"I know, but still."
"We could have come with you," I remind her but she shakes her head.
“The Dude Ranch is so busy right now. Plus, the girls are so excited about Mallory’s birthday this weekend.”
I open the passenger door for her and help her into the seat before I close the door and slip behind the wheel.
We talk about the newest Dude Ranch clients and our plans for this summer on the almost hour-long drive to the airport.
“You should stop and see Clara while you’re out here,” Kennedy says as we pass the Los Angeles sign.
“She’s out of town this weekend with her husband but I’m going to stop and see her when I pick you guys up in a few days.”
“Oh! Don’t forget to bring her that painting that we bought her last month.”
“I won’t,” I promise her as I pull over to the curb.
Kennedy starts to tear up as I shift into park and I reach across the console for her hand.
“It’s going to be okay, baby. If you want to fly back early or for us to come out, just say the word.”
“I will. I’ll call you when I land,” she promises, leaning over the console to kiss me.
We both climb out and I help her with her bag. She steps into my chest and I wrap her up in a tight hug, squeezing her tight.
“I love you,” I whisper in her ear and she nods.
“I love you too. I’ll call you soon.”
I kiss her one last time before she grabs her bag and heads inside. I watch her go before I climb back into the car.
It’s been five years and I still hate being away from Kennedy for any amount of time. I know that she’ll be home soon and that she had to go back to Kentucky to help out her dad, but I still hate it.
My phone buzzes as I climb back behind the wheel and I check it as I wait for traffic to clear. It’s a text from Kennedy and I grin as I read it.
Kennedy:Miss you already.
I look upand see her at the windows. She blows me a kiss and I grin as I catch it and blow one back to her. She waves one last time before she heads to check in and I smile as I drive away from the curb.
I can’t imagine my life if I had never met Kennedy. I hate that she was ever put in danger or afraid of something that she loves, but I’ll always be grateful that that fear led her to my Dude Ranch and to me.
We were meant to be and I’m determined to show her that every day of our lives. I’m just so thankful that she loves me too.
* * *