Letters from Bennett Ridge

Letters from Bennett Ridge

A Future Epistolary Companion

1. From Wyatt to Grandpa Joe (One month after the Epilogue)

Crayon on notebook paper, filled with smudges and dirt stains.

Dear Grandpa,

I rode Rusty all by myself today! Mama said I looked just like Cole when he was my age. Cole let me help feed the horses, and I didn’t even fall in the mud this time. Well… not much.

I miss you. Are you okay up there with the stars? Mama says you’re probably watching me and smiling when I chase the barn cats.

I love you bigger than the whole ranch.

– Your cowboy,
Wyatt 🤠

2. From Cole to Laney (Tucked into her bedside drawer, unopened for weeks.)

Laney,

I never thought I’d write something like this, but then again, I never thought I’d fall for the same girl twice in one lifetime.

You wrecked me, woman. In the best damn way. I didn’t know I had anything left worth saving until you came back.

And then you gave me him.

You gave me Wyatt. You gave me a family. You gave me us.

I’ll spend the rest of my life showing you what that means to me—if you’ll let me.

Yours, always.

– Cole

3. From Laney to Herself (Journal Entry — Two weeks before the wedding)

I used to dream of freedom. Escape. Cities where no one knew my name.

Now?

I dream about Cole’s arms around me when I’m too tired to breathe. About Wyatt’s muddy boots on my clean floor. About sunrises over the ridge, and the creak of the old porch swing at dusk.

Love used to feel like a risk. Now it feels like coming home.

I’m scared. But I’m ready.

4. From Miss Hattie (the town florist) to Laney and Cole (Hand-delivered with a wildflower bouquet.)

To the Happy Couple,

Well, I’ll be darned.

I’ve watched that boy of yours grow from a bull-headed teen to a man who looks at you like he’s just seen sunrise for the first time.

And you, Miss Shaw… You brought color back to Bennett Ridge when you came back.

Be good to each other. And if you ever need a babysitter—or a bouquet—I’ll be right here.

Love,
Miss Hattie 🌼

5. From Wyatt to Future Wyatt (Written during a school assignment, Grade 2)

Dear Me (when I’m all growed up),

I hope you’re still riding horses and not working in a boring office. I hope Mama and Cole are still kissing (but not when my friends are around, that’s gross).

Don’t forget how much you love this place. Don’t forget Rusty, or Grandpa, or the way Cole taught you to swing a lasso.

And if you ever feel sad, go sit on the fence and look at the mountains. It works every time.

– Cowboy Wyatt, age 7