Wyatt (Lucky River Ranch, #2)

by Jessica Peterson

“Lucky for you”—oh God, oh God, Wyatt is slipping a hand onto my face, using his palm to angle my mouth up toward his—“I’m tight with God, and I’ll have you saying his name often. Eventually though, I’d like you to say mine instead.”

My hand FLEW TO MY MOUTH

I lift a shoulder, my heart doing that hammering thing again. “Whatever the case, I’d like to think we’re both adults. That we’re going in with eyes wide open. Keep talkin’ to me, yeah?” And maybe—just maybe—I’ll finally be able to really talk to you.

“Sounds serious.” “It’s not. But it’ll give us an excuse to go for a ride.” Her lips twitch. “What kind of ride?” “Whatever kind you want, sugar.”

“Ella ride with Uncle Wy?” The little girl reaches out for Wyatt. “Ella loves him.” “Uncle Wy looks like he’s busy trying to get someone else to ride him.” Sawyer clears his throat. “I mean, ride with him.”

“You saved my life, you know,” I huff out. Her teeth find my palm. Her eyes flash with something I don’t recognize. “Maybe you’re saving mine too.”

“Let me remind you how breathing is done then,” I whisper. “Hear the air go in and out? Now you do the same.”

“I admire the hell out of you, you know that?” My heart dips. “Say more.” Another laugh. “How do you feel? After getting all that out?” I suck in a lungful of air, tinged with the smell of the dying fire. “Lighter? Empty, but in a good way?” “And how did you feel before?” Swallowing, I think on that for a minute. “Too…full.” “You were scared to let it out. You’ve been scared for a while, yeah?” “Yeah.” “But tonight, you decided you were going to let it out anyway. I think that’s one hell of an accomplishment.” “Me crying is an accomplishment?” I smile though as I say the words. “Totally. Cowboys cry, too, especially when they talk about their feelings.”

The grief is not going to kill me.

Sobbed.