I love you. The words were right there, trapped in my throat as the orgasm consumed me. I swallowed them back down, though, the realization almost too big, too scary to voice quite yet. Also, if he discounted the confession as me being come-drunk, I might weep for real. I could wait.

  “I’m never going to get tired of this,” I said instead as I sagged against him.

  “We’ll have to bronze this chair.” He chuckled warmly as he retrieved a small towel from the chair pocket. Funny how we did this often enough here that he kept supplies at the ready.

  “We will.” I accepted the towel to sponge off my stomach after he wiped off his hands.

  “Place could maybe do with some freshening, but the chair stays.” He used an offhand tone, but his eyes were serious, conveying a message. An invitation, even, the barest hint of future dreaming.

  “If you want design ideas, I might know a guy.” Grinning, I stretched.

  “I’m open to suggestions.” He gave a lazy yawn that turned into a sleepy kiss that turned into restarting the episode and us quietly cuddling. I fetched a blanket from the back of the couch, allowing us to get cozier. As we watched, I studied my cowboy, tough as leather, forged by mountains and canyons, marveling at how I’d gotten so lucky. I’d hoped, dreamed, and schemed, but I hadn’t thought he’d actually take the leap.

  “You inspire me.” I played with his hand as the episode ended.

  “Because I knew the answer to the Daily Double?” He frowned, voice still sounding tired, likely from a combination of the sex and the stress of the day.

  “No, because you were brave and called your mom.” I kept coming back to that revelation. If he could let go of some of his bitterness, anyone could. “Not today, but sometime soon, I might call mine.”

  “It’s not a competition. You do what’s right for you.” He squeezed me closer. “But if you call, be sure to share how much I liked the casserole recipes at the holidays.”

  “I will.” I chuckled, appreciating the moment of lightness. Maybe I could start by bugging my older sister for more recipes, work up to tackling the whole family. “Like you said, parents are only human. Good. Bad. Flawed. And hey, all those trips to the carousel they put up with meant something.”

  “Born to be a cowboy.” He gave me a fond kiss, and I wasn’t sure I’d ever been happier.

  “And now I’m a cowboy with a horse.” I wriggled.

  “A horse with no name.” He shot me a pointed look.

  “I’m working on it.” I waggled my eyebrows at him. “Romeo?”

  “Please no.” He groaned. “I might have barely graduated, but even I know they all die in the end.”

  “True. Only happy endings allowed here.”

  “You deserve that.” He said the words like a solemn vow, and I had to discreetly pinch myself. Yep. This was indeed real life. I gave a contented sigh that turned into a huge yawn.

  Crap. This was real life, and real life meant an early wake-up for chores.

  “I should head back to the bunkhouse.” My voice was as reluctant as my feet.

  “Why?” Grayson shrugged and held me tightly. “Another episode, and I might find the strength for a double header.”

  “It’s getting late,” I warned. “Another set of orgasms, and I’m going to be even sleepier and harder to move.”

  “Reckon the gossip will be there tomorrow regardless of where you sleep.” His tone was pragmatic. “It’s cold outside. Stay.”

  “I will.” I’d waited months for him to say that. If I were truthful, I’d waited years for someone to utter that word. Stay. Grayson Campbell wanted me. Improbable, but true. He really wanted me. Of course, I wanted those other words too, but I wasn’t greedy. I’d hold that “stay” close to my heart for a long time.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Grayson

  “You can’t name a horse Cupid.” I stood in front of Adler’s horse’s stall, which, after much debate, now featured a name plaque. A pink name plaque complete with a curly-q script and a heart over the lowercase I. Even Willow’s horse, Pepperjack, had a less fanciful nameplate. Cupid might be the newest horse in the stable, but he wasn’t lacking for bling, and his new owner wasn’t lacking for swagger.

  “I believe I can, seeing as how he’s my horse and all.” Having just finished saddling the horse, Adler leaned on the stall door, expression begging me to object so he could push my buttons that much more.

  Fine. There was no one around, and we had another hour at least until dinner. I hadn’t dropped my strict no-fooling-around-in-the-barn rule, but a little flirting was harmless enough. I gave him my sternest glare, inviting whatever brattiness he needed to unleash.

