Page 130 of Wildest Forever

Nate smirks then sits back opposite us. Titus gives him a knowing look and Nate's lips twitch as if he is trying to hold back his words.

“So,” I say, picking the label of my beer and Titus points at my empty bottle, giving me a raised eyebrow.“Please,” then he turns his attention to Riggs who shakes his head.

Riggs doesn't really drink when we're out.

The odd whiskey or beer here and there, but he'll drink more when we're at home.

Nate shuffles out the way and when he does Amora slips out and finds James, standing next to her, Dixie follows.

I watch for a moment as they talk amongst the group, Sunny away ordering more tequila, and after a couple of minutes Amora and Dixie perch up a small table, sitting on the stools and go back to a conversation between them.

It's nice watching Dixie open up a little. She is such a closed book when it comes to new people so to see her finding common ground with someone is great to see.

Nate sighs as he sits back down and slides closer to Tripp, giving him a soft nod before he is facing me and Riggs.

“You started a sentence I think,” he pushes his glasses up his nose, waiting for me to speak again.

“I was going to say,” I cough gently, clearing my throat, “how are you finding Blossom Cove?”

“We love it, we always knew we wanted to come back because James lived here for a while and her dream was to come back. I was a little hesitant at first, wasn't sure that I would ever leave New York, but then...” he pauses for a moment as his eyes graze over to his wife.

“You did it for her?” Riggs says, his fingers linked, hands resting on the oak table.

“Yeah,” he nods slowly before his eyes are back on us.

I go to speak, but Nate continues.

“But do you know what?” he asks and we say nothing, “I am so glad I did because life just seems a little...” he trails off, looking at where Titus stands at the bar.

“Easier,” I finish his sentence.

“Yeah,” he scoffs a laugh and lets his head fall forward, “which I know probably sounds stupid to you both, seeing as you live here and work on the ranches and that.”

We both nod.

“It's not all sunshine and rainbows,” Riggs chuckles.

“I can imagine it's not, we've only got the horse rescue and I feel like that's hard enough,” he sighs, casting his eyes to James and she catches it, giving him a wide smile.

“I suppose when you've come from somewhere like New York to rural living, it's a bit of a wakeup call,” I say softly, not to be a dick, but just speaking the truth.

“Exactly, I worked behind a desk. That was my job. Computers, security, hacking...” he rolls his eyes, “then to do manual work well…”

“It's hard work.”

Nate laughs, hitting his palm on the table softly.

“Yes! It is,” he admits before sitting back in the chair and rolling up the sleeves of his shirt.“But do you know what, I wouldn't change it. What with Tanner and James... I am honestly in such a happy place. I never thought I would find someone to spend the rest of my life with,” he gets sappy just as Titus walks back and scoffs, placing the drinks down and then giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

“Best decision we made,” Titus agrees as he takes his seat.

“Yeah?” I ask as I thank him for my beer, slipping it towards me.

“Yeah,” he nods, “I mean...” he pauses for a moment, “I miss my daughter, Arizona, but she has her husband and her kids... she doesn't need me anymore,” he smiles but I look at him a little confused.

“You have another child?”

His throat bobs as his head dips.

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