Page 54 of Saddle and Bound

“It’s different here,” I say, gesturing to the view. “Nature doesn’t judge. It just... is.”

Rosie smiles, her face lighting up with something I can only describe as hope. “I feel that. Like I’m finally allowed to be myself.”

I clear my throat, gather my thoughts, and finally say, "You can be whoever you want with me... I’ll never judge you."

She gives me a shy smile, her eyes dropping to the ground, but I notice her posture ease. Then, she whispers a quiet thank you, almost too soft to hear. But it’s there, and it builds upon the feelings that are slowly becoming my new reality. I can only hope, somehow, that I’ll find a way to reach her... even though she seems like the very definition of perfection.

We stand there for a while, hand in hand, the world quiet around us. Then, with a playful glint in her eye, she asks, “So, cowboy, where to next?”

I chuckle, the tension breaking. “Oh, I have a surprise waiting. Trust me.”

And as we walk deeper into the forest, I can’t help but think this trail is leading us to something far more significant than just a destination.

Chapter 29

Rosie

The trail winds before us, a ribbon of packed earth disappearing among the trees. I'm curious to know where Alex is taking me. He said it's a special place, and I can't wait to get there.

It's strange, I can't even remember why I was so nervous about this camping trip anymore. I'm loving every single moment! The fresh air, the sounds of nature, the peace surrounding me, the more personal conversations with Alex...

I'm surprised at how things are going between us. It's all been so... sweet. I think back to how he lifted my spirits at the beginning of the trip, without asking invasive questions. And last night, when he gave me an extra blanket because he was worried I might be cold.

A smile forms on my lips at the memory. I'm almost certain I fell asleep on his shoulder.

And then... the way he opened up to me, telling me about his family, his feelings. He was so sincere, so vulnerable. And strangely, it was easy for me to do the same. I never thought I'd tell anyone about my childhood dreams, my insecurities, my family. Yet with Alex, the words came naturally.

"Hey, are you okay?" Alex's voice brings me back to the present. I realize I've stopped, lost in my thoughts.

"Yes, sorry," I answer with a smile. "I was just... reflecting."

Alex looks at me with those deep eyes of his, as if he could read inside me. "Positive thoughts, I hope?"

I nod. "Very positive. I was thinking about how happy I am to be here."

His face lights up at these words. "Really? I'm glad to hear you say that."

We resume walking, and I find myself wishing I could stop time. To stay in this moment, on this trail, with Alex by my side.

"So, cowboy," I say, trying to lighten the atmosphere that has suddenly become charged with unspoken emotions. "How much further to this special place?"

Alex laughs, a sound that makes me feel warmth in my chest. "Patience, princess. The best things are worth waiting for."

I roll my eyes playfully, but inside I know he's right. And as we continue walking, I realize it's not just the special place I'm anticipating with excitement. There's something growing between Alex and me, something I can't quite define yet but that fills me with excitement and a bit of fear.

As we walk, I reflect on how my perception of Alex has changed in such a short time. At first, I felt constantly judged by him. His teasing and his confident cowboy attitude made me feel inadequate, as if every move I made was under scrutiny.

But now... now I see things differently. I've understood that's simply his way of being, his sense of humor. There's no malice in his words, just a genuine desire to make me feel comfortable, even if sometimes in a slightly awkward way.

And those eyes of his... at first I found them intimidating, as if they could see through me. Now, every time I meet them, I see only sweetness. They're warm, welcoming eyes that make me feel safe. I'm discovering they're truly as gentle as they seem, perhaps even more so.

This realization makes me want to open up to him even more. There's something about Alex, about his way of being, that makes me feel protected and understood.

I take a deep breath and decide to take another step toward vulnerability.

"Hey cowboy," I begin, my voice a bit uncertain, "I need to confess something." He looks at me with curiosity, slowing his pace to walk beside me.

"I'm all ears, princess."

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