Page 79 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

"This isn't over, Shane. We'll continue this discussion later."

He turns and storms out of the office, leaving Noah and me in stunned silence.

Noah turns to me, his expression a mix of concern and admiration. "Shane, I... I had no idea you felt this way."

I sink back into my chair. "Neither did I until recently. But being here, away from Krystal and Ashanti... it's made everything clear. This isn't how I want to spend my time. Only spending a few minutes here and there while giving the bulk of my time to something I could care less about." I shake my head. "It's not worth it."

Noah nods slowly. "So what are you going to do?"

I take a deep breath, my decision settling over me. "I'm going to see this contract through. But after that..." I trail off, my eyes drifting to the minimized browser window on my computer.

Noah follows my gaze. "After that?"

I meet his eyes, a small smile playing on my lips. "After that, I'm going to build the life I want. With the people I love."

Noah's quiet for a moment, then he nods. "I get it. I really do. And for what it's worth, I think you're making the right choice."

His words surprise me. "You do?"

He shrugs. "You're my brother, Shane. I want you to be happy. And if this is what makes you happy... then I support you."

"Thank you, Noah. That means more than you know." I stand up, pulling him into a tight hug. "Now get back to work."

As we break apart, I feel a sense of peace wash over me now that I know exactly what I need to do.

I loosen my tie and collapse into my chair. I close my eyes, and I'm back at the ranch for a moment. The scent of hay and leather fills my nostrils. I can almost hear Krystal's laugh and see Ashanti's smile.

A knock at the door snaps me back to reality. "Come in," I call out, straightening in my chair.

Everett, my old military buddy, pokes his head in. "Hey, Shane. Got a minute?"

I look up as Everett enters my office, his presence a welcome distraction from the day's chaos. He grins, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Shane, my man. How's the corporate life treating you?"

I lean back in my chair, grateful for the interruption. "It's... intense. What brings you to New York?"

Everett settles into the chair across from me, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. "Oh, you know. Business. I'm working on something pretty exciting back in Silver Ridge."

My interest piques. "Silver Ridge? Montana, right? What kind of project?"

"Let's just say it involves old friends and new tech. Speaking of which, how are things with you? Family life treating you well?"

"Adjusting to my new role. But overall, it's the same. What about you? How are those twins of yours?"

Everett's face lights up. "They're great, man. At home with my wife right now."

I blink, sure I've misheard. "Wife? Last I checked, you swore you'd never marry again after Jillian."

He laughs, the sound full and genuine. "Yeah, well, things change. Kenzie... she's something else, Shane. I can't imagine my life without her now."

The look on his face—pure, unguarded happiness. It's been so long since I've felt that way. But I'll get it again. And soon.

"That's... that's great, Everett. I'm happy for you," I manage.

Everett studies me for a moment, his expression softening. "You know, there's nothing like it, Shane. The right one changes everything."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. The state of everything I've lost, everything I'm at risk of losing, feels suffocating.

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