keeping him in the car, of course. He climbed out, then turned in circles, watching the big birds pass overhead so close it seemed he could touch them if he tried. “Completely crazy,” he whispered. “I want to go up in one.” He looked to her for confirmation.
“Sure. We’ll figure something out. Somewhere to go.” He might like going up in a helicopter to see the cityscape.
They stayed in the field and watched the planes until a spring shower came rolling up out of nowhere. Even then, they didn’t hurry. They held hands and ran through the wildflowers like kids at play.
Reno was drunk with happiness. This elation was new to him. Oh, he’d experienced joy before – but not this soul soaring variety. The difference wasn’t the calendar year or the amazing new things he was seeing and experiencing. No, the answer became crystal clear when the rain disappeared as fast as it had come, and he looked up to see the most beautiful rainbow he could imagine. The magnificent bow arched through the sky and seemed to end just over Journey’s shoulder.
Sojourner’s vision had come true.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The drive home was a bit more subdued. Journey was quiet because she couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss they’d shared and what it might mean. She yearned to just come out and ask him what it meant to him, but she was afraid the fragile bubble of reality might pop and all of this – and Reno himself might just disappear.
As for Reno, he was deep in thought. He felt conflicted, at odds with himself. For a moment, when he’d seen that rainbow – everything made sense. He was here in this future time because he was supposed to be here. Finding Journey was meant to be.
But when he considered what he’d be doing at this moment if he were in his own time, Reno felt burdened with guilt. How could he enjoy himself while his brother sat in a jail cell accused of treason, depending on Reno to find the witness who could testify to his innocence? And there were other people who relied on him, trusted him, had faith that he would be there when they needed him. If he stayed here, he would be letting them down.
But leaving would be hard. Reno stole a glance at Journey, the taste of her kiss still fresh on his lips. Who was he kidding? Leaving her would be next to impossible. But what choice did he have?
“When we get to the ranch, I need to return to the canyon.”
“Why?” The question burst from her lips.
Reno didn’t say anything at first, then he spoke so low she could barely hear him. “Journey, I had a glorious time today. You’ve shown me things I never dreamed would ever exist. Things I would’ve never seen otherwise. I…I’ll never forget even one moment of it.” He raised his hand and touched the window glass. “Of any of this.”
“Oh, you’re so welcome.” Even as she responded to his gratitude, Journey sensed he was trying to say something else. Something she didn’t want to hear. He shifted in the seat, clearly uncomfortable. “What’s wrong?”
He let out a long breath. “You know I don’t belong here. I’m going to have to go back if I can. There are things I need to take care of.”
Every fiber of her being rebelled at the idea. “Oh.” Agony knifed through her system. Her mind understood what he was saying, but her heart was in denial. What if she never saw him again? “Can’t you stay a little longer? Please?”
“Don’t tempt me,” he pleaded. “I’m completely intrigued by everything.”
Especially the woman sitting next to him.
“I’ve always been a man of adventure. I didn’t leave Tennessee and come to Texas just because I wanted to be with my friends. I came because I wanted to experience life to the fullest. See new places and new things.” He motioned out the window as an eighteen-wheeler rolled past the car. “Here, I find myself in the greatest adventure of all. Who wouldn’t want to stay?” He grew silent. Thoughtful. “But, it’s not that simple.”
“Nothing ever is.”
“True.” He rubbed one of his thumbs over the other one in a nervous gesture. “Journey, you must realize how confused I am. I don’t know how this happened or why. I don’t know what the rules are. Am I meant to return or stay here?”
“I don’t know,” she admitted sadly. “I’m as perplexed as you are. All I know