Page 138 of Thaw My Heart

Predictable spoiled rotten bastard. “Of course, you do,” I sigh. “But you can’t just⁠—”

“I’m willing to give you half,” he interrupts. “You sign the ranch over to me, and I’ll give you half of what it sells for.”

I blink, caught off guard by his proposal. “You’ll give me half?” That’s an extremely generous offer coming from him.

He nods. “Just think of what you could do with all that money.” He gestures to Sadie. “You could give her anything she wants.” My eyes follow his gaze to her, still enjoying her dessert. “The sky would be the limit.”

A ranch like Lone Pine would be worth more money than I’d know what to do with. “You think money will persuade me?”

He steps closer, desperation clinging to his voice. “Come on. We both know you don’t want it. You never wanted it. Your whole life, Cole has been using you. Training you to uphold some stupid family legacy, but you don’t need to play his games. I’m offering you an out.”

An offer I might’ve taken weeks ago.

He points to Sadie. “I mean, isn’t that girl’s happiness what you truly want?”

Of course it is. Protecting her and making her happy has been my number one priority since my heart spoke her name. Since the day she became mine. But I loved this ranch as much as I loved Sadie, and no offer in the world would be good enough for me to let them go.

The ranch is our home.

“You’re right,” I start, and his face lights up. “I never wanted the ranch.”

“So, make a deal with me,” he smiles.

“Why do you want the ranch?” He laughs like my question is ridiculous. “No, seriously. Why do you really want it? Is it truly money? Pride?”

“I’m Cole’s son,” he says, like I’ve forgotten that fact.

So pride, then. “Yeah, I know.”

“Then you know that it should be mine,” he pierces his blue eyes into mine.

“You’ve had so many chances to earn the ranch, Cash. Cole gave you every opportunity.”

He laughs, disbelieving my words.

I place a firm hand on his shoulder, saying words I should’ve said years ago. “Look, I’m sorry you’ve hated me for all these years for being what you couldn’t be. I swear to you that it was never intentional. But the ranch is not for sale, Cash. I love Lone Pine in a way that you never will, and that’s—” I push a finger into his chest, “Why Cole chose me. You can hate me for it, but I think it’s time you moved on. I’m handing in the papers tomorrow. It’s already done.”

His eyes darken, lips forming a tight line.

“Kit,” Sadie grabs my forearm, coming up behind me. “Is everything alright?”

“This is your last chance,” Cash says through clenched teeth, balling his fists at his sides.

“Good. We’re finally on the same page, then.” With that, I pat his shoulder and take Sadie’s hand, leaving him in the restaurant with an expression of rage branded into his face.

“What was that all about?” Sadie asks as we exit.

“Family drama,” I smile at her. “Nothing to worry about, though.”

The last thing I want is for Cash’s sudden appearance to ruin my surprise tomorrow. A gift I can’t wait to give her.

Safety. Stability.

Sure, I’m scared as hell to submit those documents, to make a mistake that could ruin over a hundred years of Harlow tradition. To be responsible for everyone and everything that comes with owning a cattle ranch. But with her hand in mine, I feel I can conquer the world and every obstacle that comes our way.

I press a kiss to the top of her hand, keeping one hand on the steering wheel and the other in hers as we weave through the forests, heading home. Sadie sings along to my music, shimmying in her seat to the blended genres of rock, metal, country, and folk music. Accepting every part of my personality with open arms, just as she has since the start.

Markus is officially gone. Words I thought I’d never hear. Although I still don’t want to know the gritty details, Kit promised me he’d never return, and I believed him.