Then I realize that something is different and we’re at the rodeo, not the motel. “Has there been a change of plans? I thought we’d unload our stuff first before headin’ to the fairgrounds?”
“An unexpected surprise this time. We’re stayin’ here instead of the motel. As it turns out, the motel was overbooked and had already given our room away so Rod has offered us a camper to stay in. He says it'll give us a 'true rodeo experience'."
“Sounds like fun,” I reply. “Wait, so this isn’t the surprise your phone’s been blowin’ up about? When do I find out what else you've got up your sleeve? I want to know what all those messages you’ve been gettin’ are about.”
He winks but doesn’t elaborate. Instead, he hops out of the truck and moves around to open my door, offering me his hand as I step down onto the dusty ground in front of him. “Youreallywant to know, darlin’?”
“Ah,yes. How can youtell?” I say, glaring at him half-heartedly.
He rakes his eyes over me. “Hmm. I really don't think you want me to ruin it for you, especially when you'll find out tomorrow anyway…?"
“Ugh,” I grumble but there’s no meaning behind it. I can’t remember a time I met him that I’ve been mad at the man. “You’re lucky I love you and that the mountain spirit has tied us together forever otherwise I’d be really annoyed right now.”
“You’re bein’ very cute,” he muses with a far-too-handsome smile on his face.
“I’m not cute.”
He nods, his eyes a mix of humor and heat now. “Beautiful too.”
"Hmm…" I hum, tilting my head and side-eyeing him. "You may continue…"
His grin widens as he pulls me in close and drops his mouth to my ear. “How ‘bout we find Rod, get the keys to the camper he’s lendin’ us, and I’ll tell you in great detail about everythin’ else I love about you?”
I don’t even try to fight the way I tremble at his words, or how I melt against him. “If you insist.”
“Thought you might say that,” he says before lacing his fingers in mine, locking the truck, and leading me toward the makeshift rodeo office to find Rod.
We’re both up bright and early on Saturday morning, Red makes coffee and toast for the both of us before kissing me goodbye and leaving me lying in bed to go check on the ranch’s new bulls.
Needing to get up, I get dressed, top up my coffee and grab a chair outside to bask in the unexpected sun shining through the clouds. There’s still a chilly bite in the air thanks to the mountains and the hangover from the storm though so I’ve stolen Red’s jacket and put a blanket over my legs to stay cozy.
Staring out toward the snow-capped peaks it occurs to me that there have been no messages from home since yesterday. I thought for sure that the group chat would blow up our phones as soon as Charlie told everyone that we were not only together now, but that we’re engaged too.
Pulling up my messages, I’m even more perplexed when I realize that the ranch group chat we’re all in has been dead quiet fordays now. Nobody has been using it, which is simply unheard of. Someone is always posting some meme or joke in there–usually Toby. It’s so unusual that my spider senses are tingling andnotin a good way. What if something is wrong? Why else would everyone go radio silent?
Suitably concerned, I decide to talk to the one person I know would never lead me astray.
Mags: Hey, Star. How are things back home?
Star: Hey! I can’t believe it’s almost time for you to come home. I’m missing your Acai smoothies like crazy. Nobody else makes them like you do.
Mags: Aww I miss you. Glad to hear I’m being missed too. I’m definitely ready to come back.
Star: I hope you’re not desperate to come home. The whole point of you hitting the road with Red was to relax and have a break from everyday life. Remember?
Does she really not know?
Mags: Hey, have you had any weird dreams or signs from the universe about big changes or news?
Star: Come to think of it, I have. Can you believe that Gramma has made a new man-friend?
Unfortunately, I’d just taken a mouthful of coffee so it takes everything in me not to spit it out all over the ground.
Mags: What?!?
Star: Yep. And how’s this, they met on a pen pal website for people in their golden years. It’s kind of cute but VERY unexpected. She told us at dinner the other night when Landry and I went over to visit.
Mags: Good on her.
