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Maybe in the past, the comment would’ve sent a wave of doubt through me, but hearing her say it only makes me more certain.

It’s like a cog dropping into place.

She’s wrong. Something about the realization makes me smile.

“What’s with the smile?” she asks, a perturbed look on her face.

“You’re wrong,” I say. “That’s not all this is. I like being here. I like this place. I’ve found a home here. And these people?” I slide the paper back toward her. “I love these people. They’re my family.”

She stands. “Where is this coming from? This is what you’ve spent over a decade working toward, and now that it’s here, you just want to hang up your hat and walk away? And what? Become a rancher in Montana?” Her laugh is wry, almost mocking.

“Yes! Maybe? I don’t know yet.” I push a hand through my hair, frustrated. Because I don’t have all the answers, and I hate it. But I know a few things for sure. “I wish I’d never left. I came back here because I want a home, a real one that I don’t hitch to my truck. I’ve got that here, and it cost me something to be able to say that, so don’t expect me to just walk away.” I study her for a beat. “I belong here. And to me, that’s everything.”

I don’t know if she gets it, if it’s even in her to get it, but I’m done explaining myself.

“You are giving up millions. Millions,” Nell says. “Think about that.”

“I don’t need to. I’ve made my choice.”

Her eyes narrow. Then, she tilts her head in a shrug.

“That must be some girl.”

I frown because this isn’t about Hattie. Not really. It’s about me. But also? She is in every corner of the life I’ve been imagining for myself.

Nell studies me. “You actually care about her.”

“I actually do,” I say.

Nell crosses her arms over her chest and watches me. “I did not see this coming.”

“Why?” I say. “Most people do want a home and a family and⁠—”

“Right, but not you,” she says, gesturing with her hands. “Not . . . The Great Noble Kane.”

She sits, calming down a bit. “You are the golden ticket. You are what every team wishes they had.” She sighs. “You were the loner who didn’t need anyone. Born to ride, charisma for days. I mean, anyone who knows you would find it hard to believe that you’re getting serious with any one woman and settling down in a tiny town in Montana.”

I blow out a breath. “Anyone who knew me—I’m not that guy anymore. At least I don’t want to be.”

She stares at me. “So, this whole past year, working your tail off, winning everything⁠—”

“It was real,” I say. “I love what I do, Nell. I love to ride. Had nothing to do with my reputation or Diamondback or anyone else. I just got sick and tired of—” I shake my head. I don’t need to tell her this. She doesn’t need to know.

“You’re really trying to be a boy scout,” she says.

I drop back onto the stool. “Something like that.”

“That’s—” she stops short. “Color me shocked.”

“Yeah, go ahead and tell me it’s pointless, I already know.”

She huffs out a breath. “It’s not pointless. It’s a choice, but it’s not pointless.”

I look up at her and nod.

“I’m sorry, Noble,” she says, genuinely. “I assumed this was a part you were playing. I thought Hattie was in on it.”

“Not a part,” I say. “Not anymore.”