All three men laughed at that. “And they say men are hard,” Garrett said.
“Ha!” Blake barked out. “The only people who say that were never in a relationship with a woman they loved who’d been through hell.”
“Tell me about it,” Caden said. “One minute I think she’s seeking out my protection and wants to crawl inside of me to hide from the world, and the next she’s pushing me away, accusing me of being overprotective and too controlling. It’s like I can’t win.”
There was a quiet moment in the office, but when Blake sighed, all eyes turned to him. “Just say it,” Caden said.
“Skyla tries to hide it from me, but she’s been having nightmares, too. I think she feels some kind of misplaced shame about them though because she doesn’t have any scars from that night. It’s like she thinks since she wasn’t physically hurt, she shouldn’t still be dealing with the ramifications.”
“Well, that’s just bullshit,” Garrett spat out. “She was tortured just as much as Hallie, if not more. Watching someone you care about get hurt over and over like that, only to not have the ability to help them, could drive anyone to the brink of insanity. Skyla has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Maybe she should talk to someone, too.”
“I’ve tried to tell her that,” Blake said, “but she just brushes me off. She’s always been so strong. I mean she had to deal with losing her mom at a young age, and then the way her dad treated her before he died. I can’t blame her for not wanting to lean on me, but I really wish she would.”
It was moments like this Garrett was happy he didn’t have these problems in his life. But then he thought of Reese, and the huge secret he was keeping from his friends, and he knew he was right there with them. Only he wasn’t in a relationship with Reese. They weren’t even really friends. Just housemates at best. A twinge in his chest made him wonder if there could ever be something more between them, but he rubbed it away and brought his attention back to the file in front of him.
When their meeting ended, Garrett decided to extend an olive branch to Reese after the way he stormed out on her. Once he was back in his truck, he sent her a text message.
Garrett: Should I bring home a celebratory dinner?
He keyed the ignition and pulled out of the spot, glancing from the road to the phone and back to the road until he was nearly home. When he saw the three dots appear on the screen, he pulled over and held up the phone, wondering if he’d overstepped, or if she even had any good news to celebrate.
Reese: Sure! The interview went great. I have a good feeling about it.
Garrett smiled, but his gut sank. Her good news meant she would indeed be moving out of his guest house sooner rather than later. Not wanting to make her wait for his response, he messaged her back.
Garrett: I’m so happy for you. I’m sorry about earlier. What are you in the mood for?
Reese: Thanks, and don’t worry about it. Surprise me :)
Garrett smiled at her little emoji. He had a craving for Italian, and remembered a nice place Caden once told him about. Looking forward to a quiet evening at home with Reese, Garrett groaned when his radio started blowing up - two Texas Rangers calling for immediate backup. “Shots fired. Officer down. All units. All available units, please respond.”
As soon as the location was given, Garrett turned on his lights and sirens, then slammed on the brake and made a hard U-turn.
Dinner would have to wait.
***
Reese was sitting on the swing, gently kicking her legs, lost in a multitude of ideas for possible lesson plans when Garrett called that he wouldn’t be home until much later. He’d assured her that he was fine, but there was a situation going on and he needed to be there. She didn’t hold it against him. She’d known from the very beginning what kind of man he was. Good. Kind. Generous. Decent. If someone was in trouble, Texas Ranger Garrett Cooper would be the first to drop everything and do whatever he could to help. It was actually something she deeply respected about him. Even if it cut into their plans.
After watching the blazing pink and orange colors of the sunset, Reese headed back inside to make dinner. She didn’t have any leftovers, and didn’t feel like cooking, so she prepared a simple turkey and cheese sandwich and a small salad with some of the veggies from her garden. With her plate full, she cozied up on the couch in front of the television and put on a show she’d been watching from one of Garrett’s many streaming services. She had always loved quiet nights at home, and the more time she spent here, the more this place was starting to feel like home. The guest house’s walls were warm and familiar, the sounds it made were a comfort, and the views out her large picture windows were breathtaking.
When her show ended, Reese couldn’t help notice the fireflies were out in full tonight, their lights flickering in the tall grass. She washed and dried her plate, then set about making another sandwich and adding a generous helping of salad to the plate. Then she covered it and brought it out and set it on the small table near Garrett’s backdoor where he was sure to see it when he got home. She had no idea how late he’d be, but she didn’t want him going to bed hungry.
There was a cool breeze in the air and the temperature was dropping, so she didn’t think any harm would come to the meat or cheese in the next few hours. Hopefully he’d be home soon.
Then like she always did on beautiful nights like this, Reese pulled on her denim jacket and headed back outside to stargaze. The jean shorts she wore had zippered pockets, which she thought looked really cool, but also useful. When her hand went to the small bulge in her pocket, she couldn’t help smiling. She’d kept the gadget Garrett had given her with her at all times, even keeping it under her pillow every night. It was such a small and seemingly insignificant thing. She doubted she’d ever actually have to use it, but just knowing it was there - that he was as close as the push of a button - put her mind at ease.
Garrett had mowed most of the tall grass last weekend except for a small area she’d asked him to leave for the butterflies and fireflies. He’d also set up a lighted path for her to follow to the dock so she didn’t trip or encounter a snake, though most in this area were harmless.
Even with his crazy schedule and long hours, the man was always thinking of others, and Reese hardly knew how to repay him for his kindness. She stepped up onto the dock and listened for the familiar creaking of the wood and soft lapping of the water. It was such a soothing and calming sound. The perfect way to end a great day. When her phone buzzed, she jumped a little and looked at the screen.
Garrett: Still stuck at work. Did you eat?
Reese smiled. She had no idea how a man like him was still single. She lowered herself down to sit on the dock, then scooted back a bit so her legs could hang over the edge without touching the water since she was wearing her sneakers.
Reese: Yes. I made a sandwich and a salad to go with it. I made some for you, too, so you don’t have to worry about stopping to pick up food or go to bed hungry. I left it covered by your backdoor.
There was a long pause and Reese thought he might’ve had to go back to whatever he was doing when she saw the three dots appear on her screen.
