As we got closer, North Star Ranch unfolded before us; the family compound, lodge, restaurant and barns scattered across the valley floor, all of it dwarfed by mountains that rose like walls around everything. I pulled into the gravel drive and cut the engine, quiet settling around us. No manufactured din, just wind and the distant sound of animals in pastures.
“Uncle Finn! Alex!” A teenage girl bounded down the porch steps ahead of everyone else, all energy and enthusiasm. “Did you really drive the whole way?”
I glanced at Finn as he climbed out and moved around to my side of the car.
He caught her in a quick hug before turning to me with a grin. “Alex, this is my niece, Belle. Belle, this is Alex.”
“Hi Belle,” I smiled, immediately charmed by her as she threw her arms around me. “Nice to finally meet you.”
“You worked on Legends of Heliox, right?” She stepped back. “Uncle Dom was in that!”
“We did,” I laughed at her rapid-fire excitement. “But I’d love to hear about what you’re working on.”
“Belle, give her a second to breathe,” Finn chuckled with obvious affection.
More people emerged from the main house, and Finn moved closer to me, setting his hand on the small of my back as he guided me toward them. “Alex, I want you to meet my parents.”
A woman with Finn’s eyes appeared, flour dusting her apron. “This is my mom, Bridget,” Finn introduced me. “Mom, this is Alex.”
Bridget pulled me into a warm hug that smelled like bread and cinnamon sugar. “We’re so glad you’re here, sweetheart. Finn’s told us so much about you.”
“Thank you for having me,” I whispered, meaning it completely. “It’s beautiful here.”
“And this is my dad, Nolan,” Finn continued, gesturing to the man beside her who offered his hand with an easy smile.
“Thanks for making the drive,” Nolan nodded, his handshake firm and welcoming. “Hope it wasn’t too rough coming over the pass.”
“Not too bad,” I replied. “Though I definitely understand why Finn wanted to take the scenic route.”
“And this is my sister Elowyn,” Finn slipped his arm around my waist, gesturing to the woman coming down the steps. “El, meet Alex.”
She stepped forward with a warm smile that reminded me of Finn’s. “Belle’s mom. Apologies for the chaos. Everyone is just so excited to meet you in person.”
I grinned. “Honestly, this is pretty manageable compared to my family gatherings.”
“These are my boys, Jack and Lucas,” she motioned behindher. They each greeted me with toothy grins.
“We’ve got you set up in the lodge,” Bridget steered us toward one of the smaller buildings once Finn had pulled our luggage out of the car. “The main house is pretty full, but we keep a couple of rooms there for family overflow. You’ll have more privacy, and it’s got a beautiful view.”
The lodge was cool and quiet as we entered. It felt refined but still homey and welcoming. Bridget led us down a hallway lined with black and white photographs of the ranch through the decades, horses and cattle and family gatherings spanning generations.
“Here we are,” she opened a door near the end of the hall and handed Finn the keycards. “You can ring room service if you need anything and if you eat at the restaurant, just charge it to the room. Family dinner’s at six at the house, but no pressure if you need to rest instead.”
She left us alone, and I stepped into the room, the intimacy of it settling around me. Dark walls and ceiling created a cozy cocoon while the floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding the balcony door flooded everything with mountain light. Two beds with rich walnut headboards were made up with crisp white linens. A thick rug covered the hardwood floors in warm earth tones. Everything was soft and luxurious in a way that made me want to sink in and stay awhile.
Finn set our suitcases near the closet, glancing around the room. “Pretty nice setup.”
“It’s gorgeous,” I ran my hand along one of the headboards, the walnut smooth and warm under my fingers. “Two beds,” I murmured, my cheeks flushing. I hadn’t given much thought to our sleeping arrangements on this trip.
“Your choice every night,” he lifted a shoulder as he moved toward where I stood by the window. “No pressure either way.”
I looked out at the Tetons rising beyond the lodge grounds, guests moving around the property below, the distant barns and main house scattered through the trees. Finn stood behind me,wrapping his arms around my shoulders and kissing the top of my head.
“Okay,” I smiled as I turned to kiss him softly before moving to unzip my suitcase and finding something clean to wear to dinner. I settled on the same blue jumpsuit I’d worn to Dom and Enzo’s family engagement party, taking it into the bathroom to change. When I re-emerged, Finn had changed as well, trading his joggers and t-shirt for khaki-colored Wranglers, a light gray button-down, and his boots.
“That is one of my favorite outfits of yours,” he smiled as I emerged, pulling me into his arms and kissing me. I could get used to extra-affectionate Finn, he made me feel bolder… brighter than gold.
“I see you’ve settled into ranch-mode,” I teased gently, slipping my arms around his waist.
