I feel like I’ve found something.
When he pulls back, I look up at him and say, “Well then, cowboy, guess I better find some real pants.”
He grins. “Or just wear mine. I’m partial to you in my clothes.”
I laugh, and it’s light this time. “I’ll think about it.”
“I’ll let Phern know the bridge is clear while you change. She’s dying to get out of this house.”
I nod and head to the bedroom where I find my leggings. It feels strange putting them on, which is why I keep Sam’s flannel on. I slide into Gwen’s boots and look at my reflection in the mirror. I look good. Happy.
I study myself for a second longer, surprised by the woman looking back at me. Something’s changed. There’s a softness in my eyes I haven’t seen in maybe years. A glow that has nothing to do with makeup or lighting.
I smile at my reflection, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I look like someone who’s been kissed good and hard by a man who means it.
But then I think about what’s waiting for me in town. A beat of panic flutters in my chest. Work, deadlines, and the life I left behind. But then I take a breath.
One thing at a time.
Right now, the bridge is clear. The road to town is open. And I’m walking into it not just as Charlotte Wilson, the entertainment reporter. But as a woman who’s finally stopped running.
I meet Sam and Phern in the kitchen.
Sam smiles. “I see half my clothes made the cut.”
I do a quick twirl and say, “Well, I didn’t want to send the rumor mill into a frenzy if I showed up on all your clothes.”
Phern says, “Good thinking. That’s the last thing we need.” She glances at the watch on her wrist. “Let’s go.”
We put on our coats and head to the truck. Sam opens the front door for me before opening the back door for Phern. Once we’re seated, he rounds the truck and climbs in. The drive to the bridge doesn’t take long. On the other side Liam waits in his own truck, waving at us.
Liam hops out as we pull up, his grin wide under a ball cap. He tosses a hand up in a mock salute as we stop just shy of the bridge.
Sam kills the engine, glancing at me before he gets out. “You ready?”
I nod, my hand already on the door handle. “Let’s do it.”
When I step down, the wind bites at my cheeks, but I don’t care. It’s bright and alive out here. And on the other side of that bridge? Everything waiting to catch up with me.
Liam saunters over, gaze flicking between the three of us. “Truck’s gassed and warm. Got some music playing. And I brought snacks.”
“Snacks?” Phern asks.
He grins. “It’s two-hours round trip, and I know how cranky you get.”
“Touché,” she mutters, climbing into Liam’s truck without another word.
Sam steps in front of me, his hand finding my waist. His eyes search mine with that quiet focus that always makes it feel like he sees everything.
“You sure you want to do this?”
I glance past him at the road, at the world I’d left behindwithout warning, at the future barreling toward us whether we’re ready or not.
Then I look back at him.
“I want to do it with you.”
He exhales like that’s all he needed to hear, then brushes a kiss to my temple.
