32. Willow
Willow
It’s been one week since I’ve moved into Beck’s house. Sawyer didn’t love the idea but other than an eye roll and a disappointed head shake, he didn’t say much.
Beck and I have been on cloud nine, though.
Getting to see each other every day has been the best. And I love that I have a whole summer to get used to this before I have to start work.
Beck brings me coffee every morning, and I get to play around in the kitchen and cook dinner for him when he gets home from the stables.
It’s all very domestic and normal and exactly what I needed.
Beck is off today. It’s one of the first days he’s been off since I moved in.
With summer season ramping up, the ranch is getting busier, so he’s been training the seasonal team.
I’ve noticed that Ace is not working in the stables this year and wonder who made that decision.
I hope Ace decided for himself to work somewhere else.
Beck drives us to Brooks and Aspen’s house. They’ve invited a few people over for dinner. Even with a new baby, they love to entertain. I can’t even count how many times they’ve said the ranch is like a family.
Their ranch home is almost glowing as the setting sun hits it. Moonlight Ranch is one of the prettiest places on Earth. I’m convinced. I can’t believe I get to call this place home now.
Beck takes my hand as we walk inside, where we’re immediately greeted with hugs and the smell of Italian seasoning.
“We’re so glad you could make it!” Aspen says.
It’s hard to believe she had a baby less than five months ago.
She looks incredible, and more importantly, she looks well rested.
Brooks, however, seems to have some dark circles under his eyes.
It’s easy to guess who is taking the night shift these days.
“Thank you for inviting us!” I tell her.
“Of course. Welcome to the family, Willow.” She smiles, and I feel like she truly means it.
“Oh my gosh, is this Noah?” I ask, walking over to Brooks, who is holding a baby in a onesie covered in cowboy hats.
“Here he is. The man, the myth, the legend,” Brooks says. Aspen laughs at her son’s introduction.
“He’s adorable. Can I hold him?” I ask.
“Of course. My arms can always use a break.”
Brooks slides Noah into my arms. He’s surprisingly content being handed off to a complete stranger.
Brooks elbows Beck. “I dunno, man. She looks pretty comfortable with a baby. You might be next.”
To my complete surprise, Beck doesn’t balk at the suggestion. Instead, he smiles at me, and it’s almost like I can literally see the hearts in his eyes.
“Let us get used to living together first before we start thinking about that,” I say, but it’s not like the thought hasn’t crossed my mind.
I’d love to have children in the future, but I want to get my career started first. Get myself settled.
But one day? Yeah, I hope Beck and I will expand our little family.
“Of course. You’ve got plenty of time,” Aspen says. “So Beck was telling us you got a job?”
I tell them all about my new role at Blue Haven Elementary, or at least as much as I know right now. I won’t truly get started until pre-planning begins later this summer, but I’m excited to think of a room theme and start buying things for my future classroom.
Harper shows up with another woman, whom she introduces as Jazz.
She looks vaguely familiar. She probably went to Blue Haven High School, although I’d guess she was a few years ahead of me.
A few other people from the ranch show up, and we start playing pass the baby because everyone wants to see how cute Noah is.
Beck and I watch everyone ooh and aah over every little thing Noah does. It’s adorable, and I love that this group of people is so close. I’m excited to be a part of this.
“Hey, Beck?” I say, putting my head on his shoulder.
“Yeah, baby?”
“I’m happy I’m here.”
His arm wraps around my waist. “I’m happy you’re here, too.”
“Alright, everyone. Let’s eat!” Aspen yells to the group. “Don’t worry, Brooks made most of this, so it’s safe.” She’s set out two huge pans of lasagna, several loaves of garlic bread, and two huge salad bowls. There’s enough food here to feed an army.
Beck and I join the line to grab food, and we end up sitting at the barstools in the kitchen.
Harper sits down next to Beck. I haven’t gotten to know her very well, but I know she’s pretty close with Beck and Brooks.
I know I have nothing to worry about though.
I’m glad Beck is friends with some great women.
“Well, Beck, looks like you’re getting your happily ever after,” she says quietly. I don’t think she means for me to hear, so I keep my focus on my plate.
Beck nudges her with his elbow. “Yours is coming, Harp.”
“Yeah,” is all she says.
I’ve met Harper a few times, and she always seems to be in a good mood.
She brings the light here at Moonlight Ranch, and I get the feeling that she holds the team together.
I hate the thought of her being lonely. I guess I never really thought about whether or not she has someone to go home to every evening. I’ll have to ask Beck more later.
After dinner, the group heads outside. I grab a glass of wine, and Beck has a beer, and we sit outside around the fire pit that Brooks and Aspen have going. It’s a beautiful night, and it’s even better being surrounded by awesome people.
I thought I wanted to run from Blue Haven, but really I just needed to find my place.
Beck is my place. He and Jade and Sawyer are what I need to have a happy life.
I know my parents would be happy with my decision.
Before they died, they always told me to strive for what makes me happy, and this? This makes me happy.
I’m happy I came home.
I’m happy I fell in love with Beck.
I’m happy Sawyer is always on my team.
I’m happy in Blue Haven. Something I never thought would happen, but here we are.
Beck squeezes my hand as if he knows exactly what I’m thinking, and I squeeze his hand back.
Coming home last summer was the best decision I ever made because it led me right here, where I was always supposed to be.