I sling an arm around her shoulders.“Then tomorrow, you say hello. And if your brothers try to scare him off, I’ll set them straight.”
Grace giggles.“You’re braver than I am.”
“Maybe,” I say, smiling at the horizon.“Or maybe I just know what it’s like to want something real and be told you can’t have it.”
She’s quiet for a long moment, then suddenly wraps her arms around me.“I’m so glad you’re here, Penny.”
Her words hit somewhere deep, where old wounds still ache. I see my sister’s face in my mind, laughing, alive, and my throat tightens.
“I’m happy to be here too, Grace,” I whisper, hugging her back.
When we pull apart, the sun has dipped low, painting the valley gold. I lift my camera and take one last photo, Grace’s face glowing in the light, the wind in her hair, the whole world open behind her.
As I frame the shot, I see it, not just light and color, but change. The kind that starts quiet, then takes root in you until one day you realise you’ve become someone new.
CHAPTER 8
Penelope
It is Wednesday morning, and I’ve been at the ranch for four days. Somehow, this place is starting to feel like home. Lily and Josh treat me like I’ve always belonged here, and Grace is slowly becoming a little sister I didn’t know I needed. We talk every night before bed, sharing stories and secrets, and I’m starting to feel the weight of my past lift just a little.
Ethan teases me constantly, playful and easy, sometimes flirting in a way that makes Cas growl quietly whenever he’s around. Dex doesn’t come over every day, but when he does he always tells me to visit him at the bar.“You need to get out,” he says with a grin. I nod, secretly waiting for the day my bruises fade enough that I won’t feel eyes on me, questioning what I’m not ready to answer.
Jude is here the most, though not always reallypresent. I’ve come to learn that he prefers being alone. He loves his family quietly, laughing at their antics at dinner, but mostly he keeps to himself. Horses and bulls seem to suit him better than humans, and sometimes I envy that ability to be so self-contained.
The morning sun streams through the kitchen windows, spilling golden light across the worn wooden table. The smell of fresh coffee, sizzling bacon, and sweet pancakes wraps the room in warmth. I sit with Josh and Lily, spoon in hand, feeling relaxed and at home. Grace is finishing her breakfast, still animated as she gathers her backpack.
“Mornin’,” Cas pops in, carrying a pumpkin spice latte from Sugar and Spice.“There you go, your favorite.” He beams at me.
“You didn’t have to.” I take the cup from him, his fingers warm against mine. He’s been bringing me coffee and sweets every day and we sometimes talk on the porch after dinner.
“I know, but I want to.” He winks and turns to Lily.
“Hi, mama.” He hugs her.
“Hi, sugar. You spoiling our Penny again?” Cas smiles wickedly and shrugs.
“You’re here a lot these days,” Grace smirks, her eyes fixed on Cas.
“Just checking up on Penny,” he says softly, lifting his stetson and running a hand through his hair. Muscles straining under his sheriff’s suit.
I wonder if he has a six-pack under that shirt…
Penny! Head out of the gutter! Now!
I look up from his shirt and find his eyes on me, a smirk telling me he knows exactly what I was thinking.
“I’ve got to run or I’ll be late,” Grace says, hopping up. She gives me a quick hug.“See you later, Penny!”
“Gotta run too, I’m on patrol with Chris all day,” Cas says, tipping his hat at me.“See you later,” and he walks out.
Josh pours himself a cup of coffee and glances at me, his eyes gentle.“So… Penny. How are you liking Lander so far?”
I smile.“I really like it. The quiet, the nature, so many colors. And the people here are all so nice to me.”
He nods slowly, as if he understands more than I am saying.“Yeah. Lander tends to do that. Makes you appreciate a small town. Can I ask about your family? Your mom and your dad?”
My throat tightens. I take a breath.“I lost my mom when I was twelve. Cancer.” The word still hurts to say.
