Reid holds his hands up in mock surrender, his grin widening. “Hey, I’m just trying to keep it interesting.”
Clint raises an eyebrow, looking at me from the corner of his eye. “Better than talking about the weather.”
“True,” I agree.
The light from the taco truck casts a soft glow around us, and I realize something I hadn’t fully grasped before: This is what I’ve been missing.
Connection. Laughter. People who are here because they want to be, and not because they have to.
“Honestly,” I say, glancing around at them all, “this is perfect. I didn’t think I needed a night off, but now? I’m… I’m glad I’m here. With you guys.”
Clint’s smile softens, his gaze on me warm but powerful. “You deserve more nights like this, Dakota. You work hard. You never let anyone else do the heavy lifting.”
I shrug, trying to wave off the compliment. “What can I say? I’m used to doing things on my own.”
“Doesn’t mean you have to,” Sawyer chimes in. “You’ve got people here now, Dakota.”
Reid jumps in with a grin. “And we love going on dates with you and spoiling you. So get used to it.”
I roll my eyes, but the smile I’m fighting to hold back slips free. “Spoiling me? What, with tacos and fake history lessons?”
“Exactly,” Reid says, deadpan. “Best. Night. Ever.”
I glance around at the three of them. Each one so different, yet somehow all looking at me as if I’m part of something real.
And as much as it terrifies me, it’s also… beautiful. To be part of something that’s messy and full and imperfect. Just like this night.
“You guys… you make me feel like I belong here.”
Clint’s expression softens, too. He doesn’t say anything, just watches me as if he’s seeing me in a way he hasn’t before. There’s some sort of understanding passing between us.
“Colter Creek has always had a place for you,” Clint says quietly, “and we’re not going anywhere.”
Sawyer smiles, his eyes bright but full of meaning. “None of us are.”
The simple sincerity of it hits me harder than I expect. It’s like a weight lifting off my chest, one I didn’t even realize I’d been carrying.
The idea that I can actually belong. Not just here in Colter Creek, but with them. That maybe I’m not as alone as I’ve spent most of my life believing.
Reid suddenly picks up the empty taco bag, tossing it into the nearby trash can with a dramatic flair. “Okay, team, now that we’ve fueled up, time for the next adventure?”
I glance at Clint, who looks at me with that quiet, fond smile.
“You’re in for a surprise. We’ve got something planned.”
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
Reid
The Silver Bit Tavernis alive tonight, the kind of vibrant energy only this place can stir up. The jukebox is working overtime, belting out country classics, while the chatter of the locals mixes with the clinking of glasses and the occasional burst of laughter.
A few cowboys lean against the bar, tossing back whiskey. The usual crowd is here, but there’s a little extra buzz tonight. And it’s not just because of the beer.
It’s because of Dakota.
Damn, I can’t take my eyes off her. She looks amazing, and also, I know how important tonight is for all of us.
I think we all do.
