Roping The Cowgirl's Heart

Chapter 28

Wyatt

I sit on the porch of my small apartment in Clydesville, staring off into the distance. It's been three long weeks since I left Silvercreek City, and the ache in my heart hasn't dulled one bit. All I can think about is Savannah.

I replayed our final conversation over and over in my mind, the hurt in her eyes as I told her I was leaving.

A sharp knock at the door took me from my thoughts. I open it to find Daniel standing there, a concerned look on his face.

"Hey man, how're you holding up?" he asks, stepping inside.

I shrug, gesturing for him to have a seat. "About as well as can be expected, I guess."

Daniel nods, settling into the armchair. "I figured as much. Look, I know this has been tough, but you can't keep beating yourself up over it."

I run a hand through my hair, frustrated. "I just... I can't stop thinking about her, Daniel. Savannah is my world, and... I pushed her away."

"I know, I know. But beating yourself up ain't gonna change anything. You gotta move forward, Wyatt."

I let out a heavy sigh, knowing he was right. As much as it pains me, I need to find a way to move on. "You're right. I know. I just don't know how."

Daniel leans back in the chair, considering. "Well, you said you're enjoying the work with those kids, right? Maybe you could throw yourself into that more. Focus on something positive for a change."

I nod slowly, mulling over his words. "Yeah, I guess that could help. The kids have been a welcome distraction, that's for sure."

"There you go." Daniel grins. "And hey, who knows? Maybe one of those kids has a single mom, and she'll catch your eye, huh?" He waggled his eyebrows playfully.

I can't help but chuckle at that, and I roll my eyes. "I don't think I'm quite ready for that, but I appreciate the sentiment."

Daniel stands, clapping me on the back. "I got to go, man... Just wanted to see how you're doing..."

As he heads for the door, I call out, "Hey, thanks, man. I mean it."

"Anytime, buddy. I'll see you later."

Once he's gone, I sink back into the chair, my gaze drifting to a picture of Savannah and me on my phone. We're both grinning, carefree, and full of hope for the future.

I reached out, tracing the outline of Savannah's face with my fingertips. God, I miss her so much it hurts. The way her green eyes sparkle, the soft curve of her smile... A constant reminder of what I've lost.

A faint knock at the door interrupts me, and I quickly set my phone down before going to answer it. I'm surprised to find Amber standing there, a tentative smile on her face.

"Wyatt," she says, her voice soft. "Can we talk?"

I stare at Amber, my brows furrowed in confusion. What in the world could she want now? The last thing I need is more trouble from this woman.

"What is it, Amber?" I asked, keeping my tone neutral.

She shifts her weight, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. "Can I come in? I... I need to talk to you."

I hesitate, part of me wanting to shut the door in her face. But I had a feeling I needed to hear whatever was going to come out of her mouth. With a resigned sigh, I step aside and gesture for her to enter.

"Alright, come on in."

Amber brushes past me, and I follow, taking a seat in the armchair across from her.