Page 99 of Hometown Hottie

“Sure, of course, but if you agree to let me invest, it wouldn’t just be in the existing business. It would be in all the different ventures she’s got in mind for the future.”

“Like what?” Mara asked. “She’s mentioned a few things to us, but nothing that we think will generate enough income to allow us to keep the property. It’s all a bit of a pipe dream, isn’t it?”

“I don’t think it is,” I said respectfully. “I’ve done extensive research and I asked my financial advisor to look into it as well. He agrees that if the ranch is developed to its full potential, it would be a sound investment that would allow you to not only keep the property, but to profit from it again as well.”

George exhaled slowly. “Developed to its full potential, huh? Considering that you’re talking about Nova’s plans, I know you’re not thinking of breaking it all down to build a resort, so what do you have in mind?”

“When I spoke to her, she mentioned a few ideas, like starting a Christmas tree farm and opening up an event space with venues, as well as a few orchards that could double as outdoor options for weddings and parties. She would also be able to expand on the bakery, open a restaurant instead of just having a coffee shop, and complement it all with accommodations. Either a B&B, or cabins, or something like that. You could also still have your cattle, George, but Ryan could help you upgrade and modernize. My financial advisor will also send over a few ideas for increasing meat sales, and then, of course, there would still be the hogs and the horses.”

“You want to do all that and still keep the livestock?” he asked, clearly not quite onboard with the plan yet. “I’m not sure how that would work, son.”

“Nova is going to prepare a business plan that lays it all out, sir, but in short, you’ll still be a rancher. Ryan would have sections of the property for the farming operations he has in mind, and Nova would start and manage the rest of the businesses.”

George’s eyes were firm on mine, searching as if he was looking for something he couldn’t find. “What do you get out of this? My understanding from Ryan was that they were going to pay you back if you purchased that section of the property, but if you’re just going to be giving us money to start all these businesses and upgrade the things that are already here, what are you expecting in return?”

“Not much,” I replied honestly. “I just want to see you thriving.”

“It’s an investment, George,” Mara said. “I’m sure he’ll receive a percentage of the profits as a return.”

“The exact numbers still have to be worked out, but yes, probably. It’ll be an investment in the businesses to be operated on the property and I’d be happy to take whatever percentage y’all are comfortable with.”

“And we’d keep the property?” George asked thoughtfully. “As a whole?”

“Yes, sir.”

He nodded slowly, then checked his watch and got up. “I’ll consider it, and I won’t sign anything until I’ve given you an answer. Thanks for coming to talk to us face to face, Carson. I appreciate it.”

I stood and offered him my hand. He grasped it warmly, giving me a final nod before he released me and left, undoubtedly off to wrap up his chores in time for dinner.

Mara watched him go, her eyes so like her children’s that I’d always felt like I knew her so much better than I actually did. Once the door shut behind her husband, she swung her gaze to mine and inspected my face, lingering on the blackish eye and my swollen nose.

“What happened to you?” she asked curiously.

I shrugged, not wanting to rat out her own son to her. “I had a disagreement with someone.”

“Ryan,” she said knowingly. When I frowned, she chuckled. “I’m his mother, honey. Nova’s too. A mother always knows these things.”

I held her gaze but was unsure how much she knew or what to tell her. “If it makes you feel any better, I deserved it.”

“You two have always been rough on each other. Even growing up, you kept each other in line and made it very clear when you disagreed with one other. You always butted heads like brothers. Still do, apparently.”

I looked back at her, seeing that maternal softness in her eyes even if she wasn’t looking at one of her own kids. “Do you think George will really consider my offer?”

“Yes,” she said simply. “He will. We both will.”

“Okay. Well, then, I guess I’d better get going.” I smiled at her. “Thank you for your time, Mara. It’s always good to see you.”

“You too,” she said, rising to walk me to the door. “I should be thanking you, though. I know you’re doing this for Nova. She never does anything for herself. Just as stubborn as her brother and her father. Thank you for having her back, Carson, and just so you know, you have our blessing.”

I stared at her and nodded, something like hope blooming in my chest. Then George walked back in, waving in the direction of the paddock closest to their house. “Ryan’s already out there, which means that you and I can sit back down and go over the numbers. Let’s have a real discussion about it while you’re here.”

Surprised, I went back to my seat and thought about all the information I’d received from my financial people this morning. Mara moved to join us but stopped when Nova’s truck pulled up outside.

George’s eyes darted toward it, but Mara shook her head at him. “I’ll get her and we’ll leave you men to talk.”

Strangely, I was grateful for that. Not because I thought she should leave the men to talk, but because having Nova in here right now would make things significantly more difficult for me. Plus, if Nova was here, someone might think that Ryan should be too, and he might come out swinging again.

It was starting to feel like I had a real chance of making a deal here, and he would definitely be a monkey wrench in the works right now. If his dad went for this, I’d go talk to him about it later. For now, I was glad when Mara went outside and left me with George.

“Alright, son. Talk to me,” he said once we were alone.

Mentally rolling up my sleeves, I leaned forward and forced myself to shut out everything else. Right here and right now, the only thing that mattered was this.