Duke leans forward between the seats. “Well, then it’s a good thing he’s dealing with a group of stubborn idiots who don’t know how to quit.”
I grin. “Now that’s the spirit.”
“Stubborn idiots,” Cody repeats under his breath, almost fondly. “Yeah, that tracks.”
The truck rumbles up the familiar path toward High Ridge. The sight of the ranch hits me right in the chest.
This isn’t just land. It’s home.
And some wealthy landowner shouldn’t get to mess with our home just for profit.
Silas must see the look on my face because he says quietly, “We’ll get him, you know. Whoever it is.”
“Yeah,” I say, tightening my grip on the wheel. “We will.”
Cody glances over at the monitor bag between his feet and gives a curt nod. “Let’s wire this place up. Time to see what the hell’s really going on around here.”
And just like that, the plan’s in motion—four guys, one truck, a few cameras, and a shared determination to protect.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Dakota
The phone rings again,a persistent buzz, a constant reminder of the decision hanging over me. I take a slow breath, trying to center myself before I answer.
“Hello?”
“Dakota, it’s Thomas Buck,” comes the all-too-familiar voice, overly polite, with just the right amount of smoothness to make me want to grit my teeth. “I’m just following up on our last conversation about selling your property. We wanted to check in and see where you’re at with the decision.”
I close my eyes. I’ve been avoiding this call for days, dragging my feet because I’m not ready to let go. Not of my grandfather’s house. Not of the place that’s held so many memories, so much of my life.
Not now that I don’t think Clint is going to reject Charlie…
“I’m still trying to work out my next move.”
“I… I’m in the middle of something right now. I can’t talk.”
“Of course,” Thomas replies smoothly. “But just keep in mind, the market’s not getting any better…”
His words linger as a threat I can’t quite shake. I don’t want to be pushed into making a decision, but it feels like the wallsare closing in on me, and every time I try to take a step back, someone else is there, pushing me forward.
“I’ll get back to you soon,” I say. I don’t wait for a reply before I hang up.
I look out the window, the familiar view of the old oak tree in the front yard catching my eye. It’s one of the few things that’s stayed the same in my life. Even when I haven’t been in town.
My chest tightens again, and I shake my head, pushing the thoughts aside. I need some air. I need to get out of my own head for a bit.
“Charlie,” I call, glancing over at my son who’s sitting on the floor with his blocks. “How about we go see Violet today?”
Charlie’s face lights up like a Christmas tree. “Really? Can we get hot chocolate?”
I laugh, pulling on my jacket. “Of course, kiddo. Hot chocolate it is.”
A few minutes later, we’re out the door, the cool fall air making my breath catch as we walk down the sidewalk toward Violet’s café. If anyone can make me feel better about the mess I find myself in, it’s her.
As we reach the door, I feel the familiar comfort of The Old Mill Café’s warm atmosphere wash over me. The sweet scent of cinnamon and fresh coffee surrounds me, and I can see Violet behind the counter, her easy smile lighting up her face when she sees us.
“Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite troublemakers,” she teases, wiping her hands on her apron as she steps around the counter to give Charlie a quick hug. “What’s new with you two?”
