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And it’s the last thing I want to do.

I want to be selfish; to enjoy the time I have left with her, and spend every second together.

But that’s only going to make the goodbye worse…having her in my arms longer is simply delaying the inevitable.

CHAPTER 32

Hattie

Blair and I borrowed Hank’s pickup to go into Honey Badger Creek and find Hoedown outfits at the local feed supply store. A rodeo was one thing Blair didn’t expect, so cowgirl outfits didn’t make it on to her packing list.

The feed store in town sells clothing—weird, I know—so we’re decked out in Wrangler jeans, white cowgirl boots, and button-down western shirts. Blair’s is pale pink and mine is lavender.

Honestly, we look cute as hell.

Once we’re ready in our new cowgirl duds, we walk over to the main cabin to hitch a ride to the Honey Badger Hoedown with Hank and Otto.

They’re both standing outside by the pickup, and when they hear our footsteps on the driveway, they turn to look at us.

Both of them burst out laughing.

“Goodness, where’d these two cowgirls come from?” Otto hollers.

Hank, still laughing, shakes his head. “I don’t know, Dad. They look like city slickers to me.”

I cross my arms. “What gave us away?”

“The white boots, for sure.” Hank smirks. “I’m still wrapping my mind around the fact that I have a daughter…but it’s especially strange to find out my daughter doesn’t own proper cowboy boots.”

I laugh, and Blair drapes her arm across my shoulders. “Hey now, give us a break. We’re from the country…wine country.”

Otto and Hank howl with laughter once more. The four of us get in the pickup and head into Honey Badger Creek. Hank plays an old Dolly album on the stereo, and we all sing along.

When “Nine to Five” fades into “Jolene,” I sense Blair staring at me. I meet her gaze to find her smiling as she studies me.

“What?” I ask.

“I was just thinking…I’ve never seen you so happy.” Her expression is soft and gentle.

I shrug with a nonchalant laugh, then look out the window, unsure what to say.

She’s right. My heart is lighter than it’s ever been, and I can’t help but wonder if that’s because I’m happier here in Montana…or if it’s because every second of my day isn’t mapped out with a grueling training routine.

Or maybe it’s Lincoln…the promise of seeing him each day, the way he makes me feel cherished and protected.

It’s already dark outside, but Main St. is lit up with Edison string lights. Booths and food trucks line both sides of the road, and the small town is filled with people.

And…not even one of them is wearing white cowboy boots.

“Let’s get this hoedown started!” Blair cheers, pumping a fist in the air as she unbuckles her seatbelt.

“Yeehaw!” I say in response.

Hank shakes his head but can’t hide his smile. “You two are going to make us the laughingstock of Hoedown.”

“At least they’ll keep us entertained,” Otto offers as we all slide out of the pickup. He pumps his fist in the air like Blair did. “Yeehaw!”

Hank laughs and leads the way down Main St. where an array of delicious-smelling food tickles my nose.