The brief vulnerability vanishes just as quickly, replaced by the same guarded calm I noticed when she first stepped into my line of sight.
“Thanks,” she says quietly, though there’s a heaviness behind the words. “He meant a lot to me.”
I nod, not sure if I should press her for more. Some things are best left unsaid. Her posture tells me she’s not one to talk about the past easily, and I respect that. I’m not the kind of guy to push.
“Well, Charlie, looks like you’re doing well with Rover. He adores you.”
“Yeah, well, you do have to give him back, Charlie.” Dakota laughs. “We need to get you to bed soon.”
I glance at the sky, the golden light beginning to fade.
“Sounds like a good plan,” I reply. “Can’t keep the kid up too late, right?”
Dakota laughs softly. “Yeah, he gets a little grumpy if he’s not in bed on time.”
Charlie reluctantly hands Rover over to me, and we say goodbye. But as they start to walk off, the quiet trail envelopingthem once more, I stand there and watch them go, a thousand thoughts running through my mind.
The soft crunch of leaves beneath their boots is the only sound in the fading light. Charlie’s small frame slowly recedes into the distance, holding tightly to his mom’s hand as they walk back down the trail.
Rover, now at my side, looks up at me with an almost comical amount of adoration, his tail wagging in wide, slow arcs.
I take a deep breath, feeling the coolness of the evening settle in around me. There’s something about that conversation with Dakota that lingers. Something I can’t quite shake.
I didn’t mean to pry into her past, but it’s hanging above us now, unresolved. I try to push the thoughts out of my mind, but they keep coming back.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, snapping me out of my thoughts. I pull it out, seeing a text from Marshall.
Marshall: Hey man, what’s the deal with your Thanksgiving plans? You gonna be around?
I smile, feeling the familiar comfort of Marshall’s blunt, no-nonsense messages. We’ve known each other for years, and while we technically work on rival ranches, the support is there.
Sawyer: I’ll be with the family, which means there will be a lot of pressure. You know how that goes.
I hit send and lean against a nearby tree, running a hand through my hair. Thanksgiving with my family usually means fielding questions I don’t enjoy answering, but at least I’ll have my younger sister, Maggie, for company.
A moment later, Marshall replies.
Marshall: Man, you’re always welcome at the Friendsgiving at Willow Ranch. It’s usually a lot more relaxed, no pressure. The more the merrier, as they say.
I chuckle to myself, grateful for Marshall’s offer. Willow Ranch is one of the few places where the vibe is easygoing, andthe last time I went, I had a damn good time. Marshall always holds it for those who don’t have anywhere else to go.
Sawyer:Thanks, man. I’ll definitely keep that in mind. Sounds like it might be what I need this year.
Marshall: Anytime, brother. Let me know if you’re in. You won’t regret it.
I let out a breath, feeling a little lighter. It’s funny how just the idea of something simple, a gathering with friends, can shift your perspective on the season.
I slip my phone back into my pocket and glance down at Rover, who’s still happily wagging his tail, completely oblivious to the human complexities of family and tradition.
The evening is cooling quickly, the first stars beginning to dot the sky. I should probably get back to the ranch and help Clint with whatever he’s got going on, but for now, I just stand here, watching the last traces of daylight slip away.
The thoughts about Dakota and Charlie are pushed to the back of my mind. For now.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Dakota
I stand on the porch,my arms crossed as I watch the car roll up the gravel driveway. My stomach twists in that familiar knot. Tighter than I’d like to admit.
