Alive and Wells (Wells Ranch, #1)

by Bailey Hannah

“Not if we text, darlin’.” Am I having a stroke? “Text?” I croak. “I didn’t peg you for a texter.” His nostrils flare as he maintains focus on the road ahead. “I could start if you’d like.”

“Honey, you came in from a heck of a storm. You can’t expect to immediately be warm and dry. All you can do is strip the wet clothing, wrap yourself in a blanket, and allow yourself the time it takes to weather it.

“I assumed anything we were getting up to at this hour was likely illegal or dangerous—possibly both. Thought liquid courage might be good.” He takes another slow sip and nods his head toward the chainsaws sitting at my feet. “So, what are we doing?” “Cutting down the goddamn lilac bushes.”

I’ll never not notice him because he’s a magnet, and my blood may as well be filled with metal filings. When he’s in the same room, it’s impossible not to feel his pull.

“It’s okay. I get it…You make me nervous, too.” His cheeks turn pastel pink, and he stares down at his dusty cowboy boots.

“You do. When the time comes where I can do this”—his rough hand gently cups my chin and his throat bobs with a hard swallow—“without feeling every muscle in your jaw tense, I’ll kiss you until you’re unable to breathe. And a whole lot more, if you’ll let me.”

It’s the feeling of coming home from a long trip. It’s the warmth of the summer sun as you lie in a hammock with a great book. It’s the kind of kiss that lasts forever and ends too soon.

Specifically, a photo of his lopsided, boyish grin. The undoing of my grumpy Not-a-Cowboy.

She’s the love of my life. I know that without a shadow of a doubt now.

“Because it’s a different situation. For one, he’s been doing this since we were kids. He didn’t move here from the city less than four months ago. For two, I love my brother but not…” I swallow, waiting for her eyes to blink up to meet mine. “But not like the way I love you. That’s why I can’t let anything bad happen to you. That’s why I’m not treating you the same way. I love you.”

“I’m the one who went and fell in love knowing damn well you wouldn’t feel the same. You made it worth the risk of getting hurt, because you’re incredible and make me feel things I didn’t think I was capable of…whether you’re in my life for a few months or fifty years, it’ll never be enough for me. So, fuck it, I’ll love you for as long as you’re here. I fell for you knowing I would most likely lose you one day. And if you don’t have the same feelings, or if you want to leave the ranch at the end of the summer, I understand. I’m sure you’ll want to go back to the city once KJ’s not a threat. I just…needed to try.”

“Neither are you, Aus. I don’t know how anybody could leave you. You’re worthy of having somebody stay, and I want to be that person. I’m not leaving you. Not today, tomorrow, or next year. Not ever. In fifty years, you can die before me so you never need to feel abandoned again.”

“I decided I’m fine with being your second husband because I’ll be your last.”