Page 61 of Meet Your Maker: Part One

“I know you’ll do a good job. I… I know you’re the best one for this.”

Their eyes widen, surprise flickering across their face before softening.

“He’s lucky to have you,” I murmur, my words quiet, just for them. “We all are.”

They nod, the tension in their posture melting as they give me one last, firm squeeze before letting go. Their hand lingers on my arm a moment longer. As they step back, a hint of a smile touches their lips. “Pick the best room for us.”

Chapter Twenty Five

Crosshairs

— Sunday —

The van rattles along the gravel road, dust swirling in its wake like ghosts from some other life—the kind where rolling up to a mysterious farmhouse might mean a hot meal and a night’s rest instead of, well, whatever’s about to happen next.

I’m still feeling a little spacey from my teensy-tiny breakdown earlier. I’m good until I’m not good… and thenI’m really not good.

We make a sharp turn, and my heart skips as the familiar sign swings into view.

“Wait a minute… Stony Patch?”

I lean forward, recognition hitting me with a rush. “I can’t believe the Barlows were willing to sell!”

Daddy’s grin widens in the rearview mirror. “Seems they got an offer they couldn’t turn down… Plus, they’ve been struggling to keep up with it for a while now. The kids moved off, and their grandkids don’t have much interest in farming.”

I shake my head, still taking it all in. “Stony Patch… Granny used to send us over every summer with peach preserves and chowchow for Birdie Barlow. Seems like just yesterday—who would’ve thought?”

The farmhouse sits nestled into the land like it’s circled this spot a few times before lying down to rest. It’s old, no mistaking that, built up over the years. A beautiful, haphazard mix of eras—a true testament to the family who kept adding rooms as if hoping to hold on to their kids, or time itself, a little longer.

Sitting up on a rocky outcrop, some stones wild and others laid by hand, the house looks out over the fields and forests with a kind of quiet command, like it’s seen generations pass and storms blow through. There are more gentle hills here than over at Colt’s farm, and I like the way the fields seem to undulate away from the house like ripples in a pond.

Ben lets out a low whistle beside me. “Now that’s something.”

Next to him, Tomas leans forward, eyes alight, intensely sizing up his purchase.

“Well, that’s new,” I say to no one in particular.

On the far side of the freshly graveled parking area sits a garage. It looks like very recent construction, six bays gleaming like they’re mocking the farmhouse’s age. A little ways off, a large shop sprawls—big enough to house every tool imaginable and then some. If part of it isn’t turned into Tomas’ House of Hurt,I’ll be very disappointed.

“Thorne Fitness: If You’re Not Crying, You’re Not Trying.”

It still needs work, but it does have a certain ring to it.

To the east, hidden from the road, a large barn with stables and a riding ring catches my eye. A thrill shoots through me at the sight—the possibility of breathing this kind of air every day, with room to run, to rest. The thought of it makes something stutter in my chest, and I rub absently at my breastbone.

Daddy’s voice pulls me back, his satisfied grin clear in the rearview mirror. “Surprised, darlin’?”

“That you and Tomas found us the perfect home?” My tone is dry as dust. “Probably shouldn’t be.”

“Oh no, this was all your wolf,” he drawls. “I just went where I was told, signed some papers, pressed some palms…”

Tomas cuts in, shaking his head. “He’s being modest. I may have bought the place, but Wade handled the heavy lifting—inspections, permits, getting the right people in here. The basement’s fully vamp-friendly now, and he made sure the furniture was all set up inside. Every detail’s right because of your dad.”

He nods toward the closed garage. “Even made sure your baby would be waiting for you.”

I lean forward, trying to get a peek past the closed bay doors. “Oh, is she in there?”

Tomas’ grin stretches wide, his eyes warm. “All tucked in, safe and sound. Figured she deserved her own welcome home, too.”

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