Page 137 of Saddles

What if he’s out there bleeding to death?

The image of him lying in the snow is too real.

I managed to get to him in time once.

Maybe I can do it again.

Fuck it. I’d rather die looking for him and take a chance that I can save him, then sit here doing nothing.

Tugging off the blanket, I yank my hat down over my ears and raise the hood on my sweatshirt.

My fingers are so cold, the screen doesn’t register my swipe the first time, but I manage to get the flashlight to turn on.

I’m careful not to slam the door after I drop into the deepening snow.

Sneakers again?

One of these times I’ll remember to wear my boots in a blizzard.

At least the night is still and quiet. I can just make out his tracks.

Only a sliver of light is all I need to follow his path.

“April? I thought I told you to stay in the truck.” Ford’s deep voice cuts through the darkness.

Letting the full illumination flash over him, I can’t stop myself from running to him and throwing my arms around his waist. “I was so worried. I thought you were hurt.”

Another sound of someone approaching has me wildly shining my phone in their direction.

Sheriff Wade, still wearing the same outfit from our earlier dinner, plods behind him.

“I’m fine.” Ford runs his fingers through his hair.

Was that a kernel of corn that fell out?

He has more tucked into the creases of his coat.

“Where’s your hat?” Did he lose it in a fight?

“I’ll have to fetch it this spring.” He flashes me a crooked smile as he pulls his zipper open and looses another small rain of grain onto the snow.

“Let me know when,” Wade says from behind him. “I’ll be here tomorrow if you need me.” With a grunt, he turns around and fades into the night.

“Ford?” I’m not sure if I should be worried or confused.

But I’m grateful he’s alive.

“What happened? Was itthem?” I don’t even want to mutter their names.

He nods seriously. “They won’t bother you any more.” His palm finds the small of my back and he leads me back to his Dodge. “I am sorry it took so long, I was a little hung up, but Wade got me out.”

When he opens the door and lifts me up, I turn and grab the collar of his coat. Crashing my lips over his, I cling to him as if I’m never going to see him again.

I pull away, finding his eyes with mine. “Is it always going to be like this? One crazy thing after another?”

His jaw ticks and his brows knot. “I can’t promise it won’t be. I do know I want to make the most of every moment I’m with you.”

Watching him on the drive home, I can see the exhaustion in his shoulders.

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