Page 47

M y truck comes to a halt at the end of the dirt road. Jack told me to meet him here and what he says goes, so I didn’t ask any questions. The area is mostly abandoned; it has an old fence around it and a utility shed.

He stands, hip propped against the fence, arms crossed and back to me. Walking through the tall wild grass, I take the short walk and stand next to him.

“You know my family has owned this land for as long back as you can track. We’ve each raised our own families and passed it down, generation to generation.

” I study the look on his face; the setting sun reflects off the wrinkles that have gotten deeper with each year that has passed.

He used to have strong, dark eyebrows, and the more time passes, the more they fade to gray.

I sometimes forget how quickly life goes.

It feels like it was only yesterday, I was ten years old, following him around in boots that were too big and trying to learn how to be a tough cowboy like him.

“One of the many things that makes this place so special.” He looks over to me, studying my response, and a ghost of a smile turns his lips up.

“I’ve decided it’s time for me to take a step back and let you boys take over. I’ve worked every minute of my last sixty years, and I think it’s time for me and the Mrs. to slow down a little. ”

Shock fills me, I swore that he would be busting his ass on this ranch until the day he died. “Well, if anyone deserves it, it’s you.”

He nods his head. “Thanks, son. Well, I brought you out here today to talk about a few things. First, I’m handing over ownership of the land and the ranch. Weston will get thirty percent, Aspen thirty percent, and you and Rhett will split the remaining amount.”

I try to find words because as much as I love this land, I never thought any of it would ever belong to me.

I was happy just to earn my keep to get to stay here.

“I. I. I—” shaking my head, I try to form a sentence, “I don’t know what to say.

I love this land and you guys. That is incredibly generous.

” Jack puts his hand on my shoulder and gives it a squeeze.

“You’ll always be a part of this family.

Your last name might not match, but your heart does, and at the end of the day, that’s what makes a family.

” He gives me one more squeeze before dropping his arm.

“Anyway, the land we’re standing on right now is officially yours.

It’s got incredible views of the mountainside and would be a hell of a spot to raise a family if you want it. ”

My eyes roam over the chunk of land. The green grass and wildflowers will still be in bloom a little longer.

Fall will be rolling around any day now, bringing in the falling leaves and a whole other scenery.

All of it as pretty as the season before it.

“This is too much.” I shake my head. But as my eyes scan, I can see it.

The life Ava and I can build. The babies that could run around the front yard.

The laughter. A home. I can create the family I never had.

“I think it’s just enough. I miss your old man more than words can ever say, but it has been an honor to watch you grow up and get to have a hand in raising you into the man that you are today.

” He purses his lips and gives a nod, swallowing back emotion.

I’ve never seen this man cry, and I don’t think today will start that.

He’s as tough as they come, mind, body, and soul.

“Well, I am going to head back to the house. The wife is waiting for me.” He pats my back a couple times, and I turn my head and watch him go.

Turning my head back, I can’t help but smile.

This is the dream. Not winning buckles but having people around you who make you feel glad to be alive.

Reaching into my coat pocket, I pull out my phone and send a text to Ava, dropping my location and telling her to meet me at the spot.

Twenty minutes later her car comes up the road, which reminds me, she will need an upgrade if I don’t want to pull her out of snow drifts all winter. She’s officially a country girl, and we need to get her some 4x4 action.

Her car door closes behind me, and I turn my head and smile at her. Hopping up on the fence is a brave move, considering this thing is probably older than the pyramids. But it holds my weight.

“Whatcha doing out here?” She comes and stands beside me, resting her arms against the top of the fence.

“Oh, just planning the rest of our life.” Actually, I think I’ve been doing that since the moment I met her. But even more so now.

“Wow, busy afternoon. Tell me, Ryder, what does the rest of our life look like?”

“It looks like a house right there,” I point to a spot in the grass I’d want to clear out and put our house on, “and grass all around it so our babies can run. Maybe a dog or two?” I turn to look down at her and admire the way the light makes the faint freckles on her nose stand out.

“I think we should make the kitchen face this way.

That way our living room can be this view.

I point forward, to where the mountains fall to a valley in the distance, and the sun shines through the peaks .

“I feel like I am missing something.” Her eyebrows scrunch up, trying to put together what I’m saying. Probably not wanting to get her hopes up because this land is perfect for our forever.

“Jack is gifting us this land and making me twenty-five percent owner of the ranch and land. This is now ours, baby.”

“Oh my God! That’s amazing.” She jumps into my arms, and her sweet scent wraps around me, making this ground feel even more like home. We’ve had a lot of talks lately about what was next for me now that bull riding is done, and I guess now I have my answer. All that worrying was for nothing.

“That it is. Looks like we’ll have a busy winter. I want to break ground the second the ground melts.”

She smiles up at me. “I love you, Mav.”

Leaning over, I gently lift her chin and look her in the eyes. “Always?”

“Always.” My lips meet hers and I can feel how good the rest of our lives will be. As long as I have her and this Wyoming air, I’ll have all I’ll ever need.