46. Tessa
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
Tessa
It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come.
The guest ranch is finally starting to look real. The dream Nash had is slowly shifting from his head into reality. There’s dust in the air, but it’s not the kind of dust that feels dirty—it’s the kind that means work, sweat, and something big being built. And it’s beautiful.
I walk through the property, surveying everything, and a smile tugs at my lips. The land’s starting to shape up, the fences are getting put in place, and the cabins? Well, they’re more than just shells of wood and nails now. They’re homes waiting to be filled with people who’ll make memories here.
People who will see the place just like I do, something that was worth fighting for.
“Nash!” I call out, spotting him near the stables, his sleeves rolled up, a clipboard in one hand and a wrench in the other.
He looks up from the pile of materials, a grin spreading across his face when he sees me.
“Hey, there you are.”
He sets the wrench down and walks toward me, his eyes taking in everything around him like it’s a victory. And it is. It’s all coming together, just as he planned.
I can’t help but lean in and give him a quick kiss, right in front of all the workers.
“You’re brilliant,” I tell him, filled with pride. “I hope you know that.”
His grin widens, but there’s a modesty to him that’s as familiar as it is endearing. “You know, I had help.”
His eyes flick toward the rest of the family working in the background.
I follow his gaze and see his brothers hammering posts into the ground, Boone in the lead, looking like he’s always been in charge.
Dallas is busy inspecting the irrigation system, checking everything with his usual meticulous attention to detail.
Rusty’s trailing after him, his tail wagging because to him it’s a party.
Faith is crouched down on the ground, snapping photos of the process, capturing everything as it happens, because she knows how important these moments will be later.
Rose is on the porch, weaving wicker baskets and setting up for some of the decor, making sure everything feels as welcoming as it’s going to be.
And his mom, well, she’s coordinating it all, making sure the whole place feels homely. She’s been helping with the kitchen, getting it ready for the first big meals we’ll serve.
If I didn’t know better, I’d say this whole ranch was built by the McCoy army. No one’s slacking. They’ve all got their hands in the mix, whether it’s building, decorating, planning, or making sure Rusty’s not stealing more than his fair share of the food.
And right on cue, I hear a commotion from the barn area.
My gaze flicks over to see Boone trying to push a giant barrel through the door while Rose’s voice carries over. “You’re going to break the damn door, Boone!”
“Only if someone actually helped me instead of sitting around looking cute,” Boone calls back.
Rose rolls her eyes, the exaggerated motions making it clear she’s not pleased. “I have far too much weaving to do to help you. And you’re a big, strong man, aren’t you? Surely you don’t need me!”
I laugh, shaking my head. Of course, this is the McCoy way. Insane, a little ridiculous, but it somehow always comes together.
“I’m telling you, this place was built by a lot of people,” I tell Nash, squeezing his hand tighter. “It’s like a McCoy takeover.”
“I’d argue the same thing about the Longs,” he teases, his eyes lighting up with that familiar gleam of mischief. “Don’t act like you aren’t pulling just as many stunts.”
I glance over at the other side of the ranch, where I see Faith climbing on a ladder to hang up string lights on the porch while Dallas and Maggie give her so much unsolicited advice.
“I’m just glad we’ve got everything under control,” I tease, watching Faith attempt to balance and adjust her camera at the same time.
Nash laughs, shaking his head. “Yeah, well, at least she’s got a backup crew. Help us when Rose and I have to coordinate decor together. Someone’s bound to end up in a headlock.”
I raise an eyebrow at him. “And that would be… you?”
He smirks. “Not if I can help it. Trust me, I’ve learned when to fight back and when to just let Rose run the show.”
“I’m so glad to hear that,” I reply, grinning.
He takes a deep breath, scanning the property, his chest swelling with pride. “This is all coming together. The vision I had… it’s actually happening.”
I look over at the workers, some of whom are now leaning against tools, watching the family bustle around with a mix of amusement and admiration. They’re feeling it too, the way the whole thing is pulling together, with so many hands in the mix.
“Yeah,” I say, my heart full. “But let’s not forget who’s behind all of this. Your plan’s brilliant. And I’m really proud of you, Nash.”
He turns to face me, his smile soft but sincere. “It wouldn’t be possible without you, though. You’re just as much a part of this.”
A small shiver runs down my spine at how serious his tone becomes. I can feel his words, the trust in his eyes. This isn’t just about the ranch, it’s about us and what we’ve built together.
Then, as if to remind us we’re never far from madness, a loud crash echoes from the porch.
“Rusty!” Rose yells, appearing in the doorway with a panicked look on her face. “What the hell did you eat now?”
Nash and I exchange a look, both trying to hide the laughter bubbling up.
“At least the dog’s contributing,” I mutter, glancing back toward the kitchen area where his mom is looking at the mess with a resigned sigh.
“Yep,” Nash replies with a smile, “Rusty’s definitely got a good taste for the finer things in life.”
We head toward the barn to check on the commotion, stepping into the organized chaos.
Everywhere I look, I see faces I recognize, people who’ve been by our side all along, watching us take this leap.
