“I think so,” Evelyn nodded. “Jack Nelson wasn’t as oblivious as you boys thought.”
“Did you know about him and Mack?”
“I had my suspicions,” Evelyn said, pouring herself a cup of coffee. “But I didn’t pry. People grieve and love in their own ways. Best not to get in the way of either.”
“Do you think they loved one another?” Jesse pushed. The curiosity had been eating at him since Mack’s threats. “That they were happy?”
“For a time, maybe,” Evelyn nodded. “And maybe that’s why Mack was so bitter about you two. He saw you happy and realized what he’d missed out on.” She shook her head, letting out a long sigh. “And maybe one day he’ll see past his grief and realize he did you boys wrong.”
The sound of tires on gravel interrupted the moment. We all glanced toward the window, though the angle didn’t show the driveway.
“That can’t be Whitaker already,” Jesse said, checking his watch. “It’s barely nine.”
“Probably one of the hands,” I said, rising from my seat. “I’ll deal with it.”
However, I’d barely made it to the front door when I saw the delivery driver walk up the front steps. I smiled, knowing exactly what he had in that box.
“Cole Nelson?” the driver asked.
“That’s me.”
He handed the box over. “Have a nice day.”
“You too. Thanks.”
I signed for the package, trying to hide my smile as I carried it inside. Jesse was still at the kitchen table, chatting with Evelyn about possible vacation destinations.
“What’s that?” he asked, eyeing the box in my hands.
“Just a delivery,” I said casually, setting it down in front of Jesse. “I got it for you, actually.”
Jesse’s eyebrows shot up as he stared at the box. “For me? What’s the occasion?”
“No occasion.” I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant despite the excitement building in my chest. “Just thought you might need it.”
He eyed me suspiciously, then turned his attention to the package. “If this is some kind of prank...”
“Just open it,” I urged, leaning against the counter with forced casualness.
Jesse tore into the packaging, his fingers quick and eager despite his skepticism. When he pulled out what was inside, his mouth fell open.
It was a cowboy hat. Not just any hat, but a cream-colored Stetson with a simple black band. The morning light caught the pristine felt, making it glow like something precious.
“Cole,” he whispered, turning it over in his hands reverently.
“Every real Montana rancher needs his own hat,” I said, my voice rougher than I intended. “Not just borrowed ones.”
Jesse looked up at me, his eyes shining. “It’s beautiful.”
“Try it on,” I suggested, my heart pounding as I watched him place it carefully on his head.
It fit perfectly, the cream color setting off his tanned skin and hazel eyes in a way that made my breath catch. He looked like he belonged here. Not just on Nelson Ranch, but in my life.
“How do I look?” he asked, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.
“Like you were born to wear it,” I answered honestly.
Evelyn clapped her hands together, beaming at us both. “It suits you, Jesse. Brings out your eyes.”
