Page 26

Xander

T his is my last week of therapy. According to Dr. Gutierrez, my body has responded beautifully–his exact word—to the rehab routine.

My performance test results are back to where they were before the accident.

Sessions with Ruin have gone great as well.

She’s given me a few good tips for reigning in my self-doubt when it starts to creep in.

For some reason, I thought I had more time. More time before I had to bring up my return to Raleigh with Rain. But I’ ve been giving her space, just like Gio suggested. It turns out life has other plans. And its own timeline.

Today, we’re trying something new: yoga. In a barn.

At first, I was confused. Why would someone want to do yoga in a barn? But then Rain explained we’re doing something called goat yoga.

“It’s going to be fun,” she said. “Being able to pet adorable baby goats while you exercise? I can’t think of anything more relaxing than that.”

I just know I’ll be doing downward dog with a goat on my ass.

“Ready?” she calls as she steps out of the bathroom and into my room.

She’s wearing black yoga pants that mold to every inch of her thighs and round ass, and a baby blue sports bra that gives her breasts just the right lift. My jaw goes slack.

“Stop. There’s nothing here you haven’t seen—or touched—before.”

She walks up, taps my chin, and closes my mouth for me. My gaze drops again—because I’m weak—and she gives me a knowing smile.

“Are you sure we have to go?” I whine, leaning down to kiss her.

“Yes,” she says, smiling as she threads her fingers through mine. “I promised Daisy we’d be there to support her.”

I huff but follow her out of the room.

“But,” she adds, giving me a pointed look, ”if you promise to stop ogling me like a caveman, I might reward you afterward.”

I chuckle, drawing an X over my heart with my index finger.

She kisses my shoulder. “Good boy.”

I’m absolutely at her mercy. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for this woman.

Before we head to the barn, we fill two bottles of water in the kitchen. I can only imagine how hot it’s going to be in there.

When we arrive, I’m surprised to see Dylan, Manny, and even Vanessa already set up.

“Hello, everyone,” I say as Rain and I find two empty mats and place our jugs by the wall alongside everyone else’s.

“Hey, Xander. I wasn’t sure if we were going to see you here,” Dr. Gutierrez says, grinning like he knows something I don’t.

I frown—just in time to catch Dylan laughing and holding out his hand. Dr. Gutierrez pulls a crumpled twenty from his shorts pocket and slaps it into Dylan’s palm.

“I told ya,” Dylan says smug as hell. “He’s pussy-whipped.”

I shake my head, hands going to my waist. “You two scoundrels were betting about me?”

Dylan shrugs and points at Dr. Gutierrez with his thumb. “This one here thought a hockey player wouldn’t show up to goat yoga.”

I bark out a laugh. God knows what else these two have been saying about me.

Doc looks a little embarrassed, especially when Rain joins us and pins him with a curious look. His cheeks turn red instantly.

“So,” she says, arms crossed. “You two are placing bets on us?”

I press my lips together, fighting a laugh. She’s got that tone—half-amusement, half menace.

“That this one is pussy-whipped is old news,” she adds, jerking a thumb in my direction. My eyes grow wide.

She continues, “Granny has been coordinating weekly bets about our relationship at the diner. I think they’re currently betting on whether Xander and I are going to stay together when he heads back to Raleigh.”

The entire barn explodes in laughter.

As funny as it is, my heart lodges in my throat. I don’t laugh. I’m too busy waiting for what Rain might say next.

“So…” Vanessa chimes in, eyeing us with interest. “Are you guys staying together?”

Rain huffs, flipping her hair over one shoulder. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

She saunters over to her mat just as a girl I’ve never seen before walks in—definitely the yoga instructor—followed by two guys herding a bunch of baby goats.

“There’s no way I’m going to give any of you inside intel,” Rain adds over her shoulder. “I’m not about to taint Granny’s betting business. I know better than that.”

Everyone laughs again, but I’m still stuck on what she didn’t say.

She didn’t say no.

And that’s enough. For now.

Still, I can’t wait much longer. The second this class is over, we’re having that conversation.

“Hello, everyone. My name is Daisy, and I’m a yoga instructor from Spruce Pine,” the instructor says, giving a little wave to Rain. “Today, I have the pleasure of taking you on a journey of relaxation and self-awareness—alongside some cute goats.”

She leans down to scoop one up and strokes it back affectionately.

“A couple of quick instructions before we start: you can interact with the goats at any time. Don’t be afraid if they jump on your back or rub against your legs or arms. They’re playful and enjoy being around humans.”

Right on cue, a tiny white goat trots over and starts rubbing its head against my leg.

“Aww, Xander. That’s so cute,” Rain coos, crouching to pet the goat. I don’t mind it, but I can’t say I’m enchanted either.

“Aww look, her name is Sprinkle,” Rain adds, reading the name off the goat’s collar.

Another one ambles over, and Rain immediately scoops it up, talking to it in a baby voice. The goat stares at her like it’s found its soulmate. I think Rain just fell in love. Guess I should start budgeting for a goat pen in our future backyard.

Right before class begins, two girls rush in.

“We’re so sorry. Any space left?” one of them asks breathlessly.

I do a double-take. One of them is the same girl River couldn’t take his eyes off at the bar the other night.

Daisy beams. “Yes, of course. I think there are a couple of empty mats in the back.”

They nod and head that way. I hear one of them whisper as they pass, “So sorry. We’re new in town and found out about this twenty minutes ago.”

Ah. That explains why the MacAllisters didn’t recognize them.

