She has a job interview.
I stop short on the porch when I hear Maisey’s voice.
A Toronto art gallery?
It’s everything she’s wanted. It’s the perfect opportunity.
In Toronto.
Not that I expected she’d be able to find the type of job she was looking for in Rock Creek. Still.
It hurts to hear the excitement in her voice.
I can be back in Toronto next week.
She’s really leaving.
I’d done a good job convincing myself she wouldn’t go anywhere. That she felt the same things I did.
Love.
Because I can no longer deny it. Nor do I want to. I am completely and irrevocably in love with my wife. And that’s exactly what I was on my way to tell her.
I’d left her to sleep in this morning after a long night of making her scream my name. Over and over until the sheets were soaked and she was limp in my arms.
She needed her rest. Besides, I’d already decided how I wanted to wake her up on what was our last full day together.
I look down at the tray in my hands that holds a fresh stack of pancakes—her favorites, coffee with one cream and one sugar, and a ring.
The diamond engagement ring she’s deserved from the beginning, instead of the simple silver band they’d given us at the bar—that neither of us had taken off since we’d slid them on each other’s fingers.
I’m frozen, listening to Maisey confirm the details for what will be a life-changing job interview. It’s not until I hear her end the call and let out a squeal of excitement that I make the final decision on what to do.
I snatch the ring off the tray, pocketing it before I paste a smile on my face and step inside. “Breakfast is served, sweetheart,” I call with as much levity in my voice as I can manage. “I thought maybe you worked up a bit of an appetite last night.”
She spins around, a big, beautiful smile on her face. Her skin has been kissed by the sun; freckles that weren’t there thirty days ago dance over her nose. Her hair is still wild and untamed, but paired with the new light in her eyes, it makes her look radiant.
There’s no doubt about it. Ranch life agrees with her.
“Travis, you’ll never guess who just called?”
“Your dad?” I turn away to put the tray on the table, busying myself so she won’t see my face.
“No!” There’s no need for me to be concerned; she’s too excited to notice my reaction anyway. “It was for a job interview.” She practically dances around the cabin. “For one of the most prestigious galleries in Toronto. Isn’t that incredible?”
“It really is,” I answer honestly. “But I’m not surprised.You’reincredible.”
She smiles as if I’m indulging her. I’m not. Sheisincredible.
“You want to know the best part?”
Damn. It’s harder than I would’ve guessed, being excited about something that’s going to break me in two. Still, it’s Maisey. So, I’m sure as hell going to do my best.
“What’s that?”
“She said my portfolio was impressive.” She stamps her feet and does a little happy dance that is so fucking cute, I forget my own heartbreak, wrap my arms around her, and spin her in a circle.
“That’s because itis, Maisey,” I tell her honestly. “Youare impressive, and she’s damn lucky to get you.”
