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“She hasn’t said anything. That’s the problem. She won’t talk to me, and I don’t know where her head is.”

“Listen, mate, we all love having Taylor here.” I whip my head to him with a furrowed brow. “Relax, Tarzan. No one is trying to hone in on your girl. Fuck, you’re sensitive today.”

“I think what the eejit means.” Dax shoves Liam back into the couch. “Is whether she likes it or not, she’s one of usnow. She fits in like family, and none of us want her to leave.”

Selfishly I’ve wanted her to say for me, to have more time with her, and because I couldn’t imagine my life without her. But I’ve seen the way this town has taken to her. Especially my mum. Every day, when I come home, and find them laughing and working together side by side in that kitchen, I can’t imagine hernotbeing here. They both have found something in each other. Taylor belongs here, and not just for me but for herself. If she left, it wouldn’t just be me that she was leaving.

Somewhere along the way, I think Taylor and I found ourselves again here, and the pain in my chest boils over ten-fold at the fear of losing that.

Taylor

I thinkmy attitude willed the weather as rumbling clouds begin to roll in over the hills, and yet, even on its darkest day, this place is still the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.

I take in all the beauty as I walk down the hill, stopping when I spot Dolly grazing against the fence. I look around for Pinto Bean, but it’s just me and the brown main. I look up at the looming dark clouds but I can’t leave without saying goodbye to my girl. I climb up the first rung of the white fence and drag my hand down her coarse mane. She stays still as the wind blows around us in a peaceful moment. She’s so strong and powerful yet graceful and divine. I don’t know why I’m getting emotional petting a horse.

In the near distance, I spot two more horses heading towards us, carrying Ryder and Olivia on their backs. I groan at how stupid I was thinking I wouldn’t run into anyone else out here. Especially considering how ridiculous I look with my comfort sweatpants tucked into a pair of Olivia’s rainboots I borrowed. And despite myself, I threw on the butterysoft Sundevils sweatshirt that Knox gave me the first night I left his house.

Confident that they’ve already seen me since they’re heading directly towards me, I know there’s nothing I can do except sniff back my emotions and square my shoulders.

“Taylor! We missed you yesterday. Are you feeling better?” Liv asks as they gallop up beside Dolly.

“Yeah, I think a little too much Stoney Meadow fun, finally caught up to me, I guess.”

“Maybe if you stay a little while longer you could spread out all your… fun,” Ryder says.

I look up at them, and something tells me this has nothing to do with me and Knox and everything to do with the fact that they really do care if I stay here. My throat tightens with more emotion that Knox isn’t the only one who cares if I stay or not.

“Anyway, we just came out here to get this one, come on Dolly.” Ryder clicks his tongue and Liv’s sad smile and watery eyes bore into me. “We’ll see you later?”

I pull the corner of my lip between my teeth and nod my head, not trusting my voice.

I standat the fence a while longer, flooded with memories, and every possible feeling when something soft bumps into my leg. I nearly break down at the sight of Mi Hamburgusa rubbing her head into me. Knox’s house sits right behind the giant weeping willow and I just know she was waiting over there for him.

I crouch down to pet her and hear the unmistakable sound of the truck I’ve come to love and I think if I hustle now, I can make it back up the hill to the main house before he spots me. I turn, pulling the hoodie over my head, and it’s a terriblemistake because the scent of him envelopes me. My knees buckle as his calming scent overwhelms me, and my lips tremble as I begin a fast-paced clip up the hill. A trickle of cold water plops on my cheek, and I can’t tell if it’s finally started to rain or if I’ve failed to keep my tears at bay.

“Taylor!” Knox’s gruff voice shouts, and I know there’s no point in running. I roll my shoulders back and turn around to face him.

“What’s up?”

“What’s up? That’s what you’re going to say?” The water droplets continue to fall onto my face and I’m relieved to see his shirt getting wet, so it’s not just my tears. I try to think of something better to say, but my throat is so tight I can’t even form the words. “Why are you running?”

He steps closer to me and I shake my head, looking away. His familiar hand reaches out towards me. “Why are you running, love?” His voice sounds as fragile as my heart feels. Like both are on the verge of shattering. “Talk to me, please.”

“I don’t know what to say.”Truth.

“If it’s about my offer,” he starts, but I hold up a hand, cutting him off.

“No, Knox.”

“Is it about extending your trip? Do you want to go home?” I don’t respond but my mouth forms a tight line. “If you want to go back, Taylor, tell me.” I bring myself to look at him now. “If that’s where you want to be, tell me and I’ll be there with you.”

It’s not about that at all, but I find myself asking. “You’d come back to San Francisco with me?”

“Taylor, I’d follow you to the end of the goddamn earth!” The crack in my chest could be heard from her to California. “Is that what this is about?”

I drop my head shaking it.

He closes the distance between us, holding my face between his hands. I open my mouth but choke on the lump in my throat. The pressure in my chest is now unbearable. “Then why are you running?”