Tina Radcliffe - The Rancher's Reunion

“That’s almost…” Annie blinked hard. “That’s almost a third of the ranch.”

“I know. I know. To tell you the truth, it scared me spitless. Fact is, the past few years I’ve been barely squeaking by with the horse boarding and my inheritance. Ed came along when I was seriously contemplating the need to sell everything.”

She sucked in a breath. “Sell Sullivan Ranch?”

Will seconded her reaction. He gazed out through the mud-spattered windshield, his vision taking in the pecan grove and the small peach and apple orchard. “It’s been a long time since this place has been a working ranch.” He pointed to the pasture beyond the trees. “There haven’t been cattle out there since before my dad got sick, and that was a long time ago.”

Quiet filled the Jeep as Will paused, his hand moving the clutch back and forth in and out of neutral. “This ranch is all I know. But something had to give, and I just couldn’t see the past as a way to the future.”

He turned to Annie, the knot in his stomach tightening. “Am I wrong?”

“No, Will. I think you’re right. Besides, the entire project has changed you. It’s good to see you so enthusiastic. I’m really happy for you. But how are you going to do it all by yourself?”

“Slowly. Very slowly. I started with a plan, and so far things have worked. At first I focused on getting the ranch in shape, starting with routine maintenance. Then I contracted to have the work done for the new campgrounds. There were inspections and zoning red tape until I couldn’t see straight.”

Annie gave a thoughtful nod as he spoke.

“Now I have a couple reliable college kids on the weekend. They’ll help set things up and do the tear down. Chris and Joanie get the horses fed and exercised in the evening. Gives me a break.”

“Still leaves a lot for you to do. Maintenance of the ranch and bookkeeping, and now these KidCare projects are rolling. What are you going to do when you start getting outside reservations, besides KidCare?”

Will grinned and his pleasure soared. She got it. Annie understood.

“Already started getting outside reservations. That’s why I’m booked almost solid.” He grinned, unable to contain his pride. “Hey, it’s hard work. Any new venture is. They say you can expect to work twenty-four-seven for the first few years to launch a new business. I’m prepared to do that.”

And he was. There wasn’t any extra time left over to brood on the past or worry about the future. No time to think about Huntington’s these days.

“I’m surprised you know if you’re coming or going.”

Will laughed. She wasn’t far off the mark. “Annie, the place seems to be exploding with ideas. I’d like to expand and put in Quonset huts and a full kitchen and hold full camps Monday through Friday, all summer long. The place would be a Christian dude ranch. I know it’s not a new idea. There are plenty around the area. But it’s still a pretty lucrative opportunity, considering we’re smack-dab in the middle of the Bible Belt.”

“That’s a terrific vision. I can see it happening.”

Excitement sizzled through him as he spoke. “Can you, Annie? Because I really can.” He fiddled with a thread on his jeans. “Sometimes I’m so fired up I could burst with needing to talk.”

“Will Sullivan a chatterbox. Now that’s a new one.”

Will paused for a moment, taking in the picture Annie made. A smile teased her lips, and her eyes brimmed with laughter. Unable to resist, he reached out and gently adjusted the crooked ball cap on her head.

“Better?” she asked quietly.

“Perfect,” Will returned.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, and Will knew that at this moment he was more content than he had been in a very long time.

“Now I remember why they call it Green Country,” she said, her gaze taking in the thick, lush grass and the leafy trees around them.

“Pretty, huh?”

“Yes, but I just realized I missed the azaleas blooming.”

“Stick around. They bloom every year.”

She frowned.

“You missed most of tornado season, too.”

“That I don’t miss,” she said. “Remember that year one hit the barn and took your cow two miles down the road?”

“Yeah. Amazing old Daisy was unhurt. Mad as all get-out, but not a thing wrong with that cow.”

“Rose was worried sick. How is old Daisy?”

“I don’t even know. But she hasn’t changed a bit. Still stubborn and contrary, but Rose flat out refuses to let me sell that cow. Says my dad loved old Daisy and she’s part of my heritage.”

“Kindred spirits,” Annie said, laughing.

“You mean Rose and Dad, or Daisy and Rose?”

“I don’t think I should answer that.”

Will took a deep breath of Oklahoma air and pushed the wind from his lungs. “End of May is about the best time of year, don’t you think?”

Annie nodded.

“We’ll be complaining about the heat and humidity soon enough, but now…warm days. Cool nights. This has been an especially kind spring, too. The grass will stay green well into summer after all the rain we’ve had.”

“I don’t think I’m even going to notice the humidity here after living in Kenya.”

He’d driven the Jeep in a large circle around the ranch and as they pulled close to the rear of the house, Annie waved for him to stop.

“Oh, my goodness. What happened to Rose’s garden?”

“We moved the garden over by the pond. There’s a gazebo there now, too.”

“Then what’s that?” She pointed to a large area surrounded by a white picket fence. Inside, the dark red clay had obviously been tilled and fertilized. Neat rows of small plants were staked as far as her eye could see.

“Pumpkin patch.”

“The world’s largest pumpkin patch?”

“Pretty much. Can’t you see it in the fall, with kids all over the place picking out pumpkins?”

“Yes. I can.” She scrutinized the area, then spoke again. “What about pony rides and a small animal-petting zoo? You know, calves and lambs. A donkey. You could probably get the animal shelter to bring out puppies and kittens for adoption. Make it a yearly event.”

“Now why didn’t I think of that?”

As she waved a hand to gesture with increased enthusiasm, Will could almost see the ideas percolating under that ball cap on her head.

“Add bales of hay and a few scarecrows to give it a real harvest theme. Why, I bet you could sell Sullivan peaches and pecans and Rose’s pies, too.”

Will snapped his fingers. “You’re a genius, Annie.”

“I have my moments.”

“Let me know if you have any more.”

Annie laughed at his words.

He glanced over at the stable. “I haven’t even shown you the horses yet, have I?”

She hesitated. “No. But have you checked the time? You’ve got that fundraiser at seven.”

Disappointment slid over him as he confirmed her words with a quick look at his watch. He’d much rather be riding around the ranch with Annie than playing nice at the Reillys’ party.

Will stuck a finger into the collar of his dress shirt, searching for breathing room. Giving up, he unbuttoned the top button and loosened the noose.

Why was he here? Then he remembered. Networking.

He sipped a tall, chilled glass of sweet tea and watched Margaret Reilly flit around the great room of the Reilly home. A butterfly in a pink suit, she checked on each and every one of her guests. Detailed instructions were given to the caterers before she floated across the pristine white carpet to light next to him.

“You aren’t eating?” she said.

“Not real hungry,” Will admitted, eyeing the buffet table.

Long tables were covered with pink linens and centerpieces of fresh spring flowers, all coordinating perfectly with the hostess’s ensemble. Serving platters were laden with delicacies Will hadn’t attempted to identify. Fact was he wasn’t much into fancy food. A plain meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, he preferred a good steak every time.