Page 131 of Promised to the Cowboy

My jaw tightens. “Can the bank do that?”

“No. Ennis could. Apparently, he did.”

I keep reading. The bank’s new manager has approved negotiations to convert the remaining debt into a long-term agricultural loan on standard terms. Delaney’s cost reductions, the federal grant, and two profitable quarters are listed beneath the decision.

“So we still owe the money,” I say. “But Voss can’t use it to take the ranch.”

“No.”

Dad’s mouth lifts. “Delaney made sure of that before any of us knew what game Ennis was playing.”

I fold the paper. “Does Evie know? About LandCorp? Alexander?”

“Daniel called her first. She told him to email the summary because she was frosting a cake and didn’t have time for Alexander.”

A laugh escapes me as I look toward the house.

Dad’s mouth shifts. “She also said if anybody lets Shay add another tier, she’s canceling the wedding.”

“She won’t.”

“No?”

“She proposed. She’s committed now.”

Dad studies me over the rim of his cup. “You happy?”

The question is simple, but it still takes me a moment because no one in this family used to ask things like that. Not directly.

“Yeah,” I say, though the word feels too small. I try again. “I am.”

Dad nods, and his eyes drop to my hand wrapped around my coffee. “Your mother would have liked her.”

Everything inside me quiets. He’s mentioned Mom twice since the hospital. The first time was at rehab when the therapist asked about family cardiac history, and Dad answered without leaving the room. The second was in the truck afterward when he told me she hated being fussed over and would have despised every blood pressure cuff she ever met.

Small pieces of my mom, carefully offered.

“What makes you think that?”

“Evie doesn’t scare easy.”

“She was terrified.”

“She stood her ground anyway.” He looks toward the house, where Evie’s laughter carries faintly through the open windows. “Your mom would have liked the way Evie looks at you.” My throat tightens.

“How’s that?”

“Like you’re the stars in her sky.”

The words hit me right in the sternum.

“Christ, Dad. You been reading those daily affirmation cards again?” I say, trying to lighten the mood.

His mouth twitches. “Your mother used to say it.”

That wipes the smile off my face.

I set my coffee down. “You staying for lunch?”