Roping The Cowgirl's Heart

Chapter 26

Wyatt

I asked one of my Dad's ranch hands, Tyler, to drive me to the restaurant where Savannah's blind date would be. The whole ride there, I'm rehearsing what I'll say to her, how I'll convince her to leave with me.

We pulled up to the restaurant. I grabbed my crutches and hobbled out of the car. Adrenaline going, with every intention of getting Savannah out of there. I glanced by the window, and I saw her, laughing with that guy. My stomach turned, and my resolve crumbled. She looked so happy, so carefree. She actually looked like she was having a good time. I couldn't ruin that, no matter how much I wanted her back.

I got back in the truck, and I told Tyler to drive back to my father's Ranch.

Savannah's smile flashed in my mind. I couldn't go in there and interrupt her date, no matter how much it pained me. I knew that no matter how much I loved her, I couldn't change her mind about our relationship. I had to let Savannah make her own choices. If she truly loves me, if we're truly meant to be, she'll come back. If the ranch is more important, then I have to respect that. As much as it kills me, I had to be a grown man about this.

I spent the rest of the evening helping my dad with some chores around the ranch. It was a good distraction, but my mind kept wandering back to Savannah. I wondered how the date went, if she was still with him if she ever thought of me. I tried to push those thoughts away, to focus on the task at hand, but it was no use. She's all I can think about.

Later in the evening, I pour myself something to drink. Something strong, needing something to take the edge off of missing her. I hear a car pull up outside and my heart jumps, hoping it's Savannah. But when I looked out the window, I saw it was just my father. I let out a sigh of disappointment and slumped down onto the couch, taking a long sip of my whisky, and I let out a chuckle. Did I really think she would come see me, with everything that's going on? Who was I kidding?

Should I have gone inside the restaurant and tried to convince Savannah to leave with me? Did I do the right thing, to just leave? I wanted to go in and remind her of everything we've been through. Get Savannah to come with me. But I couldn't do it. It killed me to think that she had a date with someone else that was not me. But I could not stop her from seeing whoever she wanted.

The next few days passed in a blur. I tried to throw myself into helping my father, to keep my mind off Savannah, but it was no use. I would catch myself staring out the window, hoping to see her truck pull up the driveway. But she never came.

A week later, as I'm sitting on the porch, my phone rings, and I see Grace's name flash across the screen. I answered quickly, hoping it was about Savannah.

"Grace?" I answered. Trying to keep from showing my desperation to know anything about Savannah out of my voice.

"Wyatt, hi! I was wondering if you'd like to come to the ranch for a welcome home party we're having for June, Leo's daughter. She just finished vet school and is back home. Most of the people we know will be here, and I'd love for you to come celebrate with us."

"I, uh, I don't know, Grace. I don't want to intrude if Savannah..."

"Savannah? You and Savannah need to talk... You both need to see each other," Grace interrupted, her voice reassuring. "Please, Wyatt. Don't give up on her... Please... You guys need to figure this out..."

I took a deep breath, "is Savannah okay?"

"I think so... but she's confused... I don't think she knows what she wants... Can you come?"

"Alright, I'll be there."

"Great! See you soon, Wyatt."

I hung up the phone. Was Savannah really okay with me being there? I shook my head, trying to push the doubts aside. If Grace said Savannah and I need to talk... I would have to try.