"Meanwhile," she says, voice steady, "Brad gets to control the narrative. Make me look like the crazy ex. Paint Elias as some kind of predator."
Sawyer's expression softens slightly. "Pretty much. But it won't stick. Not in Grizzly Ridge."
"You don't know Brad," Riley counters. "He's charming when he wants to be. Convincing. And his family has influence."
"So do the McKennas," Sawyer reminds her. "And we've been here a lot longer than the Coopers."
I study Riley, seeing the strain beneath her composed exterior. The shadows under her eyes, the tension in her shoulders. She's been through too much already.
"We'll fight it," I say, decision made. "On our terms. Not his."
Determination flashes in her eyes, that same stubborn courage that's defined her since childhood. "How?"
"First, we document everything. The bruises, Cooper's visit yesterday, his cousin's presence on my property." I look to Sawyer. "Then we file our own restraining order. With evidence."
My brother nods, approving. "Already prepared the paperwork. We can file today."
"And what about the other accusations?" Riley asks, the question hanging heavy between us.
I meet her gaze, knowing we've reached a crossroads. What happened between us last night, the confession, the kisses, the promise of more, is still new, fragile. Cooper's accusations have forced our hand, pushed us to define something we've barely begun to explore.
"We tell the truth," I say finally. "Nothing happened before you were of age. Nothing happened while Bill was alive. What's between us now is nobody's business but ours."
She studies me for a long moment, then nods, decision made. "Okay. Let's fight."
Sawyer looks between us, understanding dawning in his eyes. To his credit, he doesn't comment on the obvious shift in our relationship, just says, "Be at my office by noon. We'll get everything filed. And Elias?"
"Yeah?"
"Watch your back. Cooper's got friends in this town. The kind who don't mind bending rules if the price is right."
As my brother leaves, I turn to Riley, taking in the determined set of her jaw, and the fire in her eyes. Despite everything, I feel a surge of pride. She's facing this head-on, unbroken by Cooper's attempts to intimidate her.
"I'm sorry," I tell her. "This is exactly what I was afraid would happen. People using your connection to me against you."
Riley steps forward, taking my hand in a gesture that feels both defiant and reassuring. "I'm not."
"Not what?"
"Sorry." Her eyes hold mine, unwavering. "I made my choice, Elias. Last night. This morning. I'll make it again tomorrow. Cooper doesn't get to dictate my life anymore. And neither does anyone else."
The certainty in her voice, and strength in her slender frame reminds me so much of her father. Bill Hart never backed down from a fight that mattered, never abandoned someone who needed him.
In that moment, I make a decision of my own. Cooper thinks he can use our relationship against us? Fine. Let him try. But I won't hide what I feel for Riley. Won't pretend it's something shameful or wrong.
"Come here," I say, pulling her against me. She comes willingly, fitting perfectly against my chest as my arms wrap around her. "Whatever happens, we face it together."
"Together," she agrees, face tilted up to mine. "That's the only way this works."
I kiss her, there on my porch where anyone could see. A declaration. A promise. A choice.
Let Cooper come. Let the town talk. Let the past haunt us.
None of it matters. Not when Riley Hart looks at me like I'm the answer to every question she's ever asked.
6
RILEY
