Dove, you, saved me.
Not just that night, but every night since.
When I returned, multiple tours later, honorably discharged, and trying to find my way back into civilian life, I saw doves everywhere.
Most men choose someplace new, different, and exciting—or quiet—to settle down, like the eastern shore, the mountains of Montana, or the beaches of the Gulf Coast.
But I never even considered any of those places. Instead, I chose Lonestar Junction, Texas—a tiny town that felt like home and smelled like the country, just as you'd described it.
When I arrived here, I thought it was for peace and quiet, the down-home feel and a fresh start. But I quickly realized I was searching for you—down every road I turned, into every store I entered, and in every passing face I saw, I looked for you.
But you weren’t here.
Until you were.
In the darkness of an elevator. Your arms wrapped around my body. Your sweet scent assaulting my senses.
?It had felt like fate kept us apart until the precise moment that we were intended to meet under the cover of obscurity.
And now that I’ve had you, tasted you, realized what I knew all along, that I’ve always known you, and cared for you, I don't want to ever go a day without telling you that you're it for me.
There's no one else. And there never will be anyone else.
I’m sorry for being unable to control myself at your concert and for putting you in a bad position with your manager. It won't ever happen again.
But if I can't be with you in person these next few weeks, can we try something different?
Will you be my pen pal again?
Write back.
XoXo - Dallas
Chapter 28 – Paloma
Six weeks later…
I was supposed to be home in Texas two weeks ago but like everything when you’re the lead singer of a rock band that’s taking off and gearing up for a worldwide tour, plans seem to change within the minute.
I miss Dallas. I’d only spent seventy-two glorious hours with him and yet I’d known he was it for me. We’ve been writing to each other back and forth for the past six weeks apart like we were teenagers again.
When his first letter arrived, it was delivered to my tour bus. I tore it open eagerly before my concert in Portland and carried that good energy with me the rest of the night. I was excited to get back to the bus and respond, but Bex reminded me I needed to stay focused, sleep off the concert and rest my voice for the next night in Seattle.
Then more letters came in. These filled with detailed recaps of my concerts he’d somehow managed to watch virtually every night with Wylie and Stevie. His letters included praise for myperformance, and scrutiny for any of my fans he felt like Blade should have been handling rougher.
I loved every moment of reading them.
Unlike the cocky, apathetic guy I’d written to when I was younger, Dallas wrote me every single day, without missing a single one, finding me wherever I was on the coast and never ceasing to make me smile and laugh with his stories about farming and his younger years that we missed out on sharing together. Once I finally had a chance to write back, we used the time apart to continue learning about each other as if we were sitting down each evening for a coffee and chat.
And now, finally, I’m back in Lonestar Junction, ready to sit on the wrap around porch of Golden Farm and have that cup of coffee in person.
"Dallas!" I scream, not caring who stares as I jump up and down, waving my arms wildly in the middle of the San Angelo airport.
I sprint toward him, my lungs burning and arms pumping as I dash across the small terminal reaching the man I love. I hurl myself into his strong arms, and even with all of my weight behind it, he catches me effortlessly, not even flinching. He holds me tightly, his face nestled into my neck as he breathes in deeply.
“Damn, you smell good. Even after being on a plane all morning.”
I smile; my long limbs still wrapped around him as if he’s part of me because that’s exactly how he’s always felt. He bends down, leaving me clinging to him just like that first night we spent together. Then, he picks up my luggage and walks toward the exit while allowing me to snuggle further into his big frame.
