Even in his goofy, carefree demeanor, I could feel the underlying warmth of encouragement.
After months of scrubbing troughs, mucking stalls, and brushing horses until my arms felt like overcooked noodles, Heath finally recognizes my effort, and the validation rushes through me like sunlight.
The ranch is his livelihood. It’severythingto him, so earning his trust makes the weeks of shoveling shit all worth it.
I weave through the gathered group like I’ve seen Emmett and the guys do a hundred times, checking in with each guest individually and introducing myself. I smile at a few nervous kiddos fiddling with their helmets and stop to help a middle-aged couple adjust their stirrups.
I’ve been able to answer every question about the trail, pair riders to the right horses, and even tell everyone a little bit about the ranch. Emmett has been giving me not-so-subtle thumbs-ups for encouragement. I’m overflowing with gratitude and pure joy.
How am I supposed to go back to my old life and do something completely mundane for the next forty years?
“Hey—Sadie, right?”
I turn toward the voice. A guy about my age is standing near the fence line. He’s tall and built like a swimmer, with deep copper skin and a head of curly black hair that makes him look more surfer than cowboy, despite the broad-brimmed hat on his head. I recognize him as belonging to the family reunion group that’s visiting this week.
“That’s right,” I say brightly, tucking my clipboard under my arm and giving him my full attention. “What’s up?”
“I’m Aric.” He gestures with his thumb toward the cluster of people behind him. “We’re still waiting on a couple of my cousins—sorry to hold everyone up.” His grin is easy, charming. “I’m guessing by thevery officialclipboard that you’re the one I report to.”
“You guessed correctly,” I say, returning his smile. “But no worries, we’re not in any rush.”
I start to turn and look over my checklist when he stalls me with another question.
“How long have you been working here?”
“This is my first summer, actually.”
“No way.”
“Way.” I laugh, adjusting my hat and trying to look casual.
“Well, you’re a natural.”
“Thank you. That’s nice of you to say.” My smile is polite, practiced. I nod toward the group. “I have a few more guests to check on, but holler once the rest of your cousins are here.”
He tips the brim of his hat, still grinning.
I find Landon near the front, crouched to help two kids with their helmets. He shoots me a quick smile.
“They’re a little nervous,” he whispers, tilting his head toward the twins. “They’ll be fine once they get going.”
I nod, giving the boys an exaggerated thumbs-up before moving to Monty. His ears flick forward when I take his reins, and I run a hand over his flank and check the girth one last time. My boot is in the stirrup, ready to swing up—
But I never make it.
Firm hands clamp on my waist, yanking me back down with a force that knocks a breathless sound out of me.
“What the fu—” My boots hit the dirt hard. I whirl, glaring. “What is your problem?”
Wesley towers in front of me, jaw tight, eyes dark. His hands linger on me just long enough to make my pulse stutter, fingers spread wide for as much contact as possible.
“What did he say to you?” His voice is low, clipped, shoulders tense like he’s a second away from losing it.
I blink at him in complete bewilderment.“What?”
“The guy. What did he say?”
My brain stumbles, trying to catch up, refusing to believe this is happening right now. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
