"As much fun as I'm having playing cowgirl out here in this dustbowl of a town..." Aunt Maggie begins, taking a swig from her bottle of Lone Star before fixing me with a warm look. "I've gotta admit, seeing you so relaxed and carefree these past couple days has been the real gift."
I feel my cheeks flush a little at her words, an unexpected lump forming in my throat. Even after spending this incredibly restorative year in her freeing presence, her ability to disarm me with sincerity never fails.
"Yeah, well...I couldn't have gotten to this point without you dragging me out of my funk in the first place," I say honestly, leaning my head against her shoulder affectionately.
She lets out a little huff of laughter, giving me a gentle squeeze. "Maybe so, but you did all the hard work, kiddo
