"Likewise." He shakes her hand, and I notice he holds it longer than necessary.
"Trent is looking at the Morrison property," Jake offers.
"Photos don't do it justice," Emma says. "Sarah Morrison was my best friend growing up. I spent half my childhood on that ranch. The north ridge at sunrise is one of the most beautiful places on earth."
Trent's interest visibly sharpens. "You know the property well?"
"Every inch of it. Sarah and I used to ride horses up to the high pastures in summer. There's a swimming hole fed by a natural spring that doesn't show up on any of the surveys. And the old barn—" She catches herself, laughing. "Sorry. I could talk aboutthat place for hours. Sarah's family moved away a few years ago, but I still miss it."
"I'd love to hear more," Trent says. "About the property. The history."
I glance at Jake. He's frowning slightly, the way he does when he's working out a complex problem.
"So, Trent," I say, "you mentioned wanting to see the property tomorrow?"
"That's the plan." He drags his attention away from Emma. "Jake was going to show me around, make a day of it."
"Actually," I say, an idea forming, "don't we have that thing tomorrow?"
Jake stares at me. "What thing?"
I kick him under the guise of shifting my weight, then angle my eyes meaningfully toward Emma and back.
"You know," I say. "The thing. That we committed to."
Jake follows my gaze. Looks at his sister. Looks at Trent. Something clicks behind his eyes.
"Oh. Right. The thing."
"Exactly." I turn to Trent with my brightest smile. "I'm so sorry, we completely forgot about this prior commitment. But Emma could show you the property. She knows it better than anyone, even Jake."
"What?!" Emma's voice comes out sharp with surprise. "Madison, I’m not an agent, I don’t have a license. And the shop—"
"Harper can cover for one day. She owes you after you covered for her during the summer reading festival."
"That's not—"
"And you just said you know every inch of that ranch. You know things about it that aren't on any survey. Wouldn't that be more valuable to a potential buyer than Jake reading off a spec sheet?"
Emma opens her mouth. Closes it.
Trent is watching this exchange with barely concealed amusement. "I wouldn't want to impose on your time," he says to Emma. "But I have to admit, a tour from someone who actually grew up exploring the property sounds invaluable."
"See?" I beam at Emma. "Invaluable."
Jake clears his throat. "My sister really does know that land better than anyone. She could show you things I wouldn't even think to point out."
Emma shoots him a look of pure betrayal before turning back to Trent with a sigh.
"I'll bring the coffee," she says finally, and there's a challenge in her voice. "Good coffee. Not the tourist stuff."
Trent's smile widens. "I look forward to it."
"Early start. Seven AM. The light on the north ridge is best in the morning, and if you want to see the property properly, we'll need the whole day."
"I'll be ready."
They hold each other's gaze for a moment. I can’t stop the grin spreading across my face.
