Page 85 of Rebel Moon

“He was always that way,” Holly continued. “He could see people’s potential and how they could use their talents to make the world better.”

“That’s you too,” Luci said. “All the work you’ve put into Stonehaven—it’s your calling, isn’t it?”

Holly frowned. “I’m not so sure any more.”

“What do you mean?” Luci asked.

“I don’t know. Questioning my life choices and all that,” Holly said.

“It’s Montana,” I said. “It’s turned everything upside down.”

“I always wondered about you and Rhett,” Holly said to me.

“Me and Rhett?” I asked, surprised. “God, no. We don’t have that kind of chemistry. He’s like my brother. We’re very alike, which wouldn’t necessarily be a good thing.”

“I used to feel jealous,” Holly said. “Every time I came to one of the shows or visited Luci and hung out with the gang, I’d go home thinking—prepare yourself. Those two will be together by the time I see them again.”

“Well, you were wrong about that,” I said. “Turns out it was Knox all this time.”

“I knew it,” Ivy said. “If I could just get you two together in an environment outside of work.” She turned to Blake. “I had a feeling they were the perfect match, and I was right.”

“Don’t sound so smug,” I said.

“It’s hard to always be right,” Ivy said.

“What’s it been like between the two of you?” Blake asked Holly. “Any old sparks?”

“You could say so, yeah,” Holly said. “Way too many sparks. But just like Grant and Luci, we agreed whatever happens in Montana stays in Montana. Whatever this is, it will be over when we go back to our opposite lives.” Holly downed the rest of her champagne. “We’re like a forest fire together. Burns way too hot and someone’s going to get hurt. Most likely, me.”

“When I was little, I thought you two would get married,” Luci said. “And we’d all live in a mansion together.”

“You had the mansion part right,” I said. “Rhett’s done well for himself.”

Holly poured herself more champagne. “Meanwhile, I stayed behind and tried to use my talents to make the world better. But I’ve been wondering lately—have I made any difference at all? Not to mention I’m dead broke all the time.”

“Doing good doesn’t buy nice shoes,” Luci said, nodding. “I know. I have so much debt from medical school. I make a pittance at the clinic, which is how I designed it, so it’s not like I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. But when I look at Ivy and Madeleine—just their clothes alone and I feel jealous. So I feel you.”

“You say the word, both of you, any time, and I’ll take you shopping,” Ivy said. “Madeleine, on the other hand, is already supporting two other people besides herself.”

I flushed, embarrassed, as all eyes turned to me. “Charlie’s almost through law school. Then I’ll be flush.”

“Depends,” Ivy said.

“On what?” I asked.

“Maybe you’ll marry Knox and never have to worry about money again,” Ivy said.

“I make my own money,” I said, bristling.

“I know you do,” Ivy said. “I’m just saying—maybe things are about to change for you.”

I waited for the choking feeling and the urge to flee that usually came with that kind of statement. It didn’t come. Instead, I had an image of standing next to Knox in front of a preacher.

“Maybe things already have,” I said. “In fact, hypothetical here—what if we married right here on the ranch? New Years Eve? Would that steal your thunder, Ivy?”

“Are you kidding?” Ivy asked, practically shrieking. “I’d love it.”

“Kind of fast,” Luci said. “Isn’t it?”