“Horses.”
“Some part of Agriculture?”
“Yeah, WSU is the state’s land grant agricultural college. My degree is in animal husbandry.”
“So breeding livestock.”
“You wouldn’t think so, knowing I let Shadow run wild in the woods when she’s deeply in heat. Might be the dumbest thing I’ve ever done. Don’t know what I was thinking. Can’t believe I got lucky on that one.”
“Not lucky yet.”
“They’re going at it every hour. I’m pretty sure it’s going to take unless Bear is shooting blanks or Shadow has issues I don’t know about. And I doubt that very much. I’m pretty sure you and I are going to be grandparents in about sixty three days.”
“So, what’d you do after your second stint at rodeo?”
“I worked for a livestock breeding company for two years, mostly horses and cattle, then worked two years for a veterinarian. I took some classes and became an accredited Veterinarian Tech, so I can sew stitches, administer an anesthetic, and deliver litters. I really liked it. Kind of sorry I hadn’t gone to vet school for the full degree.”
“Then what?”
“Dad was running the business here and needed help. Mom had passed several years earlier, and Dad was living here alone in the cabin. My brother had taken over the ranch and auction business. Dad’s health was failing, so I was summoned. I’d never seriously thought about taking over this business, but once I got here, I realized how lucky I was. I mean, really, to live in this cabin with a view of the lake and mountains, run livestock stables, and live at a trailhead into back country wilderness. I loved coming here as a kid, but really felt at home when I came to help Dad.”
“Has your Dad passed?”
“Yeah, three years ago. But before that, there was a negotiation with my brother about who was going to get what. He got the ranch and auction business, but this property was worth more, so he also got a share of this. That’s what I’m buying him out of.”
“So you’re pretty settled here.”
“Yes, and feeling pretty good about it. I love the setting. And, believe it or not, I actually like the business part. I like growing the businesses, making money, and managing expenses. I never thought I would, but you wouldn’t believe how much time I spend over the books.”
“Ever been married?”
“Oops, looks like your time is up.”
“No way.”
“Last question. Never been married. Had plenty of boyfriends and relationships. None lasted ten years, but a few lasted a year. Maybe one lasted two years. It’s possible I’m not an easy woman to live with.”
He chuckled.
“And the older I get, I think that becomes more so. I’m pretty independent. I’ve got my points of view, and they probably won’tbe changing. So I see guys, but most don’t last very long.” She paused. “Okay, your time is up.”
“No way that was ten minutes.”
“Maybe we need to schedule some more time.”
“I’d like that. What are you thinking?”
“I assume you have chores for the day. We could barbeque something tonight. Let the dogs have a final round or two.”
“I’m feeling badly letting you host me for happy hour, then breakfast, now dinner.”
“No problem. Why don’t we set a date when you can have me over to your place?”
Molly gave him her biggest grin. She knew that was a nonstarter, but she was dying to see his off-the-grid hideaway in the mountains, and she wanted to let him know of her interest.
“I’ll tell you what. I’m not going to rule that possibility out. And that’s the closest anyone has gotten to making that trip.”
“So everyone else has gotten a flat no, and I’m already on the maybe list?”
