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“Ransack’s been struggling for a while, honey. Even with all you’ve been doing since you got back, it’s a big hole we’re trying to dig out of—one I’m ashamed to say I made worse while you were gone. You’re going to wear yourself to the bone trying to fix this mess if you’re not careful.”

“I don’t mind.”

“I know you don’t.” He turns to me. “But I do, and I hate what it’s doing to you. You should be chasing your own dreams instead of trying to salvage mine.”

“Not your dreams, Dad. Mom’s.” My voice cracks, and he frowns. “This place was everything to her. We can’t just let it go.”

“Your mother wouldn’t want you putting your life on hold for her. You know that. What if we took the insurance payout and didn’t rebuild? We could satisfy our debts and walk away. Wipe our hands clean.”

“And then what?” I step out of Shane’s hold and take Dad’s hands. “This might have started as her dream, but it’s ours now. Will has the ranch. Liam has the fire department. Asher has whatever he’s chasing at any given moment. But you and me, we’re the ones who keep Ransack running. I came back to make sure you don’t have to give up anything else.”

Especially not something of hers, I think, even if I don’t say it.

“We’re going to fix this,” I promise.

Dad looks up at Shane. “You gonna talk some sense into her?”

Shane glances past me to the bar. It’s a mess. I don’t even know if it’s salvageable, so I can only imagine what he’s thinking.

He shrugs. “If there’s one thing I know about Harloe, it’s that you’re not changing her mind once she’s made it up. Only she can do that.”

My smile widens as I face Dad. “See.”

On the outside, I’m trying to stay positive. To hold up this mask of confidence when I don’t feel it as deeply as I wish I did. Maybe Dad is right, and I should just let this go. But then I’ve failed Mom in every way. How am I supposed to live with that?

I’m done running. I’m done taking the easy route. I’m going to rebuild Ransack. I’m going to make it better than ever. It will become the pillar it once was in this town. The only place worth being past nine on Main Street.

“I guess you’re right. I know better than to get in your way when you’ve made up your mind,” Dad says, pulling me in for a hug. “But we’re letting your brothers help this time.”

“Dad—”

“Harloe, honey, I couldn’t stop them if I tried.” He glances to where Will and Asher are circling the building, making note of everything that’s wrong. “Liam was here this morning but had to take a call. He’ll be back later. Just accept the help.”

I glance from Dad to Shane, who’s watching me intently. “Fine. But this is on me, so I’m working out the details.”

“I have no doubt you’ll be able to wrangle your brothers. I’m going to check in with them and see what they know.” Dad kisses me on the top of my head, glancing at Shane. “Thanks for being there for my little girl.”

“Anytime.” Shane nods, watching Dad walk away.

When it’s just the two of us again, I turn to face him. “What was that little speech about how my dad shouldn’t bother trying to talk me out of this? Awfully complimentary coming from you.”

“You mean the speech where I pointed out how stubborn you are?”

“I like to think of it as determined.”

“I like to think of it as difficult.” He chuckles, and I can’t help but smile.

“Guess you tied your horse to one difficult buggy, then.”

“We really need to work on your comebacks.”

“And my riding attire, apparently.”

“That too.” He gives me a heart-stopping smile.

“About last night. The nightmare…”

“It was a long day.” Shane shakes his head. “You don’t need to worry about it. Sorry I passed out when you were in the shower. I was planning on sleeping on the couch. You could have woken me up.”