Page 48 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

Every inch of the alley's walls is covered with vibrant murals, an eclectic display of styles and themes creating a breathtaking visual narrative. From whimsical characters to thought-provoking phrases, every corner is filled with artistic expression, inviting viewers to stop, reflect, and engage with the art around them.

"This is incredible," I breathe, turning in a slow circle to take it all in.

Shane grins, his blue eyes bright with excitement. "I thought you'd like it. Come on, let's explore."

We wander down the alley, pausing to admire each piece of art. A massive dragon breathes fire across one wall while delicateflowers bloom on another. I can't stop smiling, drinking in the creativity around us.

"Look at this one," Shane says, pointing to a mural of a woman with her arms spread wide, her face tilted up to the sky. "Reminds me of you."

I raise an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? How so?"

He shrugs a hint of shyness in his smile. "Strong. Beautiful. Free."

My heart skips a beat, and I look away, not sure how to respond. Instead, I tug him towards another mural. "What about this one? Kinda looks like you, don't you think?"

It's a painting of a soldier, his face half in shadow. Shane's smile fades a little as he studies it. "Yeah, I guess it does."

I squeeze his hand, feeling the warmth and strength in his grip. "Do you regret going into the military?"

His gaze drops for a moment, a flicker of something crossing his features before he finally speaks.

"No, I don’t regret it," he says slowly, choosing his words carefully. "It taught me discipline, brotherhood... and how to face fear head-on. But it also made me witness things I’d rather forget."

I nod, absorbing his words. I listen intently as he talks, his voice low and intense. Each syllable carries weight, revealing layers of emotion that he rarely shares.

I hear the pain in his words, and my heart aches for him.

Shane doesn't go into details about his experiences, the battles fought, or the sacrifices made. Still, I catch the shadows lurking in his eyes—the remnants of a man who has faced darkness and survived yet remains haunted.

I guess in that way, we're alike. We're survivors.

Haunted. But survivors.

His expression shifts as he continues, his jaw tightening, a subtle tell that he’s wrestling with something. I watch him,noting the way his shoulders seem to carry an invisible burden, and how his fingers clench slightly around mine as if seeking solace in the connection.

When he finishes, I wrap my arms around him, holding him close, wanting to shield him from whatever has crept in to steal his peace. As I feel the tension in his body slowly give way, I savor the warmth radiating from him.

If I'm honest, I've felt cursed since Jordan. That every turn I made to better my life was destroyed because I fell in love with the wrong man.

But then God didthis—He gave me Shane.

He's patiently let me hold on to my secrets. He's navigated through my thorns to find my softer side. He's held me securely in his strong arms and capable hands, reminding me I'm a woman.

As I pull back, I cup his face gently in my hands, searching his eyes.

I'mhiswoman in every way.

"You’re so much more than your past," I say softly, my voice steady despite the swell of emotions threatening to overpower me. When I lean in, I press my lips to his in a tender kiss, feeling the softness of his lips against mine.

The kiss deepens as I draw him closer, pouring everything I feel into it—my understanding, my admiration, and my love for the man he is right here, right now.

His arms envelop me tightly, anchoring me to him as though he fears this moment might slip away. I sense a shift within him, something dark and heavy lifting slightly in the warmth of our shared intimacy.

This kiss brings an unexpected lightness, dissolving the shadows in his eyes for just a moment. I can feel the way he melts against me, surrendering to the softness I offer as if mypresence is a balm for the war he's continually waging against his past.

Shane Kennedy is an amazing man.

He looks after Ashanti like a protector, steps up without being asked when she needs support, and never folds under my authority as his boss. He balances strength and gentleness, always treating me as an equal while being the perfect lover.

---