They don't push it, sharing a glance, then nodding. After a minute, Finn claps me on the shoulder. "We'll give you some space."
Zach adds, "Call if you need anything."
They head out, boots scuffing on the barn floor, leaving me alone with Duke.
I stay with Duke a while longer, watching him doze under the warm hum of the overhead fan. My hand rests on his side, feeling the rise and fall of his breath, the steady heartbeat, familiar and uncomplicated.
This ranch has seen so much. Seasons of growth and decay. It all moves so fast. One minute you're standing in the middle of it, full of fight and vision. Next, you're clinging to what's left, trying to make it enough.
I step outside into the daylight. The sun is full now, cresting over the hills with the kind of beauty that demands attention. I pause at the gate, one hand on the worn wood, and let myself breathe it in.
Fleeting. All of it. The strength of a good horse. The steadiness of family. The flicker of connection with someone you're not sure you're supposed to want.
I think of her. Of the way her eyes met mine yesterday, full of fire and regret.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, thumb hovering before I open the screen. No new message, just the last one she sent last night.
Sunshine:Goodnight, Bear.
The ache in my chest sharpens. I scroll down, then slowly type:
Me:Had a scare with one of our old horses this morning, but Duke's okay. Scared me, though.
It takes a minute, but then the reply comes.
Sunshine:I'm glad he's alright. He's a good one.
Me:So is his vet. Young new guy. Knew his stuff.
Sunshine:You'll have to tell me more sometime.
I don't answer. Not right away. I let the screen go dark and slip the phone back into my pocket, heart heavier than it was before.
I’m not sure what to do with that. Don't know if Bear and Asher can ever be the same man in her eyes. But I want to try even if it's foolish and fleeting.
I turn back toward the barn, toward the ranch, toward the life I know how to live. One hoofbeat, one heartbeat, and one day at a time.
Chapter 11
Kassi
Idon't expect to see him. Not here and certainly not at this hour. But when I walk into the little diner on Main that has the best food and coffee to get my iced coffee to start my day after I've had little sleep, and there he is.
Asher Hayes.
Standing in line like a normal person, as if he didn't just turn my world sideways twice in a week.
He looks up at the sound of the bell above the door, and our eyes lock. Even though his expression doesn't change much, something in his shoulders eases. I feel it in my own body too, that strange unspoken pull that makes my breath catch.
He nods. "Morning."
I manage a smile and get in line behind him. "Morning."
We stand there in this quiet, suspended moment until he gestures toward the register. "Go ahead. I haven't decided yet."
"Thanks." I step forward and order my morning usual, the house special iced vanilla latte, while trying to ignore how close he's standing. He smells of fresh air and clean laundry. It's annoyingly appealing. Comforting, too, in a way I didn't expect. I fumble for my wallet like a nervous teenager on her first date, paying for my drink. Then, I step aside and take a deep breath.
Austin shoots me a look, obviously sensing something is up, but I know she won't ask. She’ll wait until we’re alone, or she will blow up my phone later tonight.