Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 77827 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77827 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
I shrug, because to be honest, back then, I didn’t see her as anything other than Ellison’s little sister. I hated the thought of tossing them because of the proud smile she gave each of us as she handed them out. Maybe subconsciously it was something more—that’s what I’m allowing myself to believe. I wasn’t ready. She was far too young and wasn’t even on my radar back then. However, this tiny bag of homemade bracelets connects us.
“This is everything.” She stares down at the bracelets a little longer before shoving them back into the small velvet bag and pulling the string tight. Two steps, and she’s standing toe-to-toe with me. “Here,” she says, offering me the bag.
I take the bag and toss it back into the nightstand. When I turn around, she’s staring at me. Her eyes are still glassy, and her smile is the biggest I’ve ever seen from her. I’m so lost in the smile directed at me that I don’t notice her hand lifting until it’s resting against my cheek.
She now has my full attention.
Rising on her tiptoes, she says breathily, “Thank you, Macklin,” before her lips press to mine.
It’s just a quick peck as far as kisses go, but she initiated it. “Best Christmas gift ever,” I whisper against her lips. She giggles as she drops her hand from my cheek and takes a step back. She pulls in a deep breath and slowly exhales before offering me her hand. “Come on, cowboy. Let’s go make some bracelets.”
I place my hand in hers, because there is no question that I’ll follow this woman anywhere. We settle into our pillow oasis, as she likes to call it, and the rest of the night, we laugh, talk, and make friendship bracelets. It’s not at all how I thought the night would go. I was worried it was too childish, but I went with my gut. I wanted to show her that I know her, and I’m pretty sure I succeeded.
Eleven
Baylor
* * *
I smile as I take one last look in the mirror, and instead of making sure my makeup—what very little I’m wearing—is even, my eyes go to the diamond horseshoe necklace that Macklin gave me for Christmas.
It’s been over a week now. Christmas has come and gone, but my sisters still smirk when they see me wearing it, which has been every day. It’s too beautiful to leave in the jewelry box. Besides, this is the first gift a man has ever given me that fits my personality. I’m trying not to think too much about that, but it’s hard when I see the shining pendant every time I glance in the mirror.
Speaking of my sisters, they’re thrilled with Macklin’s interest in me. They say he’s a good guy, and that’s what I need in my life. They’re not wrong, but I think a big part of the push is that they want me to stay in Magnolia Ridge. That, and I know they want to see me happy.
As for me, I’m taking each day as it comes. The idea of a life with Macklin is appealing. I won’t lie. He is my childhood crush after all. However, the worry still lingers. Worry that he’s going to change his mind, just like Todd did, or that I won’t be enough once he gets to know the adult version of me better. Either way, I’m not pushing him away, but I’m not exactly holding him close either. He asked for a chance, and I’m giving him that, slowly, cautiously, and Macklin hasn’t complained once.
Every day, he shows me his words aren’t empty. He’s a man of his word.
I know this. My heart knows this. Even in my head, I know, but fear can be brutal, and so can insecurities. I’m trying to work past that, and he’s done exactly as he said he would. He’s here. Not forcing himself into my life but blending into it. It’s only been a few weeks, but he’s always on my mind, and I know that he’s going to be a part of my day, every day, in some way, shape, or form, and I’m okay with that.
Turning off my bedroom light, I make my way downstairs to find Copeland and Ellison on the couch. Courtlynn is sitting in the recliner, pulling on her boots, and Leighton is scrolling through her phone.
“Everyone ready?” Ellison asks, starting to stand, and Copeland rushes to stand, as well, offering her his hand.
“Ells, we can just stay home,” he tells her.
“Copeland James! It’s New Year’s Eve. We are not staying home.” She places her hand on her growing bump. “This little one will be here soon, and life is going to be busy, so nights like tonight will be few and far between.”
“What she said.” Courtlynn smirks as she turns her gaze to me. “Besides, you don’t want to miss the Macklin and Baylor show.”