Page 85 of Saddle and Bound

His hand traces soothing circles on my back until finally, the words I've been holding back spill forth.

I press my forehead against his chest, drawing strength from his steady heartbeat.

"It's the job," I confess quietly. "I still haven't resigned, and I can't explain why, but whenever I think about it, this wave of anxiety washes over me. Like I'm standing on the edge of something, and I can't quite see what's below."

His arms tighten around me as he strokes my hair. "Change is scary, sweetheart. What you're feeling is perfectly natural."

"I know," I murmur. "But it's more than that. There's something... something just beyond my grasp. I can't put my finger on it."

Alex draws back slightly, cradling my face in his weathered hands. His eyes hold mine, brimming with such tenderness it nearly undoes me. "Listen to me, Rosie. Whatever comes, we face it together. If you need more time before resigning, take it. If you're ready to leap, I'll catch you. All that matters is your peace of mind."

Tears prick at my eyes. "How did I get so lucky?"

He answers with a soft kiss. "I'm the lucky one, princess. Together, there's nothing we can't handle."

I nod, feeling the weight on my shoulders lighten. His quiet confidence lends me strength I didn't know I possessed.

"You're right," I say, meeting his steady gaze. "It's time to face this. I want to resign, Alex. And I want you beside me when I do."

He squeezes my hands, his eyes shining with pride and support. "Every step of the way, love."

I draw a deep breath. "I'm still uncertain about the novel - if it will sell, if I can make it as a writer. But I know in my heart this is what I need to do."

"Rosie," he says softly, "your talent shines through every word you write. But even if your first novel doesn't top the bestseller lists, it doesn't matter. What matters is you're following your dreams, giving life to your passion. And I'll be here, supporting you, always."

His words fill me with courage. Yes, uncertainties remain. The book might not sell, I might face rejection and disappointment. I try not to dwell on potential readers' reactions - the thought alone sends anxiety spiraling through me. Yet I can't entirely banish such thoughts; they creep in unbidden.

But I counter them with a beautiful truth: for the first time in my life, I'm pursuing what truly sets my soul alight, surrounded by all the love and support I could ever need.

"Okay," I say with newfound determination. "Let's do this. Let's write that resignation letter."

Alex's smile radiates pride. "That's my girl. Come on, I'll make your favorite coffee while you work on it."

Chapter 54

Rosie

With a mix of relief and excitement, I click “Send.” The resignation letter is officially gone, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I stare at the screen for a few seconds, almost expecting something dramatic to happen. But, of course, nothing does. The world keeps turning, the sun keeps shining outside the window.

“You did it,” Alex says softly from behind me. I turn to see him, his eyes gleaming with pride and love.

“I did it,” I echo, feeling a smile stretch across my face. “It’s done, Alex. I’m officially a full-time writer.”

Alex sweeps me into his arms, lifting me from the chair and spinning me around. I laugh, holding onto his strong shoulders.

“I’m so proud of you, Rosie,” he murmurs against my hair when he finally sets me down. “You followed your heart. You were brave enough to take this big leap.”

I pull back slightly to look into his eyes. “I couldn’t have done it without you,” I say honestly. “You gave me the strength, the courage, and the support I needed.”

Alex smiles, gently brushing his fingers along my cheek. “You already had it in you, princess. I just… lit the match.”

I chuckle at his choice of words, feeling light and happier than I have in years. “Well, Mr. Matchmaker,” I tease, “how about we celebrate this moment properly?”

Alex’s eyes spark with mischief. “Hmm, and what do you have in mind, Miss Writer?”

Instead of answering, I pull him close for a passionate kiss. Alex responds instantly, his hands sliding down my back, drawing me closer. The kiss deepens, charged with love, desire, and promises.

When we finally part, we’re both breathless. “You know something? I think you should read me a passage from your novel,” he murmurs, his eyes gleaming with a hint of playfulness.

---