There’s a finality to the words that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand.
“You never were welcome,” Liam adds, voice shaking with fury he’s kept buried for years. “And you sure as hell don’t get to talk to her like that.”
His arm slides back slightly, his hand brushing against mine, warning me to stay close. Because this isn’t just an argument anymore. It’s a war that’s been brewing for a lifetime. And Liam Stone? He’s done playing nice.
Carl watches the silent exchange between me and Liam and something ugly flashes across his face.
“Well,” he sneers, straightening his jacket like he’s still the one in control. “If I ain’t invited here, guess I’ll just take a little trip into Sheridan. Speak to Teddy myself.”
Liam’s smile is lethal.
“Do it,” Liam says, his voice a razor’s edge.
Carl’s eyebrows shoot up, surprised. “I will.”
Liam steps forward, just enough to make the air between them snap with tension.
“Be sure to mention how you haven’t worked a single goddamn day on this ranch in your life. Be sure to tell him how you tried to sell it off for quick cash when your gambling debts caught up to you.”
The color drains from Carl’s face, then floods back in an angry, blotchy red.
Liam adds, “And don’t forget to tell him how you wouldn’t know the difference between a Brahman or a Plummer if your life depended on it.”
Carl’s fists clench, his cheeks blazing.
“How dare you,” he snaps, voice shaking with fury and humiliation.
Liam takes another slow step closer, towering over him now.
“I dare because you came waltzing in here like you had a fucking right. Like you had anything to do with building this life. But you didn’t. You don’t. You never will.”
Carl opens his mouth, but Liam cuts him off with a voice like steel.
“Now,” Liam says, low and final. “Get the hell out of my house.”
For a second, no one moves. Then Carl turns and storms out, the screen door slamming behind him so hard it rattles the windows.
Liam stands there, breathing hard, fists still clenched at his sides. I move to him without thinking, wrapping my arms around his waist, pressing my forehead against his chest.
“I’m so proud of you,” I whisper, voice thick with emotion. “I know that had to be hard.”
His arms come around me instantly, crushing me to him like he’s afraid I’ll disappear too.
“You're my home, Olive,” he murmurs against my hair. “I’m not letting anything, or anyone take that away.”
I peer up at Liam, my fingers brushing lightly against his arm, grounding both of us. Trying to get us back on track.
“We should get ready for the BBQ,” I say softly. “Try to do any damage control before Carl can cause more trouble.”
Liam exhales sharply, dragging a hand through his hair.
“Yeah,” he mutters. “I need to let Sam know Carl’s back. No telling where that bastard might pop up next.”
“And Phern,” I add with a small smile, trying to lighten the moment. “She’ll want to know, too.”
At that, Liam barks out a short, rough laugh.
“God, Phern’ll have him run out of the state faster than a stampede.”
