Page 230 of Tessa and Nash

He looks up from the pile of materials, a grin spreading across his face when he sees me.

“Hey, there you are.”

He sets the wrench down and walks toward me, his eyes taking in everything around him like it’s a victory. And it is. It’s all coming together, just as he planned.

I can’t help but lean in and give him a quick kiss, right in front of all the workers.

“You’re brilliant,” I tell him, filled with pride. “I hope you know that.”

His grin widens, but there’s a modesty to him that’s as familiar as it is endearing. “You know, I had help.”

His eyes flick toward the rest of the family working in the background.

I follow his gaze and see his brothers hammering posts into the ground, Boone in the lead, looking like he’s always been in charge. Dallas is busy inspecting the irrigation system, checking everything with his usual meticulous attention to detail. Rusty’s trailing after him, his tail wagging because to him it’s a party.

Faith is crouched down on the ground, snapping photos of the process, capturing everything as it happens, because she knows how important these moments will be later. Rose is on the porch, weaving wicker baskets and setting up for some of the decor, making sure everything feels as welcoming as it’s going to be.

And his mom, well, she’s coordinating it all, making sure the whole place feels homely. She’s been helping with the kitchen, getting it ready for the first big meals we’ll serve.

If I didn’t know better, I’d say this whole ranch was built by the McCoy army. No one’s slacking. They’ve all got their hands in the mix, whether it’s building, decorating, planning, or making sure Rusty’s not stealing more than his fair share of the food.

And right on cue, I hear a commotion from the barn area.

My gaze flicks over to see Boone trying to push a giant barrel through the door while Rose’s voice carries over. “You’re going to break the damn door, Boone!”

“Only if someone actually helped me instead of sitting around looking cute,” Boone calls back.

Rose rolls her eyes, the exaggerated motions making it clear she’s not pleased. “I have far too much weaving to do to help you. And you’re a big, strong man, aren’t you? Surely you don’t need me!”

I laugh, shaking my head. Of course, this is the McCoy way. Insane, a little ridiculous, but it somehow always comes together.

“I’m telling you, this place was built by a lot of people,” I tell Nash, squeezing his hand tighter. “It’s like a McCoy takeover.”

“I’d argue the same thing about the Longs,” he teases, his eyes lighting up with that familiar gleam of mischief. “Don’t act like you aren’t pulling just as many stunts.”

I glance over at the other side of the ranch, where I see Faith climbing on a ladder to hang up string lights on the porch while Dallas and Maggie give her so much unsolicited advice.

“I’m just glad we’ve got everything under control,” I tease, watching Faith attempt to balance and adjust her camera at the same time.

Nash laughs, shaking his head. “Yeah, well, at least she’s got a backup crew. Help us when Rose and I have to coordinate decor together. Someone’s bound to end up in a headlock.”

I raise an eyebrow at him. “And that would be… you?”

He smirks. “Not if I can help it. Trust me, I’ve learned when to fight back and when to just let Rose run the show.”

“I’m so glad to hear that,” I reply, grinning.

He takes a deep breath, scanning the property, his chest swelling with pride. “This is all coming together. The vision I had… it’s actually happening.”

I look over at the workers, some of whom are now leaning against tools, watching the family bustle around with a mix of amusement and admiration. They’re feeling it too, the way the whole thing is pulling together, with so many hands in the mix.

“Yeah,” I say, my heart full. “But let’s not forget who’s behind all of this. Your plan’s brilliant. And I’m really proud of you, Nash.”

He turns to face me, his smile soft but sincere. “It wouldn’t be possible without you, though. You’re just as much a part of this.”

A small shiver runs down my spine at how serious his tone becomes. I can feel his words, the trust in his eyes. This isn’t just about the ranch, it’s about us and what we’ve built together.

Then, as if to remind us we’re never far from madness, a loud crash echoes from the porch.