Page 80 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

"Hey," Everett says, leaning forward. "You okay, man?"

I clear my throat, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just... it's been a long day. Tell me more about Silver Ridge. You like it there?"

Everett's eyes light up again. "It's amazing, Shane. The girls get free run of the mountainside. The air is clean, the people are genuine, and with this new project... My life is, as Zig Ziglar used to say, 'better than good.'"

As he talks, I picture wide open spaces, mountains, fresh air, and a simpler life. No board meetings, no constant pressure, no disappointed looks from my father—just me, Krystal, and Ashanti, building a life together.

"Sounds pretty great," I admit.

Everett nods enthusiastically. "It is. And hey, you should come check it out sometime. See what I've got going on up on my mountain. I've reassembled some of our old team..."

My eyebrows raise. "Oh yeah?"

He grins. "Yeah. Raven V. It's... well, I can't say too much, but it's big, Shane. And we could use a guy like you."

The offer hangs in the air between us. Part of me wants to jump at it, to leave all this behind and start fresh. But I think of the DoD contract, and seeing this through to the end.

"I'll keep your offer in mind."

He holds up his hands. "Hey, no pressure. Just think about it, okay? Give me a call if you want to know more."

"I will. Thanks, Everett."

As he stands to leave, I find myself reluctant to see him go. His visit has stirred up feelings I've been trying to ignore, dreams I've pushed aside.

"Everett," I call as he reaches the door. He turns back, eyebrow raised. "I'm really happy for you."

His smile is genuine. "Thanks. I hope you find that happiness too. You deserve it."

As the door closes behind him, I'm left alone with my thoughts. The contrast between Everett's joy and my own restlessness is stark.

I think of Krystal's distant looks, of Ashanti's quiet withdrawal. We came here for a better life, but at what cost?

I pull up the contract on my computer, the words blurring before my eyes. If I can just get this signed and away from my family... maybe then we can find our way back to each other. Maybe then I can give them the life they deserve.

But Everett's description of Silver Ridge makes me think I might have a Plan B: a horse ranch in Montana.

Clean air. Real people. A life away from all this pressure and expectation.

I shake my head, refocusing on the contract.

One step at a time. Get this signed, then... then I'll figure out the rest.

I step into the living room, exhaustion weighing on my shoulders after another long day at the office. The sight that greets me stops me in my tracks. My parents and Noah sit stiffly on the couch, their faces etched with tension. Krystal perches on the edge of an armchair, her back ramrod straight.

Her eyes find mine, relief flooding her features. My heart clenches. With all the chaos swirling around us, she's worried about me.

"Shane," my father says, rising to his feet. "We need to speak with you. Privately."

Krystal stands, her gaze darting between me and my family. "Are you okay?" she whispers, concern lacing her voice.

I pull her close, pressing a kiss to her lips. "I'm fine. I'll be up to bed after I talk with them and lock up."

She nods, squeezing my hand before slipping out of the room. I watch her go, a fierce protectiveness surging through me. I'll shield her from this mess, even if it means standing up to my own family.

"Sit down, Shane," my father commands, gesturing to an empty chair.

I remain standing, crossing my arms over my chest. "What's this about?"

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