  “Just because it’s Valentine’s week…” As I trailed off, I offered a heated promise with my eyes that I’d properly deal with him later.

  However, to my surprise, his expression softened from defiant to sweet, mouth going full and slack and cheeks that much pinker.

  “More like just because it’s the most romantic gesture someone has ever done for me.” He put a hand over his heart, faking a swoon, but his eyes were sincere.

  “Pish.” I crowded into him, not touching, but close enough to make my presence known. “If that’s so, you might need more romance.”

  “Possibly.” He beamed at me. “But I’m pretty happy as is.”

  And he had been ridiculously cheerful all week, whistling his way through work and blessing me with more smiles than I possibly deserved, all because I dared hold his hand in public. Making Adler Kelly content was so damn easy that I truly should have pulled my head out of my ass weeks ago. The only price had been some light teasing from the hands, most of which was directed at Adler, not me, and all of which he took in stride. In my relief, the first part of the week had sped past, and now, tomorrow was Valentine’s Day. I had zero clue how I could beat getting him a horse or coming out, and I had a limited imagination, but I was determined to try.

  “Seriously. Help a cowboy out here.” I glared at him simply to watch his grin widen. “What do you want for Valentine’s Day?”

  “You.” Adler made a happy chirp.

  “Try again,” I warned, telling him with my eyes exactly what I intended to dish out after dinner if he kept up the back talk.

  “Your threats hardly scare me.” Adler wiggled in place, looking damn eager and testing all my rules about where we could and could not kiss. I made a frustrated noise, and Adler placed a soothing hand on my coat sleeve. “I wouldn’t turn down dinner out, but I know that’s not your speed.”

  “Hmm.” I schooled my expression. It was an easy enough request and slightly terrifying at the same time. It was one thing to come out at the ranch where no one would dare cross Maverick if they valued their job, yet quite another to take a man to dinner on Valentine’s Day, inviting whatever speculation folks wanted. If rumors weren’t already swirling with my name on them, going fully public with Adler would do the trick. However, seeing as how I wasn’t going anywhere, I might as well jump in with both feet. Do it scared. I was learning to pick and choose which lessons I kept from my past, but that was a pretty good one.

  I worked up a slow smile. “There’s a decent steakhouse in Durango. Reckon you’d like it. I’ll see if they’re doing reservations.”

  “Really?” Adler’s grin was more than worth conquering that brief moment of fear.

  “Really. Feel free to wear your fanciest”—I gave him a deliberate once-over—“underwear.”

  “Oh, I love you.” Adler’s breath escaped him in a loud rush before his eyes widened, and his voice went higher-pitched. “I mean, I love that idea.”

  “Adler.” I reached out and tilted his chin up with my thumb. His eyes were heartbreakingly vulnerable. I swallowed hard. “I love you too.”

  “You do?” he whispered.

  “As you’ve pointed out a dozen times this week, I got you a horse, risked bunkhouse gossip, and kissed you in front of our mutual boss.” My tone took on a testy edge to cover for my shaking hands. “You think I would have done that for anyone else?”

  “I guess not.” His lips curved into the sweetest smile, making it all the easier to repeat myself.

  “I love you.” My voice was stronger this time. “Never thought I’d say those words, but they feel right. This feels right.”

  “It does.” Adler darted in for a quick kiss on my cheek. “I love you too.” Withdrawing slightly, he patted the spot he’d kissed. “And I don’t need a fancy steak dinner⁠—”

  “But you’re getting one anyway.” I growled another warning right as Casey came loudly clomping up the aisle. We sprang apart.

  “Need something?” I asked as Adler shifted his attention to finishing getting Cupid ready to ride.

  “Oh. Uh.” Casey’s full cheeks went all kinds of pink. Yeah, he’d definitely caught that kiss. “I can come back.”

  “Gray is all yours,” Adler said brightly, leading Cupid past us. “I was just about to exercise Cupid.”

