Page 114 of Saving Grace

GRACE

It’s an impressive sight. The horseback duo. Hats. Winchester rifles and snow-dusted carts. Harry and Louisa trot past. Louisa waves as they head to the south fields today, bringing in the last of the cows and calves. Harry salutes me before they round the barn and slip out of sight.

I salute him back, leaning on the porch post, coffee in my hands. A chuckle sounds behind me. I turn back to find Mack in the doorway, cane in hand. The brace over his abdomen supporting his lower back. His dressing gown is open, and his winter PJs are crumpled. He had a better night last night. Still, this is a setback neither of us saw coming.

Work was understanding, giving me two weeks off to help him settle into a routine again. It breaks my heart seeing him like this after how hard he fought to return to his old self. His face sports a shadow of stubble, his hair messed up from sleep. The pain meds have him groggy and he wants to wean off them. I’m sure it’s too soon. It’s not even been a week.

Compared to the first time he went through this, he’s a different man. Not the angry, sulky version who had given up when I met him. If anything, he’s forging ahead too quickly. And I know why. He wants to protect me. It’s the sweetest thing I’veever felt. I pray the absence of calls and texts since the scare after class two weeks ago means Joel has moved on. Deep down, I doubt he’s done with me. His ego and malicious mind would never allow that.

“You’re up!” I smile at him. Even disheveled, he sends my heart into a rapid beat, something akin to a hummingbird’s. Maybe more so. I usher him inside before the cold finds him. He tucks me into his side as we amble for the sofa. With his arm around my shoulder, he steers me toward it. I help him sit before snuggling up beside him. “At least there’s more time for cuddles,” I whisper.

“Always a silver lining, Gracie.” Mack hugs me tighter, dropping a kiss to the crown of my head. “You should do some painting while you have the time off.”

“I want to take care of you. I want to be here for you.”

“You are, but I don’t need a babysitter, gorgeous. I do, however, need you to be happy.”

I huff a small laugh at him. His hands cup my face, tilting my head up to his.

“I’m serious, Grace. You’re it for me. My priority. You always will be.”

The breath I took lodges in my throat. I can’t pull in another. I open my mouth to say something, anything. Dumbfounded, I study his face. I knew he was in this for the long haul. But those words cement every feeling, every sliver of hope I have for the future I want for us.

When I haven’t responded, he pulls me into his chest. It’s one of my favorite places. Second only to having him wrapped around me while he’s inside me. We are joined, so intimately, the rest of the world simply ceases to exist. “You’re it for me, too.” The words are muffled.

He chuckles and releases one breathy word. “Good.”

My phone vibrates in my bag.

An alarm I set last night. I’m due over at R & R ranch to hand over six of my landscapes for Ruby to place in her cabins. Mack’s hold loosens and I lean back, taking in his handsome face. Looking this man over never gets old. “I’ll be back in a few hours. Need me to take anything to Reed? Bring anything back?”

“Nope. Just you.” His smile cracks and I rise up on my knees to kiss his mouth. He grabs my face. I deepen the kiss, tasting morning coffee and the man I love. Perfect way to start the day, if you ask me.

“I’ll be home for lunch, alright?” I say, pushing from the sofa reluctantly.

“Yes ma’am.” He stands with the help of the cane and follows me. I swipe up my bag and keys from the kitchen counter and throw them over my shoulder. Walking to my art room, I hug the six canvases, individually wrapped in brown paper, close. They’re large, more than an armful. Mack hobbles to the front door ahead of me, opening it for me. He walks out into the chilly air, robe still flapping, and holds Blue’s door open as I slide the paintings onto the back seat.

I wrap my hands around his face, thanking him with a kiss. “I love you, Mackinlay Rawlins.”

“Yeah, I know.” He winks at me and runs a thumb over my jaw before stepping back cautiously to allow me to open the driver’s door. I slide into Blue and start her up. She’s cold and splutters a little before finding her rhythm. Clouds puff from her exhaust as I shift her into gear and head down the driveway.

R & R is the place I would go if I didn’t have anywhere else in the world to be. It’s stunning. Every time I drive under the oversized sign at the entrance, it hits me all over again. It should be one of the great wonders of the world. Truly.

Pulling over next to the small gate by the homestead, Ruby waves from the porch. Already bundled up, she holds a tablet.Always working. So damn inspiring. She meets me at the car, and I haul out the paintings. “Morning, Mrs. Rawlins.”

I beam at her, knowing calling her that name is a double-edged sword.

She scoffs. “Morning, Gracie. I’m so stinking excited to see these. Are you excited to have your work out in the world?”

She is all but jumping out of her skin. The red scarf around her neck flings as she bounces on the balls of her feet, blonde hair dancing around her shoulders. Her warm coat is collar up. Skinny jeans and those tan-and-pink boots she’s always wearing finish her outfit. Always so put together. Ugh. Changed my mind. I want to be Ruby Rawlins when I grow up. Honest to god.

“A little, I guess.”

“Grace.” She slaps my shoulder, jostling the pile of canvases. “This is only the beginning.”

I chuckle. “Sure.”

She relieves me of half the canvases. “Come on, let’s hang these beauties on the walls.”

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