Page 229 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

“It's funny,” she said as they neared his home, “I feel like I know so many of them already, and they're going to be weirded out because we’ve actually never met."

Nash chuckled. "True, normally, I would have told my family all about you by now. It's definitely a unique situation. Of course, you probably meet people all the time who feel like they already know you, seeing that they’ve followed your career and seen so many of your movies."

That was true. She just wasn’t used to being on the opposite end of it.

"So you told them you were bringing a guest, but you didn't tell them who that guest was," Ellie said, repeating what Nash had told her earlier.

"Right. I didn't want them to do anything fancy to try to impress you." He shot her a wink before glancing casually at the rearview. "We're getting close now."

Butterflies fluttered wildly through Ellie's stomach. "Oh man, I’m getting nauseous."

“No, don't be nervous." Nash reached out to rest his hand on her lap.

Ellie slipped her hand into his and sighed, replaying the names of Nash’s family members in her head. “So your sister’s name is Belle, and she recently married a man named Cash.”

“Yep. But Cash first hired her to be the nanny of a newborn he’d been given custody of. Belle fell for the baby and him both.”

Ellie grinned. “That’s a cute love story.”

“See that huge red barn and the big country house in front?”

Ellie nodded. “Is that it?”

Nash slowed and flicked on his blinker. “That’s it.” He pointed to an iron sign perched between two massive posts at the head of the private drive. “Welcome to Copeland Brothers Ranch.”

Excitement whirled through her as she took in the cattle, hints of a stable and horses nearby, and the big country home he was referring to. Two stories, white country siding, and a wraparound porch. It was absolutely charming. “This is where you live? When you’re not staying at the ranch, that is.”

Nash shrugged one shoulder. “It’s where I’ve mostly lived since my folks died, yes. But this fall, I plan to move into the bunkhouse with Rem. See that other house and barn further down the way?”

Ellie nodded as she spotted it.

“My grandparents built that. Now, we house several of our ranch hands there during the summer.” They pulled into the drive as two other trucks did the same.

“Man,” she said, “you guys like your trucks, don’t you?” One was black, another was blue, and Nash’s was white.

“You bet we do,” Nash said. “And this is good timing. Now you can meet a few of them before we go inside.

The rear door on the black truck flung open, revealing a small girl with blonde, curly hair and a toothy grin.

“Is that Rosie?” she asked. “The birthday girl?”

“Yep, and that’s her mom Taja up front, who’s expecting a baby boy in November.”

Ellie stayed seated, hoping to recall the names of the rest before stepping out of the truck. “Aww, that’s so exciting. And she’s married to Wes?”

"Yep.”

“Okay, and didn’t you say Rosie is really into animals?”

“Good memory,” Nash praised with the squeeze of her hand. “Yes, she’s eight now, and she's real smart. Quotes animal fun facts like they're going out of style. And look at that grin,” he said fondly. “Could melt a man’s heart no matter how hardened it was.”

The comment caused Ellie’s chest to flood with warmth. "That’s so cute. I’m excited to meet them.” According to Nash, Rosie and her mom had joined the family just last year. And already, the pair had somehow stepped into sync with them. Hope welled within her at the thought. She couldn’t help but hope maybe there was room for her, too.

Nash shut off the engine. “I’ll get your door.”

Ellie eyed the couple getting out of the other truck. That must be Thatcher, the one Nash was closest to. He was walking around to open the door for his wife.

“Hey,” Ellie said once Nash opened her door. “What’s Thatcher’s wife’s name?”