Somehow, his parents had cobbled together a sizable down payment to purchase Beals Ranch and Randy had made good on his promise to give the Daltons first dibs. The hope was that the restaurant, Aubrey and Charlie’s business, and the rent from their new tenants would keep them afloat. With the extra land, they also planned to increase their cow-calf operation.
Worse came to worst, they could always develop a piece of the land with a few ranchettes and put them on the market. Not ideal, but a hell of a lot better than a gated golf-course community.
In the meantime, they had a renter for the Beals old ranch house and a nearby winery had signed a lease to plant a section of the property in Barbera grapes, though the bulk of the land would be used for livestock.
“This is a good day,” Dan said, beaming. “Damn, would my father be strutting right now.”
Sawyer pulled Gina closer and wrapped her in a one-armed hug. He wanted to share all the joy he was feeling with her. She gazed up at him, love shining in her eyes.
“This is amazing,” she said, staring out at miles of pastureland. “We’re going to kick so much ass here.”
Sawyer chuckled. “You think?”
“I know.”
Cash cleared his throat. “Let’s go back to the house. I’ve got a surprise.”
The kids hopped off of Jace’s tailgate. “What is it, Uncle Cash?” Grady shouted.
“You’ll see when we get there.”
Sawyer scooped up the glass from the champagne bottle and tossed it in the back of his Range Rover. Together, the whole family caravanned up the hill again.
Gina reached for Sawyer’s hand and threaded her fingers through his. “What do you think the surprise is?”
“Beats the hell out of me. Maybe Aubrey is having twins.”
Gina poked him in the side and he laughed. When they arrived at the house, they stayed inside Sawyer’s truck until everyone had gone inside.
“Have I told you today how much I love you?” He pulled Gina over the console into his lap.
“Probably.” She pressed her lips against his. “But you can tell me again. I never tire of hearing you say it.”
“Later, when we get home,” he said and winked. “Not only will I tell you but I’ll show you. First, let’s see what Cash has up his sleeve.”
He lifted her out of the driver’s side because he couldn’t take his hands off her, then twirled her around in the air. His dad was right: It was a good day. Strike that, it was a monumental day. He was living the dream. The ranch expansion and he had the woman he loved, all in one awesome package.
Inside, Cash set his laptop on the table and motioned for Sawyer to join Wendy and Dan on the bench. Jace and Cash’s parents hovered close so they could see the screen.
Sawyer turned the computer to avoid glare from the sun. “What are we looking at besides a blank screen?”
“Be patient and you shall see.” Cash played around with the FaceTime app.
A few seconds later, a woman appeared on the screen and Sawyer’s mother screamed.
Angie.
His beautiful sister beamed at them and it was like a slice of sunshine.
Gone was her long blond hair. It had been cut into a shoulder-length bob that made her appear older and more conservative. Otherwise, she looked exactly as she had five years ago. The same Dalton blue eyes as the rest of them and that impish smile that always made his parents cave whenever she was in trouble.
“Hi, everyone.” She gave a jerky wave and Sawyer noted that her eyes were wet.
His too. He reached out and touched the screen as if could feel her face.
“They’re only giving me a few minutes,” she continued. “I just wanted everyone to know that I’m fine, that I’m safe, and that I love you.”
Sawyer’s mother began to sob.
