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CHAPTER FIFTEEN

COLE

I see the way Reine’s hands are shaking and know that under all that bravado, my girl is two seconds from jumping out of her skin.

I wrap my hand around hers, squeezing just enough to anchor her. “Don’t worry, Montana,” I murmur low enough just for her, dragging my thumb over her soft skin. “It’s all good news. I promise.” At least, it had better be. Or I’ll break my brother’s goddamn neck.

She blows out the breath she’s been holding as some of the tension in her shoulders eases. That’s all I want. Just her, unafraid and sharp as ever. We walk to the barn office together, Grams leading the way and Hudson following close behind.

Once we’re inside, I pull the battered chair out for Reine, while Hudson helps Grams into the seat across from us.

After we’re all seated, my brother turns all business. “I’ll get to the point. Chet Hayes and his investment cronies are out of the picture,” Hudson says, looking straight at Reine. “They took the buyout.”

“Wait a minute,” Reine cuts in, looking back and forth between Hudson and me. “What buyout?”

“Carrington Enterprises purchased the third of The Rolling R Ranch that Chet Hayes had sold off,” Hudson explains as both women gasp. “We’re going to be silent partners. You keep running the ranch however you want, no interference. But if you need money, manpower, resources, you’ll get them. Full stop. The only thing we ask is that you keep Thunderbolt’s bloodline in the Carrington family.”

Grams whistles, low and long, but her eyes are sharp as flint. “Why the hell would you do that?” Each word drops like a stone.

Hudson shrugs like this is no big deal. “Because my brother fell hard for your granddaughter. And that makes you family.”

Reine's chest rises and falls in quick, shallow bursts, her fingers turning ice-cold against mine. I press my lips to the delicate blue veins crossing her knuckles, breathing in the scent of vanilla that clings to her skin. “Don’t worry, Montana. My family isn’t going to meddle with how The Rolling R Ranch is run.”

Hudson nods, his lips twitching at the corners. “My brother’s right. We don’t plan on interfering in any way. The ranch remains yours, and if you want to buy our share back someday, we’ll work something out.”

Reine’s hand is trembling so badly that I have to take it in both of mine. I kiss her knuckles, ignoring Hudson’s eye roll. Just you wait, fucker. One day, you’ll see what it feels like to love someone more than your own life.

Grams stares at Hudson for a long moment, then nods once, sharp as a judge’s gavel. “You get one warning,” she says, ice dripping from her words. “Screw us over, and I will personally see to it that your balls decorate the Rockwell Christmas tree.”

Hudson throws his head back and laughs, but I see the relief in his eyes. “Understood, ma’am. Wouldn’t dream of it. You have my word.”

The tension drains out of the room, replaced by something almost like hope. Reine sits back in her chair, breathing hard, and Grams relaxes her death grip on the mug. I can’t stop smiling.

Reine looks up at me, eyes glassy but clear. “You did this for me,” she whispers.

“Damn right I did, Montana,” I murmur back, low and private. “I’d do anything to make you happy.”

Hudson makes a disgusted noise in the back of his throat, while Grams grins at him.

Reine swallows and glances over at my brother. “Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me.” My brother stands and walks over to gently pat her shoulder. “Just putting up with my asshole brother is payment enough.”

“Fuck you,” I tell him without much heat. My family really did me a solid favor this time. Reine leans against me, and I’m tempted to kiss her senseless, but I know she needs a little time to digest all of this. Instead, I settle for holding her hand and watching the future start to unfold in real time. My future. Our future. Even if it comes with the world’s most annoying helicopter family as part of the package.

Hudson tugs his suit coat into place, every inch the cocky bastard he’s always been. “Welcome to the family, Reine. We can’t wait for you and Grams to come down and visit The Carrington Ranch.”

“Thank you,” my girl breathes.

Grams gets up, too, and for a second, I think she’s going to shake his hand, but she pulls him in for a big hug. “We look forward to visiting and meeting everyone.”

Hudson grins, winks at Reine. “I wish I could stay longer, but I have an appointment in California tomorrow morning.” He gives my girl another pat on the shoulder, then turns to me. “I’ll call you later and let you know if we’re going to make a move on the Carter horse. Answer your goddamn phone this time.”

“If I feel like it.” I can’t help myself. I fucking love to see steam coming from my brother’s ears.

“Good luck, Reine.” He smiles at her before glaring at me. “You let me know if this asshole gives you any trouble.”

“Thanks again for everything,” my girl tells him as he walks out the door, leaving us alone in the office. Reine lets out a shaky laugh and sags into my side, her head on my shoulder. “Holy shit,” she says. “Are all your family members as intense as your brother?”