Epilogue
One Year Later
Quinn
I stood 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 only meant 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.
“All of it.” He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. “Well, except for us.”
I leaned into him, remembering those early days when we were still figuring out boundaries and schedules and whose turn it was to make coffee in the morning.
We’d never once doubted what we all had.
“It’s a miracle we’ve only had three major fights, and one of those was about whether a quesadilla counts as a sandwich. ”
“It doesn’t.”
“It absolutely does, but we can rehash that particular argument later, preferably naked.” I looked at the man who’d gone from grumpy skeptic to one of my three pillars. “Are you happy, Enzo?”
His eyes softened as he looked at me. “Happier than I ever thought possible.”
The next two hours passed in a blur of introductions, tours, and proud moments watching people explore the space we’d poured our hearts into.
The mayor stopped by for a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Local reporters took photos. Kellan charmed his way through interviews while Reid quietly ensured everything ran smoothly behind the scenes.
Enzo fielded technical questions about the facility, his expertise evident in every detailed explanation.
And me? I bounced between all three of them, filling gaps, answering questions, and occasionally stealing private moments with each man when nobody was looking. A quick hand squeeze with Reid. A wink from Kellan across the room. A brush of fingers with Enzo as we passed each other.
After the last guest had departed and we’d cleaned up the remnants of the celebration, we walked to the fence line along the stables, watching the sun dip below the hills.
My heart felt full as I stood there sandwiched between Reid and Kellan, with Enzo’s steady presence behind me completing our circle.
“We did it,” I whispered, not wanting to break the peaceful moment.
Reid nodded, the barest hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “You did it. This place needed you.”
A surge of emotion threatened to overwhelm me.
Here I was, standing on the threshold of a life I’d never dared imagine, with three men who loved me in their own unique ways, a career that blended my passion for teaching with my newfound love of ranch life, and a home that was more right than anywhere I’d ever been.
Reid reached for my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. Kellan’s arm tightened around my waist, and Enzo rested his chin on my shoulder.
This was home.
Thank you for reading Stick Around .