Page 39

I ’m supposed to be inspecting the gutter drain on cabin four, but I’ve been distracted, replaying the moment Caleb spoke for the first time.

I was on my way to grab a book from my room when I stopped outside his bedroom door, drawn in by the sound of Jensen reading.

He throws himself into the stories, complete with the silly voices and dramatic pauses, and even if he doesn’t notice, Caleb watches him with eyes full of quiet admiration.

It was only fitting that his first words since losing his mom were for his dad, and it was a privilege to witness it.

Over the past few days, Caleb has grown more talkative and at ease, and the change in him is unmistakable. Watching him thrive on the ranch brings back memories of my own healing journey, and I’m glad to see him finding peace here too.

I’m further distracted from my inspection when my phone buzzes, and I check to see that I have a new message.

Charlie: The whole town’s buzzing about your visit to the ice cream shop.

Charlie: Urban cowboy going full alpha when you tried to pay? That’s hot AF.

Briar: NGL. It was super-hot.

I push my hair back, relieved she’s not here to see the grin on my face.

Once Jensen got Caleb to bed last night, we slipped into his room.

As soon as the door clicked shut, he was already tugging at my shirt, nearly ripping a button off in his hurry.

He whispered his admiration, calling me the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen, and then he proceeded to break my record for the most orgasms I’ve had in a single night.

Briar: How come all the juicy gossip revolves around me lately?

Charlie: Because your situationship saga is the closest thing we have to reality TV.

Charlie: Until Ethel & Earl get caught canoodling in his taxi again.

Briar: Hands down the best edition of the town gazette.

I glance up from my phone, furrowing my brow when I spot a white speck in front of my cottage from across the ranch. I squint, able to make out it’s a delivery truck, but it’s too far away to discern any other details.

That’s odd.

I haven’t made any online orders, and Jensen hasn’t mentioned any upcoming deliveries. After another thirty minutes, I toss my tool bag into the back of my Jeep and drive over to check it out.

When I pull up in front of the house, I spot the Iron Spur logo on the side of the truck, a local service specializing in out-of-town deliveries .

I hop out of the Jeep, frowning when I hear the distinct sound of a drill coming from inside. I must have left a window open this morning, but I’m not complaining since it gives me some idea of what to expect.

I head straight for the kitchen, stepping around several large boxes flattened and propped against the entryway wall.

I freeze when I turn the corner into the kitchen and find several local handymen in the small space, installing a cream-colored refrigerator still wrapped in plastic.

The old fridge is pushed to the side, next to the old stove and microwave.

A second glance around the room confirms that all the appliances have been swapped out for new retro-styled ones.

“I think y’all might be at the wrong house,” I say.

The men stop what they’re doing, giving me puzzled looks, likely wondering why I’m standing here staring at them. Just then, Jensen emerges from the dining room, wearing his glasses and a startled expression when he sees me.

“Briar, you’re home early.”

I tilt my head with a hand on my hip. “I’m guessing that’s a bad thing, considering the overhaul happening in my kitchen right now.”

Am I upset? No. Just confused by the unexpected renovation taking place.

“Why don’t we talk about this outside while the guys finish?” Jensen suggests.

I nod. “Lead the way.”

He takes my hand and guides me through the laundry room, where a brand-new washer and dryer have already been installed, then out to the back porch.

Ziggy darts around the large pen I set up outside his shed, giving him plenty of space to play while still having access to shade whenever he wants.

I plan to introduce him to more animals on the ranch soon so he won’t be lonely while Caleb’s at school.

He’s become a foster fail, and I’m not sorry.

Birdie doesn’t mind since it’s one less animal she’ll have to take care of herself.

When Ziggy spots Jensen, he freezes mid-step, letting out a squeaky bleat as he flops over like he’s been unplugged. His legs stick straight out, stiff as twigs, and his eyes remain open, staring in our direction.

Jensen sighs in exasperation. “Seriously? Again?”

I bite back a smile. “Well, you are wearing your superhero glasses. The swooning was inevitable.”

He takes a step forward, trailing his fingers along my arm. “Funny since you’re still standing. I didn’t think you were immune to my charm.”

“Only when I’m on a mission to figure out why all of my appliances have been upgraded without my knowledge am I strong enough to resist temptation.” I lean forward, our mouths only inches apart. “Any other time, we’d already be halfway to the bedroom.”

“Then I guess I’ll have them reinstall the prehistoric ones,” Jensen teases, moving toward the door.

I catch his wrist to stop him. “Or you could come clean and tell me why you ordered the new appliances?”

“Because your stovetop’s been on the fritz, the washer was out of commission, and you deserve the best.”

Judging by his response, he obviously put a lot of thought into this plan, which sends my mind racing as I calculate the cost of each item I saw inside.

I’m certain the number I come up with is far lower than what Jensen actually paid—especially considering the luxury brands.

Even my estimate is astronomical, making my stomach churn.

“It’s thoughtful, truly, but I can’t afford that kind of upgrade,” I admit.

