Small towns are efficient like that.

By noon, the diner knows. By one, the feed store knows. By two, Noah Bennett is leaning against a fence looking far too entertained.

Only for a second.

She knows how badly Y/n leaving broke him.

She knows Savannah came afterward. Familiar. Patient. Convenient.

She knows about the ring.

She also knows Caleb kept Royal Z'S J'Amie Lavie all these years.

Amie stayed in one of the best stalls on the ranch, exercised, cared for, and never sold.

Ruth never asked why.

She already knew.

Late that afternoon, a truck turns onto the Callahan drive.

Amie hears it first.

Her head shoots over the stall door. She calls once, then again, pacing hard enough to kick bedding behind her.

Squire answers from the paddock.

Caleb looks up.

The truck stops beside the barn.

The driver's door opens.

You step out.

Amanda freezes.

Caleb does not move.

Black hat low. Jaw tight. One hand resting against Squire's neck.

Then the porch door opens.

Caleb does not look at it.

He is still looking at you.

And just like that, Red Creek has something new to talk about.