Chapter 29

Violet

Something is off. Something is wrong.

I roll over, staring at the empty space where Callum is supposed to be. My hand instinctively reaches out, only to feel the cold, deserted sheets. A sinking feeling churns in my stomach. This is the fifth night of not seeing him. Five long, lonely nights. He’s gone by the time I’m in the barn, and he doesn’t come home until I’m already asleep. We haven’t even passed each other in the hallway, let alone had an actual conversation.

I flop onto my back, staring up at the ceiling, trying to make sense of the distance that’s suddenly wedged itself between us. We haven’t had sex since that day in his office. The day we told each other “I love you.”

That moment was everything. It felt real, so pure, like time had stopped and all that mattered were those three words hanging in the air between us. I saw the truth in his eyes, felt it in his touch. But now... now, it feels like maybe I was wrong. Maybe it scared him off. Because ever since then, it’s been like living with a ghost. It’s been radio silence, no laughter, no stolen glances…nothing.

I’ve even texted him, desperate for any kind of connection, but all I get are one-word replies. Each one chips away at the confidence I had in us, in what we were building.

Maybe what I was feeling was one-sided. Maybe when he told me he loved me, he did it out of some misplaced obligation. A heat rises in my chest as doubt and insecurity twist together, making it hard to breathe. Maybe he’s been avoiding me because he can’t face me. Maybe he wants out of this marriage but doesn’t know how to say it.

Maybe.

Maybe.

Maybe .

Ugh, it’s killing me not knowing.

The thought makes my heart ache, and I press the heels of my hands against my eyes, trying to stop the tears before they fall. What if he’s changed his mind? What if he doesn’t love me the way I thought he did?

I can’t shake the feeling that the love we shared in that perfect moment has now become a weight pulling us apart, and I have no idea how to fix it—or if it’s even something that can be fixed.

“Cowgirls don’t cry.” My father’s voice echoes in my head, the familiar words I’ve heard a thousand times, but right now, it feels like a cruel joke.

I look out the window in my bedroom over the ranch, the place I’ve fought so hard to keep, the place I was willing to marry a man for, and I feel my chest tighten.

“Is this what you wanted, Dad?” My voice cracks, and I feel the weight of his absence like a stone in my chest. “You forced me to marry so I could keep this ranch, and just when I think maybe your crazy idea wasn’t so crazy after all, I feel like I’m losing him.” I choke on the words, my throat burning with unshed tears. “Was that the plan? Since you were gone, you decided to test me on every emotional level, push me to my limit?”

I shake my head, frustration bubbling up inside me. “Why’d you do it? Why did you force me to marry someone to keep this place? You always told me cowgirls are strong, confident, independent women.” My voice rises with every word, the confusion and hurt spilling out. “Yet, you sneakily put in your will that if I didn’t get married, I’d lose everything. Why, Dad? Please, make me understand.”

A tear slips down my cheek, and I swipe it away angrily. “Cowgirls don’t cry, right?” I whisper, the irony of it settling over me like a dark cloud. “Well, I call bullshit. Cowgirls do cry, Dad. They cry when they lose their father, the only man they trusted, the one who was their best friend.” My voice trembles, the pain in my chest deepening as I give in to the raw truth. “They cry when they’re forced into a marriage they didn’t want, just to keep the only thing left in the world they love.”

My vision blurs as more tears fall, and I don’t bother wiping them away this time. “And dammit, they cry when they fall in love. They cry when they’re terrified that love isn’t going to last. When they don’t know if what they felt, what they shared, was real or just a fleeting moment. They cry when they’re scared of losing the one person they didn’t expect to care so much about.”

I lay there, the weight of my father’s absence, the uncertainty with Callum, the fear of losing it all—it crashes down on me. “I don’t know how to be strong right now, Dad. I don’t know how to be a cowgirl. Not like this. Not when I feel like I’m losing everything.”

I stare out at the ranch, waiting for some kind of answer, but all I hear is the wind, whispering through the trees.

Morning has come, and once again, Callum is gone before I even have a chance to see him. I pour myself a cup of coffee, trying to shake the growing pit of unease in my stomach. It's become a routine—waking up to his absence and wondering what it means.

The cool morning breeze brushes past me as I head toward the barn, the sound of horses neighing, chickens clucking, and the ranch hands working filling the air. It’s all so familiar, so comforting, yet it does little to ease the confusion gnawing at me. The ranch has always been my refuge, but today, it feels like a reminder of everything I might lose.

