CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE, old truck but new memories
Cole ended up falling asleep too and the two slept for around an hour or two. They had plenty of time though to get ready for the concert. Cole had then wanted to show her something before they left.
"Okay, check it out." Cole beams, dramatically gesturing to an old pick up he fixed up in front of a barn. They were now back at his family's ranch where he wanted to show her the truck he fixed up. "Finally got it going. Figured we could take it to the fair. What do you think?"
Hollyn thought he looked so cute with how proud he was. He'd been working on it and had put a lot of effort into fixing it up. laughed softly, her eyes lighting up as she took in the sight of the truck. It wasn't a brand-new, flashy vehicle, but there was something about it that made her heart warm. It had character—just like Cole.
"I think it's perfect," Hollyn smiles at him, walking up to the truck and giving it a playful tap on the hood. "I haven't seen this truck in awhile. I can't believe you finally got it running."
"Told you I'd get it working eventually," Cole grins, his eyes sparkling with pride. "You're the first person I wanted to show it to."
Hollyn felt her cheeks flush at his words, the sincerity in his voice making her heart skip a beat. "Well, I feel honored," She said with a playful grin, stepping around to the passenger side of the truck. "Let's see what this thing can do."
Cole walks around to the driver's side, his smile never fading as he climbed in. "Buckle up, sweetheart." He teased, turning the key in the ignition. The engine rumbled to life, and the truck shook slightly, its wheels almost eager to hit the road.
Hollyn slid into the seat beside him, feeling the familiar sense of comfort wash over her as she buckled up. The truck was old, but it had character—a little rough around the edges, just like the man beside her. As Cole drove them down the dirt road that led to the fair, Hollyn couldn't help but feel the weight of the day's events still lingering in the air. She had conquered that bull, her dream coming true, and now, she was with Cole, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. It was everything she had ever wanted.
Cole squeezes her hand, his voice steady as he replied, "Hey, I'm so proud of you of what you did today. You were amazing out there, Hollyn. You've got more guts and strength than anyone I've ever known."
Hollyn glances at him, her smile soft and full of gratitude. "That means a lot, Cole. I couldn't have done it without your support."
Cole chuckles, giving her hand another gentle squeeze. "Oh, please. You're the one who climbed onto that bull and made history. I was just lucky enough to cheer you on."
Hollyn smiled softly at his words, but before she could respond, the truck sputtered loudly. A sharp clunking sound followed, and the engine gave out completely, leaving them coasting to a stop on the side of the road. Cole frowned, muttering under his breath as he shifted the truck into park and turned the key, trying to restart it. Nothing. Just silence.
"Really?" He sighs, hitting the steering wheel lightly. "Come on, not tonight."
Hollyn couldn't help but laugh a little despite the situation. "Well, you did say it wasn't easy getting this thing running. Guess it's got some quirks."
Cole leans back in his seat, rubbing a hand over his face before pulling out his phone. "I'm sorry, Hollyn. I wanted tonight to be perfect, and now we might miss the concert." He glances at her apologetically. "I'll call Will. He can come pick us up."
"Don't apologize," Hollyn assures him, reaching over to touch his arm. "I don't care about the concert. I'm just happy to be here with you." Cole gave her a grateful smile and dialed his brother's number, explaining their predicament. Will promised to come as soon as he could, but it would be at least half an hour before he could get there.
Hanging up, Cole sighs and turns to Hollyn with a frown. "It's going to be a while. I'm really sorry for ruining the night."
"You didn't ruin anything," Hollyn insists, her voice warm. "It's not like you planned for the truck to break down. And honestly, this might be even better than a crowded concert."
Cole raises an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? How so?"
"It's nice to get a little quiet time, don't you think?" She replies with a smile. "There's something peaceful about the night, and this place. Plus it's a clear night, the sky is so pretty." She beamed, turning to look out the window.
His face softens and he smiles fondly. He unbuckles and climbs out, confusing her. "What are you doing?" She asked.
"You'll see." He closed grabbed a blanket he kept in his truck for emergencies and closed the door. He walked to her side to open the door, offering her his hand with a smile. Confused but curious, she unbuckled her seatbelt and took his hand, stepping out of the truck.
"You love stargazing, right?" Cole asks as he shut the door. "Figured it's the perfect time for that while we wait for Will." He guided her over to the truck, climbing on it first before laying the blanket down. He then helped her climb up, smiling as they settled down by each other. "Yeah, I haven't had the chance lately because I've been so busy practicing for the rodeo. I love that idea, Coley." She moved to lean against his chest as he leaned against the windshield, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. He grabbed the blanket to wrap around them, it has gotten colder now that the sun had set.
Then they both glance up at the sky, which was alive with stars, brighter and more vivid than Hollyn had seen in months. The quiet of the countryside wrapped around them, broken only by the occasional chirp of crickets and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze
"Wow," Hollyn whispered, her voice full of awe. "I forgot how beautiful it is out here."
Cole tightens his arm around her, his warmth seeping into her as he replied, "I figured you could use a moment to breathe. After everything today, you deserve it."
Hollyn smiles, tilting her head to look up at him. "You're always looking out for me."
"Of course I am," He said softly, brushing his lips against her forehead. "You've been working so hard, and I know tomorrow's big. But no matter what happens, you're already incredible."
Her heart swells at his words, and she leaned closer, resting her head on his chest. "Thank you for saying that. It's easy to forget sometimes."
