Roping The Cowgirl's Heart

Prologue

This chapter contains sexual/spicy content. 18+ Only.

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Savannah

8 Years Ago...

I sat on the front porch steps, my bare feet kicking up small clouds of dust as I waited. My heart is beating with a mix of anticipation and dread. The night started to descend over the rolling hills of the Marlene McKinley Ranch.

I knew what was coming. I knew the words that Wyatt would say when he arrived. We'd been dancing around the subject for weeks now. Ever since he'd received that letter from the rodeo circuit. The one that promised fame and fortune. A chance to make a name for himself in the world of professional bull riding.

I sighed, my fingers twisting the hem of my sun-faded dress. I should be happy for him. I should be proud of the man he was becoming. But all I could feel was a hollow ache in my chest, a sense of loss that threatened to consume me.

The rumble of a truck engine pulled me from my thoughts. I looked up to see Wyatt's old Ford kicking up a trail of dust as it barreled down the long, winding driveway. He parked beside Liam's truck, the door creaking as he climbed out.

"Hey you," he called, his voice warm, his smile bright enough to rival the setting sun. "Sorry, I'm late. Had to help my dad with some fencing down by the creek."

I stood, brushing the dirt from my dress as I stepped off the porch to meet him. "It's alright," I said, a fake smile on my face. "I know you've been busy, with all the packing and planning you've been doing."

Wyatt's grin faltered, his eyes searching my face. "Sav," he said softly, his hands coming up, his thumbs brushing across my cheekbones. "You know I don't want to leave you, right? If there was any other way..."

I shook my head, feeling the hot press of tears behind my eyes. "I know," I whispered, my voice cracking. "I know you have to go, Wyatt. I just... I wish..."

I trailed off, unable to give voice to the desperate longing in my heart. The wish that he would stay, that he would choose me, choose our love over the glitz and glamor of the rodeo. But I knew it was selfish, knew that I couldn't ask him to give up his dreams, his chance at a better life.

Wyatt pulled me close, his arms wrapping around me in a tight embrace. I buried my face in his chest, breathing in the familiar scent of hay and horses, the faint hint of sweat and cologne. He was my home, my forever love. The thought of losing him was like a physical ache, a hollow emptiness that threatened to consume me.

"I love you, Savannah McKinley," he murmured, his lips brushing against my hair. "I've loved you since we were kids, running wild on this ranch. And I'll love you till the day I die, no matter where I am or what I'm doing."

I pulled back, my eyes with tears as I looked up at him. "Promise me," I said fiercely, my hands holding onto the fabric of his shirt. "Promise me that you'll come back to me, Wyatt. That you won't forget about me, about us."

Wyatt's eyes softened, his hand coming up to cup my cheek. "I could never forget about you, Sav. You're a part of me, a part of my heart. And I swear, on everything I hold dear, that I will come back to you. No matter how long it takes, no matter what happens out there in the world. Silvercreek City will always be my home, and you will always be the love of my life."

I let out a shaky breath, my heart swelling with fierce, desperate love. I stood up on my toes, my lips finding his in a passionate kiss.

Wyatt's arms tightened around me, his mouth slanting over mine as he deepened the kiss.

When we broke apart, our faces were flushed. Wyatt rested his forehead against mine, his fingers tangling in my hair.

"I have something for you," he murmured, his voice rough. "A promise, of sorts."