Page 109 of Timber's Line

“Your favorite.” She rolls her eyes.

“It is. How’s Dwight?”

“He’s good, but Lincoln sold him.”

“Oh no. What about his girlfriend?” They were so cute. She’ll be lonely.

“Haven’t seen her.” She looks away for a minute and then composes herself.

“That’s so sad.”

“I agree,” she replies, walking away.

I finish my plate as I wander through the wedding dresses, hoping one day I will wear one. I fondle a lace dress and stare out the window.

Married. I would love to be married to Dayton.

I startle as he appears in the row across from me.

“Dayton?”

“Hey.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I needed to see you.”

“How are you?” I ask, and he moves closer to me.

“I’m drowning without you,” he whispers, bending down to kiss me. It’s soft and light but still leaves me breathless.

“I’m coming for you, Timber. I’m sorry for everything. I was a bastard to you. I don’t deserve you, and I will spend every day of my life making it up to you. I’ll see you soon.” He kisses me again, and I’m left confused. I should have told him I was coming for him.

“Timber, you ready to go?”

“Yeah.” I clear my throat.

We head to the SUV, pile in, and Ever drives to a jewelry store.

“You need a ring,” she says.

“A ring?”

“To give to the guy.” She winks. Weird, but it is 2021.

“Okay. I walk around the store, looking at the men’s rings. Then I see one that I need to have. It’s an amber band, plain, but it’s perfect.

“I like it.” Ever tells the man to wrap it up. I won’t be giving it to Silas or Axel. Well, I will, but they will give it back. They will be funny about it too, but they know. This is for Dayton. I put my hand to my lips where he kissed me moments ago. I needed him, I needed more.

We head home and play some board games and have family time. My mind is on the next couple of days, when I can finally be with him. I should have run off with him that minute, but he said he’s coming for me. I hope so. I’m waiting.

“Tomorrow evening, you’ll go to the house where we are filming at. The owner isn’t there, so you have free rein. There is a pool and a sauna. The kitchen is stocked. Ever and the girls will be over the next day to help you get ready.” I listen to Uncle Sal and nod.

“See you tomorrow.” He kisses my cheek, and I finally head to bed. I’m grateful that the guys know this is all for show.

I would hate to hurt anyone’s feelings.

I can’t sleep, so I slip out and head to the barn. I pat the horses on the head and slip up to the loft. It still smells like him. There is a rose sitting on the bed, and I know he left it. I smile.