“This place is fantastic,” she said, turning to Nick. “You live here?”
Nick motioned toward Charlie Grace. “She does.” His face filled with pride as he explained she was the owner of Teton Trails Guest Ranch, a thriving retreat nestled in the foothills of the Tetons.
“She runs the whole operation,” he continued. “Guests come from all over for guided trail rides, cabin stays, and a real taste of ranch life. It’s one of the best spots in the region.”
Frank raised an impressed eyebrow. “That so?” He turned to Charlie Grace. “Sounds like you’ve built quite the place.”
Charlie Grace shrugged modestly, though a flicker of satisfaction shone in her eyes. “It’s been a labor of love. My dad started the ranch, and I’ve carried his dream forward.”
Tess, the field director, jotted something in her notebook. “A working guest ranch with history? That might make for some good footage, too.”
Charlie Grace chuckled. “Long as you don’t expect me to put on a show.”
Frank grinned. “No need. A place like this speaks for itself.”
Tess tucked her clipboard under her arm before turning to a cameraman who had just finished setting up a rig. Charlie Grace was introduced to Doug, a bearded giant in cargo pants and a flannel shirt, who hoisted a camera onto his shoulder and tested the lighting. Meanwhile, their sound tech, Milo, a lanky guy with glasses and a knit cap, fiddled with a boom mic.
Charlie Grace stepped forward, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “If you’re looking for hidden gems, there’s an attic in the barn full of stuff you might want to go through.”
Frank raised an eyebrow. “Attic, huh?”
She nodded. “Dad said some of it might be valuable,” she shrugged, “but I’m not sure.”
Tess perked up, exchanging a glance with Frank. “Attics are gold mines,” she murmured, making another note.
Frank’s grin widened. “Alright, then. First order of business—let’s see what treasures you’ve got up there.”
Charlie Grace shot Nick a look, a flicker of anticipation in her eyes. He smirked. “Guess we’re about to find out if Clancy was right.”
With that, the crew grabbed their gear, and the whole production moved toward the barn, cameras rolling, ready to unearth whatever history had been tucked away for decades.
20
The rehab center’s exercise room buzzed with movement and determination. The rhythmic clank of weight machines, the steady hum of treadmills, and the occasional groan of effort filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of antiseptic and sweat. Capri gripped the padded handles of her crutches, her palms slick despite the controlled temperature of the room.
If she could manage a full lap around the therapy room today—steady, balanced, and without Jenna having to grab her—she’d be cleared for discharge.
And she was ready. More than ready.
Jenna stood close, watchful but hands-off as Capri adjusted her stance, shifting carefully to avoid putting too much weight on her injured leg. “Slow and steady,” Jenna reminded. “Keep your core engaged.”
“I know,” Capri muttered, more to herself than Jenna. She exhaled, steadying her breath as she took the first step forward. The crutches bore most of her weight, but she still felt the strain, the deep ache in her thigh a reminder that she wasn’t as invincible as she once believed.
She just wanted to go home. Back to her cabin, back to some semblance of normal life.
Back to Jake.
A hand hovered near her elbow—Jenna always within reach but never interfering unless necessary. “You can do this, Capri. Stay in control.”
“I’ve got it,” Capri muttered, determination threading through her voice. She forced her knee to bend, to cooperate, to do the job it was meant to do.
This was just another rapid to navigate. One step. Then another.
To escape the pain, she let her mind fill with thoughts of Jake.
Jake, at her bedside, his quiet strength unwavering. Jake, bringing her coffee exactly the way she liked it, the small gesture speaking louder than words. Jake, sitting with her in the quiet moments, making her feel less alone than she had in years.
After Dick died, after her mother remarried and moved away, Capri had feared there would be no one left. That she would have to face everything alone. The result was a string of bad decisions. Frankly, she’d grown sick of her inner child.
