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Those three words were the most real he’d been in a long time.

He’d sell those other places in a heartbeat—and maybe he would—if it meant being able to keep the ranch in the family.

Until he’d come to the ranch, he hadn’t had a real home since leaving his hometown near Flint after graduation. When his fight with his dad over pursuing music instead of joining the family construction business had nearly come to blows, Asher knew it was time to strike out on his own.

Uncle Terry released another sigh, and Asher could imagine him rubbing his forehead as he always did when trying to makea decision. “Well, okay then. If we do decide to sell, then you will have first option.”

“Thanks, Uncle T.” Asher couldn’t contain the smile that creased his face.

“See you at the end of the month. When we get home, we’ll talk about the carriage business and see if the idea has merit.”

“Sounds good.”

“Oh, and Ash?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t mention our call to Eliza. I don’t want her to worry until we know more about Angela and the decisions about our future.”

“Your secret is safe with me.”

They ended the call, and Asher stared at the black screen, shaking his head. His family and their need to keep secrets…Well, he understood that too well, but the irony was, the information he was being asked to keep secret was something they both knew but didn’t realize the other person already suspected.

He pocketed his phone and headed back to the barn.

He surveyed the carriage, still in disrepair but showing promise.

Then he left the barn and faced Hetty’s cottage.

Dani wanted an end-of-season music festival to give tourists a reason to return to the island next year. If he could have the carriage ready by the time the festival began and offer discounted trial tours, then he could show his family reopening the tour business for next season was more than an idea.

But if he wanted this idea to take shape, he needed to put himself out there. Maybe helping with the stage construction could bridge the gap between reclusive neighbor to spreading the word about the potential business.

Before he could change his mind, he headed across the yard to see if Sadie’s offer was still available.

To say Sadie was surprised to find Asher standing on her grandmother’s front porch would be an understatement.

But more than that, hearing him saying yes made her question her own auditory abilities. “What did you just say?”

“I think you heard me.” He raised an eyebrow as he pressed a hand against the doorframe. “I’ll help with the festival. Stage construction or whatever it was that you and Dani cooked up for me.”

Sadie folded her arms over her chest. “We didn’t cook up anything for you. This was Dani’s idea.She’sthe ones who thinks you can do it.”

He lifted a brow. “And you don’t?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know you. Except that you’re a bit surly and rude.”

He chuckled, a rich sound that rumbled in his chest.

“Well, at least you’re not offended.” She gave him the barest of smiles.

“You’re not the first person to call me rude, and I’m sure you won’t be the last. Haven’t heard surly in a while though.” He shook his head and stuck out a hand. “What do you say to a truce?”

Eyeing him, she took his hand. His fingers were warm and rough. Working man hands. Not smooth and polished like…Nope, not going there. “Why the change of heart?”

“I want to bring my family back together.” His face softened as the words escaped in a quieter tone.

Before Sadie could respond to that, the door opened behind her. She turned and found Gran standing behind her, leaning heavily on her walker.