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Chapter 1

Gavin

Allanyoneintowncan talk about is the unprecedented storm.

It’s supposed to hit this weekend with record-breaking snowfall and enough freezing rain to make the roads slick and dangerous.

But you wouldn’t know it today, a cold and crisp November morning, with the sun shining and not a single cloud in the sky.

I’m driving into town to stock up on some essential supplies when the phone rings. I answer via Bluetooth and my twin’s voice takes over the speaker system, drowning out the gravelly baritone of Johnny Cash.

“How’s it going, man?” Bobby asks.

“Shouldn’t you be at the stadium?”

“It’s so nice to get such a warm and loving reception,” he says, and I can hear his eyes rolling.

“Well, shouldn’t you?”

“I’m at work,” he confirms. “Just finished lifting weights and we have a meeting in about an hour. But I wanted to check in with you about the storm and see if you need anything.”

The storm.

Bullshit.

Bobby is the starting quarterback for the New York Knights, and since football is in season, he’s safely in New Jersey. He spends the offseason at home in Montana, but out of the two of us, I’m the cowboy and he’s the NFL player.

I have everything covered.

Plus, our parents live on the ranch and they’ve weathered countless storms over the years. Our dad is more or less retired, but he’s still willing and able to boss everyone around, even if he’s not doing any of the manual labor.

Our ranch is one of the biggest, most successful operations in the state. We have everything we need to survive off-grid for months, including a crew of exceptional cowhands who live on the property. They’re experienced enough to keep everyone safe with little direction.

A winter storm is no big deal where we live.

We’re fine and Bobby knows it.

“What could you possibly do to help me from there?” I ask, wondering when he’s going to get to the point.

“You’re in a real ornery mood, asshole,” Bobby quips.

I decide to just play along as the brand new truck Bobby bought me for my birthday easily navigates the clear, dry country roads.

“The priority is keeping the animals safe and warm,” I say. “We have enough generators and fuel to power the continental United States, and since we harvest our own feed and firewood, we have plenty of both. I’m just heading into town to pick up some last-minute staples.”

“I feel terrible that I’m not there to help you,” Bobby says.

It’s a constant refrain, but I would never want to hold him back from living his dream. And I’m living mine, too.

“Don’t sweat it, man,” I return. “We’re both where we need to be. How’s Savanna?”

Savanna Murphy is Bobby’s fiancée. I never thought that would be a phrase I’d ever speak, but what started as a fake relationship to save Bobby’s reputation and career turned into the real deal.

They’re still in the googly-eyed honeymoon phase, and it’s ironic that I’ve become the permanent bachelor instead of my twin. He was always the far bigger playboy, but Savanna turned his entire world upside down.

“Keeping me in line,” Bobby says, with a smile in his voice. “We’ll be back for the holidays soon. Well, she’s flying out before me to help Mom get everything ready, and then I’ll meet you guys there after the last game. Thankfully, we’ll be able to stay home for two weeks.”

In addition to being my future sister-in-law, Savanna has become one of my good friends. I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with both of them next month.