Page 118 of Free Fall

“Quit bickering and let’s eat. Lainey made dessert, and I’m dying to try it.” Cody grabs a plate, and we all follow suit.

It feels good having everyone here. Jessie went through another rough phase of grief when we got back from Texas, but she’s been doing well the last couple of weeks. We’ll all have good days and bad missing Dot, but we know how she’d want us living, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

Daryl has been charged with more crimes since his arrest and is still being held without bail in part due to his threats to Jessie’s welfare on the day of his arrest. The police have kept us updated on his case and related court dates since Jessie will need to testify, but he’s behind bars until then at the least, and she’s safe. That’s the important thing.

After quitting her job, Jessie started looking for something different but hasn’t found anything yet. She works a couple of shifts a week at the coffee shop for Lainey, but that’s not her dream job—she just needs some time to find it.

I was relentless when it came to her letting me pay the bills. She’s worked too hard, for too long, and with Gran gone, her bills are next to nothing. I want her to take some time for herself and figure out what’s next in her life—what she’s excited to runtoward,not away from.

She plans to join me a couple of times this winter and see me at stock shows. She’ll also go to Las Vegas with me. I can’t wait to have her by my side at the National Finals.

A few days ago, she let me read the letter Gran left her, and I plan to do everything in my power not only to help her live an amazing life, but to love her well. Because I love Jessie Hawkins more than anything in the world.

It’s late when everyone leaves. I find Jessie standing in the middle of the living room with tears in her eyes. “Hey, baby. What’s wrong? Come here.” I hug her tightly.

She pulls back, turning to look around the space. “Nothing is wrong. They’re happy tears.” She gestures to the accent wall, new flooring, and trim. “It looks like my Pinterest board. You made it look like my Pinterest board.”

I smile. “Of course I did. Don’t you know by now I’d do anything for you?” I cup her face and look into her hazel eyes. “I love you, Jessie.”

She sucks in a breath before planting a kiss on me, deep and long. “I love you, too.”

My heart feels so full it might burst. Eight months ago, I never looked any further into my future than the next rodeo, but with Jessie, all I think about is the amazing future we’ll have together.

“We need new rules.”

She shakes her head, laughing. “I think we’re a little past roommate rules.”

“These aren’t roommate rules, baby.” I kiss the tip of her nose and run to grab paper.

I’m ready to start the next chapter of our forever.

Epilogue

Jessie

The green grass squishes under my feet, wet from the spring rains. I weave through the headstones, taking a familiar path.

“Hi, Gran,” I say, setting down the bouquet of flowers. “Trey picked these up this morning. We’re leaving for the summer run of rodeos today, and he knew I’d want to stop by on our way out of town and see you. That man’s as sweet as ever, and he misses you, too.”

Knox retired last year, and I started traveling with Trey full time. I never returned to nursing, but that’s okay. I found a new passion in managing professional rodeo athletes. After seeing the mess that was Trey’s sponsorship organization, brand, and social media management, I offered to take it over. One thing led to the next, and now I manage close to a dozen athletes.

On top of that, I accidentally grew my own platform on social media by posting about rodeo life, travel, and western fashion. Now, with over 500,000 followers, I have my own brand dealsand partnerships. It’s more than I ever could’ve dreamed of once upon a time, and I love every second of the life we’ve built together.

I sweep dry grass clippings off Gran’s stone with my hand, remembering all the times she’d bring me here when she needed to “talk with Edward for a bit,” as she’d say.

“They poured the foundation for our new house this week. I can’t wait to live on the ranch—it’s always felt like home to me.”

Six months ago, Cody offered us a piece of land on the ranch. It was unexpected, and at first I refused, but he said, “Jessie, you know you’ve always been a daughter to me, and a sister to Kacey and Carson. You have always been a part of this family, even when you didn’t think you were. Trey is family now, too. We want you both here with us, if that’s what you want.”Who could say no to that? So we accepted.

“And with Trey working there when he’s not on the road, it’s perfect,” I continue. “He’s making every single one of my home design dreams come true. He even snagged your window boxes before your house sold, and I can’t wait to put them on the new house.” I smile softly, thinking of the boxes on our current house, overflowing with purple and white flowers. Trey built them instead of using Gran’s, so we can take hers to our forever home and leave these for the new renters. We couldn’t bring ourselves to sell the little house we fell in love in, so we’re renting it out.

“I wish you’d be able to see it, but more than that . . .” I lower my voice to a whisper. “I wish you could see thehugediamond ring I found in his underwear drawer last weekend.” I can’t help but giggle. I expect nothing less from Trey—hiding the ring in the drawer I put his laundry away in like I wouldn’t find it. “It’s beautiful, Gran. You would love it. I think you’d love a lot of things in my life now. Because I’m doing what you said,livingandloving. I love him so much it’s hard to breathe sometimes.”

I shove my hands in my pockets. The cool spring air sends a chill across my skin. “We have more travel plans. I know, I know, we just got back from Costa Rica. But Trey’s always wanted to go to Australia, so we’re headed there after the summer run of rodeos, which I’m so excited for. I love rodeoing with him. Kacey was right—I’m a great bull rider’s girlfriend—or soon-to-be fiancé.” I glance behind me.

Trey leans against the side of the truck, his blond hair falling into his face, blue eyes fixed on me.

Pickle sits beside him, tail wagging. Adopting him was one of the best decisions we’ve made yet. Even though we spoil him rotten and it’s been a constant battle to see which of us he loves more, he’s comforted me while grieving, kept Trey company on the road, and brought us bothhoursof entertainment. Trey knew I wanted a dog, but I don’t think he realized how muchheneeded one. I’ll never admit it, but Pickle does love himslightlymore, and that’s okay.

Trey has gone from a fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants playboy/cowboy to steady and settled. He’s the kind of cowboy you count on, not chase. I’m so proud to be the woman he loves.

“I miss you so much. I hope you can see that I’m happy—happier than I ever thought possible. I love Trey, and I can’t wait to be his wife.” I kiss two fingers before pressing them to the headstone. Then, I turn and walk toward my future and the love of my life.