The final night hit different.
Lila stood on the porch of the cabin as the sun dipped low, painting the ranch in deep oranges and reds. Her bag was already packed inside, ready for the long drive back to the city tomorrow morning. But right now, none of that mattered. Cole and Ryder waited for her at the edge of the yard, hats low, shirts unbuttoned, eyes locked on her like they planned to memorize every inch before she left.
No words at first. Cole simply held out his hand. She took it, and they led her back to the big barn this time — the one with the wide loft filled with fresh hay bales and thick blankets they’d spread out earlier.
The barn door creaked shut behind them. Dust motes floated in the last rays of sunlight coming through the high windows. The smell of hay and leather wra
