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Chapter 1
~ Jake ~
The Reunion
After another successful riding lesson, I smirked and tilted my cowboy hat to the thankful mother.
She can't stop thanking me and promises to return with her teenage son, as she finally parts with another wave. I'm popular with the parents for giving teenage boys riding lessons at the ranch. I show them how to ride correctly while bringing fun into the teaching.
"Nothing has changed, and you're still Mr. Popular."
I turn around at the sound of the voice since it seems they are addressing me, only to get the surprise of a lifetime. My heart beats faster at seeing an old flame I hadn't seen in a decade, due to her moving away.
"Mia Montgomery?! Wow, it's been forever and a day!" I exclaim, as we meet in the middle, embracing deeply after such a long time apart. She smells like sweet honeysuckle and nostalgia as I breathe her in like freshly brewed coffee.
We finally break the embrace and take a few long seconds to check each other out. She has aged like fine wine into her thirties and looks even more beautiful. She has this smile, suggesting she thinks the same of me.
"So, what are you doing here? In town to visit?"
"I moved back a couple of days ago."
My eyes widened at hearing that because I had begun to think she'd never move back after she succeeded in staying gone for ten years and chasing the thrill of all the curiosities and intrigue that the big city brings and promises. Her being back meant she had gotten her fill, or it wasn't as cracked up as she expected.
"Wow... just you?" I can't help but pry, wondering if she's brought back a husband or significant other. I'm always intrigued when city folk move here and then don't feel comfortable living in such a small town.
They complain about how different it is from the big city, which I believe defeats the purpose of moving to a small town if you're not able to adjust or adapt well to it.
"No, me and my mini-me. I have a daughter now."
My mouth drops open at hearing that. I'm brewing questions about the father, but then I realize they're way too mysterious for our first conversation after ten years. So, I decided to shelve it and let her tell me about it herself.
"I guess that's something we have in common after so many years apart. I'm also a parent. I have an eight-year-old son. His name is Dylan, and boy, did he cause me to mature to the level I needed to be in life."
We laugh at that before it dies once our shock over the other being a parent overtakes us again. Now I'm stuck between asking her out to dinner to catch up or wondering if I'll be crossing lines. Maybe even stepping on toes if the father is still in the picture.
Maybe he decided to stay in the city for work?
"I can understand that with my Emily. I still can't believe she's eight! It seems like time flies by and they grow up right before our eyes!"
"Yeah, it's the same with Dylan," I nod, feeling connected through our shared experiences as parents. "They grow too fast, making you wish you could freeze time."
Mia chuckles softly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Tell me about it. The big city was something else, Jake. It's fast, you know? Everyone's always rushing somewhere, always busy. And there's this constant noise like the city itself is alive."
I lean back, intrigued. "Sounds like a whole different world from here. Do you miss it?"
She pauses, her gaze drifting off as if sifting through her memories. "Sometimes I do. I love the conveniences, the variety of people, and the endless opportunities. But it's also lonely. Sometimes, being in a crowd can make me feel incredibly isolated. That's why I want Emily to grow up in a community where people know each other and look out for each other."
I nod, understanding her sentiment all too well. "Yeah, there's a charm to small-town life that the big city can't replicate. The way people come together here, it's special."
"Exactly," Mia agrees, her eyes meeting mine again. "But don't get me wrong. The city taught me a lot. It made me tougher and more independent. I hope to blend those lessons with this place's warmth and community spirit."
Thinking over her words, I admired her perspective. "Sounds like you've figured out the best of both worlds, Mia."
She laughs - a light, accessible sound that fills the space between us. "I'm trying, Jake. It's all about finding that balance, right?"
"Right," I affirm, the corner of my mouth lifting in a small smile. "Say, would you and Emily like to join Dylan and me for dinner one of these days? You know... when you've settled in and everything."
Mia's face brightens at the offer. "We'd love that, wouldn't we, Emily?"
