Page 51

WINNOW

A pparently, running a ranch—even a relatively small one such as this, as Gideon tells me—is hard-fucking-work. It gives me a whole newfound sense of respect for the man I’ve been given the gift of sharing my days with.

I say a silent prayer for Reginald and that he’s faring well beneath all the responsibility thrust upon him.

A fissure of panic rises in my throat at the fact that I couldn’t return even if I wanted to.

My only solace is that I know, without a doubt, he’s doing a far better job at ruling Cerulia and serving its people than I ever did.

I kneel in the dirt of his bountiful garden—too small to provide produce commercially, but plenty big enough to provide all the fruit, vegetables, and herbs he and his ranch hands need up until winter.

Lost in thought and guilt, the sound of Trigger’s barking draws my gaze to find him chasing butterflies again.

I can’t help but chuckle at the sight as affection floods my chest. He never actually catches them.

I’m not even sure he intends to, but it’s clear his passion for leaping after them will not be quelled.

My eyes lift to the Gideon as he, Beau, Levi, and Gertie, on horseback, herd the cattle back toward the barn.

As if he can read my thoughts, his eyes catch mine, and a knowing grin tilts his lips, making my heart pitter-patter as something unspoken is communicated between us.

The most beautiful ache in my chest tightens, forcing me to draw in a deep breath as warmth and love pour through our tether.

I will some of that love into the earth beneath me, and a smile blossoms on my face as the plants around me grow a little taller, the fruit a little larger, and the wildflowers bloom. Never in my life have I ever felt like I belonged somewhere until now, here, with Gideon.

How extraordinary is it that the magic of the universe can turn even the worst events of your life around to work out in your favor...