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scarlett
I, Scarlett Elizabeth Rhodes, might pee my pants. Theo, being ten pounds at birth, accounts for most of that, but I also chugged a bottle of water on the way because my excited screams turned my throat into a desert.My biggest dream is coming true.
Stepping out of my car, I shield my eyes from the bright sun and breathe in deep the Montana air.When I first arrived in this state—one so full of a carnal wildness and freedom I never experienced back in New York—I knew in the marrow of my bones it was home.
Greyson and Preston both stand with their backs to me, one gesturing with his big hands while the other contemplates with his fists on his hips, their heads bent toward each other.
Their attention lies on a table upright on the edge of a field with blueprints scattered atop.My heart squeezes in my chest.These two men—brothers—identical in looks but vastly different in personality, have come so far in their relationship.My role in the downfall of their brotherly bond bit and gnawed at my insides for years until I forgave myself.Life isn’t always fair, and the trajectory of our futures can change in an instant.Mine did after one night. One moment, one single rotation of the earth threw my story, my dreams, my aspirations into a bowl and churned out the most beautiful and unexpected journey.I wouldn’t alter any of it, no matter the pain we all endured.
“Well, don’t you two just look like the cutest cowboys this side of Montana,” I drawl in a fake accent.
They both turn around in unison, smiles tugging on their matching faces as I join them at the table. One sports a pair of jeans hanging low on his hips and a tight black T-shirt, and the other a pair of slim khakis and a polo shirt. Both impossibly handsome, however, guessing between the two has never been easier given their style preferences.
“Scar, this land is fucking perfect.Soil samples came back with a green light, we have a construction contractor waiting on our call, and the view.” Greyson sighs. “is gorgeous.Come here, let me show you.” His voice exudes happiness and excitement and is possibly the best sound in the world.
My breath lodges in my throat as I take in what’s in front of me.We’re on the outer edge of the Survivalist and Outdoor Sports property or SoS, wedged between two forests and the Madison Mountain range.The pines, still as sentries, guard the secrets of the land, shielding outsiders from encroaching.I can visualize it perfectly in my head: stables to the right, therapy and information building to the left, thousands of memories in between.
Preston’s phone rings, so he excuses himself to answer and Grey steps up beside me.The air shimmers between us and I blame the serotonin oozing out of our bodies over the project, not because I saw him almost naked seven hours ago.Dad bod? No way. Bare, muscular chests with the ideal amount of hair sprinkled, tapered waists, and rock-hard thighs aren’t appealing to me ever, especiallynotattached to said best friend.Nope, I'm definitely not thinking about that.Or his woodsy-scented cologne because that would be weird, and not appropriate, correct?Logic would suggest shock at seeing him in boxers for the first time rewired my brain.
“Scar?”
Grey’s voice cuts through and I shove whatever mumbo jumbo my head was thinking far, far away.
“Oh! Yes, it’s perfect, like you said.” I face my friend.“What contractors do we get to choose from?Anyone I know?”
We shift our focus to the blueprints and paperwork strewn atop the table.
“It’s a different company for us to work with.P found them. New to this area, but reviews are solid and their background in developing ranches is superior.”
“The lead contractor is Kellen Payne, and he comes highly recommended.” Preston joins us again, putting his phone into his back pocket, and gives me a dimpled grin.“He’s scheduled to start with his crew after we’ve completed the paperwork for the property with the county and the auditor.”
“With the fundraiser gala coming up, we should have plenty of donations to cover the loan for the project in its entirety.I can’t thank both of you enough for helping me with this.” I hold my hands clasped together in front of me, barely containing my joy.
“Anytime. This is prime real estate.I’m glad we could snag it for you.” Preston’s phone rings again, but this time it’s his wife, Savy.As he walks away to talk to her, I turn my gaze to Greyson.
“Speaking of the fundraiser, do you have your suit picked up from the rental place yet?I’m sorry you have to get it so soon, but with them saying the wedding season is going to be heavy this year, I felt we needed to plan early.”
He rolls his eyes before throwing me a playful wink and that cavernous dimple appearing.“Yes, ma’am. I grabbed it yesterday before Theo’s competition.Consider yourself lucky. I’ll only wear a suit for you.No one else can convince me to put on anything other than this.” He gestures to his outfit.
As long as he always keeps clothing on, I’ll be okay.
It’s my turn to roll my eyes.“You’re so blessedly uncomplicated.Well, we both know who won’t have a problem wearing a suit.He probably wears them to bed.”
“I wouldn’t doubt it.” Greyson smirks his signature grin, a sparkle in his blue eyes.
“Who wears what to bed?” Preston asks, a little breathless as he strides back to us, avoiding an overturned rock.
“Is Savy okay sharing your bed with Armani, or does she get jealous?” Grey jests and Preston’s face screws up in confusion, while I giggle.
“I’m not even going to attempt to understand you two.I need to head home. The kids are driving Savy insane, and I have to run interference.For the record, Armani deserves to be worn with pride, not get rumpled under bed sheets.I’ll catch you guys later.”
Waving goodbye, he heads to his truck and drives away, kicking up dust and gravel from the side of the off-road.The Preston I used to know, the one from college, would’ve never driven a truck, never own a flannel shirt, and never would’ve looked so at home in Montana.I’ll let his obsession with suits slide because all three of us are in a good place.The guys are speaking and have a solid relationship again and I can look my ex-fiancé in the eye without the sting of regret and remorse icing my veins.My past in New York feels lifetimes ago and my future here blossoms under the brilliant sky.
“I have a surprise.” My thinly curbed excitement ripples throughout my body, ready to burst out of me.“The foundation is letting me name the building.”
Greyson’s smiling eyes rake over my face and he shoves a hand in his pocket.“They should. You’ve done so much for them, you’ve earned it.What is it? Don’t keep me in suspense.”
