You walked into my life like you had always lived there, like my heart was a home built just for you. -a.r.asher
Saying goodbye to your soulmate is never easy; Steve Rogers watched his drive away. She was headed towards the school of her dreams and...
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Lily sighed as she glanced at herself in the mirror, adjusting the lace-trimmed satin top she had chosen to wear. Paired with faded, ripped jeans and strappy brown sandals, the outfit was simple yet comfortable enough for the sweltering Montana summer. She swept her hair into a messy bun to keep it off her neck, still struggling to acclimate to the warmer climate compared to Boston.
Passing the front door, she spotted Colton sitting on the porch steps, eagerly awaiting Steve's arrival. With July in full swing, it was time for Buckskin's annual festival—a summer tradition packed with carnival rides like the Ferris wheel, scrambler, and tilt-a-whirl. Food booths lined the grounds, offering everything from corn dogs to funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, and cotton candy. Colton had seen a flyer at the grocery store and had been pleading to go ever since. Lily was hesitant, especially with PopPop's worsening condition—he was now on oxygen and receiving care from a nurse twice a week. But seeing Colton so excited for the distraction, especially with Steve coming along, she couldn't say no.
"Mom!" Colton yelled, leaping to his feet as a truck pulled up. "He's here! Dad's here!"
"I'm coming," Lily called, grabbing her cross-body purse and heading out the door.
Outside, Colton bolted straight into his father's arms. Lily stepped onto the porch, her breath catching as she took in Steve's appearance—black button-up shirt rolled at the sleeves, showing off his muscular forearms, worn blue jeans, scuffed boots, cowboy hat, and dark sunglasses. He looked rugged, imposing, and effortlessly handsome.
Steve grinned, hugging Colton tightly. "You're not excited about the fair or anything, are you?" he teased.
Colton bounced with excitement. "I've been waiting all day for the sun to go down so we could go!" He dashed to the truck. "Mom, hurry up!"
"Stop rushing me, will ya?" Lily muttered, double-checking the lock on the door.
Steve adjusted his hat, grateful for the sunglasses shielding his eyes as he watched Lily approach. She looked effortlessly beautiful, and he quickly cleared his throat to keep from staring. "Ready?"
"Yep, let's do this." Lily flashed a smile, brushing past him as she made her way to the truck.
The drive to the fairgrounds was a quiet reprieve for the adults, though Colton filled the silence with nonstop chatter. He babbled about his new friend Jacob, their Mario Kart matches, and his hopes of being in the same class when school started. Steve listened patiently, offering smiles and nods, enjoying his son's unfiltered excitement.
When they reached the fair, Colton was the first one out of the truck. "Wait for your mom and me," Steve called, and Colton reluctantly halted, sighing as he waited. Lily rolled her eyes, but a fond smile tugged at her lips as they followed him up the gravel path toward the flashing lights and booming music.
