Page 27 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

"I'm going to add an extra beam, as a genius suggested, and sit like a lump on a log."

Ashanti laughs. "Just promise you won't spend the whole weekend with the tractors instead of people."

"Oh brother, you're starting to sound like your mother."

She laughs again, and I laugh with her. "You always say she's a smart woman, so I'm in good company."

"Yes, sweetheart, you are.

She beams at me, then glances at her watch. "I gotta go. They're picking me up soon."

"Have fun at your sleepover," I say.

Ashanti starts to leave, then turns back. "Mr. Shane? Thanks for listening. And for the advice."

"You're welcome."

Then she surprises me when her arms wrap around my waist. She leans in, and I give her a tight squeeze.

"Watch out for snakes and bears."

"Yes, sir. Bye!"

As I watch her run back towards the cabins, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, seeing Noah's name on the screen.

"Hey, little brother," I answer, my voice automatically shifting to a more guarded tone.

"Shane, thank God," Noah says, sounding stressed. "I need your help with this Innoventis contract. The DoD is pushing for some changes, and I'm not sure how to handle it."

I pinch the bridge of my nose, feeling the weight of my old life pressing down on me. "What's the issue?"

As Noah explains the situation, I find myself slipping back into CEO mode. The technical details and the strategic considerations all come flooding back.

"Okay," I say when he's finished. "Here's what you need to do..."

I lay out a plan, my mind working through the problem with practiced ease. It's like riding a bike – you never really forget.

"Thanks, Shane," Noah says when I'm done. "I don't know what we'd do without you."

The gratitude in his voice makes me uncomfortable. "You'd figure it out," I say gruffly. "You're more than capable, Noah."

There's a pause on the other end of the line. "When are you coming back?" he asks quietly.

I close my eyes, feeling the tension creep back into my shoulders. "I don't know," I say honestly. "I'm still figuring things out here."

Noah sighs. "I get it. Just... don't stay away too long, okay? We miss you. Dad's been..."

"I know," I cut him off, not wanting to hear about our father's latest manipulations. "I'll call you soon."

I end the call, staring at the phone in my hand. Two worlds colliding. The life I left behind and the one I'm trying to build here.

"Kennedy!"

I look up to see Tom approaching, a grin on his weathered face.

"A bunch of us are heading into town for beers," he says. "You in?"

I hesitate, glancing back at my phone. Then I shove it in my pocket. "Yeah," I say. "I could use a drink."

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