The next few days passed slowly as Hunter and I fell into a routine. He would wake up at 4, make me coffee and breakfast and it was done by the time I came from my room at 430. He'd come in at noon for lunch, make us whatever I requested, and then head back to work. By 5, he was exhausted and filthy, coming in looking worn out until he saw me lying on the couch, and a bright smile would form on his face. After a quick shower, he'd join me, watching as I planned out the gender reveal, his fingers always running along the nape of my neck or upper back. That was something I had quickly realized about Hunter. He craved connection and physical touch, and I needed that to ground myself.

We'd have a small dinner and watch the sunset as he drank bourbon and I sipped tea. As soon as it was dark, we'd head inside and Hunter would start to read, resting in the corner of the couch as I sat next to him, watching documentaries quietly, the dogs cuddled up on the floor at our feet.

I always fell asleep before him and would wake up in my bed, tucked in with Bear cuddled into my side.

It was now Saturday afternoon and Hunter was finishing cleaning outside as I sat on my bed, using a small mirror to fix my hair. We were going to his parents for dinner as he did every Saturday and my nerves were getting to me. Although I had met everyone but Hazel's wife Robin, I was still nervous, knowing how important it was to Hunter.

"Gray?" Hunter softly knocked on my open door, "what are you doing?"

"Trying to figure out what to wear. But I gave up and now I'm fixing my hair for the 15th time. Are you done?"

"Yeah. Works done for the day. You weren't sittin' there watchin' me though. That's a first."

"I'm nervous," I whispered, looking at my lap.

"You've met everyone but Robin."

"I know but… it's important to you… that we get along, right?"

"Well…" he cleared his throat, his face red, "yes. A bit. Okay… it's incredibly important to me. But Zee gushes about you in the 9 thousand texts she sends me a day. Dad likes ya quite a bit too. Ma loves everyone as long as they're polite and Robin is really sweet. It'll be okay."

"What do I even wear?"

"It's just dinner with my parents. Ya can't wear anythin' tight on your leg or arms. So maybe jeans and a nice sweater if it'll make ya feel good? I'm goin' to wear my favorite outfit. I ain't good at wearin' fancy clothes. But I do know how to clean myself up a bit. Be comfortable. You'll look nice no matter what."

"Hunter…" I stared at him surprised and he turned bright red.

"I mean it. Um… I need a shower so get ready please," he quickly turned on his heel and I heard his bedroom door open and close quickly.

So easily embarrassed.

It's cute.

With a smile, I made my way to the closet and pulled out a cream-colored turtle neck sweater and a black and green flannel as well as loose-legged black jeans. Tucking the shirt into my pants, I pulled the flannel on, hoping the layers would be enough to hide how injured I still was. I took a seat on the bed, panting quietly, the pain in my leg shooting through me as I gripped the blanket.

I've been pushing myself again.

I have to be more careful.

"Gray?" Hunter came into my room and squatted down, his hair dripping slowly.

"My leg. I'm okay. I was just pushing myself. Trying to put on clothes is exhausting right now."

"Ya have to be careful," he reached up and pushed my hair away from my forehead, "You're sweatin’ so bad."

"It's hot in here," I laughed, "between the heater, your shower, and my 2 shirts I'm just a bit warm. I'm not sick," I gently patted his cheek, "I promise."

"You have to tell me if ya are okay? How are your sutures today?"

"Itchy which means they're healing. Hunter," I twirled a piece of his wet hair through my fingers, "you worry so much."

"I told ya, Grayson. I care about you. Now, I've spent more time in here than what's appropriate so I'm gonna go get dressed. Meet me in the livin' room."

"Did you pick up that gift I wanted for your mom?" I called as he walked out of my room.

"Ya know I did," he smiled brightly and I could hear his bedroom door close.

He's the sweetest.

I swear.

Once I was done ensuring my hair looked presentable, I went to the back door and let the dogs out to run. I was sitting on the deck, carefully tying my shoes when my thigh started to pull and I stopped immediately so as to not rip my stitches once again.

"Fucking hell," I muttered softly.

"Droppin' curses on the back deck at 1 in the afternoon? Seems a bit early. What's wrong?" Hunter laughed from behind me.

"I can't tie my shoe," I pouted, looking up at him, my mouth falling open.

Hunter had pulled his curls to the left side of his head, letting them fall along his shoulders. He'd shaved a bit, cleaning up his beard and that was the first time I noticed the small freckles on his cheeks. The thing that shocked me was the fact he had tucked a dark blue button-up into a pair of dark wash jeans, causing his chest to seem wider than it was, his deep brown belt matching his boots. Over his shirt was an older denim jacket still in good quality and he was holding his favorite cowboy hat in his hand.

"What is it?" He tilted his head, confusion on his face.

"N… nothing. Um… you look really nice."

"Oh," he blushed, rubbing his neck nervously, "thank you. You too. Here," he dropped to one knee in front of me and carefully lifted my leg, setting my shoe on his thigh. He slowly tied it, his hair falling across his face, "there. We need to do one thing before we head to my parents."

"What's that?"

After a quick run inside, he returned with a bouquet of wildflowers, "You've been healin’. So we haven't got to talk to your mom. I'll take ya out there now on the cart. But ya can't tell anyone where it is. It's a special place to me, okay?"

"You want to show me something that special?" A tear rolled down my cheek and he gave me his trademark cheeky smile.

