“Oh, that’s how it is?”
“That’s exactly how it is, cowboy.”
I lunge. She shrieks and dives sideways, surprisingly graceful for someone who couldn’t sit a horse three weeks ago. Her hair comes loose in dark wet strands, and she laughs as she splashes me again.
God, she’s laughing.
This deep, unguarded sound that transforms her whole face and erases the tension lines around her eyes. All those weeks of banter and walls, and underneath was this joy, waiting for permission to exist.
I want to hear that sound every day for the rest of my life.
“Come here.” I catch her around the waist.
She’s still laughing, water streaming down her face. “Make me.”
“That a challenge?”
She doesn’t finish her retort because I’ve lifted her off her feet and I’m spinning her through the water. The lake sprays around us in silver arcs, and her laughter echoes off the mountains.
“Put me down!”
“Say please.”
“Daniel Sutton, I swear to God?—”
I dunk us both.
We come up sputtering, and she’s laughing so hard she can barely stay upright. The cold doesn’t matter. Nothing matters except the way she’s looking at me.
“Truce.” She holds up both hands. “I surrender.”
“Truce accepted.” I pull her close, her legs wrapping around my waist. “But I want to try something first.”
“If you dunk me again, I’m filing for divorce before we’re married.”
“Not that.” I shift my grip, one hand on her lower back, the other between her shoulder blades. “Lean back. Let the water hold you.”
She tenses. “I don't?—”
“I’ve got you. I promise.”
She tips backward, slow and careful. My hands stay firm as she extends into the water. Her hair fans out like dark silk. Her eyes find the sky.
“Let go,” I murmur. “I’ve got you.”
“I know.” Barely above a whisper. “That’s what scares me.”
But she relaxes anyway. Inch by inch, the tension drains, and she floats—supported by the water and my hands and the trust she’s letting herself feel.
“This is...” She swallows. “I’ve never done this before.”
“Floated?”
“Let someone hold me up. I’ve always been the one doing the holding.”
My chest aches. “Get used to it.”
She smiles. Soft and real and just for me.
