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Both Rockwell women stare at me in shock for several moments before Louise finally smacks Reine’s hand. “I told you this boy is a keeper.” Well, it looks like I’ve convinced one of them.

Reine nibbles on her bottom lip. “When did you decide this?”

“The first moment I saw you with him. I instantly knew how much you love that horse, and I’d never hurt you by taking him away,” I explain.

“What about your brothers? Are they just going to let you spend Carrington money on a horse and then leave it?” She sits back and stares at me.

I shrug, leaning back in my chair. "I called Hudson last night. Told him I'd buy Thunderbolt myself, with my own money. He's fine with it as long as I don't sell breeding rights to other ranches without running it by him first."

Louise levels me with a stare that could cut through solid steel. “That’s some serious money to put on the line for a horse, Cole.”

I grin. “It’s not about the money. Thunderbolt’s worth it, and so is your granddaughter.” I glance at Reine, loving the stunned look on her gorgeous face. “I only want the best for both.”

Reine’s jaw drops a little, her cheeks about the color of a ripe tomato. “You’re insane.”

“Only for you, Montana.” I say it low, just for her, and drag my knuckles over her knee under the table. She nearly jumps out of her seat.

Louise snorts, but I catch the edge of a smile. “It’s going to be hard to maintain a long-distance relationship.”

“That’s something else I decided.” I was planning to bring up this subject slowly, but it looks like now’s the right time. “I’m going to stay here in Montana with Reine.” Both of them look shocked as I continue. “I kinda like it here.”

The silence that follows is fucking priceless. Even Louise, who probably hasn’t been surprised by anything since the Carter administration, just sits there blinking at me for a solid five seconds.

Reine’s the first one to speak. “You’re staying? In Montana?” Her mouth drops open, and now all I can think about is what else she could fit in that perfect mouth.

I fight the urge to haul her into my lap and kiss her senseless. “That’s right. I’ve got no reason to head back to Texas now that I’ve found what I’ve been looking for my entire life.” I drop my hand to her thigh under the table, squeezing just above her knee, loving the way she nearly launches out of her chair. “I figure we can maybe spend a few of the coldest months every year at our place in Silver Spoon Falls, if you want.” I don’t even bother holding back a grin. “Think of it as a change of scenery when the Montana winters start getting mean.”

Reine stares at me like she can’t decide if I’m screwing with her or legitimately insane. “You’re just… moving here. For me.”

“That’s right.” I squeeze her thigh and watch her pulse jump in her neck. “Ranch work, cold weather, whatever you want. You got me. And you’re not getting rid of me easily, so don’t even try.”

Louise narrows her eyes, but I see the edge of satisfaction there, like she’s just been waiting for someone to lay it all out this clearly. “Tonight, we’re going to celebrate. I’ll cook my famous beef stew for dinner.”

I shoot her a wink. “Sounds like a plan to me.”