Page 3 of Pure Bred

“There she is!” Gabe says, opening his arms wide. “Come give your favorite brother a hug!”

I roll my eyes but comply. “You’re my only brother, doofus.”

He ruffles my hair. “Details, details. How the hell are you, sis? And what’d you bring us from LA?”

Soon, the four of us are gathered around the dining table, mugs of steaming apple cider warming our hands. My mom’s delicious pumpkin bread sits in the center, and I’m happily helping myself to a warm slice.

“So, tell us about your upcoming tour, Sierra,” says my dad, leaning back in his chair with pride in his eyes.

I smile, but shake my head. “I’d rather hear about what’s going on here. How’s the new principal at your school, Gabe?”

As my brother launches into a story about his eccentric new boss, I savor the normalcy of it all. No paparazzi, no screaming fans—just family catching up.

After Gabe finishes talking, I ask, “How’s Logan doing these days?”

Gabe takes a sip of his cider before answering. “He’s good. Still running the ranch with his dad.”

My mind floods with memories of all the hours I spent on the ranch with Logan. I can almost smell the scent of hay, see the grazing horses, hear Logan’s laugh echoing across the fields.

“I’ll stop by and say hi,” I say. “It’d be nice to see the place again.”

Gabe’s expression shifts, a flicker of something crossing his face. “Uh, yeah. I guess you could do that.”

I frown at his hesitation. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“No, no,” Gabe says quickly. “It’s just, you know. It’s been a while.”

I study my brother’s face, sensing there’s more he’s not saying. “Has Logan changed a lot?” I press.

But even as I ask the question, I realize how dumb it sounds. It’s been twelve years. Of course Logan has changed. He’s probably married and has kids.

The thought sends an unexpected pang through my chest. I have no right to feel jealous, but I can’t help it.

Gabe shakes his head, still looking uncomfortable. “Look, if you want to go see him, go ahead. I’m sure he’d be glad to see you.”

My brother’s tone doesn’t match his words, leaving me feeling unsettled. As the conversation shifts to other topics, I can’t shake the unease in my stomach.

Still, I know I want to see Logan again. He wasn’t just my high school boyfriend; he was my closest friend. There’s no way I’m going a whole month in Eagle Falls without at least saying hi.

The next morning, I wake up early, my stomach fluttering with anticipation. I spend an embarrassing amount of time picking out an outfit, eventually settling on a casual sundress and denim jacket. As I drive toward the ranch, more and more memories come back to me—hours spent riding horses, feverish kisses with Logan behind the barn, sunbathing by the creek.

The ranch comes into view, and I draw in a sharp breath. It’s even more beautiful than I remember. The sprawling property is edged with rustic fences and well-maintained buildings. Horses graze peacefully in lush green pastures.

I park near the main house, my heart pounding. As I step out of the car, I spot a familiar figure working in the yard.

“Sierra?” Logan’s dad calls out, surprise in his voice. “Is that really you?”

I smile and wave. “Hi, Mr. Magnuson. It’s been a while.”

“Look at you, all grown up,” he says as he walks over, his eyes crinkling with a smile. “What brings you back to Eagle Falls?”

“Just taking a break from the craziness,” I say. “Thought I’d stop by and say hello.”

Mr. Magnuson nods. “Well, I’m glad you did. Logan’s out in the field, working on one of the tractors. You remember where the equipment shed is?”

I nod, my pulse already quickening. “I can find my way. Thanks.”

As I walk across the property, it all feels so familiar, yet so distant—like a dream I’d forgotten.

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