Page 59 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

"It can be," I say, keeping my voice even. "But it's rewarding."

The conversation moves on, but I barely hear it. My mind is racing, trying to make sense of this new reality. Just yesterday, Shane and I were in our own little bubble, away from all of this. Now, I'm thrust into a world of wealth and expectations that I never asked for.

As dinner wraps up, I excuse myself, needing a moment alone. I step out onto the porch and inhale the cool night air. The ranch stretches out before me, familiar and comforting, but even that feels different now.

"You okay?" Shane's voice comes from behind me.

I turn to face him, crossing my arms. "I'm fine. Just needed some air."

He steps closer, his hand reaching for mine. I let him take it, but I can't shake the feeling that something's changed. The warmth I've come to expect from him feels muted, overshadowed by his father's presence.

"I know this is a lot," he says, his voice low. "But it'll get better when we're in New York."

I want to believe him, but doubt gnaws at me. "Will we? Because right now, it feels like I'm losing you to all of this."

Shane's brow furrows. "What do you mean?"

"You're different around them," I say, gesturing back towards the house. "Colder. Like the Shane I know is disappearing, and it's only been twenty-four hours."

His gaze stares aimlessly out to the horizon, a gesture I've come to recognize as a sign of stress. "I'm just trying to navigate this, Krystal. It's not easy for me either."

I pull my hand away, stepping back. "I get that. But I need to know if this is what our life is going to be like. Because I'm not sure I can do it."

Shane's eyes widen as if he's surprised by my words. "We're just adjusting to each other, Krystal. Once we're at my place, we'll have more space. I promise."

I open my mouth to respond, but the sound of the door opening cuts me off. Courtney steps out. Her smile is as perfect as ever.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she says, not sounding sorry at all. "Am I interrupting?"

Shane steps away from me, his face hardening again. "No, we were just talking."

Courtney's eyes flick between us, calculating. "Well, your father wants to discuss some business matters, Shane. He's waiting for you in the study."

Shane nods, then he turns to me, his eyes softening for a moment. "We'll talk later, okay?"

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. As Shane walks away, Courtney lingers, her gaze fixed on me.

"You know," she says, her voice dripping with false sweetness, "this world isn't for everyone. It takes a certain... strength to handle it."

I meet her gaze, refusing to be intimidated. "I'm stronger than you think."

She laughs, the sound like tinkling glass. "Oh, I'm sure you are. But strength isn't everything, darling. Sometimes, it's about knowing when to let go."

With that, she turns and walks back inside, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I stare out at the ranch, my mind whirling.This morning, I agreed to marry a man I thought I knew. Now, I'm not sure of anything.

I make my way back to my cabin, needing to see Ashanti. I can't shake the feeling that I'm being watched as I walk.

Ashanti is sitting on the couch when I enter, her sketchbook open on her lap. She looks up, her eyes widening at whatever she sees on my face.

"Mamma? What's wrong?"

I sit next to her, pulling her close. "Nothing, baby. Just a long day."

She pulls back, studying me. "Is it about Mr. Shane? How'd it go? Are we still moving?"

My heart clenches at her words. How many times have I uprooted her, always running from one thing or another? I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation I never wanted to have.

"Ashanti, we need to talk about some things. About Shane, and about our future."

---