CHAPTER NINE

SAMUEL

" Never thought I could aspire to be someone's trophy husband… "

Montanans are used to snow. We thrive in harsh conditions and know how to survive. So, despite yesterday's storm, there's no doubt in my mind that people are starting to move about again now that the snow has stopped falling.

Which means nothing is keeping the asshole on my doorstep from stealing Hope away.

"Hope can speak for herself," Vanderhorn says, barging into the living room.

"I'm sorry you guys were worried." Hope hops to her feet, and immediately, I stride to stand in front of her, blocking Vanderhorn from seeing her undressed state. She looks like she's been fucked all night, which is true, but Vanderhorn doesn't need to know our business.

"My phone died, and we couldn't charge it because of the power outage. Let me get dressed, and I'll ride back with you to ease Carrie's mind."

The proposition causes the possessive beast within me to roar in denial. I don't want her to leave with him. I don't want Hope to leave at all. But I can't exactly keep her prisoner here.

Hope grabs my hand as she slides in front of me. "Once I reassure Carrie that I'm safe, I'll come back, okay?"

Some of the tension eases around my shoulders. She's planning on returning to me.

For now…

Guess I'll find out if she meant everything she said about her feelings last night, or if it was just words spoken in the aftermath of surviving a traumatic event.

I pray it's the latter, because my poor heart may not recover if Hope decides she doesn't want anything more beyond our one night together.

***

"Earth to Samuel. You still in there?" Heath knocks his fist gently on my temple to get my attention. We're catching up over breakfast at his place, discussing what a bitch it'd been seeing to the horses in this shitty weather.

I slap his arm aside. "I'm listening, asshole. Your rich wife installed heaters in the stables and automatic feeders, so you got to sleep in during the blizzard. You're a lucky bastard, I get it."

"You make him sound like a gold-digging husband." Adeline, Heath's wife, giggles from across the table as she nurses their three-month-old baby. She's sweet and totally unsuited for rough ranch life, but the two of them make it work.

And it's more about love than money for my best friend.

I'm just busting his balls.

"Never thought I could aspire to be someone's trophy husband, yet here we are." Heath grins before leaning over to peck his wife on the cheek.

Samantha and Derek enter the kitchen with sheepish expressions. No doubt, the couple had been enjoying a cozy time in bed rather than dealing with guests. Technically, Samantha manages the house and cabins, cooking meals and cleaning the residences, but we all know how to fend for ourselves when she decides to take a break.

It's not like Adeline would fire her sister-in-law, especially for such a flexible job and one Samantha has been doing for years.

"Look what the cat dragged in," I say, winking at a blushing Samantha. Derek's hand squeezes her hip and goes to the cupboard to pull down two mugs.

"Shut up."

"We had to make our own pancakes this morning, sis. Wouldn't want the boss to know you're slacking on the job."

Samantha opens her mouth for a rebuttal when the doorbell rings.

"Are we expecting someone?" Addie asks.

"Not that I know of." Heath exits the kitchen and returns with the surprise guest—Hope.

I immediately stand and pull a chair out for her. It's been two days since we were snowed-in together, and true to her word, she returned to Harper's Landing, where I gave her an abbreviated tour of the ranch, including a visit with Krueger who still adores her and loathes me.

But during that time, she hadn't mentioned visiting Serenity Ranch yet.

A tremulous smile highlights Hope's nervousness, and I reach beneath the kitchen table to pat her knee. She's got this, and I've got her.

"Everyone, this is Hope Gonzalez. The fifth Foster heir," Heath says, making the introductions. The fourth heir, Ryan, rarely hangs out at the ranch after renting a place in town to be closer to his job as the hockey coach at the high school. "And look who she brought with her." He gestures behind him.

Braden fucking Vanderhorn steps inside the kitchen, and my hackles raise. What is he doing here?

"Oh my gosh, you're here!" Samantha sets her mug of coffee down to wrap Hope in an impromptu hug, ignoring the huge elephant in the room. "Brooke mentioned knowing you, but she didn't tell us you were on your way to Guardian Valley. We would have planned a welcome celebration."

"That's not necessary, though I appreciate it. I've actually been in Guardian Valley for a while. I've been staying next door at Braden's."

"Why?" Addie's brows scrunch together.

Hope readjusts her glasses, fidgeting with the plastic frames. "I wasn't ready to meet everyone yet. Nothing against you guys. It's been a lot to take in."

"That makes sense. You have to do what's right for you." Addie's concerned gaze bounces between the men in the room. She knows our troubled history.

An awkward silence falls over us, providing Vanderhorn an opportunity to speak up. His hands lift in a show of surrender.

"I come in peace. Travis, Hope, and Carrie have each given me an earful about how much of an ass I've been, specifically to you, Winters."

My brows practically hit my hairline at the roundabout apology.

"Thanks to them, I've finally seen the error of my ways, and I promise to drop the subject of buying Harper's Landing."

"About damn time," I mutter. Hope's hand covers mine on her knee, and a tiny grin plays on her lips. Seems like I have her to thank for Vanderhorn's change of heart. She mentioned saying something to her friend about his pushy behavior, but I hadn't been confident Vanderhorn would listen to anything anyone had to say.

I'm happy to be proven wrong, though.

"While dropping Hope off, I saw your truck outside and figured I should let you know that the topic is closed. Officially. Now, I'll let you all catch up." He dips his chin in farewell and leaves.

A swell of chatter erupts after his departure as if the air he'd sucked out of the room upon entry has returned tenfold.

"Congrats, man. I'm glad you won't have to deal with his bullshit anymore."

"Me, too, and it's all thanks to you." I bump Hope's shoulder with mine.

"All I did was talk to Carrie. She did most of the heavy lifting."

"Still… I'm grateful." My fingers wrap around hers and bring them to my lips so I can kiss the tips.

"Um, wait… How do you guys know each other?" Samantha asks.

Hope and I share a secret look, smug smiles teasing our mouths, before relaying the PG version of our new relationship.

It's not like any of them can judge the swiftness of our connection considering how quickly the two couples got together. But I'm relieved all the same when everyone congratulates us.

These people are my family, so their support means a lot. And now I can share that with my girl, too.

Show her that not only does she belong with me, but she belongs in Guardian Valley.