Tucker settled back beside his uncle, hands raised in acceptance.
The oldest Stone brother took a deep breath, meeting each of his siblings’ eyes in turn. “A few years ago we met like this, trying to come up with a laundry list of ways to save the ranch. Maybe we weren’t all here in body, but together, we shared ideas, every single one of us. Because that’s how we said we would do things. Ever since that first family meeting after Mom and Dad died, when I promised we’d stay together as a family. It’s been a hell of a trip, but between hard work and a bit of luck, we’re in a brand-new place now.”
Dustin frowned. “I thought the finances had been doing well ever since the breeding program took off.”
“That was a turning point, yes. But I’ve got more news for you.” Damn if he didn’t outright grin as he caught Tamara’s hand. “Oil and gas rights just delivered. Tamara’s brother-in-law owns the company that will be utilizing the claim, and he’s generously set us up with a more than typical share of dividends.”
A chorus of questions and excitement raced around the room.
“We struck oil?” Kelli asked. “I haven’t seen them drilling anywhere.”
“Because we chose areas that are less accessible, thus less visible. With the new technology Finn’s team is using, it works to our advantage.”
“So we have…oil on Silver Stone?” Ivy was tucked in the corner as usual, but her eyes were bright. “Isn’t the price of oil down, and the cost of production up?”
“Everything that goes around comes around, but part of those pricing issues come from corporations wanting the lions’ share.” Caleb nodded, but his grin remained solid. “It’s a good question, but the bottom line is that we were doing well without the discovery, but now we have a buffer. This gives us a solid financial base that means dreaming a little.”
“And we’ll never have to sell?” Dustin looked on the verge of tears, emotion obviously getting the better of him.
Caleb dipped his chin firmly. “We may still have ups and downs, because this is ranching, and we never know what weather and life will throw at us. But we’re good at dealing with those emergencies. I wanted you all to know that we’ve now got the opportunity to think about a different future.”
Luke nodded, happiness shining bright as he considered what that meant. “We had the breeding program on slow mode, but if there’s more money in the budget, we could increase pace a little.”
“Major repairs that we’ve been holding off on or making do—those should get tackled first,” Tamara suggested. She gestured toward Ashton. “I bet you’ve got a list.”
“Not that big,” the man said pointedly. Tucker’s uncle leaned back in his chair and folded his arms over his chest, but his expression was one of outright pride. “It’ll be good to loosen the purse strings a little, but I haven’t felt hard done by. You’ve run this place well, Caleb.” He glanced and included the rest of them in his praise. “You’ve all done well, and I’m proud to have been a part of it.”
“We’ve been lucky to have had your expertise all these years,” Walker returned steadily. “This is really good news, Caleb. But it’s a little unreal.”
“It’s not going to change anything overnight,” Tamara said firmly. “We wanted you to know now so you can get into that dreaming part we mentioned. Are there things you’ve been holding off on that you’d like to do? Not just for Silver Stone, but farther. In Heart Falls, or beyond.”
“You want to go to school for a while, figure out where, and we’ll make it happen,” Caleb said to Dustin. “Think on it.”
Kelli waved a hand from where she sat next to Luke. “What if there’s nothing to change? As in, we already have all the money we need and are pretty happy with how things are?”
Luke chuckled, picking up her hand and kissing her knuckles. “Asks Miss Heiress, who repeatedly turns down every gift her grandfather offers.”
“Money doesn’t buy happiness,” Kelli insisted.
“You’re right,” Caleb said with a nod. “We don’t plan on changing things up massively or trying to hit the lifestyles of the rich and famous. But we can breathe and enjoy life more. Enjoy each other as family. That’s something to celebrate.”
“Agreed.” Walker stepped forward and pulled Caleb into an embrace, patting his back firmly. “Thanks for everything you’ve done over the years.”
The entire room turned into a series of hugs and brotherly shoulder pounding. Tucker was proud to celebrate with them.
Something inside was building, though. His deep need to be a part of this family more than just on the periphery. He wanted so much.
It was time he pushed past the dreaming to action as well.
Fortunately, Ashton decided they should leave the Stone family to spend the rest of the evening by themselves. He nudged Tucker’s arm. “Come with me. Wouldn’t mind some time to talk.”
Which probably meant his uncle wanted to toss around ideas on ways to improve the ranch.
Tucker said his goodbyes, stopping to shake Caleb’s hand. “Sometimes luck does come to good people.”
Caleb shrugged. “If it hadn’t happened, like Kelli said, we would’ve been perfectly happy.” His lips curled upward. “But I’m not turning it down. Not the chance to give Tamara and my kids a future with a bit more ease.”
“Like I said, good people.” Tucker dipped his chin to Tamara and headed after his uncle.
Ginny’s ears were ringing. She wasn’t sure if it was because blood pounded through her hard enough to echo inside, or because the house had finally quieted down.
After Caleb’s momentous announcement, the family continued to chat for a little longer, but then Luke and Kelli left to rejoin their guests. Walker and Ivy slipped away, her brother pausing to kiss Ginny’s cheek and give her a squeeze along with a reminder of her promise to visit that coming week.
Tyler was asleep, and the girls were still watching their movie.
Ginny remained behind because, truth was, the whirling emotions inside her ran the gamut from joy to full-on anger, and she needed to deal with that last one before it became something bitter and sharp.
Confession was the only honest thing to do with people she loved so much.
Tamara settled in what had obviously become her corner of the couch, close to her husband’s easy chair. Caleb brought her a cup of tea, and she blew him a kiss. “Thanks, hon.”
“You’re welcome.” Caleb turned to Ginny. “Here’s yours. It’s not as good an herbal blend as you used to make, but it’s close.”
She took it carefully before sitting on the couch opposite the two of them. “Can we talk?”
“Of course.” Caleb lifted the footrest on his chair and leaned back with a contented sigh. “You’ve got to have all sorts of ideas. I’m excited to hear them once you’ve had a chance to make a list.”
Ginny felt like shit for not following that trail. Her big brother was so obviously thrilled at the good news he’d shared that evening. She was as well, and yet…