Epilogue
SAM - FOUR MONTHS LATER
“This place looks amazing.”
Kade claps me on the back. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“I’m glad you decided to stay. The Lost Spur wouldn’t be the same without you.”
Looking around the barn, it’s ready for our big day to celebrate all the renovations being complete. Lights are strung up and all the stalls are freshly mucked so guests can come out and see the horses and go for a ride.
In all the years I’ve worked here, it’s never looked this good.
“Come on. Let’s head up to the lodge.”
I follow Kade, my eyes admiring everything that’s been done. Even the trails look better. By the time we get back to the main building, crowds of people have already gathered. The ranch is the place to be in Pinecrest today.
And it seems the entire town has come out for the big day.
A few of the newer workers are showing people around. Updates on the cabins. The lodge entirely redone. A brand-new menu that people can try today.
Heading inside to grab a drink and mingle, my eyes immediately find our front desk manager.
Joey Andrews.
The woman is so damn beautiful, it hurts to look at her. When she spots me, her face lights up.
“Hey, Sam. How are things out at the barn?”
I drop my arms on the counter and lean closer to her. “Ready to go. Horses are freshly groomed and ready to ride.”
“Guests will love seeing the trails in the spring,” she says. “Poppy has been talking non-stop about going out today.”
I smile at her. “Kade said he was taking her out later today once everyone cleared out.”
“And you? Do you plan on going riding?”
“I’ll be taking some guests on the cattle drives later.”
Joey leans closer. There’s a sparkle in her deep brown eyes. A playful glint that I can’t help but focus on. “They’ll be lucky to have you as their guide.”
“Maybe I can take you out sometime.”
“I’d like that. Show me the ropes.”
There’s a hint, a tease, in her voice.
“You got it.” I rap my knuckles against the counter, putting distance between the two of us. “I need to get up to the dining room for Kade’s toast.”
Joey walks around the desk. “I’ll come with you.”
“Great.”
Not great.
The very last thing I need is to surround myself with this woman. This woman that I can’t stop thinking about but is twenty years my junior.
I do my best to ignore the heat that zings through me when her elbow brushes against mine. Or how damn good she smells.
The sweet smell of her perfume shouldn’t be so damn enticing, but it is.
“Can I get you something to drink?” I ask.
At least this will put some space between the two of us.
“That’d be great. I’ll take a glass of white wine.”
“You got it.” I wink at her.
Fuck. Rein it in, Sam.
A bar is set up in the back corner of the dining room. The regular tables were replaced with high-top ones. Apps and desserts are carried around by the servers.
Everything in here smells amazing.
The kitchen staff did a soft opening the other night, and I know guests will devour everything on the menu. It’s fucking delicious.
I order an old-fashioned for myself and wine for Joey. The bartender mixes my drink and pours a healthy serving for Joey. She gives me a wide, happy smile as I head back over to her. Before I can escape her presence, Kade’s voice calls everyone’s attention to him.
“I want to thank everyone for being here today,” Kade starts. “Fixing up The Lost Spur was no easy feat.”
Presley and Poppy are by his side. They are the epitome of a loving, happy family. Something I haven’t had in a long time. Too damn long.
I’d be jealous if it were anyone else but Kade. He deserves it after all these two have been through.
“We wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for all of you. Because of your hard work, we were able to restore this place to her former glory. I can’t wait for guests, old and new, to experience what we already know. How special this place is.”
Claps and cheers ring throughout the dining room.
“If you could raise your glass,” Kade says. “I’d like to toast all of you. Everyone who helped, and most importantly, Verne. Thanks for giving us this place that we can all be proud of.”
“To Verne!” everyone echoes.
I clink my glass against Joey’s and take a sip of my drink. Fuck, that’s good.
“I’m going to go say hi to Presley.” Joey nudges me with her elbow. “I’ll see you around.”
“Yeah, see you around.”
I take another sip, watching her as she goes.
The skirt she’s wearing highlights her voluptuous ass. The shirt—complete with the ranch logo—stretches across her chest.
Joey has no right to make the uniform look that good.
Various people come up and congratulate me on the grand reopening. They all know I’ll be managing the barn and the ranching side of things here.
It’s something I’m excited for. Having moved around a lot before settling back down here, I’m ready for the responsibility of it.
“If it isn’t Sam Shaw.”
I turn to see my best friend coming my way, taking his extended hand. “Greg. Nice to see you.”
“It’s been a minute,” he says. “If only I could pull you away from the ranch for our poker nights.”
“Maybe now that this place is open, I’ll be able to come around more.”
“Good. We miss you around town.”
I look around the dining room, loving how good it looks. Kade and I painstakingly redid the two-story fireplace. We placed each stone by hand. It was a bitch, but it looks incredible.
“When’s the next time that you’re playing?”
“Next weekend,” he says.
“I’ll be there.”
“Good. Now, I’m going to go find that daughter of mine and get a tour of this place.”
“Enjoy.” I shake his hand as he leaves. “I’ll see you around.”
I stroll and mingle, making small talk and greeting guests. Words of praise are heaped on me as I thank people for joining us.
As I move around the room, my eyes keep drifting back toward the woman that I can’t stop thinking about. The one I shouldn’t be thinking about. Because she’s now hugging her dad.
My best friend.
I am so completely gone for my best friend’s daughter. If her dad knew, I’d be dead and buried where no one could find me.
Joey Andrews is completely off-limits.
If only I could get all of me on board with that.