“Forever, then,” I said without hesitation.
He laughed, the sound like music after days of nothing but prison noise. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
I kissed him then, pouring everything I couldn’t say into it—all the fear, the loneliness, the desperation of the past three days, and the overwhelming relief of this moment. His arms tightened around me, and I felt something inside me finally settle, like a missing piece clicking into place.
When we broke apart, both breathing hard, I suddenly remembered something. “The key,” I said, patting my chest before realizing they’d taken everything from me when I was processed back in. “They took the key to the cabin.”
“We’ll get you a new one,” Ryder said, his eyes bright with unshed tears. “And anything else you need.”
I shook my head, smiling despite myself. “I don’t need anything else. Just you.”
“You have me,” he promised. “And a place to stay, if you want it. Cole and Jesse offered you a job at the Nelson Ranch. Said they could use someone with your skills. And the cabin...” Hepaused, a hint of uncertainty crossing his face. “Well, it’s ours whenever we want it. But I was thinking maybe we could share my place at Nelson’s. If that’s not too fast.”
I laughed, the sound almost foreign to my own ears after days of silence. “That sounds perfect.”
It was strange how quickly my whole world had shifted. Three days ago, I’d been convinced I was going back to prison for good. Now I was standing here with Ryder, making plans for a future I never thought I’d have.
“There’s one more thing you should know,” Ryder said, his expression turning serious. “The other guys from the ranch—Joey, Kyle, everyone—they’re being transferred to Nelson Ranch too. Cole and Ms. Randall worked out a deal with the state to take over the parolee program. They’re shutting down my father’s operation completely.”
I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Those men had stood up for me when it mattered most, risking their own freedom to tell the truth. “They deserve a second chance with someone who actually gives a damn.”
“And they’ll have it,” Ryder assured me, squeezing my hand. “Things are finally changing for the better.”
I pulled him against me one more time, burying my face in his hair. The scent of him and that cologne he always wore filled my senses. It was better than any freedom I could have imagined.
“Ready to go home?” he asked, his breath warm against my neck.
Home. The word resonated inside me, filling empty spaces I’d carried for years. I wasn’t just leaving prison, I was going somewhere I belonged. With someone who wanted me there.
“More than ready,” I said, finally letting him go so we could face whatever came next together.
Ms. Randall was waiting for us outside the room, a small box in her hands. “Your personal effects,” she explained, passing it to me. “Not much, I’m afraid.”
I opened it to find my clothes from the ranch, my wallet with the few dollars I’d earned, and the key on its leather cord. I pulled it out, feeling the weight of it in my palm.
“They kept it,” I said, surprised they hadn’t thrown it away.
“It was listed as a personal item of no value,” Ms. Randall said with a knowing smile. “I made sure it stayed with your things.”
I slipped the cord over my head, feeling the key settle against my chest where it belonged. “Thank you.”
“The processing paperwork is finished,” she said, handing me a folder. “These are copies of your release documents, proof that your record has been cleared, and some resources for reintegrating into society. Not that you need them anymore, but it’s standard procedure.”
I took the folder, still struggling to believe this was real. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“Live your life, Connor,” she said simply. “That’s thanks enough.”
Ryder took my hand, a simple gesture that felt better than I could ever imagine. “I love you so much, Connor,” he said. “Now let’s go home.”
Tears welled up in my eyes once more. “I love you too,” I said with a nod. “Let’s go.”
Epilogue: Ryder
Two Months Later
I leaned against the fence, watching Connor swing a lasso over his head. I couldn’t help but be just alittlejealous of the cow he was around to rope with it. But I figured I could just ask him to tie me up later. He never said no to that.
“Get him, Connor!” Joey called from a few feet away, letting out a whoop of excitement. “Show that heifer who’s boss!”
