Lost Rider by Harper Sloan

Author:Harper Sloan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pocket Books

18

MAVERICK

“Good-bye, Earl” by Dixie Chicks

I’m afraid to move.

I’ve been awake for a handful of hours, but fuck if I’m going to move an inch and ruin this moment. She might have agreed to move forward and see what comes of it, but I know that acceptance comes on shaky grounds.

I’ve spent the past two weeks or so racking my mind, trying to think of how I can prove to not only my family, but Leigh as well, that I’m not going anywhere. To find a way to make Pine Oak the home I never thought it could be. I know now, with Leighton in my arms, that “home” won’t be hard to find anymore.

Quinn says everything I’ve done since returning screams temporary, and honestly, now that I’m forced to really take a good look at things, she’s right. I might have been thinking about how to make my own way here, but I’ve been doing it while keeping my guard up.

I came back unsure of what I would find. How I would feel. A lot of that had to do with me still struggling to find my place after losing my rodeo career, but I know a big chunk was because so much uncertainty was floating around the air. I could feel the unfinished business slap against my skin the second I crossed the county line.

Now however, after my talk with Clay today and the woman in my arms tonight, I know I’m headed in the right direction. I don’t think I’ll ever feel like the Davis ranch is home, not when I’ve felt truly at peace only with Leighton.

It wasn’t until the other day that I realized I didn’t lose everything just because I couldn’t ride anymore. In that moment, everything became clear. I didn’t feel lost. Everything started to click together.

I’m on my way to having it all again, and hopefully, God willing, I’ll have it with this girl always by my side. This is my second chance at everything, and I’ll be damned if I fuck it up.

I know I still have to prove to everyone that I mean what I say. When I tell them I’m here for good, they don’t have to worry that the urge might strike to flee. By putting down steel-enforced roots, there will be no way to deny I’ve come home for good.

I’m sick of living with my mistakes.

It doesn’t escape my notice that the one place I’ve been too scared to come back to is the one that finally made me feel like I have a purpose again. The dust around me has settled and I can finally see the clear path that’s been waiting for me. I thought I had lost it all when I was told I couldn’t ride anymore, but if I play my cards right I won’t have lost a damn thing.

I will have gained everything.

There’s no doubt in my mind that this is where I’m meant to be.

I let out a deep but content breath, and Leigh shifts in my hold.

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