She pushes her shoulders back, her posture shifting into something more confident. "My dad kept a herd of wild horses on the north section of Circle H. About twenty head. Mustangs, mostly, with a few quarter horse crosses. They're beautiful, and they're mine now."
"Okay," I say slowly, not sure where this is going.
"I want to give them to Blackthorn Ranch."
Silence.
I look at Mason and Luke. They both look as blown away as I feel.
Mason steps forward, his dark eyes intense. "You want to give us horses."
Emma meets his intimidating intensity head-on. "Yes."
Luke flashes a grin. "Like, for free?"
"Yes, Luke. For free." Emma's tone is dry, but amusement curves her lips. "I know you guys have been talking about expanding into horse breeding. Mason mentioned it at dinner the other night. These horses are good stock—strong, healthy, used to Montana winters. They'd be a solid foundation for a breeding program."
I stare at her, my mind trying to catch up.
She's giving us horses. Not asking for anything in return. Not making it conditional. Just... giving.
Mason recovers first. "Emma, that's generous, but?—"
"But nothing." She cuts him off gently. "I want to do this. It's my way of supporting Blackthorn." She glances at me, her expression softening. "This is mine to give. My choice."
Luke lets out a low whistle. "Damn, Emma. That's?—"
"A hell of a gift," Mason finishes. "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure." She nods. "My dad loved those horses, but I don't have the time or resources to manage them properly. You guys do. And I think he'd like knowing they went to people who'd take care of them."
I can't speak.
My chest is too tight, my throat too thick.
She's not just giving us horses.
She's giving us her trust. Her partnership. Her commitment to this—to us—on her own terms. She’s giving us—especially Mason—purpose.
Mason steps forward and extends his hand. "We'd be honored to take them."
Emma shakes his hand, her smile widening. "Good. I have all the paperwork and the vet records with me. They're all up to date on vaccinations and hoof care."
"You're serious about this," Luke says, still grinning like an idiot.
"Dead serious."
"Well, shit." He shakes his head. "I guess we're in the horse business now."
Mason's already pulling out his phone, his tactical mind shifting into planning mode. "We'll need to clear the east pasture and reinforce the fencing. The barn can hold maybe ten head comfortably, but we'll need to build additional shelter for the rest."
"I can help with that," Emma offers. "I know their habits—where they like to graze, how they interact with each other. There's a lead mare named Sage who's the boss. If you keep her happy, the rest will follow."
Luke laughs. "A bossy mare. Sounds familiar."
Emma shoots him a look, but she's smiling. "Careful, Bennett."
"Yes, ma'am."
