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Which means I need to be completely honest with Hattie. About everything. Even the parts I don’t want to say out loud. I’ve been trying to think of ways to confess it all, but my courage has a limit. And I’ve been living in a bit of a fantasy world where she’s concerned.

If this is going to work, if she’s really going to trust me, then she deserves the whole, ugly truth.

Nell stands and walks over to the windows facing the lake. “It is beautiful here.” She turns back. “I’d never choose it for myself. I mean, I’d take the money. But hey, that’s me. And, like, ninety-nine percent of people, but apparently not you.”

I shake my head. “Nope. Not me.”

“It’s going to be some kind of meeting with the Ridge Rider management team when I get back,” she says, gathering her things. “When you’re done here, you let me know how you want to play this. You don’t have to quit the team, you know, you can be based anywhere . . . but giving up this endorsement deal affects everyone. Not just you and me. Maybe talk it over with Hattie.”

“I will.” I nod. Because I’d like her to be in on any decisions that affect my future from here on out.

“You’ll answer my calls from now on?” she says.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. And Noble?”

I quirk a brow.

“Keep doing what you’re doing. Not a bad thing to have a good reputation, even if it doesn’t pay you a dime.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Hattie

For the first time since I started renovations I wish my secret spot in the sunken forest was still a secret.

It’s my fault for letting everyone in on it, but it was the right thing to do. It’s too precious and beautiful to keep hidden, especially for a wedding.

It’s going to be Finn and Raya’s ceremony site, so when I start to descend the stone steps I’m not surprised to find Momma standing where the altar will be.

I am surprised that she’s standing under a wooden arch.

She turns to find me at the middle of the stone stairs, frowning.

“Oh, hey!” she says. “Did you see this?” She motions toward it. “I’m measuring it because I want to wrap it in tulle and flowers like we talked about. And do you think it should be back a little bit? I want to make sure it’s not crowded up here.”

I walk down the steps toward her. The arch is even better than the one I’d designed in my head. I’d done a very rough sketch for my brothers, but I’m not an artist. That’s probably why they took some creative liberties.

“What’s the matter? Don’t you like it?” Momma asks when I reach the bottom of the stairs.

“It’s perfect,” I say, feeling oddly emotional. “Better than perfect.”

“I thought so too,” she says, smiling. “Can’t you just picture them standing here, saying their vows?” Her face falls. “Gosh, I hope Finn takes this seriously.”

I laugh. “It wouldn’t be Finn’s wedding if it was too serious,” I say.

Momma winces. “I hope that girl knows what she’s getting herself into.”

I shake my head. “Have you seen them together? They’re⁠—”

I say, “disgusting” at the same time she says, “adorable.”

I laugh, then reach up and touch the wooden arch, marveling at the craftsmanship. “This is stunning. We can make this available for all of our brides, or even for engagement photos. It would be perfect in the reception barn too if someone wanted to use it there instead. . .” I turn to her. “Who do I thank—Boone or West? I know it wasn’t Hudson, and Quent was so busy I never even told him about it.”

Momma frowns. “This arch fell off of both of your brothers’ lists weeks ago.” She tilts her head. “Noble didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?”