Author Note: bonus chapter are scenes I had already written but were excluded from the chapters due to length, incompletes, etc. This set was written before the final chapter.
"Bee," Josiah called, startling Blythe who was working in the garden.
"Hi," she smiled, straightening up to give him a kiss.
"How was your interview, honey?" he asked.
"It was good," she answered. "Pretty standard. I was still pretty nervous, though."
Blythe had interviewed for the kindergarten opening at the elementary school close to the ranch. The ranch was her home now, her and her three guys. She had no where else she wanted to be.
There were a few factors about the transfer that were out of her control. If another teacher applied and had seniority over her, Blythe would be less likely to get it.
"I'm sure you did amazing," Jo smiled. There was a change that had happened. He only wore suits on certain days now. He was wearing a delicious pair of blue jeans and a fitted t-shirt today.
"I've finished my calls today, but I told Denver I'd help him out with something cattle."
Blythe giggled. "What do you know about cattle?"
"Not much," he admitted, pressing his lips to the corner of her mouth. "I'm learning, though."
He continued, "Pax is teaching his class in town, so don't wait up on us. I have no idea how long we will be."
She agreed, watching him walk towards the barn.
Summer was such a crazy season for all of them, except for her. Blythe had been struggling recently to find the right balance.
Before, she was busy, too, so she felt pretty equal. Now, she felt a little left out. She knew it wasn't permanent or intentional, but that didn't stop those feelings from rising.
Blythe went in the house to start dinner. She flipped on the TV, and ended up falling asleep.
When she woke up the next morning, she had been moved to their bed, but it was empty.
She knew Paxton was teaching an afternoon class, and Jo and Denver were working.
She showered and got dressed for the day, deciding to venture out. It had been awhile since she had gone out by herself.
Looking back at the past few months, she couldn't believe how much her life had changed. For the first time in her life, she really was happy.
That didn't mean there weren't struggles, because there were, and there always would be.
Summertime was always what teachers looked forward to. But for Blythe, it felt incredibly isolating and lonely. The past few days with her guys felt a little reminiscent of that, which is why she wanted to switch up her routine.
Blythe shopped a little bit in town and went to the library.
She felt her phone buzz and she pulled it out of her pocket to see that it was Denver.
"Hi, sweetheart," his smooth voice greeted. She smiled immediately. "Haven't heard from you today. Everything okay?"
"I'm okay," she confirmed. "I just went out for a little bit."
"Good," his voice was so sweet and gentle. "It probably feels good to get away. We're sorry that the past few days have been so busy."
Her phone buzzed, and she pulled it away from her ear to see Josiah had transferred her some money.
"Is Josiah listening?" she asked.
There was some shuffling which gave her the answer she needed.
"Buy yourself something nice," Jo said, sounding distant.
"Jo," she scolded.
"Yeah, yeah." She heard him say, and she couldn't help but laugh.
"Alright, Bee. We'll see you when you get home," Denver said.
"Okay, I was thinking of picking up pizza if you want to text me what you guys what," she said.
He agreed. She told him that she loved him before ending the call.
She felt a little rejuvenated, and she finished up in the store she was in before heading home.
---
"Oh my gosh," Paxton gave a dramatic gasp as she stepped out of the car. Her three men were sitting on the porch, Jo and Pax stepped down towards her. "Is that Bee?"
Jo took the pizza, and Paxton wrapped her up tight, kissing her face.
"I missed you so much."
Blythe giggled, trying to wiggle free out of his tight grasp. "You're squishing me."
"You didn't miss me?" Pax asked teasingly with his bright smile.
"Of course I did," she said, and he finally loosened his hold. "How were your classes?"
"They were great," he said, cupping her cheeks and giving her a firm kiss on the lips. "But I don't like to be away from all of you like that."
Paxton stepped back and Denver took his place.
"You were pretty sleepy last night," he said, giving her a little smile. She leaned up to peck his lips
"You carried me upstairs?" she asked.
Denver nodded.
"We can't sleep without you," Josiah chimed in, coming back out with plates.
They moved down to the picnic table to eat.
"How was your interview yesterday, baby?" Paxton asked, shoving a slice of pizza in his mouth.
"Could you chew your food first?" Jo asked with a scoff.
"I think it went pretty well," Blythe answered. "I should know more next week."
"We know you did amazing," Denver said, bumping her shoulder with his.
"I know it's last minute, but next weekend is July Fourth. I would kind of like to get away," Paxton said.
"What did you have in mind?" Jo asked.
"Maybe a cabin, some hiking," he answered. Jo leaned down to give him a kiss.
"Sure," Denver agreed. "I'm sure we can find something. It'll be good after this crazy week."