One of Them Girls

Chapter 10

Day 1:

The mid-morning sun casts a golden hue over the fields as you go about your chores at your parents' farm. The air is crisp, carrying the familiar scent of hay and earth, a comforting reminder of home. You've always found a certain peace in these quiet moments, the rhythmic tasks giving you a chance to clear your mind.

As you lift a bale of hay, tossing it into the trough for the animals, your phone buzzes in your pocket. You wipe your hands on your jeans before pulling it out, a smile tugging at your lips when you see Tyler's name on the screen.

TYLER: Morning beautiful. Just got to Kansas. Missing you already.

You pause, leaning against the fence as you read his message. The warmth of his words wraps around you, easing the slight ache that's been growing in your chest since you watched him drive away yesterday.

YOU: Good morning. Miss you too. Be safe out there.

You send the message and slip your phone back into your pocket, taking a moment to steady yourself before getting back to work. It's just the first day, but already, you can feel the distance between you and Tyler. As you continue with the chores, you can't help but wonder how you're going to get through the next week or two without him by your side.

Later that day you're curled up on the couch in Tyler's sweatshirt, feeling the absence of his presence in the room. A video call from Tyler comes through, and you immediately pick up. Tyler's face fills the screen, and despite his tired eyes, he's smiling.

"How's Kansas?" you ask, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Wet and wild," he says with a chuckle. "But the chase is going well. How's everything back there?"

"Quiet," you admit. "It's weird not having you around."

"I know," he says softly, his smile fading slightly. "I wish you were here with me."

"Me too," you say, your heart aching at the sight of him. "Just promise you'll come back in one piece."

"I'll do my best," he replies with a wink. "Get some rest, darlin'. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"You too. Goodnight, Tyler."

Day 2:

The morning air is still cool as you step out onto the porch, coffee mug in hand. The farm is quiet except for the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze and the distant clucking of chickens. You take a sip of your coffee, letting the warmth spread through you, but your thoughts are elsewhere.

Tyler's phone call from last night lingers in your mind as you scroll through your phone, half expecting a message from him already. As if on cue, your phone buzzes.

TYLER: Morning, beautiful. We're about to hit the road. How'd you sleep?

You smile, your fingers moving quickly over the keyboard.

YOU: Slept okay, but the bed's too big without you here. How about you?

You set your coffee down, your gaze drifting over the fields as you wait for his response. It's a quiet morning, but the usual calm feels different today–emptier.

After finishing up the morning chores, you decide to head into town to run a few errands. The grocery store is busier than usual, with familiar faces offering smiles and small talk. You browse through the aisles, picking up a few essentials, but your mind keeps wandering back to Tyler.

As you load your bags into the truck, your phone rings, and Tyler's name flashes on the screen. You answer quickly, unable to hide the excitement in your voice.