I never considered the possibilities outside of Austin; everything I knew was centralized there—but the longer I spent in Bell River, surrounded by the people and the ranch, the more I realized I could truly be happy there.
The problem was that I was never asked to stay, and it felt like I’d been reaching for something that didn’t want me back.
Realizing that I need to give Gage grace is the fuel I need to know this is the right move. It will take work—nothing between us has ever been easy.
There’s been stress, toxicity, and pent-up aggression, but out of that came something bigger than either of us expected.
A future with Gage—on the ranch, in Bell River—feels possible, but not if I’m the only one still trying.
My phone rings from a number I don’t recognize. I know it’s Bell River, but it isn’t Gage’s—of that, I’m certain.
I answer. “This is Sloane.”
“Hey, Miss Carter, it’s Sheriff Riggins with the Bell River Sheriff’s Office. I tried reaching Gage, but he doesn’t seem to be pickin’ up.”
Dread settles in. Gage always picks up his phone.
“Is everything okay?” I ask, pressing my foot harder on the gas—still within the speed limit, but barely. If something happened to him…
“Oh, yeah—everything’s fine from what I know.” I breathe out, easing up on the gas. “I actually wanted to tell you both some good news,” he says, pausing just long enough to make sure I’m listening. “We got him.”
“The contractor?” I ask, remembering how Gage mentioned the man who worked all over town—and how he went down there himself, stubborn and furious, determined to confront him face-to-face.
“Yup, he sang like a canary once we caught him. Confessed about the break-in, too. Claimed your friend Horizon put him up to it. Needless to say, I’ll be visiting them as well,” he says, and it makes me even more glad—relieved, really—that I didn’t sign their contract.
From what it sounds like, the entire county could sue them. That, on top of the individual suits against them, they’d be looking at paying hefty settlements, or worse, bankruptcy.
That would be some poetic justice, and being able to watch the condos either be demolished or taken over by a legitimate company, all from the comfort of the ranch, would be bittersweet in the best possible way.
“Well, that’s great news. I actually just left them and had a pretty interesting conversation with them, so if you need a statement, I’ll happily provide it,” I offer, hoping I’ll never have to hear or see the name Horizon Group again.
“I’ll be looking forward to it, Miss Carter. Be sure to tell Gage the good news when you see him,” he says, and I promise him I will.
Well, that’s a new development—but a good one. Gage will be happy to know that the thorn in his side, that is, all the sabotage, is finally behind him.
Even if nothing comes out of my coming back and confessing my feelings, even if telling him I’m ready to jump all in changes nothing, at least I can leave knowing they will never have to worry about this company ever infringing on the land again.
The town limits come into view, and suddenly I’m nervous again. Things can go south quickly if I don’t do this right, but at the same time, the fear of not knowing is what keeps me moving forward.
Our last argument didn’t feel final; it just felt like disappointment. I didn’t really listen to him, and it didn’t seem like he trusted me either.
Even if we work things out, there are things we need to talk about before taking this any further, but right now,it’s simply a matter of getting there and finally speaking to each other.
I pass through Bell River and continue onward to Hollis Ranch.
Knowing I’m only minutes away sets my nerves alight, and the feelings I’ve been carrying for a while now are bubbling inside me, waiting to spill out.
I force myself to refrain from panicking prematurely, never having felt like this for any guy I’ve ever cared about—but Gage isn’t just any other guy. He’s so much more than that.
I turn onto the dirt road.
Just a few more paces and I’ll be back at the ranch. This time, I’m not coming back to wait. I’m coming back to choose.
Whatever that costs us—at least it will be honest. If he won’t choose us, I will still choose the truth.
I’ll say it out loud. I’ll stand my ground.
And when I see him, everything changes.
