Page 95 of One Lucky Cowboy

Jill wiped at a tear that had fallen on her cheek. Questions gathered in the back of her throat.

“And last week I made you feel bad for that. You were there, steadfast and patient, and at the first sign of adversity, I let you down. And it hurts so much more because you haven’t been my kissing friend since that first night.”

She hadn’t?

“No,” he continued, as if he’d read the question in her eyes. “You’ve been the woman I fell in love with. The woman who made me question why I didn’t want a family when I already had one. The woman who I wanted to work beside every day and whose bed I wanted to share each night.”

Maggie cleared her throat, and Jill saw that her phone was posed as though she was filming their exchange. What was happening? It wasn’t bad, but so completely unexpected, she didn’t know how or what to feel.

“Sorry, Mags,” Jax said, laughing. He squeezed Jill’s hands and then brought them to his lips. “But when you find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, you don’t care about the small stuff anymore. Which leads me to my quiz, Jill Henley. I made it multiple choice to go easy on you.”

She grinned. She’d been so annoyed by that game when they’d first met, but now she couldn’t wait to see what her options were. She had a sneaking suspicion she’d know the right answer when she heard it, unlike the time he’d asked her which boy band she listened to while she cleaned and the choices were—well, not Blink 182 like she’d hoped.

“Option one. Let’s start dating. Like going out, seeing movies, eating too many desserts. I want to get to know you—all of you. Starting with the books you read and the songs you hum in the shower. Then maybe we can work up to how many more kids you want someday and if you like open floor plans.”

Her stomach flipped over on itself, and she couldn’t stop grinning like a teenage idiot watching her boyfriend issue a promposal.

Only one thing gave her pause. “But aren’t you moving to Austin? I saw the loaded truck every night.”

He shook his head. “Your research for this exam is kinda shoddy, Henley. I was bringing Ren’s stuff here. He’s moving to Deer Creek.”

“Oh. Okay.” Suddenly, she was much more interested in this little test. “What’s option two?”

“I thought you’d never ask.” He looked to Maggie, who produced a piece of paper folded in three. She handed it to Jill.

“This part’s from me,” Maggie said. “I am letting go of the company, like I said. I can’t keep it up and raise kids and help Bennett on the ranch like I want to.”

“That’s my role, Maggie. I know I messed up, but I’m here to help in whatever way you need.”

Maggie nodded. “That’s what Jax and I were hoping you’d say. Because I’m transferring ownership of Steel Born to you, Jill. As long as you want it, anyway.”

Jill gasped, her hand covering the O her mouth made.

“Why would you do that? You’ve worked so hard for this.”

“I have,” Maggie agreed. Her gaze and hand traveled to her stomach. “But I’m ready for the next adventure. I’m going to take over the management of MBE until the new partner can arrive.”

All of this new information swirled in Jill’s head. It was so much. Too much.

“But you can’t just let it go. Surely, you’ll want me to buy you out?”

“Read the paperwork, Henley. This is an open book exam,” Jax teased. She did and saw that for the steep price of one dollar, Steel Born was hers. Was this all real?

“We don’t exactly need the money,” Maggie said, laughing. “And with the new internship and influx of donated scholarship money to fund the applicants, we really won’t have to worry about where the company is going. This is a gift you deserve, so I hope you’ll accept. But it’s also something you earned. No one—not even me—cares as much about the direction of this company, and I trust your vision.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Jill admitted. “But wait. How is this part of your option two? And who is the new partner—you, Jax?”

Jax shook his head. “Nope. I quit as the manager, but my new job is twofold. I’ll help you with the physical ranching side of Steel Born if you want it, and I’ll be taking over Manny’s job as cow boss.”

“Manny’s leaving?”

“Turns out he was crazy jealous of my offer with Austin’s rodeo circuit, and I was jealous of his ranching gig. I referred him to the company, and he got the offer yesterday.”

“Good grief, it’s so complicated. And you mentioned Bennett found a new partner?”

“He did. He convinced Matt to come back and take over for me as general manager. At least for now, which is good enough for me.”

“You mean your brother, Matt?”

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