Her words hit me square in the chest, but I can’t argue with them. She’s right—I do care about Sutton. More than I probably should, considering the circumstances.
“I’m not blind to that,” I say quietly. “But I can’t just ignore how I feel.”
She reaches over, placing a hand on mine. “I know you can’t. And I’m not saying you should. But maybe you need to think about what you want—what you’re willing to risk.”
I nod. “I have thought about what I want. And it’s her.”
“What if she’s not willing to give up her job in Billings? Relationships take sacrifices, and one of you will have to. Will you and Caleb leave the ranch?”
I immediately shake my head no.
Okay, so maybe I haven’t thought about that. I guess I assumed that she would move back here, the way she’s talked about the ranch, but I guess I don’t know that for sure.
I blow out a breath. “I guess I didn’t think it through completely.”
“I would love nothing more than for you two to be together. I love her. She’s got a good head on her shoulders, and she’s got fire in her. She’d be good for you.”
“But?” I prompt, knowing there’s more.
“But,” she says, her voice tinged with hope and worry, “I just don’t want you to pin all your hopes on someone who might not stay. Unless…”
“Unless what?” I ask, leaning forward slightly.
“Unless you’re the one who convinces her to stay.”
Her words hang in the air between us, and I feel a flicker of something in my chest—something I’m almost afraid to name.
Could I be the reason Sutton stays?
“I don’t think I’m the one who needs to convince her to stay,” I reply thoughtfully. “Honestly, I think she’d stay for me and Caleb in a heartbeat. I think that her father will be the one.”
“I think you’re right. You and Sutton could be meant to be; it could be the most beautiful thing in the world for both of you, but if Frank isn’t willing to repair their relationship, then he will drive her away again. You’ll have to decide if you’re willing to follow and if that’s even what you want.”
I nod slowly, her words sinking in. “Thanks, Mom.”
She smiles, leaning over to kiss my cheek. “Just be careful, Wade. And be honest—with her and with yourself.”
I watch as she heads back into the house, leaving me alone on the porch with my thoughts. The sun is higher now, casting a warm glow over the ranch. I think about Sutton—her laugh, her determination, the way she’s been by my side through all of this. And I can’t help but wonder: could this ranch be her home, too?
The door creaks open, and I turn to see Sutton stepping out of the barn, her hair pulled back, and her boots scuffed from the morning. She gives me a small smile, and my heart does that stupid thing where it skips a beat.
“Hey,” she says, coming to sit beside me. “Everything okay?”
I nod, the corners of my mouth lifting in a faint smile. “Yeah. Just talking to Mom.”
She raises an eyebrow. “About what?”
“About you.”
Her eyes widen slightly, and she shifts in her seat. “Me? What about me?”
I take a deep breath, my gaze steady on hers. “About how much I care about you. And about how I’m trying to figure out if this is something you’d want to stay for.”
Her expression softens, and she looks down at her hands for a moment before meeting my eyes again. “Wade…”
“You don’t have to say anything right now,” I cut in gently. “I just want you to know where I stand. I’m not saying it’s easy, and I’m not saying it’s simple. But I’m willing to figure it out, if you are.”
She nods slowly, her eyes searching mine. “I don’t know what the future holds,” she admits. “But I know I want to be here right now. With you.”
