Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 78576 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78576 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
I scratch the side of my head. I guess sometimes things do come together.
“That’s great, Dad. Someone as charismatic as Sage would be perfect working the business end.”
Dad nods. “I think she will. And training her will give me something to keep my mind off Joe.” His face twists for a moment, but he regains focus. “It sounds like this new position in the orchard will do the same for you.”
I grin from ear to ear. “I think it will, Dad. To try new things.” I rise and turn to the door. “Thanks again for understanding.”
My hand is on the door when my father clears his throat.
I turn back around and face him. “Everything okay?”
Dad’s head is cocked, and his eyes have a slight sparkle to them. “This change of heart wouldn’t have anything to do with Madeline Pike, would it?”
I widen my eyes. “Why would Maddie have—?”
“Because I had a very interesting conversation with Frank Pike earlier today. He seemed to be under the impression that the two of you are something of an item.”
My cheeks warm. “We kind of got together in Europe. And we’ve been seeing each other here and there since getting back here.”
Dad chuckles. “I think this is the first time I’ve heard of you going out with a girl for more than an hour. Sounds serious.”
“It is, I think.” I hesitate a minute, gathering my thoughts. “I’m in love with her, Dad. That plane ride really jolted my priorities into place. I think she might be the woman I end up marrying.”
He crosses his arms. “Poor Maureen Pike. Four Steel in-laws. God help her whenever she hosts a family dinner.”
I laugh. It feels good to laugh with my dad. I can’t remember the last time we were having such a cheery conversation. Certainly not since I came home.
I turn back to the door. “Is that all, then?”
Dad holds up a singular finger. “One thing, Dave. If it’s true love—and it sounds like it just might be—don’t you ever let it go.”
“Don’t worry, Dad. I won’t.” I head out of his office. All of this talk about Maddie has my head in the clouds.
I’ll call her and tell her how things went with Dad. I would love to hear her voice.
The phone rings a few times, then I get Maddie’s voicemail.
I end the call. She has good news she wants to tell me in person, so I’ll save mine for when we get together as well.
The next evening…
I’m driving along the winding road, the soft hum of the engine providing a comforting background to my thoughts. The sun is setting, casting a warm, orange glow across the landscape. Tonight is the night. The night I’ve been eagerly anticipating for several restless days. The night I’ll see Maddie again.
Uncle Joe is still sick, but Dad and I are good with my change of career. And Maddie… Maddie and I are…
In love, I hope. At least we are on my end. I can’t wait to say those three words to her again tonight. Maybe she’ll say them back this time.
As I steer through the gentle curves of the road, I can’t help but smile. It’s funny how life can take unexpected turns. I remember the first time Maddie and I talked when we were younger, how her laughter was like music, and her eyes held a spark of curiosity that drew me in. There she was, all this time, right in front of me.
I glance at my rearview mirror, checking my reflection. I want to look my best for her, even though she’s seen me at my most ordinary. Now that Dad is behind my change on the ranch and Uncle Talon has welcomed me aboard, the puzzle pieces are clicking together.
Maddie is the final piece.
A smile tugs at my lips again as I imagine her smile, the way her eyes light up when she sees me, the warmth of her touch. This is it, the real deal, and I couldn’t be happier.
I close my eyes for a moment, dreaming of the life we’ll forge tog—
A deafening roar.
A massive truck swerves into my lane, its blinding headlights flooding my vision. Panic seizes my heart, and I grip the steering wheel, trying to swerve out of the way. But it’s too late. The truck barrels into me, and everything goes dark.
My consciousness slips away as if it’s been stolen. Time stops, and…
Silence.
Nothing but silence.
Then, a rush of sensations—the taste of blood, the throbbing pain in my head, the metallic smell of the twisted wreckage that used to be my car.
I try to move, but I can’t. Fear grips me.
“Maddie!” I call out her name, but my voice is weak, barely a whisper. All I can think about in this moment is her.
The girl I’ve fallen in love with.
The girl I was supposed to meet tonight.