Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE

I open my suitcase and start unpacking my clothes and toiletries. My fingers run over the fabric of a summer dress, but my mind is elsewhere. Wyatt and Weston, with their rugged charm and ball caps. Holy sexy cowboys. Why couldn't I have married a man like that instead of Greg?

Greg's company was tolerable to me when we were younger. It was definitely more comfortable than love. But as we got older, his demeanor grew more inflated, behaving as if he were superior to everyone else. Then he started pressuring me for sex, even though I never felt a spark of attraction toward him. I relented, and it was the worst I've ever had. Not that I have a lot to compare to, but even the few boys I hooked up with in high school were more skilled than him. And now I'm twenty-four and shackled to him by marriage.

Dad was insistent on the marriage, emphasizing the deep-rooted friendship between our family and Greg's. But Greg is lazy and boring, and I know he's only with me for the money and status I can bring him. But now, I can kick his ass to the curb and be a free woman. Excitement fills me as I eagerly snatch my phone, a wide smile forming on my face, knowing that this will be the start of my life.

I call my lawyer. "Hi, Lisa, it's Emma. Greg is a cheating fuckhead and I want you to draw up the divorce papers ASAP."

"Of course, Emma. Are you sure?" She hesitates a moment.

"More than sure about anything in my whole damn life."

"Okay, then. I'll get started on it right away."

I feel a surge of relief coursing through me as I hang up the phone. This is the right decision. I draw a bath and sink into the warm water, letting the tension of the past few years melt away. As I close my eyes, images of Wyatt and Weston flood my mind. When I finally open my eyes, I realize I've been submerged for too long. I quickly sit up, shaking off the drowsiness. The water is starting to cool, and I feel a sudden chill as I step out of the tub. I dry myself off with a fluffy towel, the warmth of the bath now replaced by the crispness of the evening air.

After slipping on a pair of comfortable pajamas, I make my way to the bed. The soft sheets and the plush pillows look inviting and I can't wait to sink into them. I slide under the covers and settle in. I let out a contented sigh and start to drift off, dreaming of their rugged bodies and sexy smiles

The next morning, I wake up feeling refreshed. I brew a cup of coffee and sit at my laptop, deciding to do a little online research on Wyatt and Weston of the Wild Thorn Ranch. Nothing comes up right away, but after finding the local paper, I'm led to the town's Facebook group and a place called the Copper Kitten. On the bar's page, the twins can be spotted in numerous pictures. The paper and the group contained only ordinary pictures - some from opening day and a few from their high school days. I shut my laptop, feeling like a stalker.

I need to get dressed, so I'm ready when they come to pick me up for my tour. What do I wear? A summer dress, or do I go full country with jeans and boots? I remember yesterday when Bo gave me a ride on his horse. What if that happens again? Jeans. I'm going to go with jeans because the chafe from your thighs rubbing against the saddle is no joke. I learned that the hard way during my riding lessons.

Heading to the bathroom, I brush my teeth, roll on some deodorant, and put on a coat of mascara. Opening the dresser, I grab a pair of blue jeans and a white flowy tank top. The boots were not good on my feet yesterday, so I'm going to wear the other shoes the girl at the western wear store had me buy. These slip-on tennis shoes are some sort of hybrid between sneakers and loafers. Hey Dude is the brand. I slip my feet inside and sit at the desk, drafting a text to my parents.

Me: Checking in so you know what's happening and we are all on the same page. I have spoken to my attorney and she is drafting divorce papers. Greg should be served by the end of the week.

Mom: Honey, your father is so upset about this whole thing. Men are curious creatures. Sometimes they have a wandering eye. I'm sure you and Greg can move past this. Forgiveness is a beautiful thing.

Leave it to my na?ve mother to think I can just move past the fact my husband, fake as this marriage may be, cheated on me. Forgiveness? How can I find it in myself to forgive a man who has never shown me love, who only sees me as a tool for his own purposes?

I put my phone down and take a deep breath. I can't let my mother's words get to me. This is my life, and I need to take control of it. I stand up, smoothing down my tank top, and head to the kitchen to grab another cup of coffee. The aroma fills the air, comforting me. I take a sip, savoring the warmth.

A knock on the door startles me. I set my cup down and walk over, opening it to find Wyatt standing there, his hat in his pocket, and a smile on his face. I know it's him because he has a freckle at the left corner of his top lip. If there's one thing I'm good at it's memorizing faces and I made sure when I noticed they were twins to see if I could find a difference between them.

"Morning, Hellcat. Ready for your tour?"

His voice is like honey, smooth and sweet. I nod, feeling my heart race a little. "Yeah, I just need to grab my phone."

I quickly grab my phone and follow him outside. The sun is shining, casting a warm golden glow on everything around. Wyatt leads me to a sleek black UTV. He opens the door for me, and I climb in, feeling a flutter in my stomach. As we drive to the ranch, I glance over at him. His strong hands grip the steering wheel, and I can't help but imagine those hands roaming my body.

