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“We don’t have to idealize this,” I say “And we don’t have to make promises we can’t keep”

“I’ve never broken a promise to you in my life”

“Exactly So why risk ruining your winning streak?”

Wyatt rolls his eyes

“Will you co this up this until now because I kno he feels about big cities He thinks he’ll get claustrophobic with all the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and all the dead-eyed people craround trains He likes the peace and quiet, the wide-open spaces He needs to be able to see the stars at night and to breathe clean mountain air Also, he’s never been on a plane in his life His parents are so busy with the ranch that they don’t get around to traveling, and it’s always a chore to find someone to cover work duties anyway

“If you want me to,” he says without hesitation

I laugh at theairports and gray city blocks

“I wouldn’t do that to you,” I say “I plan on co home as much as I can Will you write me letters?”

“Thought you said you couldn’t read ?”

“Ever heard of e elaborate Just letabout me …”

He sniffs “I’d be blowing up your phone then”

“I won’t mind”

Wyatt threads his callused hands through h his nostrils

“It’s going to be hard, Blaire,” he says “Talking to you Texting you But not being able to see you any time I want”

“We can FaceTime”

His eyes catch mine “I mean in person”

The pit of rows heavy and a hot threat of bile rises up the back of my throat Is this the precursor to a breakup speech? Is he saying he’s a one? It doesn’t seeetting this feeling like I’s have been too good these last few years, and if there’s anything I’ve learned in s rarely ever last It’s a truth e, shortly after the untimely death of his one true love … my sweet mother