It happens slowly as Montana’s focus shifts to me, his eyes sparkling, and it’s all the confirmation I need. I laugh, throwing my head back until tears blur my vision, the revelation like a cherry on a sundae.
Absolutely perfect.
“I think I’m missing something,” Lana says slowly, her gaze bouncing between the three of us.
“They own it,” I say and watch as Montana nods. There’s a strange sort of pride that seeps into my veins that my friends have managed to build an empire under the radar. “That’s fantastic,” I say, shaking Archer’s hand and then Montana’s. “Congratulations.”
“So,” Archer says, leaning forward, “we’d like to formally offer you a job. We’re both expanding and keeping things more in-house if that makes sense. We’ve been outsourcing on the real estate side for acquiring properties, but we’d love to bring it back to Blackstone Falls if we can.”
“And you’re offering me the job even though I haven’t worked inyearsand just got my license?”
“We have options for getting you up to speed. We’re not gonna just duck and run and let you figure it out. You have resources and support and whatever you need.”
I squeeze her hand under the table as she nods. “Yes, that is incredible, thank you. Wow. This is so unexpected.”
“Not as much as this next part,” Archer murmurs and Montana laughs.
“Come to the office Monday evening. Bea will be there to go over some stuff with you. Then we’ll set up a time to go over what we’re looking for and to give you the layout of what we’re working with, in and outside the county. We’ll work with your schedule at the college until you’re ready to fully transition.”
“I think I might be speechless.”
“Just wait,” Archer says as he nods to Montana.
“Archer and I started Sundown Realty because we wanted to make sure we’d never lose our land. We needed financial stability, and this has turned into something we never dreamed could be real.”
“It’s incredible.” I nod, swallowing down the emotion because Iget it.These guys are protecting a legacy—their families—for generations to come.
I hope I can give Holland and Beck the things Bodhi and I never had, and even though I’m starting small, every little piece that falls into place feels like a victory.
“It works out that you’re both here tonight.” Montana winks. “Takes away a little of the cloak and dagger…at least for you.”
“It was never our intention for the business to take off like it did,” Archer says slowly. “But when it did,because it did,we’re able to do something for the people who mean the most to us.”
I blink, and this time, Lana is the one to squeeze my hand, my brain all out of revelations for this conversation.
“We’re giving you an equal share in the company,” Montana says, his expression serious as his brown eyes lock on mine.
We’re giving you an equal share in the company.
Just like that.
“What?” I ask, and they both chuckle.
“We realize that it’s a unique situation and that you don’t keep secrets from Bodhi, but this is one we’re asking you to keep. His share is set aside and when he’s ready, he’ll be brought into the fold.” Montana’s words are earnest, but it’s so unbelievable, I can’t even fathom it as truth.
“I-I can’t accept that… it’s… man, I can’t even put it into words.”
“I told you that you needed to work on your delivery,” Archer jokes and Montana rolls his eyes.
“Fine,” he laments. “Next time.”
“What he should have said is that Jensen, Montana, and I all have stakes in Sundown Realty. We all have some responsibilities that go along with it, and when you’re ready, you can figure out what yours will be. You’re family and we’re proud to have you be a part of this with us.”
“I don’t know what to say,” I manage as I fight back the torrent of emotions. “I,”—I swallow hard—“I didn’tearnany of it.”
“Mason,” Montana says firmly, “you and your brother are the most selfless people I know. You’ve herded runaway goats, fixed fences, checked in on the dogs when Grandad went into the hospital, and a million other things y’all think no one sees youdoing. You’ve never had anyone take care of you, so we’re asking you to let us have that privilege.”
“This isn’t a handout,” Archer says. “This is us making a calculated decision about who we want to share in our success—the people who have helped us, picked us up when we’re down, and made our lives so much better. We’re asking you to share that with us and leave this town a little better than we found it.”
