Chapter Twenty-Nine
Spencer
Spencer didn’t know what came next. But he knew this: he wasn’t hiding Jamie. Not in this house. Not in this life. Even if it meant letting go of everything he thought he was supposed to hold on to.
“Time to ride,” Spencer said as he took Jamie’s hand.
“Do you think you would ever go back to singing with Nathan’s new band?” Spencer helped Jamie yank on his boots, the sound echoing in the silent room.
“I don’t think so,” Spencer answered. “Maybe on a weekend I might, but right now I have so much to think about, and singing isn’t one of them. My concern is you.”
A hopeful Nathan winked at Spencer, the unspoken words hanging between them.
“Don’t worry about me. I’m happy here with you. I can deal with a grumpy Aunt Millie.”
With their warm jackets and boots on, they braced against the cold and followed Spencer to the barn. Joe had mounted all four horses, each one pawing the ground impatiently.
Jamie climbed onto Daisy with a little help from Nathan.
Alfie, already comfortable in the saddle, swung up onto Thunder like he’d been born on a ranch.
Nathan climbed onto Bessy, an older mare.
When everyone was sitting on their horses, Spencer led the way out of the barn, the horses’ hooves crunching over snow-packed ground as they headed toward the trail.
The sun peeked through the clouds, casting a soft glow over the trees. Everything was quiet and calm, and the ranch brought back Spencer’s memories of why he loved it so.
“This is unreal.” Jamie adjusted his grip on the reins. “I’ve never ridden through snow before. It’s like a movie.”
Spencer glanced back at him, smiling. “You’re doing great. Daisy’s a sweetheart. She’ll take care of you.”
Nathan rode up beside Spencer. “Do you ever think about doing trail rides for guests? You could charge a fortune for this view.”
Spencer laughed. “I’ve thought about it. But then I remember I’d have to deal with tourists asking if the horses bite and if the snow’s real.”
Alfie laughed. “You’d last one weekend.”
Jamie leaned forward, petting Daisy’s neck. “I don’t know. I think Daddy Spencer would be good at it. He’s patient. And he’s got the whole rugged cowboy thing going.”
Spencer felt his face flush, but he didn’t mind.
Jamie’s voice had a warmth to it, the kind that made everything feel lighter.
They rode Spencer’s favorite trail, passing by the frozen lake for two hours, talking about everything and nothing—favorite Christmas movies, worst gifts they’d gotten, Alfie’s theory that Nathan secretly loved Hallmark holiday specials.
Spencer felt the tension in his chest ease a little. For a moment, he forgot about the letter. About Aunt Millie. About the weight of legacy pressing down on him.
But that moment didn’t last.
As they walked the horses back toward the barn, Spencer spotted a figure standing near the porch. Tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a leather jacket, black slacks, and cowboy boots to match. Malcolm.
Spencer’s stomach dropped.
After dismounting the horses, they began their walk back to the house.
“Didn’t expect to see you here in the afternoon,” Spencer said.
Malcolm nodded, eyes scanning the group before settling on Spencer. “Figured it was time we talked. About Saddle Creek Ranch.”
“Let’s go inside to my office.”
Spencer whispered into Jamie’s ear, “Want to sit in on our meeting?”
“Okay.”
Nathan and Alfie went upstairs to their room while Jamie followed Spencer to the office. He could hear Aunt Millie working in the kitchen.
Once all three entered the office, Malcolm sat down while Spencer sat behind his desk with Jamie on his lap. Spencer skipped the introductions, not wanting his cousin’s hateful gaze or words to fall upon Jamie.
Malcolm sneered at them sitting together. “Are you sure you want your little friend in on our conversation about Saddle Creek Ranch?”
“What about it?” Spencer ignored Malcolm’s questions and played with Jamie’s hair. He opened his drawer and handed Jamie a candy cane, which he immediately opened.
Malcolm pulled a folded paper from his pocket. “I heard from Aunt Millie. She said Grandpa Wallace left you a letter. Told you to sell to me.”
Spencer’s jaw clenched. “That’s between him and me.”
