Page 112 of The Scars We Heal

“We have something we want to talk to you about, bug.” I patted the couch cushion, inviting her to sit.

She bounded over and plopped down. “What?”

I took a deep breath. “So, you know Jake and I have been friends for a long time, right?”

“Um, yeah, Mommy. He’s your special friend, remember?” She rolled her eyes as if this wasn’t new information. “And I know he sleeps in your room.”

Looking at Jake, I sighed. “We’re gonna have to have a talk with Ellison and Juniper. They started this back at the rodeo in Goldfinch.”

“Have we been that obvious the whole time?” He laughed softly.

“Are you okay with living in the big house now?” I asked. “We don’t have to if you don’t want to, but over the last few months, I’ve really liked spending time with him as more than just friends and we’ve decided to date.”

Jake added, “I know I won’t be able to replace your dad, but⁠—”

“What do you mean?” Whitley wrinkled her nose, cutting him off. “I like you as my dad.”

His eyes widened, mouth opening and closing like he wasn’t sure what to say.

“You’re Mommy’s special friend and you make me chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. Ooh, and you give me chocolate!” She giggled. “I like you.”

“I like you too, bug.” He ruffled the hair on her head.

“Can I go now?” Whit asked, looking up at me with big eyes.

“Yeah, of course.” I blinked away the tears forming.

“Mommy, don’t cry. He can make it better, right?” She looked at Jake.

Jake’s lip trembled, but he nodded. “Yeah, I’ll make it better. I’ll always make it better, I promise.”

“Good.” She nodded then ran back into her room, slamming the door as per usual.

I snorted, unable to stop myself, but when I glanced over at Jake, his shoulders were shaking in silent laughter.

“We’ll work on the slamming doors thing,” we said at the same time, which only made the laughter audible this time, a joyful, bubbling sound.

Jake scooted closer to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders and tugging me close. I cozied up next to him, basking in his warmth and the safety he provided.

Angling my head up toward his, I gazed into his blue eyes. My anchor.

Nearly five months had passed since I moved into the guest house, lost and unsure of who I was. Jake had helped me find my way back to the me I wanted to be, had helped me drive away the lies I told myself that I wasn’t good enough, the ones that had been drilled in my head for over a decade.

He loved me for who I was, and even though I was sure I would have gotten there one way or another, in turn, I learned to love myself again, too.

I was a better version of myself, not only for me, but for my daughter. And I smiled, knowing I would never lose myself again.

“I love you, Jake Flynn,” I whispered against his lips.

“I love you, too, Caitlin Carson.”

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

jake

TWO WEEKS LATER

Tonight we’ve got fifteen of the best cowboys, cowgirls, and cowboy pairs competing for the chance of a lifetime: a World Championship buckle. Folks, you’ve spent the last nine days cheering them on, and they need you now more than ever! It’s round ten of the National Finals Rodeo. Let’s do it!”