“That’s exactly it,” Harleigh says softly.
Silence settles again, heavier this time.
Harleigh’s voice drops. “You think it’s Caison?”
Charli and I exchange a look over her head.
“I think,” Charli says carefully, “that they’re having trouble.”
“Or headed for it,” I add. “There’s definitely tension.”
Harleigh’s eyes widen. “But they’re so good together. Like … really good.”
“They are,” Charli agrees. “That’s why I don’t get it.”
I shift onto my side, hugging my pillow. “Matty doesn’t talk about it. Which is how I know it’s serious.”
Harleigh grimaces. “Oh no.”
She goes quiet again, chewing on her bottom lip. I can practically see the gears turning in her head, plans already forming.
Then she sits up straighter, sudden and decisive. “We cannot let them break up.”
Charli blinks. “Not sure that’s something we can control.”
“I’m serious,” Harleigh insists. “I like happy Matty.”
“So do we,” I say.
“I need happy Matty,” Harleigh continues. “I’m graduating soon.”
Charli’s eyes come to me. We know where this is headed.
“And when I come home,” Harleigh says, undeterred, “I’m going to convince her to let me start the guest ranch.”
I bark out a laugh. “Absolutely not.”
Charli snorts. “Never gonna happen.”
Harleigh waves a hand. “Details. That’s future Harleigh’s problem. But she’s way more likely to say yes if she’s happy. In love. Supported. Not emotionally spiraling because her hot rancher boyfriend is pulling away.”
Charli tilts her head, considering. “I hate that logic.”
“But it’s not wrong,” I say.
Harleigh points at me triumphantly. “Thank you.”
Charli sighs. “Even if the guest ranch idea is delusional—”
“Visionary,” Harleigh corrects.
“I agree with the rest of it,” Charli finishes. “We can’t let Caison and Matty fall apart.”
“Not on our watch,” Harleigh says solemnly.
I smile despite myself. “We do all like happy Matty.”
“Love happy Matty,” Charli says. “She’s a lot easier to work for.”
