"That's the way I want it," Scott said matter-of-factly.
Forrester had his hand on the door handle. He surveyed the property one last time before getting in. The window came down, but Forrester never said a word; he only glared.
When the car was no longer in sight, Caitlin breathed. "Is it over?" she asked, a queasy feeling in her stomach.
The uncertainty in his eyes made her knees buckle. He did not need to speak the words, for she knew anything was possible with Forrester MacKay. She sank onto the ground and pulled her knees to her chest. Warmth from the mid-afternoon sun shone on her, reaching into the deepest parts of her, which had been cold and cut off due to the intense situation. Forrester may come back, but I can handle him. Plus I have Garrett on my side. My plans will continue.With that thought, pressure released itself and flew into the sky. When Scott joined her she said, "Why didn't you follow your dad's orders, besides him being a jerk?"
"He said it. I fell in love."
A breath escaped as she touched his cheek. "Any other time, any other place and it would have been easy and tempting to fall too. It wasn't meant to be and for that I am sorry. You're a good man, Scott MacKay, rough around the edges, but there's a young woman out there waiting for you."
"I doubt she'll have your spunk or enthusiasm for life."
"Anything is possible. Perhaps she'll have more."
His smile captured her heart and she knew this man would forever be in her thoughts, but as for anything else it belonged to Garrett. They stayed seated a few more minutes and then stood. Scott pulled her into a hug. "I'll miss you. Go home to Garrett. Let him know you're okay and it's time to move into the future." He kissed her cheek and then got into his truck. She waved until the truck was on the main road. Though ecstatic to celebrate with Garrett, she wanted a few minutes to relish the silence and watch her dreams unfold in her mind. Children's laughter, campfires, and cowboy songs filled her mind and body with a sense of fulfillment.