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Harper gave a knowing look. “Girl, if you are the center of Shep Blackshaw’s attention, you are winning at life.”
Emma smiled. Winning at life sure felt better than losing.
* * *
With Emma back at home and Shep’s mind on the tasks ahead of him today, he decided to get coffee downtown at a place with only two options on the menu: caffeinated and decaf. Afterward, he parked on Main Street in the first available parking spot. He inhaled and exhaled deeply, preparing himself for the shitstorm he knew awaited him, then cut the ignition. Determined to get his responsibilities behind him so he could return to Emma, he stepped out into the gloomy day, thunder rumbling off in the distance. He hastily made it to the sidewalk, heading north down Main Street.
River Rock had once been considered small, but twenty years later, businesses in the community were booming. There was less of an old town feel, and now the city he loved was one of modern elegance. Vintage-looking streetlights lined the road with big, white, glass balls on top along the cobblestone sidewalks. Trees stood spattered throughout downtown, and the storefronts drew the customers’ eyes. Shep had never seen as many things sparkle and stink of wealth and extravagance.
He crossed at the next intersection, spotting Chase and Nash waiting beneath the Blackshaw Cattle signage. Nash caught sight of him first, gesturing with a flick of his chin that had Chase glancing over his shoulder. Chase, as always, looked put together in his cowboy hat, T-shirt, and jeans. Nash, with his messy hair, had clearly fallen out of bed ten minutes ago to make it there on time.
That was neither here nor there, and Shep had bigger problems than a brother who didn’t take the world seriously.
When he closed in, Nash grumbled, “I take it you wanted us to meet at this godawful hour because of something that happened yesterday with Schultz.”
Shep snorted and glanced at his watch. “It’s nine in the morning.”
“It’s before eleven, therefore it’s fucking early,” Nash complained, shoving his hands into the pockets of his worn blue jeans. “Why am I here?”
Shep normally would’ve laughed at Nash’s lack of ability to become a member of society who lived by typical rules, even if they all understood that Nash was hiding from life. “You’re here because Schultz dropped a bomb on me yesterday.”
Chase frowned, folding his arms across his chest. “What kind of bomb?”
Shep didn’t waste time or sugarcoat shit. “Schultz told me Blackshaw Cattle is on the verge of bankruptcy.”
Silence fell, and Shep understood. He’d probably had that same shell-shocked look his brothers had now when Schultz told him. They’d been led to believe his father was a multimillionaire. Shep wasn’t sure how to tell his mother they weren’t. Until he fixed this, he’d stay clear of her, not getting too close. His mother had a knack for sniffing out a lie.
“Is this a fucking joke?” Nash finally asked, more awake now.
“Sadly, no,” Shep reported. He hesitated while a couple of college-aged kids strode by them, then he addressed his brothers again, “I saw the numbers myself. Dad has lost five major contracts in the last year. The company is crumbling.”
Chase’s frown deepened. “If this is true, why didn’t Dad say anything to us about it?”
“That’s exactly why we’re here today.” Shep gestured to the shop. “Shall we go in and ask Colin ourselves?”
Nash gave a firm nod. “Yes, let’s do precisely that.”
Shep turned then, entering the shop, greeted by Doreen’s smile. She was cute, short, and had a habit of dyeing her white hair bright colors. Today, it was pink. She’d been a longtime employee who worked the cash register at the meat shop. In fact, there wasn’t a single employee that hadn’t worked for their family for years.
“What a su
rprise,” Doreen said from behind the counter. “It’s been so long since you boys have been in. Oh, my gosh, how are you?”
“We’re all well, Doreen,” Shep said, now feeling a slight bite of anger toward his father that hadn’t been there before. Shep did not want to disappoint Doreen by having to let her go. He didn’t want to disappoint anyone. “How have things been for you?” He stopped at the counter.
She smiled warmly. “I’m onto grandchild number five. Life is truly spoiling me rotten.”
“Congratulations, Doreen,” Chase interjected, settling next to Shep. “That’s wonderful news. You’ll have to bring the new baby out to Mom sometime. I’m sure she’d love a visit.”
Before Doreen could reply, Nash, being his typical self, moved the conversation along. “We need to go up and see Colin. Is he in today?”
Doreen nodded. “He is. Go on up.”
“Thank you,” Shep said to her, then moved through the store. He trotted up the wrought iron stairs, his brothers on his heels. While it was Sunday, Colin had the same affliction as the boys’ father had. Colin worked every day. When he reached the landing, Shep headed straight for Colin’s corner office. The nicest office, in fact, with a killer view of the mountains. Around him, in the empty offices lining the hallway, was where the team that made Blackshaw Cattle usually worked. Even if the cowboys got their hands dirty and did the grunt work, without this team in headquarters, his father never would have achieved what he had. Shep couldn’t help but wonder what had gone wrong.
The second he entered Colin’s office, finding the man behind his cherry wood desk, Shep announced himself. “Colin.”
Colin’s head lifted, and he was out of his chair, quickly striding toward them. His warm trusting brown eyes were as steady as they’d always been. Colin was in his mid-forties, fit, and dressed the part of bigtime business. He wore the suits necessary to impress, suits that none of the Blackshaw men would ever wear. “Come in, guys. It’s good to see you.”
