Reid crosses his arms. “You’ve got a place here with us, Dakota. Don’t forget that.”
I glance at Clint, who’s standing by the window now, his back to me, looking out over the ranch. I want to say so many things, but I don’t have to. He already knows.
“I think I could get used to this,” I say softly, more to myself than anyone else.
Clint turns around, his eyes meeting mine, and there’s a quiet strength in his gaze. “We hope you will.”
I nod, my chest tight, my heart in my throat, as the reality of it all settles in. I’m not just a visitor here anymore. I’m part of this.
And somehow, it’s the beginning of something I never thought I’d find—a home.
CHAPTER FIFTY
Clint
The sun’s barely up,and already the heat’s starting to settle in, thick and heavy. I’m out by the stables, checking the horses and making sure everything’s good to go for the day, when I see Sheriff Miller’s truck coming down the driveway.
It’s been a while since I’ve had to deal with the sheriff, and I’ve got a feeling this isn’t going to be just a social visit.
I wipe my hand across my forehead, the dust sticking to my skin, and stand tall as he pulls up. His boots hit the gravel hard when he gets out, and I see that look on his face.
The one that says he’s got something to say, but it’s gonna take a minute to get to the point.
“Morning, Clint,” Miller calls, tipping his hat as he steps toward me.
“Morning,” I reply, keeping my eyes on him. “What’s going on?”
He looks me up and down, his mouth pulling into a tight line before he speaks. “Got some news about Thomas Buck.”
I freeze.
I don’t know if I’m ready for this, but then again, when the hell have I ever been ready for anything with that son of a bitch?
The man’s been a thorn in our side long enough that I’m not sure there’s ever been a day without his name on my mind.
“What’s he done now?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.
Thomas has a way of making everything harder than it needs to be, dragging us through a mess of legal battles and dirty tricks. It’s been a damn nightmare.
“Locked up,” Miller says, and I let out a breath. “His trial’s set to start soon. And it’s all coming down on him. He won’t be walking free anytime soon.”
I’m quiet, everything sinking in. It’s one thing to fight him, but it’s another to know the bastard won’t be around causing trouble anymore. I never thought I’d say it, but hearing that news is utterly thrilling.
I look over at the land, taking in the sight of the rebuilt barn, the corral, and the cattle all grazing in the distance. It’s still our land, still High Ridge Ranch, and now, we’ve got a chance to breathe.
“So he admitted it?” I ask. “What he did to us?”
Miller smirks. “Sort of. But it’ll be the financial crimes that really get him. I know that isn’t what you want to hear, but it’s the best way to take him down. No more interference. Everything’s cleared up. You’ve got a chance to move forward, Clint. For the ranch. For you, and for… well, everything.”
I look back at him, surprised by the change in his tone. The sheriff’s always been serious, but right now, there’s something different in his eyes.
Maybe it’s relief, too. Maybe it’s knowing that we’ve all fought through hell for this.
“Guess that means we don’t have to look over our shoulders anymore,” I mutter.
Miller gives a short nod. “Yeah. That’s what I’m saying.”
I stand there for a minute longer, thinking about what this means. It’s been a battle every damn day, keeping the ranch together, keeping everything going while we dealt with the issues Buck caused, and finally rebuilding what he destroyed.