  Casey’s eyes stayed bigger than a two-pound ribeye as Adler walked away. Thus far, any comments about Adler and me had been the sort of friendly ribbing one might expect, but that didn’t mean trouble wasn’t lurking.

  “Problem?” I glowered at Casey.

  “No.” He held up his hands. “I mean, you do gotta admit it’s a little weird.”

  “How so?” Narrowing my eyes, I let my voice go harsher, but Casey didn’t cower. Indeed, he laughed.

  “Stand down, Gray. I meant you being all happy.” He gave another deep belly laugh, the sort of familiarity of knowing each other for a damn lot of years. “Like seeing a tame bear. Never thought I’d see the day you settled down.”

  “Yeah, well, consider me shocked too.”

  “Happy looks good on you though.” He lightly doffed my shoulder before giving me a more serious look. “Anyone says otherwise, they can go through me.”

  “Thanks.” The back of my neck heated. I had no clue what to do with such support, but I nodded nonetheless. “You needed something?”

  “Just to say thank you. I’m on my way back to the bunkhouse after a trip into town for groceries. Earlier, I met with Maverick and Adler to go over potential guest menus. I felt like a real cook for the first time.”

  “You are a real cook.”

  His cheeks went even rosier. “You know what I mean.”

  “Yep. And you’re a damn fine cook.” I doffed him right back, adding a sharp look. “You’ll do right by the guests.”

  “Thanks.” His voice was soft, but his smile was as genuine as I’d seen it. Later, after Casey had headed along to see to supper, I moseyed over to see how Adler was getting along with Cupid.

  “How’s Cupid doing?” I called as Adler made his way around the ring, as confident as any seasoned rider.

  “Told you the name would grow on you.” He stuck his tongue out at me.

  “More like you grew on me,” I shot back. “And look at you. Perfect posture. You two make a fine pair.”

  “And so do we.” He gestured between us.

  “So we do.” I gazed up at him, trying to picture my life without him and failing. Adler was the last thing I’d ever expected and the one thing I couldn’t live without. I smiled slowly, unable to help myself.

  “No fair looking at me like that when I can’t kiss you.” Adler groaned.

  “Get used to it,” I ordered gruffly. I had every intention of looking at him for the rest of my life. I’d meant it. He deserved all the romance. The least I could manage was a few sappy looks and trying every damn day to make sure he felt appreciated. He was the best thing to ever happen to this ranch and me, and I wasn’t going to let either of us forget it.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Adler

  May

  “I can’t believe today is finally here.” I stretched my arms, enjoying the freedom of only wearing a heavy flannel shirt as I stood on the porch with Maverick and Grayson. Spring in Colorado was a reward for the long, cold winter, and as schools around the country counted down to summer break, tourist season was set to begin. For the first time, Second Chance Ranch was ready to welcome some of those tourists.

  Maverick and I had been in a frenzy of final preparations the past few weeks, culminating in a frantic morning of last-minute tasks. For his part, Grayson had been unusually attentive all day, doing my bidding instead of the other way around, carrying linens and dusting like he had nothing better to do than wait for the same guests he’d protested against all winter.

  Indeed, he stood on the porch with Maverick and me, nodding his approval. One would never guess he’d been the biggest skeptic of the project.

  “I can.” He smiled fondly at me. He did that a lot more these days, smiling to the point that others had noticed. The change in his demeanor got us far more teasing than anything else. Knowing I made him that happy made my chest warm and light as I basked in his support, along with his hand at my back. “You worked hard to make this happen.”

  “Absolutely.” Maverick gestured beyond us at the new row of tiny house cabins, the first of which was ready, with others soon to follow. A nifty fire pit with seating stood between the cabins and the bunkhouse, exactly as we’d envisioned. “None of this could have happened without you.”

  “Thanks.” I smiled, but my jangling nerves refused to settle. Maverick had brought his years of experience from the hospitality industry, but this project was my baby, right down to the cowboy sheets on the bunk beds in the cabin for the guests’ kids. “I keep going over all the details⁠—”

  “Which are perfect.” Maverick placed a soothing hand on my shoulder. “You found cowboy hat- and cactus-shaped soaps. Everything is ready, Adler.”