Nash’s family, my family, the workers, and even the animals seem to be settling into this new rhythm of life.
Somehow, everything is in the right place. Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s loud.
This is it. This is the life we’ve been waiting for. And I’m not about to let anything mess it up.
The workday’s over, and I finally pull myself away from the ranch madness to visit Grandma.
I make my way down the familiar road to her house, feeling the day’s work lifting as I drive.
The sun is starting to dip below the horizon, causing shadows to dance over the town, and the streets feel quieter.
The world is unwinding after all the energy that’s gone into the ranch today.
When I pull up to the house, I take a deep breath. It’s always been a place of calm for me. But today, there’s a tension that feels different. Not heavy, just... there. A little quieter than usual.
I get out of the truck and head to the porch, where Grandma’s sitting in her rocking chair. Her eyes are soft, a quiet smile tugging at her lips when she sees me.
“There’s my girl,” she says warmly. “Come sit, Tessa. I’ve got some fresh tea made.”
“Thanks, Grandma.” I settle in the chair beside hers, kicking off my boots and letting the evening air wash over me.
The clink of a spoon against the china inside tells me that someone else is in the house. I raise an eyebrow but don’t ask, knowing the answer already.
“Uncle Thomas is in there,” Grandma says, not missing a beat. “He’s working from home today. Figured I might need some company.”
I nod, already bracing myself. My relationship with Thomas has been… complicated. Better than it used to be, but not where I want it to be. Still, it’s progress, and I’ve learned to take the small victories.
I stand up and walk inside. Thomas is sitting at the table, a coffee cup in hand, looking like he’s been here a while. He glances up when I walk in, but there’s no sign of surprise or tension as there used to be.
We’re finding a way to exist in this awkward space between family and distance.
“Evening, Tessa,” he says.
It’s strange how we’ve come to this place. Quiet conversations, no longer the screaming matches we used to have, but still not what I’d call warm.
“Hi, Uncle Thomas.” I take a seat across from him, letting my shoulders relax. The silence stretches between us, but it’s different now. Not suffocating.
“So,” he starts, taking a sip of his coffee, “how’s the ranch coming along?”
“It’s good. It’s coming together. We’re almost there.” I smile a little, pride swelling in my chest as I talk about it. The ranch is more than just land now; it’s part of the future. “Nash is making sure everything stays on track, and we’re getting closer to the first round of guests.”
He nods, his eyes flicking to the window, then back to me. “That’s good. Glad to see you’ve got a plan. You’re working hard. I can see that.”
I take that as a small win. It’s not a compliment, but it’s a recognition. I’ll take it.
Grandma walks in, bringing the teapot and two cups, and sets them down on the table. She smiles at both of us.
“You two are more alike than you think,” she says softly, then adds, “Just a little less stubborn than you were yesterday.”
Thomas grunts, a small laugh escaping him. “Somehow, I doubt that.”
I roll my eyes but can’t help smiling. Grandma’s always been the glue that holds everything together, even in the most tense moments.
“So,” Grandma continues. “I hear wedding plans are moving along nicely.”
I freeze, my tea halfway to my mouth, and glance at Thomas. His eyes narrow slightly at the mention of it.
“Yeah, we’re getting there.” I keep my voice light, avoiding the tension. “It’s... a lot, but I’m excited. A little stressed, but excited.”
Thomas watches me, his gaze calculating. “You’re really doing this. Planning something big with the whole town looking over your shoulder.”
I nod, my chin lifting. “Yeah, we are. We’ve worked hard for it, and I don’t think there’s anyone who’d want it more than we do.”
“I never thought I’d see the day,” he mutters, shaking his head. “A McCoy and a Long, doing something together, and actually making it work.”
It stings. The history between the McCoys and Longs has always been a heavy one, but it’s Thomas’ voice that gets to me. The old family pride.
“People change, Uncle Thomas,” I say. “You of all people should know that.”
He doesn’t respond immediately, his eyes fixed on the table. But after a moment, he sighs and finally looks up, meeting my gaze. “Maybe. But it’s not just about you and Nash. It’s about the town too, and how everyone’s going to adjust. There’s a lot of history to unravel.”
I take a breath, reminding myself not to snap back. “We’re doing it, Uncle. And we’re not just doing it for us. We’re doing it for everyone in this town. For all the years they’ve been caught between us and the McCoys. It’s time for it to change.”
He leans back, clearly not entirely sold but not pushing back either. The silence that follows isn’t as thick as it used to be.
“I’m glad you’re at least open to it,” I say softly. “To seeing something new.”
Thomas glances at Grandma, then back to me. He lets out a low breath. “I suppose... I suppose there’s nothing left to do but let it happen, isn’t there?”
“Exactly.” I give him a small smile, feeling the old tension between us starting to lift. “And maybe that’s the best thing we’ve got going for us.”
Grandma watches us both quietly, and I can feel her gaze, how she holds it all together.
After a beat, she stands and claps her hands together. “Well then, we’ll drink to that. To new beginnings, for everyone.”
I raise my cup. “To new beginnings.”
Even Thomas, after a long pause, lifts his cup as well. “To new beginnings.”