Roping The Cowgirl's Heart

Chapter 12

Savannah

I had risen early in the morning to check on the herd and make sure the ranch hands were tending to their duties. As I made my way back to the house, I heard the muffled sound of Wyatt's voice coming from his room. Curious, I approached the door, my heart pounding as I caught snippets of his conversation.

"No, I can't do that... How is she doing?" Wyatt's voice was tense, laced with frustration. "I made a promise, and I intend to keep it... I'm not going to change my mind... You're gonna have to accept it... It's my final offer..."

I leaned in closer, straining to hear the other person on the line. But the voice was too faint for me to make out. Wyatt's responses were becoming more agitated.

"You don't understand. This is different... I'm not going back..." A pause, then a sigh. "I'm sorry, but my mind is made up... You can try, but it will not change anything..."

Worry gnawed at the pit of my stomach. Who was he talking to, and what was he talking about? Wyatt had been nothing but supportive and attentive since his return. I couldn't bear the thought of him being troubled.

Suddenly, the conversation ended, and I heard Wyatt approaching the door. Quickly, I stepped back, not wanting to be caught eavesdropping. Wyatt emerged, his brow furrowed.

"Savannah?" He blinked, surprise flickering across his face. "I...I didn't realize you were out here."

I offered him a small smile, hoping to ease the tension I sensed in him. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude. I was...coming to check on you." I paused, studying his expression. "Is everything okay? You sounded a bit upset on the phone."

Wyatt's gaze softened, and he pulled me into a warm embrace. "Everything's fine, babe'," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "Just some business I had to take care of, that's all."

I wanted to believe him, to trust that he was being honest with me. But the lingering worry in his eyes told a different story. Reaching up, I cupped his face in my hands, my thumbs gently touching his stubbled cheeks.

"Wyatt, you know you can talk to me, right?" I searched his face, hoping to find a glimpse of the openness I had once known. "I want you to feel comfortable sharing whatever's on your mind. I'm here for you, please know that..."

For a moment, Wyatt's expression changed, and I saw a flicker of uncertainty flash in his eyes. But just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by a reassuring smile.

"I know, babe," he murmured, pulling me closer. "I appreciate you worryin' about me, but really, it's nothin' you need to be concerned about. I'm just takin' care of some personal matters, that's all."

I wanted to press him further, to demand that he be honest with me. But the vulnerability in his eyes disarmed me. I found myself trusting that he would confide in me when he was ready.

"Okay," I conceded, forcing a smile. "Just...promise me you'll let me know if there's anything I can do to help, please?"

Wyatt nodded, his arms tightening around me. "I promise, Savannah. You know that I will, right?"

We stood there for a moment, the gentle breeze coming from the window ruffling our hair as we held each other. I needed this moment, to lose myself in the comfort of his embrace and the familiarity of him. But a part of me couldn't shake the nagging sense that something was not right.

Reluctantly, I pulled away, offering him a reassuring smile. "Well, I'm glad you're takin' care of things. In the meantime, how about we get some breakfast and then head out to the barn to check on the heifers? I could use an extra set of hands."