Chapter 20

Hungover after girls’ night, Skylar deletes emails from her father and Jerry pressing to “help” with her new album, choosing silence over confrontation. She delights in a playful fake-news text from West, then meets Ford and Rosie to map a concrete recording schedule that makes her Rose Hill project feel real. Drawn to West, she wanders to his ranch and admires a child-made “Sparkly Turquoise Unicorn Ranch” sign, then finds West doing night check and offers to help.

Working side by side, Skylar coaxes West into talking. He explains his training work and mentions visiting Tabby, her parents, and his own after learning Erika died, admitting a mix of kindness and guilt. They finish chores quietly and walk to the house. Respecting his boundary about home space, Skylar says she’ll return to the bunkhouse when the kids come back; West tells her she’s welcome to stay. He heads for a nighttime canoe, and she asks to join.

On the calm lake, they trade questions about home, work, and fear. Skylar admits she hates life on the road and jokes about her breast implants, which prompts West to center her feelings—if she loves them, that’s what matters. The levity opens a door: Skylar confesses deeper fears of irrelevance and being exposed as a plastic, anxious persona. West counters with steadfast acceptance, saying she’ll always be relevant to him.

West then reveals his own fear of being alone and failing his kids, especially during weeks they’re with their mom, Mia. The honesty draws them closer. Skylar moves to him in the canoe, initiating touch and a kiss while acknowledging she will eventually leave and will miss him terribly. West responds, and their restrained attraction becomes a hungry, extended make-out as he pulls her onto his lap, exploring and teasing.

As desire surges and they shift positions, the canoe tips. West refuses to let her fall alone and goes into the water with her, their sudden plunge punctuating a night of vulnerability, shared longing, and rising stakes between them.