“I know that too.”
Silence stretches between us.
“I don’t want to cheapen what we are,” she adds.
“Neither do I,” I say fiercely. “That’s the whole point. It would be small. Intentional. Curated. We’d protect the heart of this place.”
Her gaze flickers as she considers it.
I soften my voice. “Matty … there are people out there who need this place. And it would provide diversified income.”
She shakes her head. “Can we just put all the business talk aside tonight and enjoy your party?”
“I just want a chance to show you a proposal. That’s all.”
“You just graduated.”
“Exactly.”
She studies me like she’s weighing not just the idea, but me.
“Let’s get through the summer and this little one’s grand entrance. Start your job at the Belicourt,” she says finally. “Learn all you can. Prove to me that you can handle that. Then we’ll talk.”
My heart leaps. “That’s not a no.”
“It’s not a yes either.”
I launch off the bed and hug her before she can stop me.
She laughs. “Watch the belly!”
“Sorry!”
But she’s smiling.
It’s not much, but it’s something.
Matty and I make our way outside.
It’s a perfect Wyoming night. A darkening deep blue sky stretches forever over the ranch, like God painted it just for us. The sun dipped behind the mountains a little over an hour ago, leaving a streak of peach and lavender along the horizon. Fireflies blink in the tall grass around the pasture, and the air smells like smoke and fresh-cut hay.
I stand at the edge of the bonfire pit, a red Solo cup in my hand, and try to memorize the moment. The crackle of flames. The sound of laughter drifting across the yard. The glow of string lights. The silhouettes of my family and friends moving through the warm night.
After four years of making the trek to and from school while helping my sisters navigate their complicated relationships, I’m finally back where I belong.
And tonight feels like the start of my own complicated story.
“Earth to Harleigh.”
I blink and turn just as Shelby bumps my shoulder with hers.
She’s grinning, cheeks flushed from the firelight, her blonde hair pulled into a messy braid over one shoulder.
“What has you staring off into the distance like you’re contemplating the meaning of life?”
I snort. “I’m not doing that.”
“You certainly are,” she says. “And you look way too serious for the guest of honor. Come on. Let’s get drunk and celebrate.”