I set my coffee down on a nearby stool and stand in front of Holt, my new boarder. He’s a magnificent horse, strong and graceful, with a coat that gleams in the early morning light. I reach out to stroke his nose, trying to find some solace in the routine.

“Morning, big guy,” I whisper, my voice soft as I scratch under his chin. “You ready to head out to the pasture?”

“Violet?”

I turn toward the sound of Joey’s voice, crossing my arms over my chest instinctively. “Hey, what’s up?”

He looks uneasy, shifting from foot to foot and adjusting his hat, something he does when he’s nervous. It instantly makes my own anxiety spike. “Can we talk for a minute?”

A knot forms in my stomach, but I lean back against the stall, forcing myself to stay calm. “Of course. What’s wrong?”

Joey hesitates, searching my face as if weighing his next words carefully. After a moment, he nods, like he’s convincing himself to go through with it. “This might be none of my business, but with your father gone, I feel like I should say something.”

My heart skips a beat, my brows knitting together in confusion. “Go ahead.”

He sighs, scratching the back of his neck again before finally getting to the point. “Where’s Callum been?”

Of course. It was only a matter of time before someone noticed. Callum used to be here all the time, helping out, getting involved with the day-to-day work, and becoming part of the ranch in his own way. The ranch hands, Joey especially, had gotten used to seeing him around, and now that he’s practically a ghost, they’ve started asking questions.

The problem is, I don’t have an answer for Joey—because I don’t know myself.

So, I do what I do best: I put my defenses up. “You’re right, it’s none of your business,” I say, pushing off the stall and taking a step away. “Anything else?”

Joey doesn’t flinch at my cold tone. Instead, he adjusts his hat again, his face a mix of guilt and determination. “Actually, yeah, there is something else.” He pauses, and for a second, I think he’s going to drop it, but then he looks me straight in the eye. “You asked me once why your father would put that clause in his will, making you marry someone to keep the ranch. I told you I didn’t know, but that wasn’t exactly the truth.”

My anger flares up instantly, boiling just beneath the surface. “What do you mean?” My voice is tight, barely above a whisper.

Joey swallows hard, but before I can lash out, he continues. “Your father wasn’t just my boss, Violet. He was my best friend. We talked about everything, and this…this was one of the things he confided in me about. He didn’t put that in his will to hurt you, or to make you feel like you’d lose everything. He did it because he was scared.”

“Scared?” I snap, incredulous. “Of what?”

“He was afraid you’d never find love off this ranch. He knew how much you loved this place—how much it meant to you—but he also knew that once he was gone, you’d throw yourself into the work and forget about the rest of your life. He didn’t want that for you.”

I blink back the tears that are threatening to fall, but I don’t say anything, letting Joey’s words sink in.

“He made that will after he found out he was sick,” Joey continues, his voice softening. “He didn’t think he had long, and he figured it’d be enough time for you to fall in love naturally. He didn’t plan to die right before your birthday, Violet. He thought he’d have more time to explain it all to you.”

The tears I’ve been holding back spill over, and I turn away, wiping my face furiously. I feel like I’m being torn apart—grieving my father all over again, feeling the weight of Callum’s absence, and now, understanding why my dad did what he did. I’d asked for answers, begged for them in the silence of my room, and now that I’m getting them, I don’t know what to do with the pain.

“I’m sorry I lied to you before,” Joey says, stepping closer. “I didn’t want to break your father’s trust, but seeing you this way, seeing Callum not around… I felt like maybe you deserved to know why he did it. Your father loved you more than anything in this world, Violet. He just wanted to make sure you’d find someone to love you the way you deserve.”

I close my eyes, feeling the weight of everything crash down on me. I thought my father had forced me into this marriage to protect the ranch, but the truth is, he was trying to protect me too. He wanted me to have both—a life on the ranch and someone to share it with. And now, as I stand here with Joey’s words ringing in my ears, I realize how terrified I am that I’ve already lost the latter.

“I’m here if you need someone to talk to,” Joey says, his hand gently resting on my arm, offering comfort. “Your father was an amazing man. I don’t know what’s going on with you and Callum, but I know he’d be beaming with pride at what you two have found.”

