Page 231 of Tessa and Nash

“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.