where she had run off to, heavy footfalls sounded from behind me, revealing Collie in all her glory.
When I say in her glory, I mean in black skintight workout clothes, an athletic jacket, and a gray beanie on her head.
Fuck. She’s cute. And that’s every reason for me to stay away.
She swore she didn’t mean to wake me, but wanted to get some miles in before we started the day.
Can’t argue with that, especially if this is the view I get to wake up to.
After chugging some water, Collie had herself ready to go in minutes when I told her what we were doing. She’s always down to make the most of everything, and I admire that.
That’s why I know today is going to be one for the books. Horses in Yellowstone just sound like such a vibe.
We have yet to talk about our night under the stars, and it’s probably for the best. But I will say, I sense a newfound understanding between us. One that’s very much unspoken about and feels sacred.
We know things about each other, and I have a feeling there’s much more to learn about Collie Meadows. Life stories and challenges I’m adamant to learn about during this trip, then intend to take to the grave with me.
After eating breakfast, I secure the van. It’s the first time since we’ve been here that we’re using it for something other than sleeping and storing.
Time to take Clementine off-roading. I didn’t know what to think when Collie named our van, but it fits. And now I’m out here calling her by name.
Clementine—the vessel holding all our secrets, if I’m being technical.
We’re heading down a road just off the East side of the campsite, close to five miles on the outskirts. Just the drive so far has been nothing short of incredible.
Trees become sparse the farther back we go, but the views only get better. More lakes, streams, mountains, animals galavanting for miles, and some within an arm’s reach from the van.
It’s majestic in a way to be in the realms of wildlife. To them, this is their home. It’s all they know. But to us, it’s something new and exciting—yet, we’re still only visitors passing through.
The snow hasn’t completely invaded, leaving layers of colors still vivid enough to appreciate despite the thin layer of snow on the ground. I know one of the main things Collie wants to do is visit a hot spring, so I planned an unforgettable day coming up that I know she’ll appreciate.
“I thought I knew country life, but South Carolina has nothing on this. Just look at it,” Collie speaks in awe as we drive through the wooden gates of Antlerwood Ranch. “Could you imagine waking up every day and calling this place home?”
“I’m not sure anything could beat it.”
“I take that back. Maybe not anything. Nothing can beat a full-body orgasm. Nothing.”
Fucking hell. Just when I think I’ve got myself in check again, she makes some off-the-wall comment regarding dicks and pussies.
“Is your mind always in the gutter?” I question.
Collie smiles. “Always. It’s my favorite place to be.”
“Good to know.” I gulp, and lucky for me, the view up ahead eases the delay in my response.
Upon entering the gates, a wide pathway of fir trees lines the entrance, creating a border that leads to a ranch at the end of the gravel road. Despite technically still being in Yellowstone, the home feels isolated in its own way.
No people or architecture for miles aside from a barn in the distance.
But this property has enough character and zeal on its own.
Directly in front of us is a one-story country oasis.
Sage green paneling with wood and black accents adorn the exterior.
A widespread front porch welcomes visitors with daybeds on opposite ends, overflowing with overstuffed pillows and blankets.
The porch is also tastefully decorated with fall décor; authentic pumpkins littering the staircase leading to the front door.
Dirty Dan clued us in about the owners here, reassuring us we’re in great hands. From my understanding, the owners are a husband-and-wife team whose children have since grown and started families of their own.
Antlerwood Ranch is their way of giving back to the community on this side of Wyoming with their time and resources.
Cattle and farm life are their pride and joy.
The moment our van pulls to a stop, an older couple exits the front door while big smiles crest their aged faces as they head to greet us.
I wonder what it would feel like to have an uncontainable joy like that? One that makes it difficult to mask.
Collie flings open the passenger door on a goddamn mission while I scurry to keep up with the impulsive woman.
“If it isn’t our new guests. Welcome to Antlerwood Ranch. You must be Easton and Sydney Voss?”
Well, shit. I know the kind woman meant nothing by it, but she just brought even more exposure to my true reason for being here. The reason I have yet to share with Collie.
“Collie Voss,” Collie introduces herself, shaking the woman’s hand and sending me a smile. I appreciate the lack of judgement, but I know questions are to come in my future. “There was a typo with my name.” She then turns to me. “This is my husband, Easton. We’re here on our honeymoon.”
“Ernest and Naomi. Nice to meet ya. Newlyweds, eh?” the older gentleman chimes in.
Collie nods while I stay silent, a trait I’m perfecting. “Just a few days ago, actually. This is our first official day in civilization…if you know what I mean.” She winks, and I want to fucking run.
I let out a dry chuckle, doing a horrible job at going along with her. I know I’m failing when a sharp pinch to my ass causes me to jolt. “Yeah. Yeah,” I mumble. “Honeyboo bear over here can’t keep her hands off me.”
Eyes that could kill concentrate on me. Or maybe look at me like she’s ready to begin my castration. “Yep. That’s me.” Collie licks her lips, and my insides fucking spasm. “Can’t get enough of my Easty Weasty. I always aim to please. Isn’t that right, sugar lips?”
For some reason, I don’t think she’s kidding. “My honeyboo never lies,” I say wearily, not sure who I’m trying to convince.
I bet Collie knows how to please real well. So well, I can picture her now. Taking me to the back of her throat as I thru—
“Oh, to be young and in love again. Why don’t ya’ll follow us, and we’ll introduce you to Beavis and Butthead.”
Without another word, they spin on their heels, leaving Collie and me to follow behind.
“And the weird fucking name trend continues,” I blurt at the same time Collie grabs my hand and pulls us ahead. “Dibs on Beavis.”
“Sure,” I sneer. “Guess I’ll take Butthead.”