I set both beers back in the cooler and pull out two bottles of water instead, handing one to her. “Just so you know, little mouse, I’ll earn your trust, and you’ll see that you can trust me.”
“I hope so.” Della smiles and looks at the bag holding our food. “What did you get for us to eat?”
Giving her a smirk, I pull out her favorite mac and a sandwich, handing them to her, then my sandwich and fries for me. Together we sit back, eat, talk, and enjoy each other’s company.
Right now, that’s all I need from her. To get to know her all over again. She’s setting the pace for something more later on when she can fully trust me.
When that day comes, I’ll know it will be worth it. Since seeing her again at Rodeo Roundup, she’s consumed me, and I’m getting now what it means for it to fill my head. Damn if it doesn’t feel good.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Della
“You seem to be in a chipper mood this morning,” Judy acknowledges as I sit at the table drinking my coffee.
God, Judy makes the best coffee in the world. It’s always the perfect blend. Maybe it’s because I’m home that it tastes good. Everything tastes better if I’m honest.
“I’m not in a chipper mood. I’m just feeling better overall. My leg no longer has a twinge of pain or anything. I even went for a run at dawn.” I figured if I went early, no one could stop me. It’d been invigorating. I love being able to run and think. I slept great and woke up without an alarm clock going off.
Last night had seemed surreal being out with Shadow. The two of us spent the entire time talking, and it had been wonderful. As much as I crushed on him when I was younger, I had no idea how smart he was. I never thought he was stupid in any sort, but the questions he asked me, the conversation we held, it was just absolutely the best I’ve ever had.
Shadow didn’t act as if I were incompetent regarding what we spoke about. He didn’t treat me like I was beneath him. When he talked, he seemed highly interested in my passion for everything I wanted to do with the ranch, with my life.
Dark had completely fallen, and we stayed out there in the middle of Willow’s Bluff, secluded from the rest of the world. While we’d been out there, we had front row seats to the most beautiful meteor shower.
The evening was simply perfect. The best, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Well, maybe something, but I needed to be able to come to terms with what we have starting between us.
I’m still reeling over the fact that he wants to be with me. We barely had a civil conversation before yesterday on my porch, and it feels so sudden, yet oh so right at the same time.
In truth, it scares the daylights out of me, and I don’t know what I’m doing. For once, though, in my life, since everything happened, I can be me and let go of protecting myself so much that I push everyone away.
“I think you should still be taking it easy,” Judy mutters, moving to refill her own coffee mug.
“I’m fine, Judy, I swear. If I weren’t, then I’d say something. Promise.” I hope my words reassure her, but from the deep furrow of her brows, I’m not sure if they do.
“You and Maddox seem to have worked everything out,” she points out, changing the subject.
“We’re working on it.” I nod. “I’m trying, same as Maddox.”
“That’s good.” Judy takes a seat across from me, eyes never leaving mine. “Are you ready to talk about it?”
“About?” I draw out, my heart racing, already knowing what she’s going to say.
“About everything. Anything. Whatever is on your mind.”
I sigh and lean back in my chair. I told Maddox about what happened to me. I told Shadow the same. Which, for me, was strange in itself. Though telling more people, talking about it to Judy, I’m not sure I’m ready for that.
“I have a lot of regrets,” I admit softly. “There are so many times I wish I’d been here and I wasn’t.” Shaking my head, I look down at the mug in my grasp. “I miss him. Miss hearing his voice. Having him call me Della Girl. I miss everything about him. I thought when we lost Mom, that it was hard, but it was nothing like losing him. He was my rock.”
“He’s still with you, Della,” Judy whispers.
Tears prick at my eyes as I nod.
“You know, when my mother died, I would see the most beautiful cardinals everywhere. They were her favorite birds. I even still have the collection of figurines she’d buy when out and about. She loved them so damn much.”
“What I’m trying to say, though, is, your granddaddy, he loved you deeply, and he’s with you. You’ll see one day how right I am. He walks this earth next to you in spirit, in your heart, in your mind. He’s all over this ranch. Just wait and see.”
Through watery tears, I give Judy a small smile. “I appreciate that.”
