Page 69 of Knot The Only Onee

“So,” Alena sang out. “What’s up?” I could hear something ruffling in the background like she was getting comfortable where she was sitting.

“Well, a few things?” I pulled the phone from my ear. “We’re a pack now.”

Alena’s squeal was still loud enough that I winced at the pitch. Her happy scream went on for almost a minute before I felt it was safe enough for my eardrum to bring the phone back.

“Oh my goodness! I’m so excited for you!” Alena sounded like she was jumping up and down. “I want the deets!”

“It was everything I imagined.” I smiled as I glanced over at Lucas, smiling knowingly. “And more.”

Lucas blew me a kiss as he moved to start washing the dishes. He had so much energy, I didn't know how he did it. I just woke up and was ready to climb back into bed.

“Oh, that is the sound of love. You got it bad, girl.” She was excited as she teased me. “You said it was only one of the reasons you called?”

I could hear a door open and then low voices in the background. “Did I disturb you?” I recognized the voice as Elias'.

Alena paused, and I heard the sound of a kiss. “It’s Bridget, Elias. Give me a few for girl talk?”

“Oh wait! Don't let him leave yet. That’s perfect timing, Alena! Can you put me on speakerphone?” I gave Lucas a thumbs up as he looked over his shoulder at me.

“You’re on speaker. Simon is here too.”

“Hi, Simon!” My heart warmed as he replied. I missed the man who was a better brother to me than my actual one.

“Hi, Bridget. What’s going on?” Simon’s accent reminded me of growing up. Mostly bad, but some good, thanks to him.

“I’m just going to come right out and ask. Would you guys be willing to invest in the ranch?” I began telling them the story, ensuring they knew it wasn’t Noah who led the ranch almost to ruin.

“That damn blasted stubborn cowboy,” Elias muttered under his breath, loudly, of course. “We’ve been offering to invest for years. The ranch is perfect for vacations, corporate retreats, and family getaways. It’s not only because they’re our friends that we wanted a piece of it. It just makes good business sense.”

“I’ve already sent out a text to Julian and Xavier. They sent their agreement.” Simon’s tone was amused. “Xavier said it's about time Noah recognized his superiority.”

“Tell Xavier that if he picks on Noah for trying to save his home, he gets no blow jobs from me or Julian for a month.” Alena promptly defended Noah before I even opened my mouth.

I giggled at the silence from the two men in the room with her.

“Ouch.” That was Elias.

“Harsh.” And Simon.

“That ranch is now Bridget’s home, too. So don't make fun of them for doing their best.” I could envision her crossing her arms over her chest, clear as day.

“My love.” Elias was a smooth talker. “We would never intentionally hurt our friends' feelings. Only Xavier is that stupid to attempt it, and you promptly reprimanded him.”

I heard the sound of kissing and I snorted. “Um, sorry to interrupt, but that’s a yes?”

“That’s a yes. We will get the paperwork made up right away. Normally, we’d just send a lawyer to get the signatures, etcetera, but I think this calls for an in-person visit.” Simon clapped his hands. “Give us a week. When we're there, we can talk about the project's scope and what improvements are necessary for the cabins and main house.”

“You just want an excuse to get out of work, even though you just had a few days off.” Elias laughed in the background. “But I agree, this would be much better if we came to visit, don’t you, Alena?”

“I get to see my best friend and my horse? Duh!” Alena giggled happily. She was asking me a question when, all of a sudden, a sharp pain stabbed through me.

The phone clattered to the table as a whimper came out of me. Cramps. Bad one, too. I could barely breathe as I fought through the pain.

Lucas was at my side almost immediately, his hand on my back. “Bridget? Sweetie? What’s wrong?” His other hand touched my cheek. “You’re burning up!”

“Bridget?!” Alena’s voice shouted from the phone. “What’s happening?”

“Hey,” Lucas turned the phone toward him and hit the speaker button as he pulled me into his lap. “She’s burning up and in pain.”