Before I can reply, my phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out quickly, my heart skipping a beat when I see the name.

Callum.

With a mix of hope and dread swirling inside me, I open the text.

Hubby: Come to Atta Boy. I need to show you something.

That’s it. No explanation, just a simple message. My heart races, and I can’t shake the uneasy feeling that’s settled in my gut. What if this is it? What if he’s going to show me something I don’t want to see… like divorce papers? My mind spins with the worst possible outcomes, but at the same time, I can't deny him. I love him, deeply. And whatever this is, I have to face it head-on.

I turn to Joey, my voice tight. “Handle the ranch for me today, Joey.”

He nods, concern still etched on his face as I head back to the house. I take the quickest shower of my life, the hot water doing little to wash away my nerves. I throw my hair up into a ponytail, keep my makeup simple with a touch of mascara and lip gloss, and pull on my favorite pink and black plaid shirt with my best-fitting jeans. As I glance in the mirror, the familiar look gives me a little surge of confidence.

I need it.

The drive to Atta Boy feels longer than usual, every minute stretching out as my heart beats wildly in my chest. Joey’s words echo in my mind, bringing a bittersweet mix of comfort and guilt. I had been so wrapped up in my confusion and hurt, thinking my father had forced me into this marriage out of control. But Joey’s revelation brought clarity. My father loved me enough to want me to find love—and now I fear that love is slipping away.

When I step into the brewery, Anya’s smiling face greets me. But something about her catches me off guard—she looks stunning, as if she’s dressed for some formal event. Her hair is styled perfectly, her makeup flawless.

“Violet!” she squeals, clapping her hands together as she rushes toward me. “Come with me!”

“Callum is looking for me,” I say, confused, as she pulls me by the arm.

“I know,” she replies with a cryptic smile.

I pull back slightly, confused. “I’m sorry, Anya. I really just need to talk to Callum. You look like you’re headed to a wedding or something. You look beautiful.”

She beams at the compliment, but before she can respond, I hear his voice. The voice I’ve been longing to hear for days.

“She does,” Callum’s deep, velvety voice wraps around me from behind, and I close my eyes for a moment, absorbing the calm it brings. I’ve missed him more than I realized, and hearing him now sends a rush of relief and warmth through me.

I turn around, my breath catching in my throat. There he is, standing in a sleek black suit that hugs his body perfectly, looking every bit as sexy as the first time I laid eyes on him. “Looks like you do too,” I whisper, my arms crossing to keep myself from reaching out and touching him, from pulling him into my arms and never letting go.

His smile— oh, God, that smile —makes my heart slam against my chest. I’ve missed him so much, and yet I still don’t know where we stand. The tension, the fear, it’s all there, hovering between us, but so is the love.

Without a word, Callum drops to one knee in front of me, his hand sliding into mine. His touch is soft, grounding, and familiar, and I feel the walls around my heart start to crumble. I bite my lip, trying to hold back tears as his eyes meet mine.

“Violet Atwood,” he begins, his voice strong but filled with emotion. “Marrying you was the best thing that ever happened to me. I thought we were both just doing each other a favor, that we were making the best of a crazy situation.” He squeezes my hand, his gaze never leaving mine. “But how wrong I was. You’ve shown me what real love is. You make me feel things I didn’t even know I was capable of feeling.”

My throat tightens, and my heart races as he continues.

“I didn’t plan on falling in love with my wife,” he admits, his eyes glistening. “But that’s exactly what happened. I love you more than I ever thought was possible, and I can’t imagine living another day without you by my side. So, Violet, will you do me the honor of marrying me again? Here, now, with our friends and family as witnesses, to show the world what I feel for you.”

Tears spill down my cheeks, but this time, they’re tears of pure joy. I look around, realizing for the first time that we’re not alone. A small crowd has gathered—our friends, his siblings, the people who love us. Anya’s not dressed up for a wedding. She’s dressed up for our wedding.

Callum squeezes my hand again, his eyes searching mine, and I can see the love, the vulnerability, the hope in his gaze. He’s not just asking me to stay with him—he’s asking me to truly choose him, to choose this life, this love we’ve built together.

With a shaky breath, I nod, my voice thick with emotion. “Yes,” I whisper, barely able to get the word out. “Yes, I’ll marry you again.”

