My Cowboy Prince (*unedited)

Chapter 12

It's now later in the evening, and Luke and I are nestled on his couch, the soft glow of the TV cast a warm light across the room. The air is filled with the comforting scent of homemade ice cream and the soft hum of the ceiling fan. We decided to watch The Ranch, it's a fitting choice given the show's blend of humor and family drama that resonates with Luke. It was an easy pick for our relaxed evening.

Earlier, Luke had returned to the main house to fetch our dinner- a hearty spread of country-style fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans, all accompanied by Grandma Bea's famous cornbread. We had eaten in comfortable silence, savouring the meal and each other's company. Now, we're indulging in dessert, bowls of creamy homemade ice cream resting in our laps. The sweet, cold treat is a perfect counterpoint to the warm, cozy atmosphere.

As we sit close together on the couch, Luke occasionally nudges me playfully with his elbow. "You know, this show is pretty spot-on," he remarks, a grin spreading across his face. "Except, I think our ranch is way better than the one on TV."

I chuckle, savouring a spoonful of the rich vanilla flavour. "I don't know, Luke. Those guys have some pretty epic mishaps. Remember the time they tried to fix the tractor?"

Luke laughs, a deep, genuine sound that fills the room. "Yeah, that was a disaster. But I guess that's what makes it so relatable. Life on a ranch isn't all sunsets and horses; it's a lot of hard work and unexpected chaos."

I nod, leaning back into the cushions, feeling the warmth of his presence beside me. "You make it look easy, though," I say, glancing at him. "Taking care of the ranch, dealing with all the family stuff. It's impressive."

He scoops up another spoonful of ice cream, his expression softening. "It's not always easy, but I love it. It's home, you know? And with you here, it's been... different. In a good way."

I feel a blush creep up my cheeks and quickly look down at my bowl. "I'm glad," I murmur, feeling a warm flutter in my chest.

Luke stretches his arm along the back of the couch and his fingers brush lightly against my shoulder. "So, what's your take on Colt?" he asks, referring to the show's main character.

I ponder for a moment, grateful for the change in topic. "He's a bit of a mess, but he's trying. I think that's what makes him likable. He's flawed but has a good heart."

Luke nods, his eyes thoughtful. "Yeah, I guess we all have our messes to deal with. It's about finding the balance and making the best of it."

We continue watching, occasionally commenting on the show's antics and laughing at the familiar scenarios. The easy conversation flows, filled with lighthearted banter and shared observations. It feels comfortable, natural, like we've known each other much longer than we actually have.

As the credits roll on another episode, Luke glances at me, there's a playful glint in his eye. "You know, we could totally do our own ranch reality show," he teases. "Between the enthusiastic horses and your city girl adventures, we'd have a hit."

I laugh, shaking my head. "Maybe we should stick to Instagram and TikTok for now," I reply, grinning. "Less pressure, more fun."

He smiles, leaning closer. "Yeah, maybe you're right City Girl. Besides, I like having these moments just for us. No cameras, no distractions."

There's a pause, a quiet moment where the only sound is the faint noise from the TV and the distant crickets outside.

Luke's gaze lingers on me, his blue eyes reflecting the soft light from the TV, and for a moment, it feels like the world outside has faded away. The warmth of his presence creates an intimate atmosphere that makes the room feel even more enclosed and safe.