2 days later, Lexi pulls her car back into Sunset Ranch.
Rhett is sawing some new lumber in the barn.
Lexi
Getting the place fixed back up, I see.
Rhett looks up from his saw and swipes sweat from his forehead.
Lexi
We haven’t had a chance to talk since the other night.
Rhett turns his attention back to his work.
Rhett
You’ve been busy entertaining your guest.
She steps forward and places a hand on his arm.
Rhett glances down, then his bright eyes snap up to hers.
Rhett
Your rock is missing.
Lexi
My rock is back with Scott.
Lexi
Tell me what your vision is for Sunset Ranch.
Rhett
Wait, what’s going on? Are you still angry?
Lexi
Just tell me. I want to see what you see…
Lexi
I want to know why you bought this.
Rhett shifts to face her fully, propping his hands on his hips.
Now that she’s free, she can’t help but see him as more than a friend.
She lets her desire for him hum through her body.
Rhett
Why I bought this place?
Rhett
I told you — I bought this for you.
Rhett
I’ve saved for years to be able to get it back.
Lexi
You told me before that you wanted it for me, but I don’t live here.
Rhett
Yeah, but now that you’re back, you’ll stay.
Rhett
City life isn’t for people like us.
Lexi
People like us? And what are we like?
Rhett
We’re laid back. We prefer dusty boots to polished shoes.
Rhett
We want campfires and marshmallows — not stuffy restaurants.
Rhett
We like riding horses out in the open field — not tall buildings and crowds.
Lexi
You talk like you know what’s inside my head, but I’ve lived in the city for years.
Lexi
What if my tastes have changed?
Rhett
At first, I thought they may have…
Rhett
But then I look at you, standing here.
Rhett
And I know you’ve changed back to the girl I knew.
He lifts her hand and her heart flutters in her chest.
Just that simple touch makes her emotions run rampant.
Lexi
How are you always so sure of things?
Lexi
That always drove me crazy.
Lexi
I can’t decide basic things and you make 10-year plans.
Rhett
But I’m not sure of everything — I only bank on one thing.
Rhett
Yeah, I like my life orderly, but I also took a gamble.
Rhett
I didn’t know how you’d feel if I bought the ranch…
Lexi
Well, I was stunned at first—
Lexi
And maybe a little sad.
Rhett squeezes her hand, urging her closer.
Lexi
Well, maybe jealous.
Lexi
I love this place so much. I never thought I’d leave.
Lexi
When dad died and we had to sell…
Rhett pulls her into his arms and holds her tight.
They’ve hugged countless times as friends.
But this time, the contact crackles with chemistry.
And suddenly, she wants so much more…of him.
Lexi inhales his masculine scent.
Rhett
That’s what drove you away.
Lexi
Yes. I couldn’t be here anymore.
Rhett eases back to look her in the eye.
Lexi
Now I want to know how you see the future of this place—
Lexi
It’s yours, after all.
Rhett
I see a newly built barn full of horses.
Rhett
And a new white fencing trailing the perimeter of the ranch.
Rhett
I’ll update the house, and there will always be fresh flowers in front of the porch.
Rhett
And of course, I’ll add a porch swing.
That’s exactly how Lexi wanted things to be.
She steps from his embrace.
Lexi can’t help but smile.
Lexi
IF I stay, does that change how you see Sunset Ranch?
Rhett’s eyes study her, and the muscle in his jaw clenches.
Rhett
If you stay, I see that house full of love and laughter and family.
Rhett
Did you think I honestly bought this place for another woman to live in?
Lexi
How long have you known that you wanted me to be that woman?
Rhett
Since you waltzed in here at 16 with your red boots and sassy mouth.
Lexi
You’ve known that long?
Rhett smooths her hair away from her face.
Rhett
I wouldn’t have gone to so much trouble for anyone else.
Lexi
How much have you sacrificed to save for this?
Rhett
It’s irrelevant. I would’ve sacrificed anything for you.
Rhett
But when you texted me with the engagement news…
Rhett shakes his head and glances down to his scuffed boots.
Lexi frames his face with her hands, forcing him to look her in the eye.
Rhett
I thought I was too late.
Lexi
Would you have told me your true feelings before I married Scott?
Rhett
I don’t know. I wanted to, but I also want you happy — no matter what.
Rhett
And I wanted this to be YOUR choice.
Lexi
Being here with you now is definitely my choice.
Rhett
Being with me now? What about forever?
Lexi
Is that what you truly want with me? Forever?
Rhett
I think I’ve made that clear.
Lexi
There’s nowhere else I’d want to spend my forever than where we started.
Rhett
About that emerald…
Lexi laughs and loops her arms around his neck.
Lexi
I don’t need a ring when I have a ranch.
Rhett
But the ring is already at my house.
Lexi’s breath catches in her throat.
Lexi
You saved for a ring and the ranch?
Lexi
You were really sure of this, weren’t you?
Rhett
The ring was my mother’s — and I always knew I wanted you to have it.
Rhett
I was sure of this…
Rhett
I’ve waited years to hear you say those words.
Lexi threads her fingers through his thick hair…
And Rhett captures her lips and kisses her.
This feels like coming home — like this is where she belongs.
Rhett
I love you too, Lex. There’s never been anyone else for me.
Lexi
You’re my heart and home, Rhett — this is where I belong.
Lexi
And I can’t wait to raise the next generation on Sunset Ranch with you.
