Page 45 of Saddle Storm

He looks off to the side like I’ve made my point.

“Look, I know they’re not meant for long term. But the guest cottages are two bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and I don’t know if you’ve seen the building she’s in now, but it’s not exactly maintained either.”

“Not to mention it’s on the other side of the planet,” Wilder mutters, repeating my words.

Dad adjusts in his seat and clears this throat. “For what it’s worth, Storm wouldn’t exactly be a guest. She knows how to hold her own in one of those cottages year-round. Probably shovel better than any one of you boys.”

Dallas flicks his gaze back to me. “Look, even if I do say yes to this—which I don’t know if I will, Storm won’t agree to it.”

“Leave her to me.”

He perks an amused brow, then glances at the other men in the room who watch him carefully. Finally, he sets down his coffee mug and steps over to me. “Tell you what I’ll do. I’ll let you run this by Storm. If she agrees, I might be able to find her a cottage, but I’ve got one condition.”

“I’ll pay for it.”

“That’s without question, and we all know you’re good for it. But after the wedding, you and I hit the local bar and toss back a few beers.”

“What the hell for?”

He shrugs. “I don’t know. Catch up. Hash shit out. Maybe talk about why you been hostile toward me?”

Dad shifts irritably then stands, moving toward the window. Wilder scratches his head like he’s hoping we don’t bring him into this.

“Can you not make this about you?” I snap.

Dallas holds up his hands defensively. “Take it or leave it. That’s my condition.”

“Well it’s a bullshit one,” I huff. “I can babysit for you. You look like hell and I imagine Willow’s not lookin’ any better.”

He scowls.

“Cover year-end bonuses for the staff? Throw in season tickets maybe?”

Dallas cocks his head. “Come on, Silas,” he whispers and my gut twists because he sounds desperate.

I swallow. “One beer.”

“Four.”

“Two.”

He smirks and stretches his hand. “Deal.”

I nod and shake on it. “Great. Thanks.”

Dallas chuckles tiredly and returns to his desk. “Don’t thank me yet. Storm’s pretty stubborn when it comes to accepting help.” He points a finger at me. “But I still agreed, so after she tosses you and your proposal into the mud, you owe me those beers.”

“Care to wager on that?” Wilder offers with a cocky grin.

Dallas jerks like it’s the easiest bet he’ll ever make. “I would, since she’s never gonna go for it.”

“I say she will.” Wilder stands. “Loser hosts Sunday dinners for a year.”

“It’s always been at the main house, and you took the main house.”

Wilder narrows his eyes, striding over. “’Fraid she’ll say yes?”

Dallas shakes his head and stretches an arm. “Fine. If Storm agrees, Willow and I will host Sunday dinners till next fall.”