"I've been fighting political battles since before you were born, honey. I know how to work the system." She steeplesher fingers like an evil mastermind and grins. "Now, show me how we destroy them."
I spread her papers across the table. "If we're going to beat this, we need to fight on multiple fronts simultaneously. First—congressional pressure campaign. We target your Representative and both Senators. Frame this as federal overreach versus local land management expertise."
"I know our state reps personally," Sarah says. "We're on good terms and I'm sure they'll throw themselves behind this."
The casual way she says it reminds me of what Wyatt said about owning land equaling power.
"Perfect. Second—coalition building. We can't let this look like one family fighting for special treatment." I'm writing as fast as I'm talking. "Every ranching family in Colorado should be terrified of what happens if we lose."
Sarah's eyebrows rise with admiration. "You really do know how to fight dirty."
"Fighting fire with fire," I reply. "Point three—FOIA requests. We request all communications about this designation to find a loophole or incorrectly filed form—anything that would invalidate their demands. And point four—Senator Martinez from Texas is a huge champion of western lifestyle issues, and he’s up for reelection and needs a high-profile win to swing the vote."
Sarah grins. "You have a senator in your back pocket?"
"We have mutual respect and aligned interests.” I’ve worked with Senator Martinez before, and the man loves to play cowboy. We should be able to swing his attention our way.
Sarah stares at me. "We need you. Stonegate needs women like you in the fight."
Before I can respond, the screen door opens with a creak and my heart leaps. Wyatt fills the doorway—fresh from morning chores, sleeves rolled up, looking like every cowboy fantasy I've tried not to have. The scent of leather and honest work drifts in with him and just like that, I can’t remember why trusting the man you want to make out with is such a big deal anyway.
"Morning, ladies. Hope I'm not interrupting anything important."
"Perfect timing," Sarah says with obvious satisfaction. "Kinsley was just walking me through her strategy to save our ranch."
Wyatt winks at me, and I’m trying really hard to remember exactly what strategy Sarah is talking about.
"Hank's on board," he says, moving to lean against my counter. "He's ready to stand with us."
"Excellent news." I try to sound professional while cataloguing how his jeans fit. "The more unified we are, the stronger our position becomes."
He moves closer to the table, and suddenly my kitchen feels smaller. When he reaches for the same document I'm pointing to, his fingers brush mine, sending electricity up my arm.
Neither of us pulls away.
"This is impressive," he says, his voice rougher. "You really think we can beat them?"
"I think we can give them the fight of their lives.” I work to keep my voice from sounding breathless and it is a struggle.The man makes me weak in the knees without even trying.
His thumb brushes across my knuckles. "I'm in for whatever it takes."
The words carry weight beyond their meaning, and I’m seriously drinking whatever he’s pouring. I gulp.
Sarah's phone rings, cutting through the charged atmosphere. She glances at the screen, and her expression shifts to something that makes my stomach drop.
"It's Tom Rodriguez from the Forest Service. He's a friend." She hits the green button and says, "Hello, this is Sarah." I watch the color drain from her cheeks.
"How long do we have?" she asks quietly.
A pause that stretches too long.
"I see. Thank you for the heads up."
She hangs up, noting where Wyatt’s hand is on the back of my chair. I pray we don’t look like we’re about to jump into each other’s arms even though that’s the battle I’m fighting inside.
"The Forest Service is going to do a controlled burn on our property line Wednesday if we don’t stop it.”
The words hang in the air like a death sentence.