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“Well, at least you admit it,” Jude replies. “But that’s not somethin’ you’ve got to worry about. You haven’t–and will never–let us down, Case.”

“He’s right, you know. And that’s not somethin’ I get to say that often.” Will smirks at Jude’s indignant gasp. “It’s been months now. It’s time to cut the apron strings—so to speak—and fully commit to the ranch life.”

“Case?” Jude waits to speak until I look over at him. “While it’s honorable and we respect the hell out of you for it, believe me when I say that you don't need to do everythin’ to prove you’re all in with us. We know . You’re here, aren’t you?”

“Yeah. But–”

“You’ve given up just as much as the rest of us. You’re contributin’ just as much as the rest of us,” Will adds. “How ‘bout this? Can you say you still like the work you’re doin’? Do you enjoy it? Does it fill you up? Because if you say yes, we’ll let it drop.”

I don’t have to think about it because I already know the answer. I’ve known it for a long time, from before I went to Anchorage and met my beautiful stranger. Before we were told about needing to move to Timber Falls. I shake my head.

Jude grins. “Then give your damn notice already, Case. Then get back to work on becomin’ an Alaskan mountain man–

“Like the rest of us,” They say in unison, which makes us all laugh.

I hold my hands in the air, my travel mug gripped tight so that I don’t waste a drop. “OK. OK. I get it. But do I have to start wearin’ flannel? Cause I’m not sure I’m a plaid kind of man.”

They all groan at that.

“Good. Now that that’s out of the way, we need to talk about what comes next. Wyatt?” Will says, looking to the true rancher out of all of us.

“Right. So Will and I were spitballin’ earlier. This cabin will be ready soon, and since we now know what we’re doin’ and how to do it better–”

“And a lot quicker,” Will adds.

“Yeah, that too. All of that means we can start thinkin’ about openin’ the doors to guests sooner than we thought.

” We all nod at that. “With more cattle arrivin’ next month from Bull–thanks to Dad givin’ us a good deal–we’ll soon have chores for people to help us out with in return for free accommodation. ”

“And there’s Jude’s garden plans. If we’re wantin’ to grow our own and potentially grow some vegetables and herbs for sellin’ at the farmers market, we’re goin’ to need help with that too,” Will continues.

“Exactly. So,” Wyatt says, taking a breath. “The plan Will and I wanted to get all of your input on is for us to wait until one more cabin is fitted out, and then you ,” Wyatt nods my way, “can finish buildin’ the website for takin’ inquiries and bookin’s and the like.”

“That’s easy enough,” I reply. Honestly, I could do the coding in my sleep.

“Especially now that you’ll no longer be workin’ remotely. Right?” Sutton says. Now it’s all making sense…

“So y’all ambushed me knowin’ I’d agree, and you already had plans to keep me busy with all my newfound spare time,” I deadpan.

“Dammit, you’re onto us,” Jude says with a laugh.

“There’s also the next field of plantin’ for your tree farm too. The barn to extend…”

“My Zen garden to finish,” Sutton adds. “Somehow, I don’t think we’re goin’ to run out of things for people to do, and if–or when–that happens, I’m sure we’ll find more.”

I shrug and turn to Will. “You’ve already got my vote. You’re the head of this ranch, remember?”

“Be that as it may, I still like knowin’ we’re all on the same page. This is a democracy, not a dictatorship.”

I look around the group and see that we’re all in agreement. “OK. Then yes, let’s do it.”

“Right. Let’s get to the real reason we’re here,” Jude’s almost vibrating on his feet for some reason.

“There’s more ?” I ask.

“Yep,” he says, popping the P, pinning me in place with a pointed look. “You can tell us all about your date last night.”

A snort escapes me as I shake my head. “Y’all are like a bunch of teenagers wantin’ gossip.”

“We care,” Sutton smirks. “But you’re right.

We want to know if the world stopped spinnin’ and you’re the next one to be declared off the market.

I don’t think there’s ever been two Calls being heard at once–not from what I’ve read, anyway–so once you’re done with it, then it'll be someone else’s turn. ”

“What if I want to respect Isla’s privacy and keep the details to myself?”

Sutton’s eyes narrow. “We could just ask Birdie to ask Isla…”

“You wouldn’t…” My eyes snap to Will who just shrugs. “I’ve been through this too, remember,” is all he says.

Jude shoots me a knowing look. “ Or you could tell us yourself and we’ll leave you alone.”

I release a loud and very resigned sigh. “It was good, OK.”

Will frowns. “Just good?”

“Great. Amazin’. The best date in the history of dates.” I honestly mean that too.

“Well, that’s goin' a bit overboard. You could’ve just told us you had a good time,” Sutton mutters.

“I did! We did. I’m not lyin’ when I say it was amazin’. We’re seein’ each other again on Monday afternoon to go to City Hall, just like Birdie suggested,” I tell them.

“Do you think she’s your One?” Will asks sincerely, all eyes firmly locked on me as they wait for my answer.

“I do. When we kissed it was like something shifted. Something big… consequential…” I look to Will. “Do you know what I mean?”

“Oh yeah,” he replies, his gaze full of understanding.

“I just don’t want to go all guns blazin’ and tell her that I’m already fallin’ for her.”

“To be fair, you fell for her months ago, before you even moved here,” Sutton says. See! Having a twin can be annoying!

“Yeah,” I reply honestly. “Doesn’t mean I know what to do.”

“That’s the best part though,” Will says. “You don’t have to think about it. If she’s your One, then the journey has already started.”

Wy nudges my arm. “Just like I said, Case. The mountain is never wrong. Just trust in that and the rest–they say–is history.”

I can do that. Hell, I want to do that. I want to continue to get to know all about my beautiful stranger. To spend time with her. To help her in any way I can. To kiss her again and again. Chase that feeling only she can give me.

She may not believe the Call is real, but that’s OK. I don’t need to convince her. I just need to show her.

“I think this meetin’s over. I’ve got work to do, and you,” Jude says, pointing at me, “have a resignation letter to write.”

“Yeah, yeah. I said I would.”

“Until then, who’s up for the Lair tonight? Birdie’s workin’ and I'm plannin’ on eatin’ some good food, havin’ a beer, and beatin’ y’all at pool,” Will says, changing the subject.

Sutton smirks. “You just want to make sure none of the regulars steal your girl.”

“She’s got my ring on her finger. That’s all the claim I need.”

After more light-hearted ribbing, Jude and I leave Sutton, Will, and Wyatt to their construction work.

And proving just how well my brothers know me, as soon as I send off the email tendering my official resignation, a huge weight is lifted off my shoulders.

Now I can dedicate my time to the ranch and plan more dates with my beautiful stranger.

The more I think about it, this might just be the best thing they’ve ever told me to do.