I huff in annoyance, unable to find something to refute his statement. He’s probably right, that’s exactly what I would have done. Here’s one thing I won’t miss about him, he knows me too well and can read me like a book he’s fascinated by.
“Are you seriously mad about the fact that I know you?”
“Maybe,” I grouse.
He turns me in his arms and cups my chin to look at him. His eyes are the deep blue I adore, and they’re ablaze with what I now recognize as love. He’s right, he’s been looking at me like this for a while, I just wasn’t astute enough to recognize the look.
“I love you. You love me. Everything else doesn’t matter. It’s background noise, nothing more, okay?”
I study him, looking for any sign of deceit but find nothing but honesty and love. This is what I’ve been searching for since we left Montana all those years ago. “Okay.”
His lips find mine in a kiss that leaves me breathless and my heart racing. “Not fair,” I pant, wishing I could jump the man in front of me.
His only response is a smirk. He knows full well what he’s done to me. “You gotta go.”
I wrinkle my nose in mock annoyance before a happy smile replaces it. I can’t believe Kade is in love with me. Men like him—genuine, kind, gorgeous—don’t usually fall for women like me. Not with all the drama always surrounding my life.
“I do. I think Bob’s about to come get me whether I want to or not.” I roll onto my tiptoes and kiss him quickly. “Bye.”
“I love you, Princess.” It’s his turn to whisper the words, and for some reason it feels like they hold so much more weight said like this. Like he’s trying to convey he really means them.
Taking a deep breath, I gather the rest of my courage around me. “I love you too.” I don’t know why saying those three words, eight letters, is causing me this much anxiety.
I wonder if that feeling will ever go away.
His smile is brilliant and triumphant, like he just discovered the meaning of life.
He grabs my hand and walks me toward Bob’s truck, all the while I’m still so mesmerized by his smile, I barely pay attention until I’m standing next to it. The horse trailer is hooked up with Silver and Savannah already loaded. We decided to leave Whisky with Dad so he and Kade can take care of him. He’s nearly healed, having made big strides in his recovery thanks to Kade and his treatment. And since he’s gotten used to Kade and Dad, I know they can handle him and make sure he’ll be healthy and ready to go to the Olympics in three months.
Dad and Lizzie are waiting with Bob and Dakota. Mav left a couple of days after he arrived to catch up with the rest of the bull riders. I like him more than I thought I would, especially for Dakota.
I let go of Kade’s hand and walk to my father. As soon as I’m within reach, he grabs me and pulls me into his arms.
“I’m so fucking happy you called me that day, kiddo. We love having you here.”
“Thank you, Dad. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. And I’m sorry—”
“Nothing you got to be sorry for,” he interrupts to reassure me. “I love you, always will.”
“I love you too,” I say and wonder if confessing my love to Kade opened up the floodgates. “I’ll see you soon. Take care of my boy.”
“I will. Both of them.” His smile is reassuring and mocking at the same time, if such a thing is even possible.
Once Dad releases me, Lizzie is there taking me into her arms and hugging me tight. “Thank you for calling. You have no idea how much this means to both of us.”
“Thank you for having me.” I’m not sure what else to say. I like her, but I barely know her. And I’m sleeping with her nephew.
“Come on, woman.” I hear Dakota shout as I step back.
“Coming,” I reply and shoot Lizzie a smile. “I’ll see you soon.”
I look at Dad once again as I remember something. “Oh, and don’t screw up all the work I did with Lucifer.” He’s to the point where I can saddle and ride him, everything just has to happen slowly and with a lot of patience.
“I won’t,” Dad calls after me.
I walk to the back of the truck to where Kade is waiting. I walk into his waiting arms, for some reason wanting to feel them wrapped around me one more time. I close my eyes and memorize this moment. I’m not sure why, but I feel this inexplicable need inside of me, urging me to make sure I won’t forget this.
“I’ll see you soon, Princess,” he says against my hair. I love that he calls me princess, but this time it brings tears to my eyes. I’ve never felt anything like this before, but I’m too much of a mess to analyze it right now.
I breathe him in for what feels like the last time before I lean up to give him a quick kiss. Without a word, I can’t seem to make my vocal cords work, I jump into the truck and he closes the door behind me.
Bob and Dakota are already seated in the front seat. “Let’s go,” I say, as I look at the family standing outside the window. I wave and give them a trembling smile.
As we drive down the driveway to head toward Las Vegas, a lone tear falls down my cheek. I shouldn’t feel this sad—I reconciled with my father, found an amazing man who loves me—and yet, I have this nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach that all
