Chapter Fourteen
Colby
The barn smells like hay and horses, and I’ve always found it comforting—until now. Today it feels like the backdrop to a funeral.
River’s leaving. She hasn’t said the words outright, but I can feel it in the way she’s been pulling away, like she’s already got one foot out the door.
And I’m supposed to just let her go? Hell no.
But I can’t exactly chain her to the fence post, either, no matter how much I want to.
If she leaves, it’ll gut me, but I’ll take the hit because I love her that damn much. Just don’t ask me to like it.
To be fair, I haven’t outright asked her to stay. The thought’s been on the tip of my tongue a hundred times, but every time, I’ve pulled back. She deserves the chance to make her own choice, no matter how painful it is.
The barn door opens and closes, and I expect to see Lewis or one of the other hands when I turn around. Instead, Richard is standing there with his hat in his hands and a nervous look on his face.
Well, shit. This is exactly what I need. Her dad here reminding me I’m not good enough for his daughter and telling me to just let her go.
“Richard,” I say. “Can I help you with something?”
“No, but maybe I can help you.”
“Huh?”
“I owe you an apology, Burke. And a thank you.”
I nearly fall over. Never in a million years did I expect River’s dad to come out here and say those words. Not to me. Not after everything.
“An apology for what?”
“For thinking you weren’t good enough. For telling her you weren’t good enough. For being an ass, in general.”
I can’t help but chuckle. “Well, hell, Richard, you’re not wrong about that.”
“No, I’m not. But I am sorry. I was in town yesterday and the sheriff told me Christian came looking for her. He said you really held your ground for my daughter. That’s admirable, son. And I’m grateful.”
“You have nothing to thank me for. I’d do a hell of a lot more than stand up to some prick for her.”
“I know,” he says. “That’s why I’m apologizing. I had a talk with her last night too. Seems she’s been thinking a lot about the future. Making some big choices. And I wanted her to know that, despite everything, I will support her. No matter what.”
“You mean, the job offer?”
“I mean her and you. If you make her happy, and I think you do, then I’m happy.”
Well, shit. How the hell am I supposed to respond to that?
“Thank you, Richard. That means a lot.”
“I’m just glad she’s got someone like you in her corner. She needs someone to fight for her. To believe in her.”
“Well, I’ve got plenty of fight left in me,” I say. “She’s worth it.”
He smiles and puts his hat back on his head. “Yeah, she is. She’s also the most stubborn woman I’ve ever known. She gets that from her mother, by the way.”
“Oh, believe me, I’ve noticed.”
“I know you’re sitting around waiting for her to choose you, but don’t be a coward, Burke. Go after her. Fight for her. If you love her, and I know you do, then you need to prove it. Don’t let your pride keep you from her. If you don’t, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”
The moment he says it, I know it’s true. I’ve spent all this time telling myself I haven’t asked her to stay because I didn’t want to force her hand, but that’s bullshit. The truth is, I was afraid she’d say no. Afraid she’d leave. My damn pride was getting in the way.
“Damn, Richard. You’ve got a point.”
He smirks. “Usually do. See ya, Burke.”
He turns and walks out of the barn, and I lean back against the wall, taking a deep breath.
This is it. Do or die.
I can’t let her walk out of my life without a fight. If I do, I’ll never forgive myself.
So, I square my shoulders, march out the door, and head straight for the east pasture where she’s working with the yearlings.
It’s a beautiful day. Blue skies. Not a cloud in sight. A warm breeze rustles the grass and sends my hair dancing. But I’m too nervous to enjoy the weather. All I can think about is the woman who has stolen my heart and how I can convince her to stay.
I catch sight of her long red hair and the bright purple bandana tied around her neck, and my pulse picks up. She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. The way she moves is mesmerizing, and the young cows gravitate toward her, like they can sense the goodness in her.
“River!”
She turns, and the smile on her face fades as soon as she sees me.
I know the look in her eyes. It’s fear. She’s afraid of what’s coming. Afraid of me. Afraid of her own feelings. I know the feeling. But not anymore. I’ve made up my mind, and I’m not backing down.
“Colby,” she greets me in a wary tone.
I stop a few feet away and take a deep breath. Now or never.
“I’m not good at this, River. So, bear with me, okay?”
She nods. “Okay.”
“You and me, Thurston. It’s real. It’s the only thing that’s ever been real for me.”
“Colby—”
“Shh,” I say, holding up my hand. “I’m not finished.
I’ve spent a lot of years keeping everyone at arm’s length.
Not letting anyone get close. But then you showed up, and all bets were off.
You wormed your way into my heart and turned my life upside down.
And it’s been one hell of a ride. One hell of a fight.
And I’m not about to let you walk out of my life. ”
“You aren’t?” she asks, her eyes widening.
“Hell, no. It’s been rough. You’ve given me a run for my money. But River, you’re the best damn thing that’s ever happened to me. You make me laugh. You make me want to be better. And I’m not gonna let that slip through my fingers because I’m too proud to fight for what I want.”
“What do you want, Colby?”
“I want you to stay, River. I can’t offer you the foreman position, but I can do you one better.”
“One better?” she asks, arching a brow.
“How would you like to be the owner’s girlfriend?”
Her mouth drops open, and she blinks. “What are you talking about, Burke? Don’t joke with me right now.”
“I’m not joking, River. I’m dead serious. The ranch is yours, babe. Well, half of it, anyway. That is, if you’ll have it. And me.”
“What?”
“I’m giving you half the ranch, River. That’s my offer. This place is your home. Our home. And I want to share it with you. I don’t want to be without you. Not now. Not ever.”
Tears stream down her cheeks, and she covers her mouth with her hand.
“Don’t cry, babe. Please.”
“I’m just...” She pauses, trying to compose herself. “I’m so overwhelmed. I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll stay. Say you’ll take this place, and me, and we’ll live happily ever after. We can figure out the details later, but please, just say you’ll stay.”
She wipes the tears from her eyes and smiles. “I can’t believe this. This is a dream come true. And I don’t mean the ranch. I mean, the ranch is amazing, but you, Colby. You’re the dream.”
I rush over to her, closing the distance between us in two long strides. “Does that mean you’ll stay?”
She wraps her arms around my neck and laughs. “Hell, yes, I’ll stay.”
I grab her hips and pull her closer. “I fucking love you, River Thurston. I’ve loved you since the first time I saw you.”
“You did not,” she teases.
“Okay, maybe not the first time. But pretty damn close.”
“I love you too, Colby Burke. I’m just sorry it took me so long to admit it.”
“Better late than never.”
Her lips brush mine, and we kiss. It’s the kind of kiss that’s all-consuming. The kind that makes everything else disappear, and that’s just fine by me. Because in this moment, the only thing I care about is her. And our future together.