Page 9 of Rafe

“Excellent. Once it gets here, I’ll either call him or bring it along when I see him on Sunday.”

Vanna grinned mischievously, interjecting, “Have him get Rafe to pick it up. I’d love to get a glimpse of that man.”

“You’re terrible,” Maggie laughed, shaking her head. “You’re engaged to one incredibly attractive man.”

“Well, to put a twist on what Olivia says, I’m engaged; I ain’t dead,” Vanna shot back.

Maggie smiled warmly. “That’s true. I’ll contact Fred when the frame arrives, then take it from there. It might not be my weekend to visit, but I could always drop by. Fred is such a kind soul. Someone I care for deeply, like a father.”

“You miss your father, don’t you?” Vanna asked softly.

Maggie nodded, her eyes reflecting distant memories. “After Mom died, we only had each other, and I know he resented that I married Frederick just to save his home. I resented it too, but Iwas happy to help my father out.”

Vanna’s voice took on a gentle, empathetic tone. “I’m sure you were. He just couldn’t bear that you sacrificed so much for him. No one really knows what they would have done in your place, but even when I didn’t know you as I do now, I know how deeply you loved your dad. Never let that burden bring you down, Maggie.”

“I won’t,” Maggie promised softly. “Rafe once asked me why I would ever marry a man like Frederick, but I never explained my reasons.”

“Perhaps you should,” Vanna suggested. “It might serve as a wonderful conversation starter.”

“That’s true,” Maggie admitted with a rueful smile, “but I get so flustered around him. That man makes me feel scorching hot.”

“Maggie, you really need to talk to him. If it doesn’t work out, then it simply wasn’t meant to be. I’ve never seen you shy away from standing up to others, yet with Rafe, you barely open your mouth. How will you ever know what might happen if you don’t take a chance?”

Before Maggie could muster a reply, the store’s door swung open once again, ushering in a small group of customers. She exchanged a conspiratorial glance with Vanna and shrugged, causing her friend to smile knowingly.

“You’re not going to slip away from this conversation. We’ll pick it up later,” Vanna declared.

“Damn,” Maggie muttered under her breath, eliciting a burst of laughter from Vanna.

As the day wore on and the shop filled with the murmur of customers, Maggie’s mind betrayed her with thoughts of Rafe. She imagined him at the ranch, running it with an unyielding, iron-fisted discipline, never allowing even a hint of laziness. Fred’s frequent praises of Rafe’s hard work echoed inher thoughts, his descriptions painting a vivid picture of toned muscles honed by relentless labor, not by gym routines, but by the day-to-day grind. The memory of that chiseled six-pack stayed with her, a vision that would persist no matter how many years passed.

Later that night, as Maggie settled onto the worn sofa in her apartment and flicked through the TV channels, Rafe’s image refused to fade from her consciousness. Was Vanna right? Should she muster the courage to speak with him and explore this uncharted territory? Anxiety mixed with anticipation gripped her. What if he simply didn’t want to engage with her?

“Oh, my God,” she whispered to herself, a tremor in her voice, “you’re going to drive yourself insane over the man.”

Rising abruptly, Maggie resolved to distract herself. She prepared a long, steaming bath, the kind filled with fragrant bubbles and hints of lavender, hoping its warmth might scrub Rafe from her thoughts. She had never felt so intensely drawn to a man before. Sure, she had known love in the past, but nothing had ever consumed her so completely as this wild, overwhelming passion for Rafe. It thrilled and terrified her in equal measure. The idea of making a move, only to be met with rejection, loomed over her like a dark cloud, one that might shatter any chance of ever facing him again.

Torn between two futures, Maggie realized she was at a crossroads. She could either try to forget Rafe Marshall and move on with her orderly life, or she could risk it all and see where fate might lead. Neither option seemed particularly inviting, and for now, the decision weighed on her like a secret kept too long in the depths of her heart.

Chapter Three

Rafe moved through the dimly lit barn, his boots echoing softly on the cement floor as he checked each stall, ensuring the horses were settled. The earthy scent of hay and the gentle sounds of the animals filled the air. He paused and turned abruptly when Fred’s voice carried through the barn’s open doors, calling his name.

“Hey, Fred. Is there something you need?” Rafe asked, his tone warm and friendly.

“Could you give me a ride into town? My damn knees are bothering me, and the picture frame I ordered from Maggie arrived. I want to go pick it up,” Fred replied, a slight grimace crossing his face as he shifted his weight.

“I can just go get it. No need for you to worry about it. I’ll bring burgers back from the diner. I can do it on my lunch break,” Rafe offered with a reassuring smile.

“I hate asking you to do that, Rafe,” Fred said, his voice tinged with reluctance.

Rafe chuckled. “You didn’t. I was going to head into town anyway.”

“If you’re sure?” Fred asked, looking hopeful yet hesitant.

“I am. I’ll go in a few minutes,” Rafe assured him with a nod.

“Thanks, Rafe. My usual is fine. I’ll just head to the house then,” Fred said, turning to leave.

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