CHAPTER 2

    As I pulled into the driveway, Uncle Buck was waiting on the porch. He must have seen my headlights from the main road. The dogs came running, tails wagging wildly.

    I stepped out of the car, and they jumped up against me, licking my hands and face.

    “ I think it’s my turn to say hi now,” Uncle Buck laughed, walking toward me.

    “ Uncle Buck!” I ran straight into his arms.

    “ My sweet girl! I’ve missed you so much. This place has been so quiet without you.”

    “ Oh, Uncle Buck, I’ve missed you too. The farm, the animals—everything.” I kissed his cheek.

    “ Let’s get your things inside,” he said warmly. “ I’ve made us a nice dinner.”

    We carried my bags inside together, two trips because of all the gifts from my friends. After dinner, I collapsed into bed, my body sinking into the soft mattress. For the first time in weeks, the restlessness inside me was gone.

                                                                           ----

   Allie’s POV

  Two months have passed since I arrived at Uncle Buck’s farm, and I’ve settled in perfectly. Life here feels peaceful and familiar, almost like time has stood still since my childhood visits.

    This morning, the sun is blazing, and the air feels heavy with summer heat. After helping Uncle Buck unload hay from the truck, I wipe the sweat from my forehead and glance toward the lake shimmering in the distance.

    “ It’s a hot one today, Uncle,” I say, catching my breath. “ How about a swim after we finish up?”

    He chuckles and shakes his head. “ Not today, sweetheart. I’ve got errands to run in town. But you go enjoy yourself. You’ve earned it.”

    “ Would you mind getting me a few things while you’re there?”

    “ Of course,” he replies with a grin. “ Anything for you.”

    I jot down a quick list, thank him, and head to my room to change.

   I decide to take one of the horses to the lake. It’s too hot to walk, and besides, riding through the open fields always clears my mind. The moment I arrive, I’m hit with the smell of wildflowers and the faint sound of birds singing in the trees.

    The lake glitters under the afternoon sun, surrounded by a forest of tall trees and vibrant blooms. It looks like something from a dream — calm, clear, and magical. I breathe in deeply. This place has always felt like a piece of paradise.

    I tie the horse to a tree with plenty of grass nearby, then spread my towel across a smooth sunlit rock. I slip off my jean shorts and white tank top, revealing the black one-piece swimsuit I bought last summer but never had the confidence to wear.

    The fabric’ hugs my curves perfectly, showing just enough to make me feel beautiful — though I laugh quietly to myself. Good thing no one’s here to see me.

    I walked into the cool water, letting it rise to my shoulders. The lake feels like silk against my skin. Sunlight dances across the rippling surface, and fish dart beneath my feet. Floating on my back, I close my eyes and listen to the wind whisper through the trees.

    For the first time in years, I feel free.

    After a while, a strange sensation prickles across my skin — like someone’s watching me. I stand and scan the shoreline, but there’s no one. Just my horse grazing peacefully under the trees. Shaking it off, I swim a bit longer before climbing out.

    My towel is still warm from the sun, and I dry off, reaching for my clothes — only to notice my tank top is gone.

    “ Really?” I mutter. I look around the nearby bushes, but it’s nowhere to be seen. “ Maybe a squirrel wanted a blanket.”

    Laughing softly, I give up and spread my towel on the grass. Lying down beside my horse, I close my eyes and drift off to sleep, the warmth of the afternoon lulling me.

    I don’t know how long I’ve been asleep when the horse suddenly startles. Its hooves scrape the ground, and I jolt upright.

    A man stands beside it, his back turned to me. He’s tall and broad-shouldered, dressed simply, but there’s something commanding about his posture.

    “ Hello?” I call out, my voice trembling slightly. “Can I help you?”

    He turns slowly.

    My breath catches.

    He’s… stunning. Short, dark brown hair, neatly trimmed beard, eyes the color of honey caught in sunlight — golden and piercing. There’s something familiar about them, something that makes my heart race.

    When our gazes lock, a warmth spreads through my body like sparks beneath my skin. I can’t move. I can barely breathe.

    He steps closer, and every nerve in me ignites.

    “ Hi,” he says, voice deep and smooth. “ I’m Jack.”

    “ I—uh—I’m Allie,” I stammer, forcing my voice to work.

    He extends a hand, but I’m frozen. My body doesn’t seem to listen to my mind. After a second, he lowers his arm with a faint smile.

    “ It’s nice to meet you, Allie. Are you new around here?”

    His voice is mesmerizing — calm, rich, and confident. I could listen to it all day.

    “ Y-yes,” I say quickly. “ And no. I used to visit my uncle’s farm during the holidays, but I just moved here permanently.”

    He studies me with an intensity that makes my heart pound harder. It feels like he’s memorizing every word I say.

    “ Who’s your uncle?” he asks, stepping closer again.

    “ Buck,” I reply, swallowing hard. “ Uncle Buck.”

    Recognition flashes across his face. “ Ah. I know Buck. Good man.”

    He’s standing so close now I can smell him — a warm, woo-dish scent that reminds me of the forest after rain. My pulse races.

    “ Are you okay?” he asks softly, his voice lowering.

“ You look a little flushed.”

    “ I’m fine,” I manage, though my voice comes out shaky.

    He touches my shoulder gently, and a jolt of electricity rushes through me.

    “ Maybe you’re dehydrated,” he suggests. “ Let me take you home. I’ll make sure you get back safely.”

    Before I can protest, he swings effortlessly onto the horse and reaches for my hand. His grip is firm but careful as he pulls me up behind him.

    “ Hold on,” he says with a grin.

    I wrap my arms around his waist, feeling the solid muscles beneath his shirt. My face burns as I realize how close I am to him. The ride back feels endless and far too short all at once.

    His scent surrounds me — a deep, earthy mix that makes my heart flutter. Without thinking, I lean slightly forward, breathing him in.

    “ You okay back there?” he asks suddenly.

    I jerk back. “ Oh! Yes, sorry. I’m just… cold.”

    He chuckles quietly. “ We’ll be home soon.”

    When we arrive at the farmhouse, he dismounts and reaches for my hand again to help me down. His rough, calloused palm makes mine look small and fragile.

    “ Thank you,” I whisper.