Page 81 of Thaw My Heart

I pull out a cigarette and light it up, needing to release some tension, blowing smoke into the frigid air.

“That is, besides the ranch falling on your shoulders and Cash trying to start fires,” Ryker says, filling in my silence. Feeling the tension I’m putting out. “And the fact Cole has—” he sucks in a breath, not able to finish. “How are you feeling about all of that, anyway?” he asks.

After Cole sprung everything on me, I called Ryker, needing someone to talk to. But all he’s done since then is listen to me complain. No pressure. No pushing me to accept Cole’s offer, which is half what I expected him to do after I told him he had lung cancer.

“I promised Cole I’d think about it. But I don’t see much of a choice in the matter.”

Ryker nods, staring out at the tall pines across the river. The sun descends behind the snowy mountains, enveloping us in darkness. The back porch light flickers on, providing a warm glow as we sit in silence for a few minutes.

“What happens if you don’t accept his offer?” Ryker asks.

“Lone Pine goes to Cash,” my jaw clenches.

“Fuck,” he murmurs, staring at his hands. The right one is inked with two sparrows, and the word “family” written between them. “Well, if you decide you don’t want the ranch, what else would you want to do?”

It would be great if I had some idea of what my life looked like without the ranch. That I had a reason to say no that made me feel like less of a disappointment. Like less of a selfish asshole, but there isn’t one.

“I don’t know.”

“You could go back to San Fran⁠—”

“No way in hell.” He knew it was my favorite city, but I could never go back. Too many memories.

He chuckles. “Well, whatever you decide. I support you.”

“You understand if I don’t sign off on the ranch, Cash will sell this place. You’ll lose your job. This cabin. Your whole way of life.” Does he not understand the stakes?

His life here is everything to him, and after his brother Sawyer died, his family fell apart. It was a dark time in his life. A time he rarely discusses with anyone, even me. Then he came to Lone Pine, the place that saved him, just as it’s saved many people who now call this place home.

Ryker nods, stroking his mustache. “If I lose it, it was never meant for me.”

“You’re in a damn good mood tonight.” What happened to the drinking himself silly version? Not that I want that, of course. I’d rather him be happy. But he’s acting strange.

He glances at his watch with a grin. “That’s because I’ve got a date in about twenty minutes.”

A date? Well, it can’t be with Averie. She’s currently with Sadie in Aspen Hollow, having an emotional crisis. “With who?”

“Cassie Jean,” he smiles. “She works at Stag & Steam. Met her last week. We’ve been texting ever since.”

“So… Averie⁠—”

His expression turns cold. “She’s not interested,” he bites out. “Therefore, I’m moving on.”

With Cassie Jean, apparently. Typical Ryker.

Although he seemed so intent on Averie… it doesn’t make any sense. “Did something happen⁠—”

Ryker stands in one swift movement, letting out an exhale. Sometimes I forget how fast he can move. His days in the military may be gone, but the soldier in him remains. “Stop trying to analyze me. I’m fine. I’m happy. Now, I’ve got a date I need to get ready for. You need to go.”

“Fine.” I stand, sighing. He isn’t going to talk to me about it anyway, so there’s no point. “I need to check on a dog, anyway.”

He glances at me, questioning.

“Sadie’s corgi.”

His expression lights up. “You guys are too cute.”

“Shut it,” I shove his shoulder.