Chapter 21

“I’m sure they already know what to do.”

“You’re right. They do. I’ll just let them have at it and mind my own business.”

Mama kicks us out into the pasture. She says, “Take a walk you two and have some time alone.” She pokes Corey in his chest and adds: “But don’t go far because Gage will need to rest.”

So off we go, leaving the ranch house. One knoll turns into two. We want to walk a hundred acres and then two hundred acres together, side by side, but we don’t because of my lack of energy and condition.

The day is moderate and appealing. A crisp blue sky opens over Kansas and offers a warm breeze against our arms and faces. The walk is spectacular, needed, and good medicine.

A half hour into our walk and we can no longer see the ranch, which turns into the perfect opportunity to slip my hand within Corey’s and say, “Nurse Seth says I’m in love with you.”

“He could be right.”

“Do you want him to be right?”