Page 167 of Micah

“What about us? We want breakfast, too.”

I don't even break stride.

“Fucking walk.”

Alex laughs loud enough to echo through the building.

“He's definitely in love.”

I stop.

Turn around.

Point at Alex.

“One more word, and you’re not gonna be able to talk right for a week.”

He zips his lips theatrically.

Smart kid.

I head outside.

The morning sun has already burned away the last of the mist hanging over the ranch.

Champion bulls graze lazily in distant paddocks.

Tall pines and oaks dot the property line, their needles and leaves are glittering beneath the blue sky and the burning sun.

This place is truly one of a kind.

We built it from nothing.

Sawyer.

Benji.

And me.

Three former soldiers who came home carrying more ghosts than plans.

Now we've got a thriving ranch.

With good people living and working it.

We’re building families here.

Something worth protecting.

And yeah, the kid is right, I am in love with Sloane.

When I close my eyes, I can see it all—our future. And it’s right here. On Jersey Iron Ranch.

But first, I need her to say yes.

That’s gonna take some patience and time—and not whatever the heck inquisition Bit and Esme are putting her through right now.

I climb into my truck and fire up the engine.