“You stupid, stupid outlaw! Damn you!”

I don’t know what I’m doing or what I’m saying. I’m just so angry with her— with everything. How could she just do that to me? Kidnap me from my father, take me horseback up the valley and hold me for ransom, then abandon me for the money. I spent three damn months with this wild excuse of a woman and I couldn’t help but… fall in love with her. I was confused, conflicted. Throughout the time I was with her I was constantly attempting to get away, yet once I was returned home I felt myself missing everything. Not just the adventure, not just the excitement I felt, but her herself.

She whipped around with a wide gaze, clearly surprised to see the governor’s daughter returning to her. I interrupted any thoughts she was having by driving a quick slap to her cheek, leaving her further in shock. This entire time I’ve spent looking for her, I’ve been waiting to give her that.

“How could you leave me after the time we had?!” I ask shakily. She probably thinks I’m crazy at this point, but I don’t care. I want to be with her. She dresses close enough like a man, we can make it work. I don’t care what anyone thinks. I want this stupidly pretty cowgirl back.