Daisy gets into position and turns on her hands-free microphone. “We’re going to start with a few deep breaths. Inhale—think about all the things you want to welcome into your life. Exhale—let go of all the things that are holding you down.”

I close my eyes, following her lead. Inhale. Exhale. Focus. My body feels energized, grounded.

She continues guiding us through the poses. “With this mountain pose, we’re enhancing stability and inner strength. Stretch those arms. And don’t forget to breathe.”

As we work through each pose, I become increasingly aware of my body—my strength, my balance, the power I’ve regained. Sprinkle eventually gets bored of headbutting my leg and wanders off, giving me a moment of peace.

Until I lower into downward dog.

I hear the scampering before I feel it—Sprinkle launches herself onto my ass. I bite down a laugh. I knew this was going to happen. Maybe Granny’s psychic powers are rubbing off on me.

“I wish I had my phone,” Rain whispers. “You look so cool with Sprinkle there.”

I glance at her over my shoulder, and her delighted expression makes everything worth it.

“Maybe you’ll get lucky, and I’ll pose again later for the photo op,” I tease with a wink. She snickers.

I shake my head and refocus, taking another steadying breath.

By the end of class, I’ve stretched muscles I forgot I had. A few poses tested my shoulder, but I handled them. Pain-free. I am ready to get back on the ice.

“This was incredible. Thank you all for coming today,” Daisy says .

Applause breaks out. People linger, chatting and playing with the goats.

As I head to grab our water, the two girls from earlier approach.

“You did great back there,” one says, batting her lashes. “Was this your first time?”

She’s pretty—big brown eyes, long black hair—but I barely register her. I only have eyes for one woman now.

“Thanks,” I say, taking a drink. “Yeah, this was my first time. My girlfriend suggested we do it, and believe it or not, I enjoyed it.”

Her smile dims a little, and her friend jumps in. “That’s great. We just moved here—working at Valley Vista Farm.”

I nod, pretending I know where that is. Then I feel an arm slide around my waist, and I smile instantly. Rain, sweaty and gorgeous, presses into me. It’s a sensation I never thought I’d crave, but here we are.

“Hello, I’m Rain MacAllister. And this is my boyfriend, Xander,” she says, voice friendly but firm.

I chuckle but mask it with a long sip of water. I pass Rain her jug, and with my now-free hand, I wrap my arm around her shoulders.

The girls blink at us for a few beats. Then the one River was eyeing speaks up. “Oh—hi. Sorry. I’m Carly, and this is my sister Mia.”

Rain gives a polite wave. I nod.

“We just moved from Texas,” Carly says. “We were just telling your boyfriend we’re working over at Valley Vista.”

Mia offers a vague smile, her expression unreadable—probably embarrassed that her flirting attempt fell flat.

“Oh, that farm,” Rain says coolly.

And just like that, her entire posture shifts. Gone is the friendly stance and easy warmth. Her body stiffens beside me, shoulders squared.

“Yeah… is something wrong with that farm?” Carly asks, a flicker of concern in her honey-brown eyes.

“We own the orchard next door,” Rain says, her voice strong. “Let’s just say the MacAllisters and the McCollumns have never seen eye to eye.”

She raises an eyebrow pointedly, and Carly lets out a small laugh. “I can see that. They’ve been nice, but they’re… intense. I’m the new vet, and my sister is working as their farrier.”

I nod, noting Carly’s effort to reassure Rain they’re not like the family that owns the place. It seems sincere.

Dr. Gutierrez and Dylan drift over, joining our conversation, and the tension eases. We chat about the town, where to eat, and local events worth checking out.

At the far end of the barn, the goat handlers start herding the goats toward the exit. Daisy claps her hands.

“Everyone! Before the goats go, let’s get a group picture.”

Rain doesn’t hesitate; she grabs the goat that never left her side during class.

“Oh, Misty, I’m going to miss you. You’re such a good girl, yes you are,” she coos, kissing the top of the goat’s head.

I already know: our first goat is going to be named Misty.

We line up for a few group shots, and Daisy calls out, “Is it okay if I use this for social media promo?”

Everyone nods, and Daisy does a little happy dance.

“Wait—before you take the goats, can Xander and I get a picture with Misty?” Rain asks.

The handlers give a thumbs-up, and I look to Rain, waiting for my marching orders.

“Okay, so let’s stand over here,” she says, guiding us in front of our mats. “We’ll do tree pose while holding Misty together.”

I wait for her to lift one leg into the pose, then mirror her. I flip my cap backward, slide one arm beneath Misty, and wrap my other arm around Rain’s waist.

“One, two, three!” Daisy calls out.

I lean in just as Rain looks up at me. I close my eyes and kiss her softly, feeling my girl melt against me. I’m not thinking, just soaking in this overwhelming love I feel for Rain when I feel warm water on my right foot.

What the hell?

I glance down.

Sprinkle is taking a piss. Right on my bare foot.

The entire barn erupts into laughter. Sprinkle keeps going, entirely unfazed. No wonder they named her Sprinkle.

Rain’s doubled-over, barely holding Misty anymore, tears running down her cheeks as she gasps for air between cackles. I lose it too, unable to keep my laughter in.

Vanessa, Dr. Gutierrez—even Mia and Carly are all recording the moment like it’s the county fair’s grand finale.

This is the kind of story Rain and I are going to laugh about and share with our kids one day.

“Sorry, man,” one of the goat caretakers says, biting back a laugh. “These things happen. Luckily, she didn’t take a dump on you.”

I wave him off. “Thank fuck for small mercies,” I mutter, still laughing.