"Yes. It's our special spot now. I put Natalie there for ya," he wiped my tear away, cupping my cheek, "she's with ya always. In here," he gently touched above my heart, "but it's nice to have a solid place to talk."

"I know. I want to go to North Dakota at some point. I haven't been there to see her or my granddad. I was too scared… to go alone."

"I can go with ya. I can have Pa come and feed the cows and take care of the horses for a few days. He always says I work too much anyway. It's only about 7 hours. We can go in 2 months. When you're solid on your feet. I promise. 3-day trip. We'll go campin' too. Does that work for you?"

"Yes," I sniffled, carefully wiping my nose on my sleeve, "it does."

"Good. Let me grab my keys. The dogs will run behind us probably. It ain't too far out though," he patted my knee softly and headed back into the house.

What have I done to deserve such kindness?

Hunter returned, swinging his keys around his finger, and handed me the flowers before jogging off to the barn, both dogs chasing after him, making me laugh.

Pulling up to the back deck in a utility vehicle, Hunter patted the seat next to him and I carefully made my way down the steps, sliding in.

"Put that lap belt on. It gets a little bumpy," he flashed me his crooked smile.

"Aye aye cap'n," I saluted him, making him snort, a gentle laugh escaping him as he drove away from the house.

Bear and Moose were chasing us, barking loudly as Hunter passed through the pastures, stopping at the end of the property and opening a gate. We made our way up a winding hill behind the house, coming to a stop near the top.

In the middle of tall pine trees was a circular clearing, wildflowers everywhere, and in front of 3 trees next to each other were the crosses Hunter had told me about. The sunlight poured in from the opening of the trees, bathing everything in a beautiful, sparkling glow.

"This is beautiful," I whispered, climbing out carefully. Bear ran to my side and I put my hand on his back for support.

"I'll wait here. Talk to your mom. Ain't no reason I need to hear it," Hunter smiled.

"Okay. Sit with me next time?"

"Deal."

I could feel Hunter watching me as I made my way to the small crosses. The first one said "Silas Judah Hope" and I sniffled, realizing both Hunter and his father had been named after his grandfather. The next one was labeled "Nancy Amelia Hope" and I smiled, glad to see they were side by side. My mother was placed next to Nancy and I let out a soft cry, sitting in front of it and touching the engraving that held her name.

"Natalie Georgia Walker. He even spelled it right," setting the flowers down, I wiped my face before clearing my throat, "Hi mama. I… I miss you. I know we didn't get a lot of time together when I was growing up but I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you did for me. I know it was hard. It never… really stopped being hard. I almost died less than a week ago. But a fucking incredible man saved me. You'd love him, mama. He's so sweet. Gentle. Caring. I'm gonna be okay. Work on a beautiful ranch. Help take care of some babies. Start working at the library. Things are good for me, mama. So rest. You don't need to worry anymore. Be at peace. I'm okay. I'm alive, cared for. I love you," kissing my palm, I softly touched her name and began to cry, hanging my head.

Bear laid his chin on my leg and I wrapped my hand in his fur, the sobs wracking my chest.

I was suddenly cradled in warmth from behind and I turned my head to find Hunter, "what are you doing?"

"Hush. I'm tryin' not to think about it. But ya shouldn't be sittin' here, cryin' alone. So I'm givin' you the best support I can. Cry, Gray. It's okay. Ya need to."

My eyes welled with tears again and I gripped the front of his shirt, clutching onto him. Hunter laid his cheek on the top of my head, gently rubbing my back and he started humming softly, holding me tightly.

We stayed in this embrace for a long time, my tears finally coming to a slow and I squeezed Hunter before leaning back.

"Thank you," I whispered, wiping my face, "thank you so much. For putting her here. For being here. Supporting me. I… I have no idea what I would have done without you."

"I wouldn't have left ya here to cry. Trust me, I had to fight with myself, I'm not used to touchin' anyone, but you looked so small, so devastated I couldn't resist. Are ya ready to go back to the farm? Wash up a little and head to my parents?"

"Mhm," I nodded, smiling finally.

He carefully helped me to my feet and we went to the vehicle, the dogs jumping into the back and we took off towards the house.

After washing my face and Hunter grabbing the gifts I had asked him to get from me, a large tan throw with a matching coffee mug and chocolates for Allison, and a bottle of whiskey that Hunter knew his father liked, we climbed into the truck, leaving the dogs at home.

"So," Hunter cleared his throat as we pulled away, "there's one thing you outta know."

"I'm mad you're telling me this now, rather than when I was panicking this morning," I huffed.

"It ain't nothin' bad. Don't worry your pretty little head over it. Normally, when I get there, I help my Dad finish up whatever he's makin' on the grill. So, I'll have to leave ya for a bit. That's all."

"Rude. You told me I could hide behind you."

"How can I make it up to ya?"

"The skies are clear tonight right?"

"Yup."

"Fine. I want hot chocolate with marshmallows while we sit on a blanket and watch the stars come out in the back."

"That's it?"

"I'm a simple guy, Hunter. Spending time with me is more important than material stuff. By giving me your time, it shows me… that I matter to you."

"We can lay out and watch the stars whenever ya want. Ya just have to ask. I love doin' that. It'll be nice to have ya there with me. Okay. As soon as we're done with dinner, I'll get everything set up for hot chocolate and a small fire under the stars. Ya just promise me to wear somethin' warm. It's still cold at night."

"I promise. You worry so much."

"Get used to it. I'll always worry," he smiled before giving me a wink and turning his gaze back to the road.

He's getting more comfortable with me.

Good.