A moment for you

Lexi Grayson never expected her ex-boyfriend, Jace, to turn up at a local Super Bowl party— or the sweet promise of renewed love “Her heart hammered in her chest at his unexpected appearance”

Lexi Grayson didn’t know much about football, but she was still determined to enjoy the Super Bowl party for Mesa Falls Ranch employees. It was just after sunset as she hurried toward the converted barn where tailgate festivities were underway. Country music and the scent of barbecue drifted on the breeze as her boots crunched through snow. She lived nearby in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley and worked as a trail guide for the ranch’s seasonal guests, a job that allowed her to care for the grandmother who’d raised her.

A job that had brought love into her life, if only briefly.

She shoved aside the memories as laughter sounded around the barn. Outdoor lights flooded the lawn where pickup trucks were parked and a game of touch football was in progress. She recognized one of the ranch owners directing a play from his position as quarterback. Lexi’s gaze followed the trajectory of a spiral pass to the intended receiver—jace Reeves, the ranch’s former head wrangler.

And Lexi’s former boyfriend.

Her heart hammered in her chest at his unexpected appearance. He’d left Mesa Falls months ago for a new position at a spread outside of Ennis. Now, he was mobbed by cheering teammates in the glow of the lights, snow drifting down like victory confetti after his catch.

“It’s kickoff time,” a voice shouted from the side door of the converted barn.

The football game broke up, and her coworkers retreated indoors to watch. Soon,

Jace and Lexi were alone. His green eyes met hers. She noticed how his broad shoulders stretched his flannel button-down as he strode toward her.

“Lexi.” He flipped the football onto the lowered tailgate of his pickup. “Can we talk? Please.” She told herself to say no. He had broken her heart when he left, his dreams too big for the small town where she needed to stay.

But the sight of him filled an empty place inside her, and she couldn’t find the words to turn him away. “I’m surprised to see you here.”

“It’s good to be back,” he said, spreading a blanket over his tailgate. “I’ve missed it.”

He gestured toward the blanket, inviting her to take a seat. She did, if only to hide her wobbly knees. She didn’t want to betray a hint of vulnerability.

“You seemed so eager to start over somewhere different,” she ventured as he took a seat beside her. She remembered how many times they’d taken long walks around this very property, enjoying the mountain views, clean air and blue skies. She’d thought they wanted the same things. She’d been wrong.

“I wasn’t.” Jace shook his head, snow melting in his dark hair as it landed. “But I’d never lived in one place for more than a year, so I did what I’ve always done after 12 months—i looked for the next destination.”

“You said your mom was a restless spirit.” She recalled Jace had been raised on the road. His mother had worked in rodeo, pulling up stakes whenever she got bored. “I learned the hard way that you are too.”

“Not now.” He fixed his eyes on her. “I don’t have the urge to keep moving now.”

Her heartbeat slugged harder at the quiet sincerity in his voice, but she didn’t want to misunderstand him. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve been searching for what I want for a long time, Lexi. Maybe I had to lose it to appreciate that everything important to me is right here.” He reached for her hand. “I should have never left Mesa Falls. More importantly, I should have never left you. Because I love you.”

Warmth stole through her. She wanted to believe him. But… “How can you be sure?”

He brushed a thumb over her bottom lip. “I don’t expect you to believe me. Not yet. I’m determined to show you, to win back your trust. All I ask for is a chance.”

She heard the truth in his voice. “Jace… does that mean you’re coming back?”

“If you’ll have me.”

Inside the barn, a cheer went up as one of the teams scored. But for Lexi, it felt like all of Mesa Falls applauded this moment with Jace as he leaned in to kiss her, sealing their future and their love.