He’d insisted that the architectural integrity of the exterior be protected, but the interior had been reimagined with new walls, windows, and roof, stabilizing the historic structure to ensure it’d survive the harsh Montana winters for another hundred years. Inside the old stable, reclaimed lumber and salvaged materials gave the new living room, bedroom, kitchen, and bath comfort and style.

“There’s coffee in the canister next to the espresso machine, and milk in the fridge,” she added, placing the key ring on the creamy marble-topped island. “If you have any problems, don’t hesitate to call the office. I’m sure you have the number, but here’s one of the company business cards just in case.” She pulled the business card from her coat pocket and set it next to the key. “Any questions?”

He picked up the card, scrutinizing the name and number, Natalie Hicks, President of Marietta Properties. “How do I reach you?” he asked, looking up at Sadie.

She smiled crookedly and tugged her knit cap lower. “Natalie owns the business. You’ll want to deal with her if there’s a problem.”

“But what if I want to talk to you?”

“Not sure that’s a good idea.”

“I’ve made a fortune off bad ideas.”

Her lips twisted, her expression rueful. “True.”

“In fact, I make bad ideas seem pretty cool.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.”

“No?”

“No.” She studied him for a long moment, her faint smile fading, leaving her beautiful features stark and somber. “You have a death wish, Rory Douglas, and it scares me so much.”

“Every bull rider does.”

“Maybe, but most guys wise up sooner. No one stays in the game as long as you.”

“I like life on the road.”

“Because you don’t know how to settle down.”

He didn’t protest. There was no point. She was right.

“I was hoping you’d tell me I was wrong,” she said after a silence that stretched on far too long. “I was hoping you’d learned to deal with your demons.”

“Where would be the fun in that?”

“At least you’re honest.”

“I’ll always be honest with you.”

She looked away, brow furrowing. “When do you leave?”

“Tomorrow.”

“You can drop the key off at the office, or just leave it here and the cleaning lady will return it to us.”

“Will do.”

She started for the door. His voice stopped her at the threshold. “Just one more question,” he said.

She turned and faced him.

“We never talked, but I always felt like you were there for me at each of those events,” he said. “Was it true, or was I just being wishful?”

“I was there, but I won’t go again. Watching that bull gore you back in August was more than I could handle.”

“It wasn’t a good night.”

“Understatement of the year.” She tried to smile but failed, and shook her head instead. “You’re a dangerous man playing a dangerous game, and one day it’s going to catch up with you. I’m just glad I’m not going to be there when it happens.” Then she closed the distance between them and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “But it was so good to see you once more.” She squeezed his arm and stepped away. “Unexpected but rather perfect because it’s almost Christmas.”

And then with a last faint, wistful smile, she walked out of the snug little house and into the cold white night.

Chapter Two

Sadie couldn’t sleep. The house was so quiet, far too quiet without Mom—

But that wasn’t what was keeping her up.

Yes, she missed her mom, but she couldn’t sleep because she couldn’t stop thinking about Rory.

Why was he back?

It’d been years since he last returned. Three years to be precise. And he’d only come home then because McKenna was getting married to Phil, but then McKenna’s high school sweetheart, Trey Sheenan, interrupted the wedding and kidnapped McKenna and TJ. After the wedding that wasn’t, Rory and Quinn Douglas headed to Grey’s Saloon on Main Street for a couple of drinks, and most of the wedding party followed. Sadie wasn’t a bridesmaid, but she’d helped with the guest book, and so she wandered over, too.

She wasn’t one of the regulars that frequented Grey’s, but she went that evening because Rory was there. Rory was a magnet. She’d never been able to resist him.