“Iz? What’s going on?” Ander asks, confusion evident on his face as he hurries out of his studio, guitar still in hand.
Breathless from running, I respond through my panting. “Don’t sell the ranch.”
Ander takes a step back, his brows arching together as he does. “What?”
“Trust me?” I pant out in a question.
“Do you want me to answer that honestly?”
“Fuck off, Ander. Just fucking help me. I need you to trust me.” I turn to Via. “Via,” I say her name abruptly. “I have to go. Call Mrs. Kristen and tell her not to sell the ranch. I’m not ready to explain, but just know I’ll handle it. Tell her I’ll be calling her.”
“What are you going to do, Izabel?” Via looks confused as all fuck, but she doesn’t necessarily protest. After looking me over, she simply nods her head and pulls me into a hug before I run off toward my car.
My frantic heart is racing. Knowing what I must do and actually doing it are two separate things.
I didn’t want the money from Maverick's life insurance. I didn’t feel like it was right. Like everything else, it scared me. Accepting the money means accepting he’s gone. The thought alone brings with it a familiar sense of fear, but I’m over being scared. For too long has fear ruled my life.
If Maverick taught me anything, it’s how to be brave.
And if I do this, his sacrifice will not have only saved me alone, but it will save a place that we both treasured.
I’ve never wanted to fix something more than I do right now. I’m no savior, but I owe it to him to try.
No—not try.
Iwillfix this.
Chapter seventy-eight
Jett
March 2026
Pulling through the ranch's main entrance, I instantly notice the for sale sign is no longer there, and Ander’s truck is parked outside of my parents' home on the property.
I park my truck next to his and make my way toward the front door. I’m guessing he’s noticed my arrival because Ander exits the front door and meets me out on the porch.
“Did the sale go through already? I thought we were still in negotiations...” I begin, and Ander's face shifts into something indecipherable. “What?”
He shakes his head. “Not technically,” he says matter-of-factly with a dry tone as he runs a hand through his hair, looking just as perplexed as I feel.
“What—”
“Just know the ranch will be okay.” He turns to walk back inside, attempting to leave the conversation at that.
Grabbing him by the arm to stop him, I ask, “Ander, what’s going on, man?”
He sighs but turns to face me as I release him, and he shrugs. “I’m not really sure what I’m supposed to say here, Jett. The ranch is safe. And thanks to Mark, so are we.Weare all safe. It’s over.”
What the fuck?
Part of me wants to feel relieved, while the other part knows there’s clearly more to the story. Parts that, by the look on Ander’s face, tells me I may not like.
“How?” It’s a simple question, one I can’t avoid asking. I should leave well enough alone, but I can’t. I have a feeling in the pit of my stomach that I can’t ignore.
Every part of Ander’s features sag in hesitation at my question.
Oh fuck, I really won’t like this.
