Chapter TEN-CASEY

I came to the Motley Crewd Ranch hoping to shake some of the loneliness that’s been clinging to me like a second skin.

I told myself it was just a weekend away.

A break.

A chance to breathe.

To not look over my shoulder.

To pretend, for just a little while, that I wasn’t a woman with a past that could still find her if she stood still too long.

But deep down? I was aching for something more.

Avery’s been amazing. She's the kind of friend who doesn’t pry, but always shows up exactly when you need her.

And the other women—Penny, Jezebel, Arliss—they welcomed me like I belonged here from the second I stepped onto the place.

They’re smart, funny, strong as hell. They are also completely head-over-heels, fairy-tale in love.

And not the performative, Instagram-filter kind of love.

I mean real love.

Deep. Soul-level.

The kind that wraps around you like a safety net and never lets go.

It’s beautiful. And honestly? A little intimidating.