Page 90 of Stick Around,
“Pure joy,” Reid finished for him. “Life has a way of giving us exactly what we need, even when it looks nothing like what we thought we wanted.”
We fell into an easy silence, limbs tangled together on the hotel bed.
Tomorrow we’d drive back to the ranch. Back to the animals and the lessons and the endless work that somehow didn’t feel like work anymore.
But tonight, surrounded by the men who had shown me what love could be when it wasn’t constrained, I closed my eyes and let myself feel completely, entirely found.
No longer lost.
No longer broken.
No longer alone.
I was Quinn Porter, a woman who’d stuck around and found her heart’s home in the most unexpected of places.
Epilogue
One Year Later
Quinn
Istood in the middle of the new indoor arena, breathing in the scent of fresh hay and new lumber. Sunlight streamed through the skylights, casting a calming glow across the space that had gone from dream to reality in just under twelve months.
“Do you think we need more chairs by the refreshment table?” I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, squinting at my clipboard where I’d meticulously organized the day’s schedule. The grand opening was set to start in less than thirty minutes, and my brain was in full organization mode.
Kellan appeared at my side, sliding an arm around my waist and plucking the clipboard from my hands. “The chairs are perfect. The lemonade is perfect. The little sandwich triangles are perfect. And you’re perfect.”
The transformation of La Cuesta Ranch over the past year had been nothing short of miraculous. The new classroom and educational space attached to the new stables and arena not onlymeant an expanded summer program but also a program we would offer during the school year. We had bridged our worlds in a way I’d never thought possible.
Reid entered through the side door, Walter trotting faithfully at his heels. He carried a stack of brochures with our new logo that was designed during a wine-filled evening where everyone had opinions and nobody had graphic design experience. Somehow, it had turned out perfect.
“Walter’s wearing his bow tie.” I bent down to scratch behind the dog’s ears, heart melting at the tiny, checkered bow attached to his collar. “Who’s the best little ranch ambassador? You are.”
He let out a yip in agreement and darted away to sniff.
“He insisted. Said it was a formal occasion.” Reid handed off the brochures to Kellan and gave me a smile that still made warmth spread through my body even after all this time.
“Well, he’s not wrong.” I straightened up, taking in Reid’s new pearl snap shirt that matched Walter’s bow. “You clean up nice.”
“Don’t sound so surprised.” He tugged me against him for a quick kiss, his hand lingering at the small of my back.
Enzo joined our little circle, his own clipboard in hand. “The Silvermans are already here. They’re twenty minutes early.” He looked distressed by this deviation from the schedule.
The grand opening of the new facility was a big moment for him. He’d not only kept his promise to his uncle to keep the ranch alive, but it was now expanding and thriving.
“Twenty minutes early is right on time in Mrs. Silverman’s book.” I squeezed his arm sympathetically.
Kellan adjusted his hat with a grin. “I’ll go entertain them. Old Mrs. Silverman loves me.”
“Everyone loves you,” I called after him as he strode toward the entrance.
Reid glanced at his watch. “I need to check on a few horses before more people start to show up.”
After Reid departed, Enzo and I were left standing in the center of our new masterpiece. The stalls were pristine and ready for new horses, the tack room was organized to perfection, and the educational spaces were bright and inviting.
Enzo cleared his throat. “You know, a year ago, I would’ve bet good money this would never work.”
“Which part? The construction? The expansion? Or the four of us?” I bumped my shoulder against his arm.