Callum jumps up, crashing his lips to mine, and suddenly, my world feels right again. This kiss isn’t just a kiss—it’s everything. It’s full of the love, emotion, and connection we’ve been missing. It’s a promise. My heart soars as his lips move softly against mine, telling me everything that words can’t.

When he finally pulls back, he rests his forehead against mine, both of us breathing heavily. I smile at him, my heart still pounding. “Is this what you’ve been doing all this time? Because I thought for sure I was losing you,” I whisper, reaching up to cup his cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin under my fingers.

His eyes widen with realization, and he pulls me into a tight, comforting hug. “Oh, Violet, I’m so sorry,” he murmurs, his voice thick with regret. “I wanted this to be a surprise, but I didn’t think about how my absence would make you feel. Every night, I stayed awake, watching you sleep, hoping that when this moment came, you’d say yes. I didn’t mean to make you think I was pulling away. I’ll never do something like that again, I promise.”

Relief floods through me, and I tighten my hold on him, burying my face in his chest. “Good, because this is where I want to be forever. With you.”

“We don’t have much time!” Anya’s voice hisses from behind us.

Callum chuckles softly and pulls back just enough to push a stray piece of hair behind my ear. His touch is gentle, full of tenderness. “Go get ready,” he says softly, his eyes warm and full of love. “I’ve got one more thing to take care of.”

Everything after that happens in a blur. Anya is working on my hair, Hartford is doing my makeup, and Millie is running around with champagne, filling everyone’s glasses. Callum’s mom can’t stop talking about how she knew he’d find love, and Willow keeps holding up different pairs of shoes for me to choose from. Felicity is fussing over August, trying to get him into the cutest little suit I’ve ever seen.

It all feels like a whirlwind, like I’m spinning in a dream I don’t want to wake up from. But when I stand in front of the mirror, wearing an actual wedding dress, the reality hits me. This is real. I’m getting married again. I’m filled with excitement, but also a pang of sadness. My father should be here, walking me down the aisle.

“You look stunning,” Millie says softly, smiling at me through the mirror.

“A beautiful bride, ready for the beautiful life ahead,” Callum’s mom adds, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.

Hartford comes over, tears in her eyes, and squeezes my hand. “I’ve never seen someone get ready so fast for a wedding and still look like a princess. I’m thrilled for you, Violet. You and Callum… this is right.”

Anya steps closer, a soft smile on her face. “I knew this dress would be perfect for you. You’re the perfect woman for my brother. I’ve never seen him so happy, and that’s all because of you. He’s going to make you just as happy, I know it.”

Before I can respond, Tripp’s voice booms from the other side of the door. “Ladies, don’t keep the guys waiting!”

Millie rolls her eyes, laughing. “What a goofball,” she mutters, but the love in her eyes is clear.

As we step out of the room, Tripp is waiting, his arm slung around Millie’s shoulders. “Great, the car is waiting,” he says, leading us toward the door.

“The car?” I ask, confused.

“One more surprise,” Anya says with a grin.

Outside, a large party bus is waiting for us. We all pile in, the excitement in the air contagious as the girls laugh and talk. But my mind is elsewhere. I keep thinking of Callum, of how much planning he must have done, how much love he’s poured into this day.

When the bus stops and I step outside, I gasp. We’re at the ranch— our ranch . Tears fill my eyes as I take it all in. There are chairs set up in front of the barn, flowers everywhere. The barn doors are draped in lights and wildflowers, and the whole scene looks like something out of a fairytale. My fairytale.

“Callum did all this?” I ask Anya, overwhelmed by the beauty of it all.

“With a little Atwood family help,” she says, smiling.

As we step closer, I see Callum walking out of the barn, and I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face. He’s done it—he’s given me my dream wedding, right here on the land I love, the place that means everything to me. And he’s done it with all the love in his heart.

Suddenly, Joey steps up beside me, dressed in his best shirt and cowboy hat, looking like he’s ready for the occasion. “I’d be honored to give you away,” he says, his voice soft but steady.

Tears pool in my eyes, and I loop my arm through his. “I’d love that, Joey,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.

He kisses my hand, smiling. “You look beautiful, Violet. Your father would be so proud of you.”

As the music softly plays and Joey walks me toward Callum, I feel the weight of the moment. This isn’t just a wedding—it’s the beginning of a new chapter, a new adventure with the man I love. The man who has shown me what love truly means.

I’m marrying my husband again . And I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.