"Then I'll remind you as many times as you need." Cole said, his voice steady and reassuring.
They stayed like that, cocooned in their shared warmth under the blanket, watching the stars twinkle above them. Hollyn felt the weight of her worries start to melt away, replaced by a quiet confidence born from Cole's unwavering support.
As they waited for Will, Hollyn points out a constellation she remembered from childhood. "See that one? That's Orion's Belt. My dad used to tell me stories about it when I was a kid. And other constellations too. He said the stars were like a map, guiding us through life when we feel lost. I always thought that was such a magical idea."
Cole gazes up at the sky, his expression thoughtful. "I like that. It makes you think...Even when things feel uncertain, there's always something out there to help you find your way."
Hollyn nods, her smile soft. "Exactly. It's comforting, you know? Like no matter how scary tomorrow feels, I just have to trust that the stars—or something—will guide me."
Cole tilts his head, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "And if the stars ever let you down, you know you've got me, right? I'm not going anywhere, Holls."
Hollyn met his gaze, her eyes glistening with emotion. "I know," She whispers. "And that means more to me than you'll ever know."
Their lips met in a tender kiss, and Hollyn let herself get lost in the moment, in the warm, safe feeling of Cole's arms around her and the reassurance of his love. His hand moved to cup her cheek, his thumb gently stroking her skin as they kissed. Despite the coldness of his hand, she still leaned into his touch, eyes closing, sighing happily. The world fell away, and all she could focus on was him. The feel of his lips on hers, the strong grip of his hands, and the beating of his heart, a steady rhythm that echoed her own.
He pulls away, making her giggle when he nuzzles her neck. "Your nose is cold." She mumbled, her hands moving to wrap around his waist.
He doesn't move his face from her neck, and she can feel him smirk against her skin. "Guess we'll just have to keep each other warm, then. Your nose is cold too." He muttered when she had buried her face in his neck, her nose pressed against his neck.
"Hey, I'm not complaining. I've got a pretty hot guy all to myself right now." She giggled when he tugged her on his lap, his arms wrapped around her waist.
"And I've got the most gorgeous girl in the world in my arms." He murmurs, pressing a kiss against her temple. "I'm one lucky cowboy."
She smiles, her cheeks flushed with warmth. "I think I'm the lucky one."
As they sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, Hollyn couldn't imagine anywhere else she'd rather be. This was exactly what she needed—a quiet moment to remember who she was, a reminder that she was capable of more than she realized. She wasn't alone, and even if she failed, she knew Cole would still be by her side.
They both had each other, and that was all they would ever need.
The headlights of a car appear in the distance, shining brightly through the darkness. Hollyn reluctantly pulls away, but Cole doesn't let her go. "Come on, he's here." She laughed when he pulled her closer, not wanting to let her go.
"Fine, fine. One last kiss, then we go." Cole murmured, his eyes sparkling with playfulness.
She rolled her eyes playfully, her smile wide as she leaned in, pressing her lips against his. The kiss was sweet and soft, full of the promise of more to come. They both lingered for a moment, neither wanting the kiss to end.
Eventually, Hollyn pulled away, her lips curving into a smile. "Okay, that's enough. We can continue this later." She said, her cheeks flushed.
Cole sighs dramatically, making her giggle as she moved to stand up. "I'll hold you to that." He smirked, helping her climb down from the truck.
"Hey, guys. You both okay?" Will asks in concern when he walked over to them. He looks relieved when they both nodded and smiled. "Well, I know being stuck in the middle of nowhere in the cold sucks, but I got some good news for you."
Hollyn perks up, sharing a confused yet curious look with Cole. "What is it, Will? Don't leave us in suspense."
Will chuckles. "The wedding is back on."
Hollyn gasps, her eyes widening. "Are you serious?! That's amazing! Oh my gosh, I can't believe it!" She gushed excitedly, practically bouncing in her excitement.
She knew Will and Hayley had a falling out, they had took a break after a bad argument, but it seemed that things were going to work out between them. She knew they had always been a perfect match, and she couldn't be happier for her friend. "I knew you two would figure it out. You and Hayley are meant to be." Hollyn grinned, throwing her arms around Will, who laughed, returning the hug.
"Thanks, Holly Berry. Means a lot." Will smiled, his relief palpable. Cole grinned and hugged his older brother next. Hollyn couldn't stop the excitement buzzing through her, the news of her friends' reunion lifting her spirits even higher. She glanced up at the starlit sky and felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. The cold, the mishap with the truck, and the uncertainty of the evening all seemed insignificant now.
"Isn't it amazing how things have a way of working out?" Hollyn murmured, her breath visible in the crisp night air.
Cole slips an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "Yeah, it is," He agrees, his gaze following hers to the sky. "It's a good reminder to not give up, even when it seems like everything's falling apart."
Will chuckles, breaking the moment. "Alright, lovebirds, save the deep thoughts for later. We've got a tow truck coming, and I don't want to freeze out here any longer than necessary."
Hollyn laughs, shaking her head. "Fine, fine. But only if you promise to give Hayley the biggest hug for me when you see her."
"Deal." Will said with a grin.
As the rumble of the tow truck's engine broke through the quiet night, Hollyn couldn't help but feel like the night had turned into one of those moments she'd always remember. Surrounded by love and laughter, she knew the best was yet to come—for all of them.
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