"So, how did you sleep?" he asks, breaking the silence.

"Like a log. It was so quiet. A nice change of pace," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.

He nods. "Yeah, it's a good place to clear your head. Get away from all the noise."

We pull up to the ranch, and my breath catches in my throat. The land stretches out before us, lush and green. Wyatt parks the UTV and helps me out. Weston is waiting for us, leaning against a fence, his cap tipped low over his eyes.

"Morning, Red," he says, flashing me a grin.

"Morning, Weston. Thanks for showing me around today."

He tips his hat. "Our pleasure. Let's get started."

They lead me on a tour of the ranch, showing me the barns, the fields, and the various animals they have. And, of course, I have to stop and pet everyone I'm able to. Because they're all so damn cute!

The sun begins to set, casting a warm golden hue over the sprawling fields. I can't help but feel a sense of calm wash over me as we walk, the soft rustling of the grass underfoot and the distant lowing of cattle create a soothing symphony of rural life.

We approach a large barn, its white paint starting to chip and weather from years of exposure to the elements. The barn's wide doors are open, revealing an inviting interior filled with the comforting scent of hay and the soft bleating of goats.

Weston nudges Wyatt with a grin. "You sure about this? I mean, of all the animals, goats? That's what you want to see."

I shoot them both a glare. "Don't judge me. Goats are adorable."

Wyatt chuckles and swings the barn door open wider. "Alright, come on then. Meet the stars of the ranch."

Inside, the barn is surprisingly tidy, with neatly stacked bales of hay and a huge pen full of goats. But my attention is immediately drawn to a group of small, curious baby goats gathered in one corner. Their wide, inquisitive eyes and twitching noses are irresistibly charming. I felt a surge of excitement and hurry over the fence, crouching down to get closer.

"Oh my gosh, they're even cuter up close!" I exclaim, reaching out to pet one of the goats. It nuzzles my hand, its soft fur warm and comforting against my skin. Another goat, smaller and with a distinctive black and white pattern, bounds over and demands attention, nudging my knee with its head.

Weston chuckles as one of the goats tries to nibble at his shirt. "Who knew goats would be the favorite? Most people go for the horses or the cows."

I turn to them, still petting the insistent little goat at my feet. "Goats are just... different. They're quirky and fun. And look at those faces! How can you not love them?"

One with floppy ears and a mischievous glint in its eye tries to climb into my lap, while another, with a tiny bell around its neck, prances around me, its playful antics drawing laughter from all three of us.

"Okay, I get it now," Wyatt says, laughing as he gently pushes a goat away from his boot. "They are pretty cute."

Weston nods in agreement, still grinning. "Yeah, they are. But don't tell the cows. They might get jealous."

I laugh, feeling a warm, fuzzy sensation in my chest. Being here, surrounded by these charming creatures and the friendly banter of Wyatt and Weston, feels like a little slice of heaven.

As the sun dips lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the barn, I reluctantly stand up, giving the goats one last round of pets. "Thanks for showing me around, you guys. This was amazing."

Wyatt and Weston both smile, their faces lit by the soft glow of the setting sun. "Anytime," Wyatt says. "You're welcome here whenever you want."

Weston nods. "Yeah, and the goats will be waiting." I give them both a grateful smile, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "I'll definitely take you up on that."

I can't help but be impressed by their hard work and dedication. As we walk, I steal glances at them, my mind wandering to thoughts I probably shouldn't be having.

After the tour, we sit on the porch, sipping lemonade. Wyatt leans back in his chair, looking out over the land.

"What do you think, Hellcat? Better than the big city you live in?" he asks.

I hesitate, then nod. "It's so different from what I'm used to. Simple. Breathtaking."

He looks at me, his eyes intense. "You have two weeks to take it all in and enjoy everything we can offer."

Oh, I've been having dreams and thoughts all day about what they can offer me. None of them are on the list of activities they provide on their website.

"Yeah. I'm looking forward to it," I tell him. "I'm looking forward to horseback riding and I want to fully immerse myself in ranch life."

"Then you gotta get up before noon." He chuckles. "We start chores at five every morning."

"Shit, that's early. But count me in. I want to do it all."

"We'll pick you up first thing in the morning, then. You'll get to meet the rest of the family, too." Weston smirks.

"I already met your dad. At least, I think he was your dad. He was the right age. Bo."

"Yup. That's our old man."

It's getting dark and my stomach is telling me that I'm ready for dinner. I also need to text my mom back.

"I should get going. Thank you for the tour."

I take a deep breath, feeling more at peace than I have in a long time, and start the walk back to my cabin.

"We'll drive you Hellcat!" Wyatt calls.

"No need," I shout over my shoulder. "Some exercise will do me good and I wanna take in the scenery again."

I grab my phone from my jeans pocket and draft a final text to my mother.

Me: I appreciate your concern, but I'm 24 and this is my decision. I need to live my life for me, not for anyone else. I hope you can understand that.

I hit send and put it back in my pocket, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.