Guarding Love

Chapter 3 - The Proposition

Chapter 3 – The Proposition

"A strong friendship doesn't need daily conversation, doesn't always need togetherness, as long as the relationship lives in the heart, true friends will never part." – Auliq Ice

Y/N POV

I wake up to a cold, dark winter morning. A faint glow of the sun shines through the curtains, giving off the only light in the living room. Yawning and stretching, I feel stiffness in my whole body. Three days had passed since the People's Choice Awards; I had flown home on the Red Eye. Katie had been asleep, so I slept on the couch for the night, and I've been sleeping there ever since. I reluctantly roll off the couch and walk into the kitchen. My footsteps echo throughout the quiet house.

The rustic charm of the farmhouse is evident in the old and new photos of my family and ancestors and the wooden floors. It was older than the main farmhouse and built with railway ties, giving the house a rustic, durable look. I was always fascinated by how the railway ties structured the walls and ceilings of the house. The wood beams cross and intersect, creating intricate patterns fitting together like a puzzle. Years of wear and tear have left grooves and notches on the ties. Despite their rough exterior, they give the house a unique character, imbuing it with a sense of history and heritage.

My parents had built the main house as their dream home further down the driveway, while this house stood at the top. The ranch came from my mom's side of the family. She inherited it from her parents. When my mom passed away, my father was a high-profile criminal lawyer and could not bear being on the ranch without my mom. He hired several farmhands to care for the land and spent as much time away as possible. Selling was never an option. He knew how much I loved it, and they had always talked about giving it to me and my brother.

Turning on the coffee maker, I feel the low hum as it sparks to life. Walking around the kitchen, I feel the cool tiles under my feet. Taking a deep breath, I enjoy the quiet and calm of the house as I wait for the coffee to finish brewing. I grabbed my lined jeans, long-sleeve shirt and a warm baggy sweater draped over one of the kitchen chairs. I had set my barn clothes out the night before, not wanting to wake Katie early in the morning. Pouring my coffee and taking a sip, I enjoy the rich and earthy taste. Although the house may be old and rustic, it's filled with warmth and character, making it a relaxing and comfortable place to spend time.

When I finish my morning coffee, I walk to the front door pulling on my winter boots, gloves, and a comfy-lined winter hat. Finally, I wrap a scarf around my neck to keep the cold air at bay. Looking in the hallway mirror, I noticed how different I looked. My face is covered, and my body doesn't have the curved figure I usually have on the red carpet or in movies. My body looks big, boxy and bulky but comfortable.

Taking a deep breath, I step outside, shivering at the blast of cold air. I look over to see the cows huddled together for warmth as they dig at the snow, hoping to find grass to graze on. I confirm they have water, and the heater is still working. The sweet smell of hay and livestock fills my nostrils. Despite how cold it is, I hear the happy sounds of animals stirring as I approach the barn. I check on the chickens, who cluck as I fill their water and food containers before picking the eggs they had laid.

I move on to the goats, whose tails wag as they rush toward me. Always begging for attention, I smile as they nuzzle my hand. Taking off my glove, I scratch behind their ears, their fur soft against my skin, and they bleat happily. I give them fresh food and water before approaching the sheep as they eagerly await my arrival. After feeding the sheep, I let them out. They take off, jumping over any obstacle before they find where they want to be. Somehow, they know where the property line is and always stay close.

The horses nicker with excitement as I enter the stables. I turn the radio to my favourite station before turning them out, then I muck out their stalls and add fresh shavings. By the time I finish with the horses, the sun has fully risen, and the farm is all abuzz with activity. I breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the beauty around me as I lean against the fence, watching the horses play.