Page 24 of One Hot Summer

Heat rushes to my cheeks, a telltale blush I can't control. “He is an amazing man.”

My brother's jaw tightens, his protective instincts visibly flaring. “He’s got a kid, sis. Just make sure you are 100% in before getting involved because it’s not just you and him thatgets hurt if there’s a fallout.” Finally, he lets out a long sigh. “You're really sure about this, aren't you?”

I nod.

Jake's shoulders sag, but he gives a small nod. “Alright,” he says. “I can't say I'm thrilled, but... Just promise me you'll be careful?”

I watch Jake's retreating form, his broad shoulders hunched slightly as he makes his way back to his truck.

“You okay?” Carson's deep voice startles me from behind.

I turn, meeting his concerned gaze. “Yeah. He’s just protective.”

Carson nods, his blue eyes searching mine. “Family always is.”

The sound of Jake's truck engine roaring to life draws my attention back to the driveway. I watch as he pulls away, dust billowing in his wake. My heart feels like it was being pulled in two directions – relief that the confrontation is over, guilt for causing Jake worry, and hope for what the future might hold here on the ranch.

I turn to face him fully, drinking in the sight of his sun-weathered face, the kindness in his eyes. In that moment, I know with absolute certainty that I’ve made the right choice. Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever doubts still lingered, this – us – is worth fighting for.

Taking a deep breath, I squeeze Carson's hand and turn back towards the ranch. “So, what's next on the agenda, cowboy?”

Carson's answering grin is like sunshine breaking through clouds. “Well, those fences won't mend themselves.”

As we walk together towards the barn, a sense of peace settles over me. The road ahead might be uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, I am ready to face whatever comes my way.

Chapter Sixteen

Carson

Imeet Collin as the bus stops on the road at the entrance to the ranch. He has been so happy since Kelsie moved in, honestly, so have I. She has made a lasting impression on both of us and I have no idea what I’m going to do if she decides to leave. Even though we have had an amazing last few days, there is always a chance the doubts and fear cripple her.

“How was school?” I ruffle Collin’s hair as we fall into step down the gravel.

“It was okay,” Collin mumbled, his blue eyes downcast. Something was off.

“Just okay? Did something happen, buddy?”

Collin kicks at a pebble, sending it skittering ahead of us. “Tommy said Kelsie's gonna leave soon. Just like Mom did. Is that true, Dad?”

My heart clenches. I've been wrestling with the same fear, though I've tried to hide it from Collin. Kelsie has brought such warmth and light into our lives, filling spaces we didn't even know were empty. The thought of her leaving is like a physical ache.

“I don't know, buddy,” I admit, my throat tight. “But I hope not. I really hope not.”

As we approach the house, I catch a whiff of cinnamon and apples. Through the kitchen window, I see Kelsie moving about, her chestnut hair caught up in a messy bun. She is humming, unaware of our approach.

For a moment, I allow myself to imagine a future where this is our normal – Kelsie waiting for us at home. But the fear lingers, a shadow at the edges of this perfect picture.

I squeeze Collin's shoulder. “Let's go see what Kelsie's up to, huh?”

His face brightened a little, and we quicken our pace towards the house, towards her. I silently pray that whatever we were building here would be enough to make her stay.

As we enter the kitchen, Kelsie turns, her green eyes lighting up when she sees us.

“Hey, you two!” she says, wiping flour-dusted hands on her apron. “I hope you're hungry. I may have gone a little overboard with the apple turnovers.”

Collin rushes to her side, his earlier worries momentarily forgotten. “Can I help?” he asks.

“Of course, sweetie,” Kelsie says, ruffling his hair. “Why don't you grab the cinnamon sugar? We'll sprinkle it on top.”

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