AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As we neared the edge of the field, Kinsley slowed Wildfire to a trot, turning to face me with a glint in her eyes. “Race you back to the barn?” she challenged, her competitive spirit shining through.
I couldn’t resist the opportunity to push Gambler’s limits. With a grin, I nodded, and we were off once more, our horses’ hooves thundering against the earth.
After cooling down the horses and turning them back out into the pasture, I took Kinsley’s hand, and we strolled leisurely toward our new home—her grandparents’ old house.
As we approached, our friends’ familiar voices drifted through the open windows.
“Well, if it isn’t the slackers,” Grady hollered, emerging from the front door with a wide grin. “C’mon, we’re doing all the heavy lifting while you two were off gallivanting.”
Finn poked his head out, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “He’s right, you know. The least you could’ve done was greet us properly.”
I shook my head, pulling Kinsley closer as we approached the porch steps. “You guys said you’d be here after lunch.”
Rhett leaned against the doorframe, arms folded across his chest. “We figured if we got here and to work before lunch, then you would have to feed us.”
“We’ve been working so hard,” Finn added with a pout.
Kinsley laughed. “We appreciate every bit of sweat you boys are putting into it. Lunch is on us.”
“And supper,” Grady said.
“And supper.”
The money from selling my farm would help us fix up Kinsley’s grandparents’ old homestead and make it our own. The place was in good shape but needed some updating. With our friends’ help, we were slowly transforming it into our dream home.
We stepped inside, tools and construction materials were scattered about. In the living room, Grady and Finn had already begun sanding the hardwood floors, while Rhett worked on stripping the old wallpaper from the hallway.
“You boys have been busy,” I remarked, surveying the progress.
“Yeah, so get your ass in gear,” Finn said.
Kinsley’s enthusiasm was infectious as we gathered around the kitchen table with her Pinterest account on the laptop.
“I want to paint the cupboards to look like that.” She pointed at a picture of a sage green and oak kitchen.
As they discussed the details, I watched her. I’d never imagined I’d settle down in such a beautiful house, let alone on the Jackson Ranch, but with Kinsley by my side, it felt right. Like I was finally home.
I admired the way her brow furrowed in concentration as she scrolled through more pictures. She caught my gaze and smiled, her hand finding mine under the table and giving it a gentle squeeze.
“What do you think, Wyatt?” she asked, her voice soft. “Is that okay?”
I brought her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “Whatever you want darlin’.”
Kinsley’s smile widened, and she leaned in, planting a kiss on my cheek. “I can’t wait to make this place our own. Imagine waking up every morning in this house together.”
“It’ll be perfect.” I pulled her close and kissed her neck.
“Alright, lovebirds, save it for the bedroom.” Finn pushed back from the table. “We’ve got work to do.”
As we set about our tasks, a sense of contentment washed over me. This was the life I’d always wanted, even if I hadn’t known it until now.
I swiped the back of my arm across my forehead, wiping away the sweat that had gathered there after a productive morning’s work. The rest of the crew was taking a breather too, gulping down water in the shade of an old oak tree.
The roar of an engine shattered the peaceful ranch silence. I turned toward the noise, squinting against the sun’s glare, as a sleek, cherry-red sports car came barreling down the long driveway towards Kinsley’s parents’ house.
“Who the hell drives a car like that out here?” Finn grumbled, shaking his head in disbelief.
Grady let out a low whistle. “Rich jackasses, that’s who.”
