My Cowboy Prince (*unedited)

Chapter 25

I carefully place the hat and the gift from last night on the bed. My fingers linger on the brim of the hat for a moment longer than I should. The night was supposed to be magical, and in many ways, it was, but now it's tinged with bitterness and confusion. My chest tightens as I think about how quickly everything has spiraled out of control. Just as I'm about to zip up my last suitcase, I hear the door creak open. I don't need to turn around to know who it is; I can feel his presence like a shadow in the room.

"Aren't you takin' the---" Luke begins, his voice is tentative and almost uncertain. He rarely sounds this way, and it only makes me angrier.

"No," I cut him off, not bothering to look up. The single word is sharp and final, like a door slamming shut.

There's a heavy pause, and I can sense him trying to figure out what to say next. I know him well enough to recognize that he's struggling, but I can't let that sway me. Not now.

"Look, Amelia..." he starts again, his tone is softer now and more pleading.

But I don't want to hear it. Not now, not after everything that's happened. "Luke, if I stick around to hear your explanation, I am going to be late," My voice is more cold and clipped than I would like but oh well. I don't have the energy for this conversation, and I certainly don't have the emotional bandwidth to deal with his excuses.

"Okay... uh, then let me drive ya," he offers, his voice is tinged with something that almost sounds like desperation. I know he's trying to make things right, but the wound is too fresh, too raw. I shake my head, my resolve hardens as I grab the handle of one of my suitcases.

"No," I reply in a tone that leaves no room for discussion. I'm almost out of the room when I pause at the door and throw one last command over my shoulder. "I'll come for the rest. Don't touch my shit,"

The silence that follows is deafening, but I don't turn back. I can feel his eyes on me, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction of seeing just how much this hurts. I make my way downstairs, each step feels heavier than the last. The lobby is mercifully empty, sparing me from any awkward goodbyes.

As I reach the bottom of the stairs, I catch sight of Wendie, the receptionist, and force a small smile. "Goodbye, Wendie," I say, trying to keep my voice steady, as if this is just another ordinary day.

Wendie looks up, she seems a bit surprised. "Oh, leaving so soon? Safe travels, Amelia," she replies with a warm smile that I can barely return. I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat, and quickly turn away.

Stepping outside, I spot Tommy by the stables, his familiar figure is a small comfort in the midst of all this chaos. I wave him over, my voice betrays none of the turmoil inside me as I ask him to carry the suitcase down to Jack's van. "Can you please put this up for me? I'm coming down with the rest,"

Tommy looks at me with concern and his brows furrow slightly. "Are ya sure ya don't want me to---" he starts. The man is clearly worried, but I cut him off before he can finish. I just want to get in and out.

"No, Tommy, and thank you again," I say firmly. I need to force myself to keep it together, the last thing I need is for him to see me fall apart.

As I turn back towards the house, I see Luke descending the steps with the rest of my suitcases in hand. My stomach knots at the sight, and I can't help but feel a wave of frustration and sadness. This wasn't how things were supposed to end.

"Am I safe to assume that you're the one driving, Tommy?" I ask, my voice is harp as I glance between the two men. Luke meets my gaze, his eyes are clouded with an emotion I can't quite place.

"I am not lettin' Tommy drive my Jeep." Luke says firmly, his voice carries an underlined authoritative tone that usually makes me feel safe. But now, it only serves to irritate me further.