The chat goes on with the women chatting about other things but I’m left swinging on the porch wondering what it all means. There’s definitely one thing Iamgoing to do.
I’m gonna keep reading.
12
TOBY
October
There’s something to be said about how good it feels to be back home after weeks of being away. When we were mostly living on the road supporting Rhett and his bull riding, there was nothing I looked forward to more. This time, knowing I was coming back and my One was there waiting for me, it was ten times better.
But right now, we’re introducing our new bull to his first group of heifers. Starting with twenty for this first round of breeding. We got his DNA test results through before picking him up so we know he’s good champion stock, and with our heifers already proven to be the same, thisshouldbe a great combination.
I'm also bracing myself for being alone with Dee. Because ever since I've gotten back, the feelings that were growing for her from before have just gotten stronger.
I even decided to do some more research while I was away and re-read Aster’s books to know exactly what Dee might be feeling and what I can expect. It has helped a little because I felt a little…lost, I guess. Fighting against what Iwantto do–claim her asmine sooner rather than later–and what Ineedto do, which is wait and not rush things. .
A man like me doesn’t wait. I jump. Except for now, this time I need it to happen organically, not just because of the Call. That’s how I’ll truly know that it’s real.
“Hey,” she says, coming to a stop next to me. “How’s he goin’?”
My head jerks and I see she’s asking Austin, not me.
“He’sfine,” I say. “And he’s standin’ right here.”
Austin chuckles, shaking his head at me while Dee’s wide eyes jerk to mine, her lips twitching.Now I'm turning into a bumbling idiot. Great one, Tobes.“I was talkin’ about the new bull. But good to know you’re doin’ well too, Tobes.”
Austin shoots me a knowing look before turning back to Dee. “The bull’s good. Not doin’ much. Guess he’s just gettin’ to know the lay of the land, so to speak.You’d be an old hand at all this breedin’ stuff.”
Dee nods, her eyes filled with curiosity as she watches the bull and the heifers in the distance. "The whole concept of breedin’ and creatin’ somethin’ new is fascinatin'. It’s always been interestin’ to me."
"Yeah," Austin chimes in. "It's like a puzzle. It’s all about findin' the right combination to achieve greatness."
I can't help but steal a glance at Dee, wondering if she knows just how much those words resonate with me. The puzzle of finding the right combination, the right partner—it's exactly what I felt the moment I first laid eyes on her. Like I had been walking around in darkness and then suddenly there was this giantspotlight shining down on her and only her. This Call thing is a real trip, that's for sure.
Dee's eyes sparkle with excitement. "You know," she says, her voice laced with intrigue, "I've been readin’ Aster's cowboy books. They're real interestin’, you know."
"Really?" I reply.
"Yeah. At first I found them really familiar, almost like I'd met the people she was writin’ about. I realized that was ridiculous though. They're fictional, there's no way they could be real."
"Hmm," I say by way of an answer, which isn't really an answer at all. My mind is stuck on the fact she's been reading Aster's books at the same time as I have been.
Dee continues, oblivious to my inward turmoil. "Then I had this conversation with Cora and Mags at our little book club and they told me how the characters are based on real people–on them."
I don't even realize I've stopped breathing as I hang on to every word she's saying. "It got me thinkin’... what if there's more to these books than just fiction? What if there's some truth hidden within the pages?"
I try to keep my face impassive as I listen to Dee's words. The way she's talking, it's as if she's stumbled upon something big, something that could unravel the secrets of the Call and its connection to Aster's books.It's exactly why I didn't kiss her. I want her to know it all.My heart pounds in my chest, torn between wanting to blurt out everything now and waiting for her to develop feelings for me before she finds out about the mountain spirit's part in bringing us together.
"So, you see," Dee continues, her voice filled with excitement, "I can't help but wonder if there's a reason why these books resonate with me so deeply. Maybe there's a part of me that knows more than I think."
"I think you might be onto somethin," I finally say, a small smile playing at the corners of my lips. "Sometimes fiction has a way of tapping into reality."
"As long as it's not a murder mystery comin' to life," Austin adds, making us all laugh. “Ain’t nobody wants that.”
“Heaven forbid,” Dee says with a shudder. “I’m not one for scary movies. Give me a good ol' rom-com or fantasy film any day.
“So it's Friday. Y'all up for some more ass-kickin’ tonight?” Dee says, looking between us.
