Chapter 9
Kane
Waking up and finding Sadie gone filled me with fear.
And then feelings of loss. And sadness. It almost feels right.
That something so special and beautiful would just disappear.
That it is not for me. But as I stomp around the cabin, I can't get the images of Sadie out of my head.
Her smile. The look in her eyes. The connection we had.
It can't be all for nothing. She said she wouldn't run away with me.
But she also said that I deserve a life.
A partner and a home. And then I feel something I haven't felt in the longest time.
.... Hope. Hope for a life with Sadie. Hope for the happiness and joy that life would bring.
And I suddenly know one thing for sure. I am done running.
I'm done with living off grid and tiny cabins and broken houses. I want something more.
Jumping on my bike my urge is to ride straight to town.
Straight to Sadie. But there is one thing I need to do first. I ride over to see Malcolm.
The Ridge Riders might not have been the best thing for me but it is a family of sorts.
A brotherhood. And I need to tell Malcolm my decision.
I'm out. I don't want any old ghosts from my past influencing my plans for the future.
To my surprise, the meeting with Malcolm goes better than expected. I found him at his bar, a few of the gang sitting around drinking. I explained to them all that I was leaving.
"I'm in love." I tell them.
The old man claps me on my back. "I think I knew I'd lost you the moment that little lady fell through your barn roof. I've never seen anything mean as much to you as when you warned me off her. Can't blame you for wanting something better with a woman like that."
A few hugs and cheers from the guys who were there and then I head for town. Knowing that this chapter of my life is over. Even if Sadie won't have me. I want something more for myself now. She has woken me up. Made me feel alive again. And damn it, I will make her have me.
It's a tense ride. All the way to town. My emotions moving between hope, determination and fear.
But as soon as I walk into the hotel bar I see her.
Her smile bright enough to light up the whole town.
She runs into my arms and I hold her with all my might.
I'm never letting this woman go again. She is my best friend.
She is in my soul. She is my everything.
And I'm going to spend the rest of my days loving her and making her happy.
And the best thing is that I just know we will have so much joy in our lives.
No more reckless living. Now I have something to live for.