Page 81 of Saddles

“I’m going to hold you to that,” she giggles. “Goodnight, Ford.”

Holding the phone in my hand, the emptiness of the tiny cabin settles back over me.

Only one more day, then I’m never letting her go.

Chapter 26

April

I stand under the steaming water until my fingers start to prune. But if I had to choose, I’d rather be in the cabin letting Ford dump a tepid pot over my head than be here.

Only one more day.

It was bittersweet waking up nestled in the warmth of his scent, yet without him.

Today might take forever knowing he’ll be here tomorrow.

Sliding into a pair of jeans, fresh sneakers, and a hoodie that actually fits is a luxury I always took for granted.

Never again.

I’ve officially been to absolute zero. The only direction is up.

The walk isn’t too far to the main house, and gives me a chance to really take in the scope of the Black Gulch.

This place is huge. It makes the college campus look like a children’s park in comparison. Several massive barns look like they’re straight out of a magazine seated against the craggy mountains.

A postcard.

Normal sized houses are tiny when I look at the main lodge.

That’s what it sure seems like.

There was a Swiss Alps style hotel in the mountains of Colorado I remember my mom taking me to when I was younger.

She said it was so I could learn to ski.

I think it was so she could spend some quality time with the instructors without Dad around.

Mom messed up. A ranch is such a better option.

Cowboys are much hotter than the wannabe surfer dudes who ride the powder.

Dang, I forgot to look for gloves.

The frozen wood of the front door is rough against my knuckles as I dance side to side trying to stay warm.

A lean guy who looks my age, and bears an unnerving resemblance to Sophia, opens it wide.

His white teeth flash in an easy smile. “Hi, I’m Sawyer. You must be April?” He extends his palm.

“I am. Thank you for giving Ford a vacation.” I take his hand in a quick shake.

He tips his baseball hat further back on his head, revealing wild dark hair that falls over his forehead, nearly covering his bright blue eyes. “I get it. I’d want a break too if I had a girl waiting for me.” Red tinges his cheeks. “Sorry. I mean, come in. Lori’s in the kitchen.”

Sawyer awkwardly steps backwards, nearly tripping over a pair of cowboy boots in the entryway.

They look suspiciously his size.