“Stop this fighting!”
Both ignored her until Nathan and Alfie exploded into the room, eyes wide. Nathan grabbed Spencer and yanked him off Malcolm, shoving the cousin toward the door.
“Get the fuck out!” Nathan shouted.
“Nathan, this isn’t your home to kick people out,” Aunt Millie admonished, then she shot Spencer a stern look.
Malcolm wiped blood from his lip, glaring. “This isn’t over. When I’m done with you, no one will do business with you.” He stormed out, slamming the door so hard the windows rattled.
Aunt Millie said, “I hope your guests leave soon. Your grandfather would have kicked you all out of here.” She dashed away, her footsteps echoing down the hall.
Spencer stood there, chest heaving, fists still clenched. Jamie rushed to his side, followed by Nathan and Alfie.
“You okay?” Jamie asked, voice shaking.
Spencer nodded, but the truth was he wasn’t. Not even close.He took Jamie’s hand and led him to the kitchen.
Chapter Thirty
Jamie
Jamie hadn’t expected Daddy Spencer to suggest ice cream after the blowout with Malcolm. His voice had been almost too calm. “I called ahead. They’re open. Want to go?”
Jamie nodded, even though his stomach was still twisted from the fight and learning Daddy Spencer was a billionaire. He didn’t ask what Daddy Spencer wanted to talk about, but he had a feeling it wasn’t just about dessert. When he’d told Nathan and Alfie he needed to speak with Jamie alone, Jamie’s heart sank. A part of him feared Daddy Spencer was about to send him back to California with them. Maybe things had gotten too messy. Maybe Daddy Spencer had changed his mind.
The drive into town was quiet, with snow dusting the windshield, the roads slick but manageable.
The ice cream shop was warm and cozy, a welcome contrast to the snowy streets outside. Twinkling lights hung from the windows, and the scent of waffle cones and melted chocolate filled the air. Jamie sat across from Daddy Spencer in a red vinyl booth, a chocolate sundae in front of them both, slowly meltingunder the heat of the room. He stirred his absently, trying to quiet the nerves fluttering in his chest.
Daddy Spencer had brought him here to talk, and Jamie had spent the entire ride wondering if this was the moment he would tell him to go back to California. The thought made his stomach twist. He didn’t want to leave. Not the ranch. Not Daddy Spencer.
Just as he took a bite of his sundae, an older man approached their table. He wore a thick flannel jacket, and a weathered cowboy hat, his face lined with years of sun and wind. His eyes were sharp but kind, and he leaned on a cane that looked like it had seen a few winters too many.
He looked directly at Jamie. “Are you staying or leaving after the holidays?”
Jamie froze, spoon halfway to his mouth. The question felt like a spotlight.
Daddy Spencer didn’t miss a beat. “Staying. Jamie’s my boyfriend for life.”
Jamie’s heart thudded hard. He glanced at Daddy Spencer, who was calm, confident, like he’d just said something as ordinary as ordering dessert. But to Jamie, it felt like the world had shifted.Boyfriend for life. He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
The older man smiled, nodding slowly. “Welcome to Missoula, Jamie. Listen, I heard you were from California. Word travels fast around here.”
Daddy Spencer laughed. “It sure does, Jake.”
Jake turned to Jamie again, his gaze steady. “Spencer’s one of the best men in Montana. Kind, generous, brilliant. Hell of a singer too. I hope you love it here as much as we do.”
Jamie swallowed the lump in his throat. “I do,” he said. “I already do.”
Jake patted the edge of the table, gave them both a nod, and shuffled off toward the counter.
Jamie watched him go, heart still thudding. He hadn’t expected kindness from a stranger. He hadn’t expected Daddy Spencer to say what he did so easily. And he definitely hadn’t expected to feel this… seen.
As he took another bite of his sundae, the chocolate sweeter than before, Jamie realized something: maybe Montana was feeling like home.
Daddy Spencer stirred his sundae slowly, then looked up. “I need the truth, Jamie. Can you really see us living here? Would you be happy?”
Jamie was surprised by the directness. He set his spoon down. “I love Montana,” he said honestly. “I could be happy anywhere, even in a tent, as long as I’m with you. I’d miss California sometimes—the beach, the sun—but I love the ranch. I love the horses.”