Mama Julie and Pops would have replaced the appliances in an instant if I’d asked.

Hell, Heath’s tried more times than I can count.

But the guilt kept me from agreeing to his offer.

They’ve done more than enough—taking me in when I had nowhere else to go, making me feel like part of the family even before I was adopted, and letting me live in the cottage rent-free.

That’s why it’s difficult to accept anything more, especially when it’s the kind of upgrade I’d never justify for myself.

“You don’t owe me a dime. It’s a gift, plain and simple,” Jensen says with conviction.

I shake my head. “It’s too much.”

He gently lifts my chin, making me meet his eyes. “Sweetheart, after everything you’ve done for Caleb and me, this is nothing. You deserve better than dragging your laundry across the ranch to wash it or flipping pancakes on a portable grill.”

“But I don’t—” Jensen places his finger over my mouth, stopping me mid-sentence.

“I see you, Briar Halstead. Always trying to shoulder everything on your own because you think asking for help is taking advantage. It’s not.

You’re one of the most compassionate and loyal people I’ve ever met.

Whether you’re off on a chicken heist, helping a friend, or comforting someone in need—you always show up, no questions asked.

” A light breeze pushes my hair into my face, and Jensen tucks the loose strands behind my ear.

“Let me take care of you for once,” he adds softly.

I don’t answer right away, weighing my options.

I could say no on principle, but how can I when he flashes me his crooked smile and says the sweetest things?

His grand gesture wasn’t just about buying appliances.

He went out of his way to pick ones that fit the cottage’s style, another piece of evidence that he pays attention to the little things.

“Thank you,” I whisper. “I have no idea how I’ll repay you.”

Jensen draws me into a hug. “Briar, it’s a gift, not a transaction. All I want is for you to use that shiny new fridge and stove.”

“I think I can manage that. ”

“Julie mentioned the other day that they’ve offered to hire someone to do the renovations, but you’ve declined. Is there a reason you prefer to do it yourself?”

It means a lot that he doesn’t lecture me for not choosing the easier route. Instead, he wants to understand where I’m coming from, and that makes me feel seen in a way I never have before.

I tilt my head, looking him in the eye. “You were right earlier. Asking for help doesn’t come naturally to me—especially not from the Halsteads.

This is more than a small favor, and if they stepped in, I’d feel like I owed them something I might never be able to repay.

Not when I’ve been saving for a children’s sanctuary that I want to build on the far side of the property,” I admit, my fingers tracing the button on Jensen’s collar.

The Halsteads and the girls are the only ones who know about my ambitious plans. I’m reluctant to share them with anyone else, as many people are more interested in my past and how it relates to my passion for helping kids from trauma rather than focusing on the difference I want to make.

Jensen has become the exception. He’s aware of my history and has seen firsthand how I’ve made a positive impact on Caleb through experiences on the ranch.

“A children’s sanctuary? You’ve never mentioned that before,” he says, trailing his fingers along my arm. “What will it be used for?”

“I’m in the process of starting a nonprofit for kids who’ve experienced trauma.

The goal is to create a space where we can hold summer camps, horseback riding lessons, and other activities.

It’s been a dream of mine for a long time, but spending time with Caleb has made me realize how much of a difference it could really make. ”

I hold my breath, waiting for his reply. I’m confident he’d never make me feel inferior or discourage me from chasing my dream, but it’s still not easy sharing this part of myself .

“It sounds like an amazing venture. Why haven’t you broken ground yet?

” He pauses, his gaze firmly fixed on mine.

“Let me guess. You want to do this on your own, too?” The corner of his mouth quirks up into a knowing smile.

“It’s truly incredible what you’re working toward.

I hope you never forget you have a family who loves you—no conditions, no questions.

Whether you’re adopted or not, you’re a Halstead, and they’ll support you in whatever way you need, including me.

Don’t ever doubt that there’s a group of people who will rally around you at any given moment. We’re all here for you, sugar.”

My heart swells with gratitude at his tenderness, and I rise on my toes to kiss him.

There’s no hiding with Jensen, and as unsettling as it should be, it’s oddly comforting that he’s willing to speak the truths I’ve been too afraid to say out loud. He gives me the kind of reassurance I didn’t know I was craving.

I’ve spent so long sitting in the shadows of self-doubt, convinced I didn’t fully belong because I wasn’t born into the family that chose me.

But being wrapped in Jensen’s arms has briefly silenced those fears, replaced with something steady and real.

A reminder that I’ve always had the Halsteads’ unconditional love and support, even when I’ve struggled to accept it.

“Thank you,” I murmur. “I needed to hear those words more than you realize, and I’m beyond grateful for all the ways you’ve shown up for me.”

“You’ve done more than enough, Briar. Honestly, I’m the one who should be thanking you.” He leans in for another kiss. “How about we head back inside so you can oversee the delivery guys and make sure everything goes where it should.”

“Sounds good. Plus, I want to offer them some sweet tea to thank them.”

“Good thinking,” he agrees.