“I don’t like him,” Jude mutters.
“I’ll have Corinne run another background check,” Cas adds.
We’re still scowling when Asher’s truck pulls up. He climbs out, smiling, until he spots Grace and Caleb kissing. His jaw tightens.
Asher’s been my best friend since eighth grade, back when I punched a kid for teasing him about his glasses. He’s still the guy I trust with my life, in a fire or on the ranch. He’s also been protective of Grace ever since he practically became part of our family, he was always at our house, hiding from his fighting parents. Sometimes I think he forgets Grace isn’t his sister too.“So today’s a special day!” Dad announces, pulling us all back from the window.
Asher walks in, broody as ever, greets everyone, and grabs a bun.
“A special day?” Mia asks, eyes wide.
“Why, of course,” Dad says.“It’s December first, and at the Hawthorne Ranch, that means Christmas starts right now.”
Mia gasps.“Christmas?”
“That’s right,” Dad says, his grin wide.“The ranch turns into a Christmas wonderland. And when you and Grace get back from school, we’re all going out to find the perfect tree for the house.”
He rests a big hand on her shoulder.“I was thinking you could be the one to pick it out this year.”
Mia’s face lights up, pure joy.“Really?”
Dad winks.“If it’s okay with your mama, of course.”
Summer smiles softly.“The shop’s closed on Mondays. I’d love that.”
Dad nods, pleased.“Then it’s settled. We’ll meet back here after school, cut down the tree, decorate, and Lily will make us all dinner.”
Mia’s whole body wiggles with excitement.“I can’t wait! I’m gonna pick the biggest, prettiest tree ever!”
The kitchen fills with laughter, the kind that wraps around your chest and reminds you what home feels like. And when I look at Summer, her smile shy but real, I know this Christmas is going to change everything.
CHAPTER 7
Summer
The mid-morning sun glows soft over the pastures, the kind of winter light that feels fragile, pale and cold against the frost-tipped fence line. I sit on the porch under a blanket with Lily, hands wrapped around a steaming mug of tea. The smell of apple pie drifts through the open kitchen window, and for once, everything feels calm.
Down by the far fence, Ethan is bent over a post, hammer swinging steady, sunlight catching in his hair. He wipes his brow with the back of his hand, and I catch myself watching the easy way he moves, how his hoodie clings to his broad shoulders, how the muscles in his back shift with every swing. There’s strength in him, the kind that settles in your bones and makes you feel safer than you probably should.
Lily follows my gaze, a knowing smile tugging at her mouth.
“Do you mind if I ask about your parents? Do they know about the fire?” she asks gently, topping off her tea.
“My parents and I aren’t on speaking terms.” I pause, the words thick on my tongue.“They wanted me to stay with my husband after I told them he was cheating and… well, let’s just say they care more about their money and reputation than they do about Mia and me.”
Lily places her warm hand over mine and squeezes.“We don’t get to choose our parents, but we do get to choose our found family. And Josh and me, and all my kids, we’d love to be that for you and Mia.”
Emotion burns behind my eyes.“I’d love that.” My voice cracks. I shake my head.“I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to repay your family for everything you’re doing…”
Lily shakes her head firmly.“You’re family. Family helps family. There’s nothing to repay. You just concentrate on Mia’s happiness and your own. It’ll all work out, you’ll see.”
I smile at her, fragile but genuine, and we both look out over the land. This place really knows how to wow you, the stretch of pale golden fields, the distant mountains dusted with early snow, the herd grazing lazily beneath that soft winter sun. Peaceful. Healing. Like the world pauses here just long enough to let you rebuild.
The distant crunch of tires on gravel breaks the stillness. Lily’s head turns toward the driveway just as Cas’s patrol truck pulls in. He steps out, hat low against the glare, face unreadable. My stomach dips. Something about the way he shuts the truck door, slow, deliberate, tells me this isn’t a friendly visit.
“Everything okay, Cas?” Lily asks quietly, but he only gives her a small, somber nod.
“Mama,” he murmurs, voice low.“Mind if I have a word with Summer?”
