Will's eyes widen before an approving grin appears. "Small world, huh? Well, I'll definitely call in next time."
Red wraps his arm around my shoulders and pulls me into his side. "You won't regret it. My ranch family has claimed our own table in the place. I swear we eat enough to keep Mags in business."
My cheeks burn hot, and it’s got nothing to do with embarrassment, it’s from sheer giddiness–and maybe from thefull body flush I have going on because I’m pressed up against Red.Have I turned into a teenage girl all of a sudden?
Randy looks between the two of us before meeting my gaze and nodding approvingly. It's almost like he can see the Call in action. Maybe that's a superpower that you're given once you've been through the Call yourself like Randy has with Lee's mom, Nora.
“You said you’ve been here for a week?” he says just as the drinks are delivered.
“Yeah. We dropped Wy off for his flight to Dutch Harbor, then went down to the Kenai Peninsula for the rodeo and to meet with your good friend, Rod,” Red says, his eyes twinkling with mischief as Randy gives a knowing snort.
Years ago, Randy and his family at Eagle had some trouble with Rod and his brother Phil over a wedding gift they’d given to one of the wives. Thankfully it’s all water under the bridge now.
Randy chuckles. "That man always did have a knack for stirrin’ up trouble. Good thing he means well at heart."
“If he didn’t, we wouldn’t have just signed a contract with him for all of his retirin’ rodeo bulls and horses too.”
“Wow. That’s great news. Just as long as you don’t give himallyour good stock. Family looks after family, right?” Randy says, sending a pointed look our way.
Red nods. “Sure does. Don’t worry, we’ll always look after you and yours at Eagle.”
“Good to hear. So, you’ve gone from the rodeo to here. Where next?” Randy continues.
I turn to Red. “Yeah, Red. Wherearewe goin’ next?” I ask with a knowing smirk.
Red gazes down at me, his eyes warm and crinkled. “Can’t say right now because that would ruin the surprise I’ve got planned for this one. But tomorrow, we’re off to a cabin in Rainbow Springs and will end the trip in Palmer for the last rodeo of the season.”
“Busy trip then,” Will muses, looking between us.
“It’s this one’s first vacation in forever, so I wanted to make it worth it,” Red adds, giving me a gentle squeeze.
I narrow my eyes at him making everyone laugh, before I turn back to Will. “Will, are you plannin’ on stayin’ in Timber Falls long term then?” I ask.
"My grandfather—bless his heart—put a few stipulations in his will that requires us all to live on the property for twelve months in order for the title to be released to us."
That has my eyes widening. Who’s ever heard of something likethat?
Will reads my expression and snickers. “Yep. My brothers and I had the same reaction as you just did. So, in short, yes, we’ll all be livin’ there soon. This trip is just for reconnaissance and to see what kind of state the property is in. My grandfather was a recluse, but he was also a bit of a conspiracy theorist so I’m not sure exactly howlivablethe place is, let alone how much maintenance and repairs will be needed yet. It used to be a dude ranch of sorts, we just don’t know whether we can get it back up and runnin’—or if we should.”
“That’s where my cousin Finn and his boss Linc will help you out. They own the timber mill there. They’ll have all the contacts you’ll need to get started,” Randy informs him.
“Good. I think we’ll need all the help we can get,” Will replies, already sounding exhausted by the prospect.
"Let me know if there's anythin’ I can help with too," Red offers. We're about a five hour drive away from Timber Falls but Austin—Mags's future son-in-law—is a carpenter and does woodworkin' as well and we all know a bit about construction now since we're slowly buildin' cabins on our ranch for everyone to live in now that they've all met their soulmates."
Will's eyes light up at that. "Ah, coupled up and needin' their own space. That's somethin' I don't have to worry about. I don't see me findin' the love of my life in a small Alaskan town."
I shoot him a knowing smile, thinking of Aster’s love stories. “You never know. Stranger things have happened. Especially when you’re a Cooper.”
“Cooper? Why’s that?” will asks, looking confused as all get out.
Randy, Red, and I all shoot each other knowing looks. Because if ever there was a place to find your soulmate, it's anywhere near a mountain in Alaska.Especiallyif your family name is Cooper.”
“Will, if you ever want to read about just howcommonit is for men to fall in love in the mountains, look up Aster Hollingsworth. Her books will tell you all you need to know about findin’ soulmates when you least expect it,” I reply, sneaking a glance at Red and smiling to myself about just how apt my words are.
Finding soulmates when you least expect it, yeah… I think I'm learning all about that myself right now too.
An hour later, the bar manager walks up onto a small makeshift stage at the back of the room where there are two screens and microphone stands set up.
