Page 108 of Falling Back to You

“I heard your father has big plans for the new facility,” I said.

“Daddy and Oz have big plans. Ozzie’s the one who drafted the blueprints, deciding where every building should be for maximum efficiency. It’s as much his baby as anyone else’s.”

“Your baby?” I nudged Oz with my shoulder.

“It was just a rough draft.” He shook his head, suggesting Fancy was giving him too much credit.

“I saw the plans for the facility, and it’s twice as large as the current ranch. It takes real vision to come up with something like that,” Edison said.

I hadn’t realized the project was going to be so massive. Oz never really talked about it. “Sounds like you have a major role in all of this,” I told him.

“Let’s not exaggerate.”

I continued, “That’s gonna be a daunting task. Have you got anyone lined up to run the place when you’re not there?

“Um,” Oz said. He and Fancy shared the kind of glance that only siblings could. The type that communicated feelings even with a straight face. “My dad has some thoughts on who should run it.”

“Whoever you hire, they have to be organized and meticulous to manage it,” I said. “You should definitely have a say in who’s chosen. I know your dad thinks it’s his way or no way, but you are Palmer Horse Ranch, and your vote should count.”

“I think Dial is the only one not afraid of Ernest Palmer,” Ozzie said.

Fancy tossed her shiny curls over her shoulder. “I’m not afraid of Daddy.”

Oz nodded as if he’d heard her claim a dozen times. “That’s because you’re his precious baby girl. If you were his only son, you’d be singing a different tune.”

“Fathers always treat their daughters differently,” Edison said.

“That’s not true—look at Dial. She can shoot, she can fish, she can knuck and buck.” Fancy speared a steak fry off Edison’s plate.

“I think that was more about being the only girl. My dad would plan stuff for Cyrus and Edison, and I just tagged along. He would always say, ‘I’ve got two sons and a Dial.’” I giggled at the memory.

“That’s because Cy and I were interchangeable, but you… you were one of a kind,” Edison said.

“She still is.” Oz squeezed my thigh.

Fancy placed her elbows on the table and rested her chin on her hands. “So, when’s the wedding?”

“Dial and I ain’t been back on but a hot second and you’re already craving finger foods?” Oz said.

“I mean, you two are perfect for each other. When we were younger, I had to listen to Ozzie moon over you. Dial’s so smart, Dial’s so pretty. Dial’s the best shooter in all of Hume.”

I gasped at the unexpected intel. “You think I’m the best shooter in Hume?” I asked Ozzie.

“Yes, I do. And I still think you’re the prettiest and smartest woman I’ve ever met.”

My gaze settled softly on this dream of a man. We’d been apart for seven years. Seven stupid years. But he still looked at me like he did right before our first kiss—like everything was possible.

“You two should make out, right here, right now… Throw in a little tongue,” Fancy said.

“Fancy,” Edison scolded her.

“What? I’m a voyeur. And I’m just generally a lover of love.”

“It’s not polite to stare,” Edison half teased.

“It just feels like everything is coming together. I just can’t help but think we’re gonna both get married, and then maybe we’ll even have babies at the same time.”

Marriage maybe, but the thought of being pregnant again after what happened the first time gave me pause. I knew Oz wanted more kids, but I didn’t think a big brood was in the cards for me. I wasn’t saying never, but we’d have to put in a lot of work and possibly therapy to get to a place where I was willing to consider it.