Page 92 of Home Is Where You Are

He what? I was so stunned I couldn’t speak. My mouth opened and closed several times. I’d wanted this for so long, but now that it was within my grasp doubt set in.

“I’m honored, and please don’t take this question the wrong way, but what about Leo and Holden?” They were the obvious choices. Brooks was already the Head Wrangler, but I didn’t understand why he’d want to promote me over his own sons.

“Leo isn’t ready for that responsibility. He’s still sowing his wild oats, and Holden, while he’s dedicated, I don’t think he’s ready either. I’ve already spoken with both about it prior to speaking with you. They are both on board with my decision and support it fully. You deserve to have your dedication recognized, Gentry. You’ve come a long way in the past four years, and this entire family has noticed,” he replied.

“But they’re your blood, your family. They should come first,” I replied, still stunned that this was finally happening.

He stood and came around the desk, resting on the edge as he stood directly in front of me.

The man towered in front of me, his arms crossed, his expression stern as he spoke again.

“You’re family too, son. You’re a fourth son to me, and if I know you like I think I do, I know you want to try again with Ainsleigh. You love my daughter with all of your heart, and if things work out like I think they will, you’ll be married into this family, which will only make it more official than it already is. Regardless of if you and Ainsleigh work out, you’ll always be a part of this family, Gentry. You’ve earned your place here. You deserve this. Don’t second-guess yourself. You’ve basically been doing the position for the past couple of weeks anyway without even knowing it, and you’ve done exceptionally well. Every one of my staff members speak highly of you. The guests rave about your attention to detail and how welcome you make them feel. Which is why I’m offering you this position.”

He turned and reached for something on his desk—a small piece of paper folded in half—and handed it to me.

Hesitantly, I opened the paper, a dollar amount written on the inside.

Questioningly, I looked from the paper into the eyes of the man I’d come to admire.

“That’s the yearly salary. You’ll also get another week’s worth of paid time off and retirement options.”

“I don’t know what to say,” I replied, reeling in my emotions. The money, while much appreciated, was more than I thought it would be.

But Sawyer was right. I did deserve this. I’d worked hard, showed my worth every day, and gave it my all to prove myself.

“Say you’ll take the position,” he said with a laugh.

“Thank you. I’d be honored to take the position,” I said still in disbelief.

“Good. I’ll ask Loretta to get the paperwork together tomorrow and have you sign everything. Let’s head to the house. My wife’s been taunting me all day with messages about how good the house smells with the meal she’s prepared for dinner.”

We both stood and I headed out of the office following closely behind him. We rode our separate ATVs back to the property, my head reeling from the news.

Once we parked, we headed inside the house. The aroma from the enchiladas hit us, and Sawyer’s stomach growled beside me. We both laughed as I watched him walk over to Lillian and give her a kiss on the cheek. He told her he was going to wash up, and my eyes searched the room for Ainsleigh.

“She should be down in a minute. I hear congratulations are in order,” Lillian said from across the kitchen as she pulled the casserole dish from the oven.

“Do you need any help?” I asked as I headed in her direction.

“Nonsense. You aren’t helping me with setting the table. You should be celebrating.”

A thought entered my mind as she said that. I wanted to take Ainsleigh out and tell her the good news.

“Do you mind if we skip out on dinner? I want to see if Ainsleigh wants to go to The Chill Grill for dinner so I can share the news.”

“Absolutely not. Take my girl out and celebrate. You deserve it,” she said with a smile as she carried the dish over and sat it on the table.

She walked over and wrapped her arms around me, giving me a tight hug. She pulled back, her eyes misting with unshed tears.

“I’m so proud of you and the young man you’ve become,” she said as she pulled me in for another hug, before she turned and walked away.

Lillian and Sawyer were the epitome of the best people I knew. They took me in when I had nothing, providing for me in a way my own parents never had. They showed me what a loving home should look like, and I’d forever be grateful for them.

“Thank you, Lillian. That means more to me than you’ll ever know,” I told her.

“I hear congrats are in order, bro,” Holden said as he came into the house, ensuring to stomp his boots on the porch before he stepped inside.

“You sure you’re okay with this?” I asked. Sawyer had said he’d talked to Holden and Leo, but I needed to hear the words from my best friend before I felt fully okay with taking the position. I never wanted him to feel like I was taking something that was rightfully his.