Sawyer approaches. “Are you sure about putting three inexperienced guys on horseback?” She sounds like she’s only partially teasing.
The few people remaining at the reception fall quiet. Sawyer’s question is fair. Riding a horse is like riding a bike, but these aren’t the same animals they’re used to. I’m not as fearless on horseback now as I was in my teen years.
Confusion crosses Bowen’s sharp features. “We’ve been riding all our lives.”
Sawyer cocks her head like she’s thinking hard. “If I do the math, you’ve spent as much time away from the ranch as you were on it.”
“I haven’t forgotten a thing.” Landry’s every word is tinged with knowing arrogance.
Calder ticks a brow up. “If you’re using that logic, Sawyer, then we’re equally matched. My twenty-one years to Meredith’s twenty.”
“It’s my job to keep the horses and cattle safe,” Sawyer begins, “and?—”
“I’m sure you’re good at it,” Bowen interrupts, “but it isn’t your decision.”
Her eyes narrow. She’s as protective of Crossroads as Ransom was, and as Carlos is. Where Carlos is delighted to have the Cross brothers participate in a cattle drive again, she sees them as interlopers. Usurpers. I’m not sure how I feel. It’s hard to get past the excitement of seeing Calder going full cowboy.
A black Lexus coasts down the drive. Macon Johnson, from the law office. My heart bottoms out straight to the garage floor. The brothers all straighten. At least the pissing contest stops.
“Ah, hell,” Carlos mutters as Calder and his brothers walk out to meet Macon.
Bea stands, and she and Esme herd the others out of the garage. We’re well past the hours Sawyer and I set for the reception anyway. Esme returns to the table with Carlos.
Macon smiles at me and Sawyer. “Nice to see you two again.” He shakes Carlos’s hand and greets Esme.
“We’d like Carlos and Bea to stay.” Calder drags his chair next to me and drops into it. Bowen sits and kicks a seat out for Sawyer, and Landry sits opposite us. We all surround one table. “Sawyer too,” he adds without asking me. “They’ve been instrumental in both businesses and our lives. They deserve to learn what’s going on when we do.”
“Of course,” Macon replies.
While I’m pleased Calder’s including the people I care about the most, my pulse pounds, and pressure fills my chest cavity. I saw Macon at the funeral, but then he was gone, and I pushed it out of my head. I knew this was coming, but I could pretend otherwise. There was too much else to do with the graveside service and the reception.
“I don’t want to do this,” I whisper, catching Calder’s gaze.
His eyes soften, and I have to look away. Calder’s going to sell. He won’t change his brothers’ minds. Does he even want to? Do I want to know?
“Let’s get to it then.” Macon sets an eggplant-colored soft-sided briefcase on the table and digs out some papers. He whips a pair of reading glasses out of the pocket of his dress shirt and slides them on. “It’s pretty simple, really, and the stipulations cover both businesses, Crossroads Ranch and Jules Creek. It’s all in the same trust. You can maintain the status quo, or you can sell. But the decision has to be unanimous between the owners: Calder, Bowen, and Landry Cross.”
My eyelids slide shut. Once again, my life is upended. Just like when Holly moved us here. When I returned after my breakup with Tanner. I’ll start again. Build something that’s mine for once.
Macon grips the papers. “And Meredith Winslow.”
Sawyer’s gasp breaks the silence. Calder leans forward as if he needs to hear better.
“What the hell?” Bowen snaps. “You’re kidding, right?Equalownership?”
“No, I’m not kidding,” Macon says lightly, his features tight. “Like I said, pretty straightforward. Four owners. All four must agree about what do to when it comes to any decisions.”
“I can’t believe this.” Landry bolts out of his chair and paces the garage like a caged panther. “It’s not hers. Mama’s rolling over in her grave right now.”
My hands are shaking, but a rush of intense relief fills me. I’m not left out. I have a place, and it’s right here. Ransom made sure of it.
The muscle in Calder’s jaw remains permanently flexed, and he avoids my gaze as if he doesn’t even notice me at all. Sawyer gives me a subtle nod. She’s probably the only one here who agrees to me being written in as an equal partner.
“We’ll buy you out.” Landry spins, hands on his hips, his shirt stretched tight and his handsome features pinched. “What’s your price?”
“Well.” Macon places the papers on the table, and Calder snatches them up. “Whatever you decide—allof you—let me know.”
He practically runs out of the garage.
