Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
“If they don’t, I’ll make sure you get one.”
“You? Horses aren’t your thing. You’re not going to work the ranch, are you? No NFL, no ranch, then what’s the plan, Mr. Monroe?”
“You’re going to laugh if I tell you.”
“I will not. Come on, what’s that mind been dreaming up?”
“I want to go into construction. I’ve taken a few construction management and construction technology classes and it felt right. My business degree will come in handy.
“I like to work with my hands. I’ve been fixing things around the ranch for years. I think I can make something of it.”
“I think you can do anything you put your mind to, Trevor Monroe.”
“You know, I never really thought about what I’ll do until now. I only knew what I didn’t want to do. Saying it out loud makes a whole lot of sense now that I’m hearing it.
“I appreciate the beauty that can come from using my hands and mind to build something. Thinking about it excites me.”
“Then you’re going to love this place. Come on, Brooke gave us a better way to get in and cut this crazy line.”
“Lead the way, darlin’. I’m right here with you.”
I gasp and rush to place Brooke’s journal back in my bag and pull my songbook out. Without thinking, I stick my tongue out the side of my mouth as I jot down a few lyrics to work on later. These are the first real lyrics I’ve written and felt since…
I force myself not to go there and stay in the moment. No tears. I’ve had to chant those words a lot since we stepped off the plane.
Trevor tugs me into his side as I place the notebook back in my bag. I look up at him. He leans in to peck my lips. My heart skips a beat with the gesture.
“I’m proud of you, darlin’. I knew this place would bring the music back.”
“I don’t know if it’s the place. It might just be the man.”
He winks at me. “I’ll take that. As long as you always have a song in your heart for me.”
“I do believe I was born with a song in my heart for you, Trev. I’ve been singing it for years; you just weren’t listening.”
“Oh, I’ve been listening, darlin’. I just couldn’t do a darn thing about it until now.”
My hands itch to take my notebook back out, but I bank his words for later. I don’t think I’ll be forgetting them anytime soon. With that thought, I walk with him down the stairs to the Louvre with a big, goofy grin on my lips.
Trevor
I can just imagine Brooke’s face if she were here. There’s so much to see, but the architectural design is what’s calling to me. I didn’t tell Lynn, but I already changed my major three semesters ago.
However, I hadn’t honestly thought of going into construction until she asked me what I planned to do. Daddy has been talking about me someday taking over the ranch after my career in football.
I hate that I’m going to disappoint him twice over. None of that feels right to me. However, I want to raise a family and work hard at something I love to get up and do every day.
Looking around at all these intricate details tells me what road I’m leaning most toward and as I look into Lynn’s gorgeous face, I know who I want to do it with.
Maybe I’ll follow her to New York for a bit. I wouldn’t mind working construction there. All those skyscrapers. There’s a ton I could learn.
“What are you thinking?”
Lynn snaps a picture of me as I stare up at the art and sculptures on the ceilings. I look down at her as she smiles back at me. She takes my breath away.
I just want to drag her into one of these corners and kiss her until her lips are swollen and she’s breathless. Instead, I wrap my arms around her and tug her close.
“This place is amazing. The details, the sheer beauty. The structure in and of itself is the perfect stage for the artwork. I can only wish to someday be a part of creating something like this.”
“I can’t wait to see it,” she says.
“I’d be honored to have you with me at the ribbon cutting. Maybe you’ll sing your biggest hit at the time for the people.”
“Maybe.”
She runs her hands up my back. I squeeze my arms around her and dip my head to kiss her lips, not able to hold back. When I break the kiss, she looks up at me with a dreamy look on her face.
A sigh leaves her lips as she glances around. “I can see why she wanted to come here. It’s breathtaking.”
“That it is. Ready to find the Mona Lisa?”
“Sure, that’s the last stop on our list. We’ve ticked off everything else.”