Page 55 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

I nod, understanding. "Of course. Take all the time you need. But please, don't shut me out. If we're going to do this, I need you here with me, fully."

Krystal looks at me, really looks at me, for what feels like the first time since we got back. "Okay," she says softly. "I'll think about it."

It's not a yes, but it's not a no, either. I'll take it. I reach out, cupping her face in my hands. "Thank you," I whisper, pressing my forehead to hers.

For a moment, we stand there, breathing each other in. Then Krystal pulls away, wiping at her eyes.

"I need some time alone," she says. "To process all of this."

I nod, even though every fiber of my being wants to stay with her. "Of course. I'll be here when you're ready to talk."

As I watch her disappear into her cabin, I feel the weight of everything crashing down on me. My family, Innoventis, the media circus—it all pales compared to the fear of losing Krystal and Ashanti.

I turn back toward the main house, squaring my shoulders. It's time to face my father and figure out how to fix this mess.

But one thing's for certain: I didn't come to Silver Creek Ranch to find her, but now that I have, I won't let her go.

I'm not leaving without her.

I walk back to my father and Courtney, my jaw clenched. "Courtney, I need to speak with my father alone."

She nods, her smile never faltering. "Of course, Shane. I'll be at the house if you need me."

As she walks away, I turn to face my father. His eyes are sharp, assessing.

"That woman," he starts, nodding towards Krystal's cabin. "Who is she?"

I cut him off. "What are you doing here, Father?"

He straightens all business now. "We're in the final stages of the DoD contract. The cybersecurity compliance and DCAA accounting standards are approaching."

My stomach tightens. I knew this was coming, but not so soon. "Noah can handle it."

"Noah's good, but he doesn't have your experience. Your military background, your connections. They're invaluable."

"I left that life behind for a reason."

"Did you?" His voice is sharp. "Or are you just hiding from it?"

His words hit too close to home. I turn away, looking out over the ranch. The open fields, the simplicity of it all. It's everything I've come to love. Everything I want to protect.

The thought of spending my days cooped up in an office, staring at the same four walls, is suffocating. It's like a prison sentence I'd rather avoid.

"There are networking events, industry days," my father continues. "Your presence could secure this contract for us."

I close my eyes, weighing my options. I know what this contract means for Innoventis. I also know what it could mean for me—a way out, eventually. If I play my cards right.

"Noah can come with me," I say finally, turning back to face him.

My father nods a small victory. "Of course. He'll learn from you."

I see the pride in his eyes, the expectations. It's suffocating. But I push it down, focusing on the task at hand.

"When do you need me?"

"Next week. There's a cybersecurity summit in Washington."

A week. My mind races to Krystal, to Ashanti. To the life I've built here.

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