47. Chapter 47
Chapter 47
Brynn
I read Colt's last message over and over again until my eyes are bleary, and sleep takes me under. I can't wait to get back to Cedar Creek, to Colt, to my family.
My alarm blares loudly. I look at the clock and realize it is almost noon. I throw the covers off my body and stumble my way to the bathroom. Half asleep, I turn the shower on and step in before the water is fully warm. The shock of cold water wakes me up better than any shot of espresso.
I mentally go through my checklist of what I am doing before I have to head to the airport. I need to forward my mail, turn the keys to the office in at the front reception desk, and say goodbye to Gwen. She has been with me since a month after I started my business. I never thought it would take off so fast. After some high-profile clients raved about me, I had to hire an assistant just to keep up.
I shower and get dressed quickly. I only have a few outfits. I am going to hit the mall when I land, so I can get a new wardrobe before going to Cedar Creek. I can't wait to see the look on everyone's faces when I show up tomorrow. I start daydreaming about the lost time I get to make up for with Colt. Even though we have only been apart for a couple of days, it feels like so much longer.
I pack my small carry-on and make sure I have everything before exiting the hotel room for the last time. I stop at the desk and hand in my keycard and pay for my stay.
I hail a taxi to the post office and get my address changed to the main house and mentally scratch that task off my list. Now to meet Gwen at the office one last time.
When I arrive at the office, Gwen is already there. She is packing her desk, sniffling while she does.
"It is the end of an era," I say as I step inside my office for the last time. "How is it going?"
"It's okay. I am almost finished. I started with your desk. Do you want to take your supplies to Cedar Creek?"
"No, you can take them. I don't have much room in my small carry-on." I look over into the small box and see all my desk supplies. There is not one personal item in the box.
Man, I really have closed my life off completely.
"Okay, I wasn't sure what luggage you brought."
"My lost luggage has never shown up; I need to send an email about it." I look around the office and take in the beauty of it, remembering the laughs Gwen and I would have over a late dinner while trying to schedule all our clients and be sure they were all taken care of.
"I'm going to miss this." Tears fill Gwen's eyes as she comes and gives me a big hug. "Promise me you will take care of yourself."
"I will. Promise me you will come visit."
"Hot cowboys? Sign me the fuck up!" Gwen makes her eyebrows dance as she shimmies her shoulders.
"I can take you to Bessie's and you can have the time of your life with the cowboys," I say as I grab my laptop, charger and case off my desk.
"If you are ready, everything is packed up," Gwen says as she looks around one last time.
"Ready to turn in our keys?" I hold mine up and jingle the keyring.
"Let's do it." Gwen holds up hers and we both let out a small laugh.
"Thanks again. I will give you an outstanding recommendation for whatever jobs you apply for."
"I know you will."
We walk out of the office one last time, and on our way to the front door, I drop the keys off to the receptionist. "The space is still furnished, the leasing agent said that was fine to leave the furniture. "
"Yes ma'am. We are sad to see you go. Good luck with your next adventure."
"Thank you!" Gwen and I both step out on the busy city sidewalk. I hug her tight and we both cry a few tears. I hail my cab to take me to the airport.
"I hope you find the happiness you have been searching for," Gwen says as a taxi pulls to a stop in front of me.
"I have," I say as I enter the backseat of the cab and wave bye to my best friend in New York.
The drive to the airport is long with all the traffic. I finally arrive, pay the driver and go to check-in for my flight. The nerves are starting to form in my belly. I am leaving New York, the home I have had since high school.
I am going back to Cedar Creek, the small town I never thought I would live in again.
Holy shit .
Before I can have an anxiety attack, I start to remember why I want to go back. My family is there. My brothers are absolute goofballs, but I love them. I have missed being in their lives for so many years. My bestie Whitney is there, and now there is Colt. The man I am quickly falling for.
Colt is the only man who has been able to break down my walls. He is there for me, understanding of my needs, and doesn't treat me like I am broken. In just a short amount of time, Colt has started to mend my broken pieces. He has wrangled himself into my heart, and I am not upset about it.
My flight is called for boarding, and I send off a quick text.
Brynn: Miss you Cowboy.
I turn my phone to airplane mode and go stand in line with the other passengers. I am about to board the flight that will take me home .