I walk with the rope behind my back and my hand out, the same way Kenzie and I did as kids with the trail riding horses. It works like a charm, and I snap the lead rope on the halter, then turn to Gavin.

“Meet you at the barn,” I tell him with a hop to my step.

By the time he walks inside, I’ve already saddled up, adjusted my stirrups, and am waiting for him.

“Look at you! Hot as fuck!” he exclaims.

I chuckle. “I thought for a second I was gettin’ rusty ’cause I haven’t ridden in a while, but putting on a saddle is something you never forget. It’s like riding a bike. By the way, this is a nice one.”

“It was a prize saddle,” he explains, then points at the branding and the date burned into it.

“You never seem to stop surprising me.” I meet his eyes, wishing he could see what I see.

After Gavin’s ready, he gets in position, and we head down a trail that looks well-traveled. As we ride into the path that goes through the forest, I can’t help but grin the entire time. Beams of sunshine leak through the tree limbs as I follow him. Thankfully, a cold front came in over the weekend, so the weather is perfect. Eventually, we come to a clearing, and I see a giant pond with a canoe tied to a small floating dock. This is not what I expected.

We hop off our horses and tie them to a few posts. Gavin takes my hand, and we walk toward the water. He sits, takes off his boots, and rolls up his pants before sticking his toes in the water. I follow his lead and lean my head against his shoulder as we look out at the reflection of the tall pines on the water.

“Mom really loves you,” he says, smiling. “And I do too. I love you so damn much, Maize.”

“I love you too, Gavin. You’re everything to me,” I admit.

He turns and places his rough palm on my cheek, then dips down and memorizes my lips with his. Our tongues twist together, and by the time we pull apart, I’m nearly gasping for air.

“Thanks for joining me this weekend. I know it was a big step,” he says, running his toes across the water.

“We should visit more often. I can tell how much your parents miss and love you.” I steal another kiss.

“You mean it? You’ll make the drive with me again?”

“Yeah, I’d love that. Your parents have already adopted me and made me a member of the family.”

He kisses my forehead. “Thank you.”