I pull my hair back, but then I think better of it. I let it down. It’s curly and wild. It’s not perfect, not the smooth bun I wear in court.
It’s me.
I grab my boots and pull them on.
I look at myself in the mirror. I look strong. I look ready.
“Let’s do this,” I tell my reflection.
I drive back to The Salt Lick. The parking lot is full and I can hear music drifting from inside—a fiddle riff, fast and upbeat.
I walk in.
The difference is staggering. The place is packed. People are laughing, drinking, eating. The smell of barbecue and cedar is thick in the air.
I spot Willa near the stage. She’s wearing a dress—a simple, floral wrap dress that looks amazing on her—and laughing with Carrie, pointing at a stack of raffle tickets.
I spot Gus behind the bar, pouring drinks with a speed that defies his age. Josie is weaving through the crowd, taking orders.
And then I see them.
Boone, Knox, and Rhett.
They’re standing near the pool tables, dressed in their best jeans and clean shirts. They look... incredible. They look like a pack. Tall, broad-shouldered, commanding the space around them.
My heart stumbles. I wasn’t sure they would come.
Boone’s eyes scan the room. They lock onto mine.
He stops talking mid-sentence. He just looks at me.
Knox follows his gaze. A grin spreads across his face. He nudges Rhett. Rhett looks up, and his expression softens.
They start walking toward me.
The crowd parts for them, instinctively making way.
I stand my ground and hold my head high.
“Hey,” Boone says when he reaches me. His eyes roam over my face, taking in the loose hair, the blue shirt. “You look... nice.”
“Thanks,” I say. “I didn’t think you’d make it.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Knox says. “Pearl threatened to come drag us out by our ears if we didn’t show.”
“She would do it, too,” Rhett adds.
“Well,” I say, gesturing to the room. “It’s busy.”
“It’s a success,” Rhett corrects me. “You did this, Saramaria.”
“I had help,” I say.
Carrie walks up to the microphone on stage. The feedback squeal silences the room.
“Alright, everyone!” Carrie shouts. “Welcome to the Save the Ranch Hoedown! Let’s get this party started with a little silent auction bidding. Willa James is going to kick us off!”
Willa hops up on the stage, looking radiant. She holds up a framed jersey signed by the top riders of the circuit.