Malcolm shrugged. “I’m just saying—I’m still interested. I’ll offer a fair price. You could walk away clean. No drama.”
Jamie was silent but present. Spencer felt the heat, the quiet support.
“I know what the letter said. Pay attention. I don’t have to sell if I choose not to,” Spencer said flatly.
Malcolm raised an eyebrow. “You sure? Grandpa Wallace made it pretty clear what he wanted.”
Spencer’s voice dropped. “He also made it clear he didn’t approve of my lifestyle. Doesn’t mean I’m going to erase it to make him comfortable under the ground.”
Malcolm looked at Jamie, then back at Spencer. “You really gonna throw away the ranch for him?”
Spencer didn’t flinch. “I’m not throwing anything away. I’m choosing what matters.”
Malcolm stared at him for a long moment, then tucked the paper back into his pocket.
“Suit yourself. But don’t expect the family to back you up.
” Spencer sat stiffly in the chair behind his desk, Jamie quietly on his lap, still sucking on a candy cane like it was the only thing keeping him grounded.
Malcolm was across from them, legs spread wide, arms resting like he owned the place.
The tension in the room was thick enough to choke on.
“I don’t need family backing me up,” Spencer said, voice calm but sharp. “I’m a billionaire. How exactly do you plan to afford my ranch?”
Malcolm’s face twisted. “I don’t need to disclose my finances to you,” he snapped.
Spencer tightened his arms around Jamie. “And I don’t have to sell to you either. There are plenty of ranchers with deep pockets who’d love to own this land.”
Malcolm’s eyes flicked to Jamie, and Spencer saw it coming before the words even left his mouth.
“I don’t think many will take you seriously—or want to do business with you—if he hangs around.
” He jabbed a finger toward Jamie, who didn’t flinch, just kept sucking on the candy cane like he was trying to stay invisible.
Spencer’s blood boiled. “Malcolm, you’re dismissed.” He pointed toward the door.
But Malcolm didn’t move. He sat there as if he were glued to the chair. “You don’t dismiss me, Spence. Being a billionaire doesn’t give you the right to treat people like trash. Especially people who deserve more than you ever did.”
Spencer eased Jamie off his lap and stood slowly, jaw clenched. “Fuck off. You’re so fucking jealous. Grandpa left me the ranch.”
Malcolm shot back, “You don’t deserve any of it.”
“I worked long hours here. I earned it.”
“You’re not fit to keep this ranch.”
“Get out of my house!”
Malcolm stood, eyes blazing. “This should be mine. All mine.” He took a step forward, chest puffed, fists clenched.
Jamie’s eyes were wide as he watched them, but he didn’t say a word.
Spencer stood tall, shoulders squared. “I said leave my home.”
Malcolm didn’t. Instead, he moved around the desk and swung.
Spencer saw it coming, braced for it, and took the hit to the jaw. But he didn’t hesitate. He lunged forward and tackled Malcolm to the ground, fists flying. Jamie screamed, scrambling back as the two men crashed into the bookshelf. Books toppled to the floor as Aunt Millie burst into the room.
“Stop this fighting!”
Both ignored her until Nathan and Alfie exploded into the room, eyes wide. Nathan grabbed Spencer and yanked him off Malcolm, shoving the cousin toward the door.
“Get the fuck out!” Nathan shouted.
“Nathan, this isn’t your home to kick people out,” Aunt Millie admonished, then she shot Spencer a stern look.
Malcolm wiped blood from his lip, glaring. “This isn’t over. When I’m done with you, no one will do business with you.” He stormed out, slamming the door so hard the windows rattled.
Aunt Millie said, “I hope your guests leave soon. Your grandfather would have kicked you all out of here.” She dashed away, her footsteps echoing down the hall.
Spencer stood there, chest heaving, fists still clenched. Jamie rushed to his side, followed by Nathan and Alfie.
“You okay?” Jamie asked, voice shaking.
Spencer nodded, but the truth was he wasn’t. Not even close. He took Jamie’s hand and led him to the kitchen.