After the Storm

I grew up on Wildhaven Storm Ranch, raised on hard work, determination, and tradition. Now I'm fresh out of college and chasing a dream that feels just out of reach-working at the historic Belicourt Resort Hotel while trying to convince my oldest sister, Matty, to let me turn part of our family land into a guest ranch and spa.

The Belicourt has a long-standing reputation for being haunted-full of whispered legends, unexplained sightings, and guests who swear they're not alone in its halls. I think it's charming. Mysterious. Marketable. My new boss, Porter Garrison, doesn't agree. He's all rules, rigid schedules, and closed doors, and he'd much rather I stick to spreadsheets than old legends and small-town folklore.

But I see potential in the past-in the stories people tell. And behind his cool, controlled exterior and expensive suit, I see the man beneath-the cowboy full of fire and buried passion he's trying desperately to hide.

Maybe the hotel isn't the only thing haunted. Maybe some dreams are worth fighting family for. And maybe, after the storm, we both need something to believe in-especially each other.