“ at’s a good girl, Gretchen.” I ran a body brush over her shoulder and down her back. George nuzzled me with his chin. He always wanted extra attention, especially when I was giving it to Gretchen. It was a normal Wyoming day— the sun ablaze with big blue skies that reached the ends of the earth. e air was still and warm—not even a breeze.

“I’ve already brushed you, George.” I scratched his forehead with my free

hand, my mind wandering to our houseguest. “It’s been an odd couple of days with Grace in the house. I just don’t know how to act around her. One minute, she’s hot, and the next, she’s cold. Makes me nervous, and I’m not sure if it’s in a good way or not.”

I applied some pressure as I moved the body brush in large strokes along Gretchen’s back. She moved into it, signaling that she was thoroughly enjoying it.

“I don’t know. Maybe I’m just being silly. I know I fall too hard, too fast. It’s how I’ve always been, and it’s probably why my relationships always end. I know I’m not ready for anything—in more ways than one—but I also don’t think I can help myself.” I looked at George and then Gretchen. ey turned out their ears and lowered their heads.

I set the brush down and grabbed two carrots from a bucket, holding them out. Gretchen and George bit at them. I like to think they were chewing on the words I had spoken, but I’m sure they were just chewing on carrots.

“ ere’s something special about Grace. Something di erent. I know she

leaves in six days but maybe she doesn’t have to. She and I could get to know one another on a deeper level. She could be the girl of my dreams, and, what, I’m just gonna throw that away because time constraint, location, or not being completely ready? I think Grace is worth ghting for, worth risking it all for.”

After they nished chewing their carrots, I scratched both of their heads. “You two got it easy. You live together. Built-in soulmates. Nothing like

time or distance getting in your way.” I ran my hands down their muzzles. “You talking to yourself, Calvin?” a voice called from behind the horses.

I craned my head to get a better look. Grace stood there dressed in Daisy

Dukes, cowboy boots, and a blue tank top. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and her lips were glossy. I hoped she hadn’t heard anything—surely she’d think I was a weirdo if she did.

“Not at all. Just talking to George and Gretchen,” I said with a tight smile. Grace walked around them and grazed her hand along Gretchen’s coat.

“ at’s cute.”

Sliding a thumb in the loop on my jeans, I ran a hand down George’s forehead and looked back at Grace. In that out t, I would never have guessed she was from the city. She was tting in real nice, almost like she was here all along. I actually couldn’t picture this place without her now.

“You wanna ride?” I asked.

Grace glanced at the horse and then at me. Her eyes were tight like she was worried. at was the only dead giveaway that she wasn’t from around here— the hesitation, the tension. She carried it inside of her.

I raised an eyebrow. “You said you never backed down from a challenge.” She gave a forced nod. “Umm . . . yes.” It was almost robotic.

I smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.” I’ll always have you.