  “Someone’s coming!” I sounded like a kid hosting a birthday party as a gray SUV came down the long drive, kicking up a cloud of dust.

  “Well, go greet them.” Maverick shoved me forward.

  “Me?” I turned to stare at him. “It’s your ranch.”

  “And you’re our official guest program coordinator.” He gave me another friendly push. “Go say hi, Adler.”

  I had barely cleared the porch steps when I pulled up short. A trio of redheads, a mom and two kids, exited the SUV, followed by a tall, lanky blond man. The kids bore a decided resemblance to a stack of photos on my phone, but my eyes were locked mainly on the mother, whom I’d recognize anywhere.

  “Corrine?” I took a few more halting steps toward my older sister and her family. “You’re our guests?”

  I turned my head back toward Maverick and Grayson, who both nodded encouragingly. Ever since I’d asked for the green bean recipe at Thanksgiving, Corrine had been chattier via text, more pictures of the boys, who were six and nine now, more inquiries as to my well-being, and more recipe suggestions. Inspired by Grayson and his tentative steps toward reconciling with his mother, I’d started sending lengthier replies, including a few pictures of the ranch and my life here.

  “When you mentioned your new project, I told Rob and the boys, and they were so excited about the ranch.” Corrine offered a cautious smile as her husband and the boys hung back. “I reached out to Maverick about surprising you. He thought we’d be great test visitors. Surprise!”

  “Surprise,” I echoed weakly, trying to wrap my head around this development. I’d seen that the guests had two boys, but I hadn’t made the connection, in part because someone had input a different name. “Smart on the fake names.”

  “That was my idea. Turns out that booking software really is easy to use.” Maverick came up beside me, grin wavering as he glanced between me and my sister. “This is okay, right?”

  “Uncle Adler!” Before I could reply, the younger of the two boys, Brayden, stepped forward to tug at my arm. He’d been a tiny bundle the last time I’d visited New Jersey. A granite boulder grew in my throat. He knew my name. “Do I get to ride a real horse?”

  “Yeah, I think you do,” I said slowly as I stooped to his level. “If your mom says it’s okay, of course.”

  “That would be why we flew all the way here.” Corrine gave a nervous chuckle. “Brayden reminds me so much of someone else at that age. He demands the carousel every chance he gets. I’ve missed you, Adler.”

  “I wasn’t sure anyone even noticed I’d stopped coming back.” My voice came out as dazed as I felt.

  “I noticed.” Corrine wrapped an arm around my back. “So did others. Maybe we’re not the best at expressing it, but we love you, Adler. It’s good to see you looking so healthy. And happy.”

  “I am.” I swallowed hard and allowed myself to sink into the hug for several long seconds. When Corrine finally released me, we both had damp eyes.

  “Now, when do we get to meet your cowboy?” she teased, voice still thick with emotion. I’d sent enough pictures of Cupid, the dogs, Grayson, and others that she knew something of my life here, including that I was dating Grayson.

  “Um. This is Grayson.” I waved him forward. Unlike Maverick, his expression was more guarded. “Otherwise known as the reason for the casserole recipes.”

  “I see.” Corrine greeted him with a hug that seemed to catch him by surprise. “We’re delighted to meet you.”

  “Likewise.” Grayson still didn’t smile, looking rather fierce and ready to do battle on my behalf.

  “I wanna see the horses!” Brayden prompted, dancing from one booted foot to the other. He wore a tiny pair of Wranglers and a new-looking plaid shirt. I didn’t have a ton of pictures of me at that age, but I could see where Corrine found the resemblance with his riot of curly red hair and skinny build.

  “Shall we start with a tour?” Maverick suggested.

  “Yay!” Both boys happily bounded ahead of us. I took several deep breaths as we walked until I found my way back to host mode, showing off the tiny house cabin to much praise from Corrine.

  “Tonight, you’ll have cowboy chili in front of a campfire with a s’mores bar featuring some homemade chocolate chip cookies.” As we passed the fire pit area, I gestured at the picnic tables.