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“I’m simply doing due diligence since this was flagged as a project that would help the local community. If you’re neither local nor part of our community, we may have to readdress Steel Born leading such a project.”
Maggie steeled her jaw so it didn’t fall open. Cal even looked dumbfounded.
“Mr. Marshall, my plans in Deer Creek do not have any impact on this project or the reasons I feel the need for such a system.” She took a steadying breath. There wasn’t anything she needed to defend, but Bennett had all but demanded she do so. “As for the Steel Born equipment, I volunteered my time, my energy, and my company to make sure this town had what it needed to keep ranches afloat for only the cost of materials. I’ve not gained anything in this deal except hopefully the trust of a community my father called home.”
“A home that’s temporary for you.”
Her hands balled up in fists at her side. “Perhaps. But if that’s the case and I go back to the city, I’ll be leasing my father’s property to another rancher, and they’ll have peace of mind knowing their property is protected. So will the rest of Deer Creek, since a fire in the canyon would mean all the neighboring ranches would be in peril. Yours included, Mr. Marshall.”
“I understand that and hope you’re right that the person taking over your father’s legacy would be up to the task.”
“That’s my concern, isn’t it?” It certainly wasn’t his. She’d thought selling to Bennett was the obvious choice if she had to leave, but after his little tantrum? That wasn’t likely. “If you’re finished, I’d like to hear from Patricia.”
“I’m not, actually. I have another question,” Bennett said. The town’s gazes were locked on this awkward exchange, but Maggie couldn’t just up and leave. She could, however, shut him down.
“Why don’t we address it offline? Because we’re done here, Mr. Marshall.” She’d used her firm voice, meaning business. “Now, what can I do for you, Patricia?”
The woman looked flummoxed, caught in the middle of what Maggie was sure appeared to be a lover’s spat. A very public lover’s spat.
“Um, well, I was just wondering if you’d be okay if I shared this timeline on social media and on this week’s broadcast.”
A much easier question to answer.
“Of course. And thank you. The more people who know what to expect, the better.”
The questions continued from there, some of them simple—who was paying for the installation and equipment? Her company would front the cost of the hardware, helped in part by funds earmarked by Cal and the city council for improvements, and the fire department was volunteering their time to install the system. However, some of the questions were more difficult to answer. What would happen if the drought continued, for one.
“I don’t know,” she admitted.
Bennett’s brow furrowed.
And for the rest of the night, he stared at her like that. She’d become a stranger to him in a matter of minutes. All because she wanted a chance at having it all—the career she was passionate about, the thriving business she’d created, and a supportive partner by her side.
One thing was certain. Her offer from Orin had to remain private until she figured out whether she’d accept it or not. No way was anyone—especially Bennett—going to use it as ammunition against a project that would benefit Deer Creek if the need for it arose.
Exhaustion and fear crept into the space Bennett had created with his absence. Yesterday, Maggie would have argued she’d never been happier, but tonight, gathering her notes and reflecting on the spectacular failure that was her evening, she was forced to reckon with the truth—she was going to be forced to choose between what she loved. And her heart would break to give any of it up.
Chapter Fifteen
Maggie plucked another clump of clover from the fence line and wiped at the beading sweat on her forehead with her sleeve. Two more swaths of fence to check before the big move. She didn’t have time for this, but she also needed to make the time. The cattle would be coming along this route, and if they ate this particular weed, it would cause bloat and illness in all three herds.
“Do you have anything for that?” Johnny asked, interrupting her work. He pointed toward the five-gallon bucket of clover Maggie’d collected. “Poison? Torch?”
“No. This isn’t a pasture the cattle ever come to, nor will they spend a lot of time here. I just need to clear it before we pass through tomorrow.”
“If they eat any of that, it could kill ’em.”
“I’m aware.” She appreciated Johnny’s help, but his ability to overexplain what she already knew was wearing her patience thin as her father’s threadbare comforter. “Can you get the guys to come down here and double-check that I’ve got it all when they’re done at the barn?”
“Why don’t you use the torch along the whole perimeter? It’ll save you some time.”
“It’s too dangerous to use an open flame on these fields with the dry weather and wind we’ve been having. Their extra sets of hands will be plenty, thanks.”
“Have it your way,” he grumbled and walked over to his horse and rode off.
“Is there another way I’m missing?” she wondered aloud. “I really wish people would realize that I know what I’m doing. I can do good work and take care of myself and my community without being second-guessed at every turn. But if any of you have any thoughts on how I keep messing up with everyone I care about, I’m all ears.”
Golden just whinnied her agreement. She stood, cracked her back, and groaned with the relief it offered.
