Page 117 of When the Smoke Clears

After the buildings toward the front of the property, I drive Maci to the main house. Unlike The Big House, which is a painted blue wood, the main house here has a limestone facade, complimented by thick, sealed cedar posts, giving it the feel of a lodge.

“It’s like a lodge, isn’t it?” she asks, echoing my thoughts.

I grin. “Yeah.”

“The Big House, and the Lodge.” She smiles as I pull the Defender to a stop. I open the door and take her hand, leading her up the front steps to the massive, wooden double doors. The handles are made of intertwined antlers.

Inside, the foyer leads into an open-concept floor plan. The lodge atmosphere carries, with lots of wood and taxidermy animals. There’s an industrial undertone to contrast it, mainly in the expansive kitchen with stainless-steel features.

“Wow, this would be great for entertaining!” Maci turns to me brightly. “You wouldn’t need to build small houses here if you use this space for lodging. This is gorgeous.”

Once again, I’m enamored with her glow. I can only smile in return.

“Is that your plan for it?” she asks.

I nod. “We haven’t finalized anything, but that makes the most sense to me, too.”

She releases my hand, making her way deeper into the kitchen. “Can you imagine cooking in here? Would your mom cook in here?”

I shrug. “Maybe? I think she likes her setup, but if we take on something with guests, she’s going to need a bigger setup. And this would be closer. So, either she’d need to come here, or we’d need to hire someone.”

We meander through the rooms, many of them themed, all of them complete with rustic decor. Then we make our way back out to the Defender and I head to the smaller house on the property.

“This is pretty,” Maci says. Unlike the massive lodge, this home has the look of a secluded cabin. “What’s this for?”

“Actually, I plan to offer it to Kelly.”

Maci looks proudly at me. “I think that’s great.”

Our boots echo on the stairs as we ascend, and the scent of honeysuckle invades my nose from a large bush on the far end of the porch. I shove open the front door, which leads into a cozy living room, complete with full-grain leather couches and a massive built-in television. There are three moderately-sized bedrooms and an updated kitchen.

Once we’ve walked through the rooms, Maci smiles at me in the living room again. “I think this is perfect for a Ranch Manager house. It’s a great perk to the role, and it will give him some privacy.” As an afterthought, she asks, “Is he seeing anyone?”

I shake my head. “No. But those are the same thoughts I have. He deserves some space to himself, especially as he takes on more responsibility. We won’t be able to increase his salary significantly right away, so I’m hoping some additional perks will offset it.”

Maci threads her fingers with mine and leans up on her toes to kiss me. “I think he’ll appreciate it.”

Chapter 43

Maci

Andimusthavethelargest turkey in the county prepped for Thanksgiving lunch. For the first time in our relationship, I leave Sutton sleeping in the bed and rise first. It’s easier said than done though, because when I move to climb out of the bed, his warm arm wraps tighter around my waist and he drags me backward into his chest. I’d love to spend the entire day wrapped up in him in this bed, but for once I’m on a Stephanie-like track, concerned with the responsibilities of the day. I twist in his arms, pressing a kiss to his soft mouth, and extricate myself from his comforting embrace.

I shower quickly and slip into The Big House, where Andi and I meet in the kitchen as if it were synchronized.

“Good morning, sweetheart.” Her floral nightgown hangs to her ankles, her hair still wrapped in heatless curlers. She’s so adorable my chest threatens to burst.

“Good morning. Happy Thanksgiving.” Without discussing it, I swing the fridge door open wide and we reach in together to pull out the massive bird.

We made an extensive game plan yesterday to make sure all the sides would be ready in time for the big meal. Considering all of the cooking Andi does, I’m a little surprised she doesn’t have a double oven. I wonder if she’s going to fully embrace the kitchen at The Lodge or keep it small here moving forward.

Along with the Stricklands and the ranch hands, Sammi arrived last night with her family. Randi and Liv will be joining us, and my friends will be dropping in after their own family events. Sutton mentioned that his friends often stop by at some point, as well. I even made a point to invite James, though it sounds like the club has their own event that takes place each year.

I still think Andi is prepping for a small army, but better safe than sorry, as Nana always said.

Working these last few weeks in the kitchen with Andi has been a balm for my heart. In some ways, she’s the person who’s kept me rooted in the familiar, providing me with a link to who I was before I took someone’s life, tethering me to the person I loved the most in the world.

I have so much to be thankful for today, and none of it is lost on me.

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