“Gage and I have had a long and complicated relationship,” Elena explained, unwilling to get drawn into those old feelings for him even though they’d resurfaced at an alarming speed during her time with Gage. “But whatever he might feel for me comes second to his loyalty to his family.”

Astrid peered up at her curiously, settling an embroidered denim romper back on the rack. “Jonah once called Nigel Striker a judgmental asshat. I remember because Jonah gets along with almost everyone.”

A sad smile pulled at Elena’s lips. Chiara returned to the rolling rack, her hand moving unerringly to a turquoise-and-green sari-inspired dress. She held it up for their inspection, a light-as-air coordinating scarf fluttering where it wrapped around the hanger.

“This is you,” Chiara announced. “It’s a gown to slay in, and exactly what you need to wear to the house party.”

Elena moved closer, drawn by the featherweight of the layers printed with swirls of blue and deep purple. The sheer fabric around the shoulders and the effect of the scarf made her think of a butterfly.

“It’s beautiful,” she murmured, running her hand down the fabric. “The question is, will it be a gown to usher in a new chapter or end one?”

Saying goodbye to Gage wouldn’t be easy, but she would fulfill her promise to share the story the ranch owners wanted to spread about Alonzo. After that, she had nothing tying her to Montana. Gage might romance her, but that didn’t mean he loved her enough to break with his family to be with her. Nigel Striker had already proved he’d stop at nothing to ensure she stayed far from his son.

“Maybe the party will be a little of both,” Chiara informed her, giving her a level look. “But that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with walking away from what isn’t working so you can move on to new opportunities.”

Of course, she was correct. But crazy as it might be, Elena held out a sliver of hope that maybe things would be different this time. Gage had shared a deeply held secret with her. He’d given her a level of trust he’d never bestowed on anyone else. It had to count for something.

Because whether or not Astrid was correct about Gage’s feelings for Elena, Elena knew without a doubt about her own emotions where he was concerned. Based on the deep fear in her gut about leaving him after the party, she understood that she’d passed the point of no return.

Somehow, she’d fallen for Gage for a second time.

Twelve