Page 145 of Shattered Melodies

This morning, I’d been a guy trying to save his family’s ranch, missing the love of his life, and hoping against hope that somehow, everything would work out. Now? Now I was walking hand in hand with that same love that I had thought I lost twenty years ago.

Life was funny like that sometimes. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, it throws you a curve ball. But as I looked at Liam, saw the excitement and love shining in his eyes, I knew one thing for certain.

Whatever came our way, we’d face it together. And honestly? I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.

“Hey, Liam?” I said as we walked.

“Yeah?”

“I love you. You know that, right?”

He squeezed my hand, his smile brighter than the sun. “I know. I love you too, Caleb. Always have, always will.”

And in that moment, with the ranch sprawling out around us and the future stretching wide open ahead, I knew that everything was going to be alright. More than alright, actually.

It was going to be amazing.

CHAPTER 39

Echoing Melody

LIAM

Taking in the sights and sounds of the fundraiser, the ranch had been transformed - colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, the smell of barbecue wafted through the air, and laughter echoed across the grounds. It was everything we’d hoped for and more.

“Holy shit,” I muttered under my breath. “They really pulled it off.”

My eyes landed on the pony rides, where a line of excited kids waited their turn. To my surprise, there was Jimmy, helping a little girl with pigtails onto a spotted pony. He was grinning from ear to ear, looking more relaxed than I’d seen him in years.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” I chuckled, shaking my head in disbelief. Who would’ve thought Jimmy “city slicker” Rodriguez would take to small-town life like a duck to water?

I felt a twinge of regret, wishing I’d been here to help with the preparations. But New York had been… well, New York. A whirlwind of meetings, legal jargon, and barely concealed family drama. I pushed the thoughts away, determined to focus on the here and now.

“Liam!” A warm, familiar voice called out. I turned to see Caleb’s mom, Emily, making her way towards me, a bright smile on her face.

“Hey, Emily,” I grinned, accepting her warm hug. “This place looks amazing. You guys did an incredible job.”

Emily beamed, her eyes sparkling with pride. “Thanks, sweetie. It’s been non-stop chaos, but seeing everyone here makes it worth it. How was New York?”

I groaned dramatically, rolling my eyes. “Don’t ask. Let’s just say I’m glad to be back in the land of normal people and actual oxygen.”

She laughed, then lowered her voice conspiratorially. “So, have you seen him yet?”

My heart did a little flip. “Caleb? No, not yet. Is he around?”

“Last I saw, he was over by the barn, dealing with some logistics,” Emily replied. “You should go find him. He’s been like a lost puppy without you.”

I felt a rush of warmth at her words, but before I could respond, a commotion near the entrance caught our attention.

“Oh boy,” Emily muttered. “Looks like we’ve got gate crashers.”

I squinted, trying to make out what was happening. A group of rowdy-looking guys were arguing with Jake, his sheriff’s uniform glinting in the sunlight.

“Oh great,” I muttered, my feet already moving towards the scene. “Looks like Jake’s got his hands full.”

Emily jogged to keep up with me. “He’s been doing a good job, you know. Really turned things around.”

I nodded, still getting used to the idea of Jake as the town sheriff. It had been a shock when I first heard about it, but I guess people really could change. “Yeah, I’ve heard. Still weird to see him in that uniform though.”

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