Page 78 of Saddle and Bound

"Oh, I'm sure of that," says Ethan with a wink. "Especially for the steamy scenes!"

We all laugh, the atmosphere charged with joy and affection.

Suddenly, I miss Aurora. It would have been nice to have her here with us today.

"I'm sorry Aurora couldn't be here," I let slip.

"Oh, we can fix that! We absolutely have to update her!" yells Val with her usual energy... and she starts a video call. The call that will be the longest of my life because our little friend is the most curious and grudging person in the world.

In that moment, surrounded by my friends and Maria, with my heart full of love for Alex and excitement for my future, I feel truly complete. I've found my place in the world, and I'm ready to embrace this new adventure with all my heart.

In the end, Ethan admits he wants to move here and surprises everyone by announcing his plan to launch his first clothing brand. The girls couldn’t be happier, and Val doesn’t waste a moment before offering him a job. The ranch’s athletes need uniforms, and there’s no one better than Ethan to design them. Still, not wanting to turn the evening into a work meeting, they all agree to discuss it properly tomorrow. Aurora is, of course, over the moon, but she can’t hide her frustration at having missed the “juicy moments,” as she calls them.

Three hundred questions and a bit of pouting later, we're ready to go home.

Home...

"Thank you," I say, feeling emotional. "For your support, for your friendship. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Oh, Rosie," says Maria, her eyes glistening. "We're the ones who are lucky to have you. And I'm so happy to be a part of this family."

We hug again, laughing and crying at the same time. The future is bright, full of possibilities, and I can't wait to live it, with Alex by my side and these wonderful people as my extended family.

Chapter 47

Alex

As we head towards the small gym at the ranch, the guys continue to tease me mercilessly.

"Hey, Alex," says Fran with a grin, "I bet you now spend more time lifting Rosie than weights."

"Very funny," I respond, rolling my eyes. "For your information, I still know how to lift a barbell."

"Oh, yeah?" chimes in Diego, opening the gym door. "Prove it, Romeo."

I enter the gym, the familiar scent of sweat and metal welcoming me. "What do you guys have in mind?"

The guys exchange conspiratorial looks. "A challenge," announces Chris. "Who can do the most push-ups in a minute."

"Easy," I say confidently. Perhaps too confidently.

"Oh, not so fast," Ethan smiles mischievously. "One-handed push-ups."

I feel the smile faltering on my face... thinking of all the sleepless nights I've had since Rosie had asked me for space and the energy I don't have. "You're joking, right?"

"Scared, love-struck cowboy?" taunts Chris.

"Never... and you're not authorized to make jokes, Mr. Perfect Couple," I reply, even though I know I'll probably regret it.

Chris doesn't retort... he just flashes his smile that we've nicknamed the "Val smile."

We get into position, ready to start. Ethan keeps the time.

"Ready... go!"

We start the push-ups, and immediately I feel my muscles protest. It's harder than I thought.

"So, Alex," pants Diego next to me, "give us some juicy details about Rosie."

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