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“Go on.”
“Stock contracting.”
There was one other centennial ranch in the East River Valley, where Roaring Fork Ranch was located: the Flying R, owned by the Rice family. I’d heard they were raising roughstock—bucking broncs and bulls primarily—and that they were doing quite well. It didn’t hurt that a past NFR bronc-riding champion had married into the family.
I had to admit, both of Porter’s ideas surprised me, and not in a bad way. What didn’t surprise me was that our dad shot ’em down without consideration.
“The problem is what it’ll take to get them off the ground.”
This was the part of the conversation I didn’t want to get involved in. I didn’t have the means—or the desire, if I was honest—to invest in the future of the ranch.
“Buck?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re in favor of this, right?”
“Absolutely, Port. I wish you, Cord, Holt, and Flynn the best of luck. I just can’t be—”
“I knew it.”
“You knew what?”
“You’re letting it go.”
I rolled my neck, cringing when it cracked. “I have nothing to do with this, man. I’d love to see you make a go of it, be successful, but if you’re looking for money, I’m not your guy.”
“Right.”
I tried to lighten the tension building between us. “You know somethin’ I don’t? Did I win the lottery and no one told me?”
“Close enough.”
Porter drove past the gates of the ranch and pulled up to the main house. I jumped out, grabbed my bag from the back seat, and went inside through the front door that was never locked. I traipsed down the hallway to my old room. When I turned back to say goodnight to Porter, I saw his bedroom door close behind him.
I hadn’t been in bed for a minute when my door flew open and my sister, Flynn, bounded over and planted herself next to me.
“What are you doin’ up?” I asked, hugging her and messing her hair.
“Waitin’ on you.”
“How are you, Flynn?”
“Better now that you’re here.”
“Porter said you’re bein’ ‘stoic.’ I know Dad’s death is hard on you, sis.”
“Yeah. Well…”
“What?”
“I was never blind, Buck. I know how he was. I knew it then.”
This wasn’t a good topic of conversation ever, but especially not now.
Flynn put her arm around my waist and squeezed. “I’m just so glad you’re here. It’ll be great to spend time with you.”
“It won’t be great if you and I don’t get some sleep.” I moved her arm from around my waist. “We’ll talk more in the morning, okay?”
