Page 95 of Pumpkin Spice Promises

He nodded looking towards the tracker that had been neglected.

“The tractor is the biggest question. I need to check fuel lines, fluids, battery, belts, probably clean half the system before I even try turning it over. Wagons are salvageable. Lighting depends on what survived storage.”

“Fencing?”

“That’s not in here.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you asking me?”

“Because you’ve seen the ranch.”

His expression changed slightly. He leaned one hip against the wagon. “There’s a lot to fix.”

“I know.”

“South pasture needs priority.”

“I know.”

“The parking area probably doesn’t matter unless you decide you’re doing this.”

“I know.”

“Barn exterior could use work, but that’s cosmetic.”

“I know.”

“You’re saying that a lot.”

“Because none of this is new information to me.”

“I figured as much.” His tone stayed even.

That made me defensive anyway.

My eyes narrowed and I clenched my hands. “You think I don’t see it?”

“No, I didn’t say that.”

“Everyone looks at this place like I somehow missed the fence leaning sideways or the roof rusting.”

“I didn’t say you missed anything.”

“But you’re thinking about it.”

“I’m thinking one person can’t fix everything at once.”

I stared at him as he said the truth out loud. It hadn’t sounded like he had spent hours rehearsing the correct thing to say to the poor struggling ranch girl. But simple… Fact.

“That’s convenient.”

“What is?”

“Making it sound simple, I know one person can’t fix it, but I can’t afford anymore ranch hands.”

“The problem is simple. Fixing it isn’t.”