CH. 29

Renee nodded, handing him a towel to dry his hands. Together, they moved through the kitchen in a dance of familiarity that was both new and comforting. As they stepped outside, the cool morning air kissed their skin, a stark contrast to the warmth they'd shared in the house. The sky was a canvas of pinks and oranges, the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon. The farm was waking up, the roosters crowing and the cows lowing in the distance. They walked towards the stables, their bare feet sinking into the soft, dewy grass. The warmth of the previous night had carried over into the early morning, leaving the air with a gentle embrace that seemed to hug them both. The scent of the earth was rich and alive, a stark contrast to the sterile, artificial world Renee had known in the city. It was a comfort, a reminder that no matter what happened, the world continued to turn, and life went on. The barn doors were open, the early morning light filtering in and casting a warm glow over the sleeping animals. Mike took the lead, his movements sure and steady as he made his way down the aisle. Renee followed, her eyes drinking in the sight of the horses, their breath misting in the cool air. The chickens clucked and flapped their wings in their enclosure, eager for their morning feed.
They worked in companionable silence, Mike showing her the ropes and the little quirks of the animals she had yet to learn. The horses nuzzled them both, sensing the bond that had grown stronger overnight. Renee felt a pang of regret for not being able to do this with Jake, but she pushed it aside. This was her life now, and she had to live it. As they finished up in the barn, Renee took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the sunrise, the way it painted the sky in shades of fiery red and gold. It was a stark contrast to the tumultuous emotions that roiled within her. She had had a vivid dream the night before, where Jake had moved on with someone else. It was a twisted knot of pain and relief, making her choice of embracing Mike's comfort and understanding feel easier.

Taking a deep breath, she decided to text Jake, her thumbs moving over the phone screen with a surprising ease. "Hey," she began, trying to keep it casual despite the heavy weight of her words. Her heart pounded in her chest as she typed, the words feeling like a confession she wasn't quite ready to make. "It's been a week, and it's been really hard. The silence is killing me. I miss you." She paused, contemplating whether to tell him about Mike and the comfort she had found in his arms. But she didn't want to betray him, not like that. Jake's response came quicker than she had expected, his words a mix of regret and reassurance. "I'm sorry, Renee. I've been dealing with a lot back here. I never wanted to put you through this." His message was followed by a series of sad-face emojis that did little to lighten the heaviness in her heart. She knew he was going through his own turmoil, but she couldn't ignore the ache in her chest that grew with every day apart. Renee took a deep breath and began to type, her thumbs moving with purpose over the screen. "I understand you're busy," she wrote, her voice measured and calm despite the storm inside her. "But I need to know where we stand. Can we talk?" Before she could hit send, the phone buzzed in her hand. She looked down and saw another message from Jake. "I've missed you too," it read. "But things are a mess here, and I don't know when I can come back. I need some time." She replied with a simple, "Okay." It was all she could manage, the word feeling inadequate to express the tangle of emotions that swirled inside her.

Renee slipped her phone into her pocket and turned to Mike, who was in the middle of refilling the hay bins. He had one hand buried in the golden strands, tossing the fragrant feed with a rhythmic grace that made it seem as if he had been doing it for years. His bare back muscles rippled with every throw, the sight of him so at ease with the farm life. Her eyes traveled the length of his body, taking in every curve and dip. He was a stark contrast to the suited men she had known in the city, their muscles hidden beneath layers of fabric. Here, Mike's were on display, a testament to the hard work and dedication he had for the land. His skin was kissed with a light dusting of sweat, the early morning light glinting off of it like a sculpture brought to life. Mike noticed her watching and finished up, walking up to her with a swagger that was as much a part of him as the dust on his boots. He stepped closer, the scent of the hay and the earth mingling with his natural musk. Renee felt her breath hitch as he reached out and embraced her, his arms wrapping around her waist and lifting her slightly off the ground. His chest was warm and solid against her, and she found herself leaning into his embrace, her head resting on his shoulder as if it belonged there. "Everything okay?" he asked, his voice a low rumble against her ear. Renee nodded, her eyes still on the horizon, a canvas of pinks and oranges. "Just thinking about where all we will go this week," she murmured, her voice a soft echo in the quiet of the early morning. Mike set her down gently, his hand lingering on the small of her back. "It'll be good for you," he said, his eyes searching hers. "A break from all this."

Renee nodded, her gaze dropping to the ground. She didn't want to admit it, but he was right. The constant worry about Jake and the farm, the never-ending chores - it had all become too much. But with Mike, she felt alive again, like she was more than just a caretaker or a mother. With him, she could be free, even if it was just for a week. "Thank you," she murmured, the words catching in her throat. "For everything." Mike leaned down and kissed her forehead, his breath warm against her skin. "You don't have to thank me, Renee. You're important to me." The week unfolded like a map of adventure, with each day revealing a new path to explore. They hiked through the dense, emerald forest, the trees whispering secrets as they climbed to the peak of the tallest hill. Renee's heart raced with excitement and exertion, her hand tight in Mike's as they stepped over gnarled roots and leapt across babbling streams. The air was rich with the scent of pine and earth, a stark contrast to the stale, recycled air of the city she had left behind. At the top, they stood hand in hand, the world sprawling out before them, a canvas of rolling hills and distant farms. Mike's hand squeezed hers, and she knew that in this moment, she belonged. Their camping trip was a whirlwind of laughter and shared stories, the crackling fire a warm embrace as they roasted marshmallows and drank beer beneath a canopy of stars. Renee had never felt so small and yet so significant, surrounded by the vastness of nature and the solidity of Mike's presence. They lay on the ground, their heads on the same pillow, as they talked about their hopes and fears. The darkness of the night wrapped around them like a blanket, offering a safe space for the tender confessions that grew like vines between them.

The days passed in a blur of activity, each more exciting than the last. They explored the countryside, their hearts beating in sync as they drove down winding roads that whispered of hidden adventures. They visited farms that were postcards brought to life, the animals a delightful menagerie that filled Renee's heart with joy. She watched as Mike interacted with the farmers, his charm as potent as ever, and she felt a swell of pride in the man who had claimed a piece of her heart. On their final night, they lay in the bed of the pickup truck, a makeshift bed under the stars, the night air a lover's caress against their skin. They talked about their dreams and fears, the intimacy of their confessions weaving a bond that grew stronger with each shared secret. Renee knew she was falling for Mike, the warmth of his embrace a siren's call she couldn't resist. The next morning, they pulled into Renee's driveway, the farmhouse a familiar beacon in the early light. The week had been a whirlwind of stolen glances, whispered promises, and passionate nights that had etched themselves into their hearts. The silence between them was thick with unspoken words, the tension palpable as they climbed out of the truck.