Dancing in the Oaks

I Love You

7 months later:

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There has not been much progress made with the whole mystery solving. It has just been eluding the public eye. I have not talked to Nick for the past week. I just haven't been feeling well and my anxiety is at its maximum. Whenever I feed the horses that is when I feel better. The whole situation makes me shiver in fear everyday. It seems like a bottomless pit that just keeps boiling. My life is rough, but I get up each day alone in the house and cherish each day. I never know when a day will be the last for me. After the doctor finally approved of me to ride my horses I was immediately riding again. I had an idea this morning that would shock Nick to death. What if I signed up for the rodeo? He would be so happy, or I actually do not know.

After all of my morning chores were done I looked out my window and I saw an all too familiar Black Chevy Silverado parked in my driveway. That truck was nice -too nice. I hurried and combed my hair and got a drink before running outside. The morning was bright, yet cool. Tennessee summer mornings are the best. The dew touched the bottoms of my pants as I walked through the small meadow out to the driveway. My feet touched the stodgy ground and sank in during each step.

The sun beat on my tan skin as I ran closer. "Nick!" I yelled at him while he got out of his truck. It was almost as if everything was running in 4K slow motion. He got out so slowly, placed his cowboy hat on his head, and turned towards me.

"Hey Norah." He said in his southern accent. "Let's go for a walk. I have to tell you something that I've been needing to do for a long time." This was my first time being with him for about a week. It always hurts when I have to be away from him, but I needed some time to think about everything. Everything really gets to me so every once in a while I need some time off.

My voice questioned, "...and what's that?"

"Exactly." That was all he said.

We walked slowly down to the pond in complete silence. With each step he walked closer to me. I took notice of his mint condition Wranglers and his black button up shirt. This perfect man was walking next to me; what did I do to deserve this? The dew darkened our boots as the grass rubbed against them with each step. It was evident that there was something on Nick's mind. When we reached the edge of the pond I sat down in the grass and he sat next to me. "So... what's this?" I asked.

"Uhm Norah, I've now known you for a while and I just want to say that I... I love you Norah. You know, you're so kind and you're so cute." I noticed that his southern accent peeked through more. I stared at him completely in awe because his brown eyes caught the sun's light. His hair flew in the wind underneath his black, felt cowboy hat. Nicholas seemed perfect at that moment, as always. I realized that I am literally in love with him. He leaned closer to me and at that moment I knew what he wanted to do: kiss me.

I fumbled over thoughts, "Thanks Nick. I've been thinking about you a lot and I love you too. I can't even thank you enough..." It was at that moment that his lips touched and pressed against mine. His lips were so soft and sweet. Nick's hand found its way around my back. I took in all of the smells and the feelings. As he ran his lips against mine I fell into his arms and finally realized I never wanted to let go. His hair smelled of pine trees. I smiled when he backed away.

"S-sorry." He stuttered a little.

My mind went crazy. I felt like I was dreaming. It took me a second to respond because of the way I felt. "N-no. Nick... don't apologize..." I let out a little smile. The grass tickled my hand as I put it next to me. His hand touched my face. The next thing I knew I found myself kissing him. He ran his fingers through my hair as I did the same to him. Every second spent with him is absolutely perfect. I would never trade him for anyone: ever. He pulled me closer and pushed his hat away. My mind rapidly realized that I was indeed kissing a cowboy, a nice looking one and a kind one too. The way he kissed me was so kind and full of passion. It seems as if he's the only one that cares for me. I kept kissing him until I ended up laughing because he pulled my hair.

"You okay?" He asked kindly while staring into my green eyes.

"Yeah." Was all I could say, of course very quietly.

He smiled at me and pulled me closer so I could rest my head on his shoulder. "Nick?" I asked.

"What?"

I couldn't help but remember him kissing me. "Thank you for helping me." I just sat there remembering how not different Nick was when he kissed me. He was so kind and caring. "It means a lot." He smiled back and I could feel his deep eyes beat down on my face. The air was cold, but I had him to help me. He rubbed my back and told me some stories of when he was a little boy. I enjoyed every second of it. I felt convinced that Nicholas wants to forever keep me... maybe. His cowboy eyes make my heart want to die. Maybe just so... he's the one... the one for me.