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“Thanks,” Takis replied, his gaze flicking between the three brothers as if gauging their reactions. “So,” he continued, “I’ve been wanting to talk to you... “
Trent tensed involuntarily, his gut telling him that whatever Takis was about to say would carry weight. He glanced back towards the grandfather tree where Patti and the others were picnicking, wondering if his newfound relationship might have played a part in Takis’ decision to join them today.
“You all know that things haven’t been going so smoothly with the ranch lately,” Takis admitted, his casual demeanor faltering for a moment. “In fact, I’m afraid we’re far from being profitable.”
“Is that why you’re here?” Trent asked cautiously, bracing himself for the worst.
“Partly,” Takis conceded. “I wanted to let you know that I’ve been busy trying to find investors, but it’s been a tough sell. I don’t have the connections I used to have when I was working in New York. Venture capitalists aren’t as keen on accepting calls from a hay-chewing rancher as they are hot-shot CEO.” He gave a faint smile, but there was pain written on his face. “If I’m honest, I’m getting closer to accepting the offer from Rosy Pastures.”
“You’re seriously considering the offer from them?” Chuck asked, his brow furrowing with concern. “But what about the animals? The ranch?The Littles? You know that Rosy Pastures wouldn’t be running it as a sanctuary, right? They’re a profit factory, plain and simple.”
Takis held up a hand, forestalling any further questions. “I promise you, I’m doing everything I can to find a solution. But if things don’t improve soon... “
Takis paused, lowering his gun as he looked at the North brothers. “You know,” he began, “when I first bought this ranch, my plan was to make it profitable and then return ownership to you three. I don’t want to be a boss anymore. I just want a simple life.”
The brothers exchanged glances, surprise and excitement flickering in their eyes. Duke grinned, his cocky exterior momentarily replaced by genuine warmth. “You mean it, Takis? You’d give us our home back?”
Takis responded with a nod, but his face grew somber. “That was the original plan, but... it’s not looking likely anymore. The ranch isn’t profitable yet, and we need a cash injection. Which, sadly, I can’t find. There’s no way I’m going to saddle you with a failing business.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “So, I think I might have to accept the offer from Rosy Pastures.”
Trent’s heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing with thoughts of Patti and what this could mean for their future. He wanted to find a solution, both for his family and for the woman who had captured his affection. Not to mention the scores of animals he was responsible for.
“Wait,” Trent interrupted, his voice urgent. “Give it a little more time. Don’t sell—at least not yet.”
“I need ideas.” Takis raised a curious eyebrow, skepticism written on his face.
“There must be a way.” Trent’s voice was steady, filled with determination. The talk of venture capital had got him thinking. Maybe Patti still had some connections with that world. He didn’t share his idea yet, though. He didn’t want to give false hope. “Give us a chance to find it.”
Takis studied him for a moment, weighing his options, before finally nodding. “Alright, Trent. I’ll give it some time. But not too long. We don’t have the luxury of time.”
Luxury. It was the last thing on Trent’s mind.
Far more important was survival. Life and Death. Just getting through this.
As the sound of gunfire rang through the air once more, he couldn’t help but wonder how Patti would react to his plan, and whether their fledgling relationship could withstand the challenges ahead.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Theyhadn’thadsex,but they had slept together every night.
The morning sun streamed through the window, casting a warm golden glow over Patti and Trent as they lay entwined in each other’s arms. The room was filled with the soft sounds of their breathing, punctuated by the occasional rustle of sheets. Somewhere nearby, the sounds of horses. Of life.
Yesterday had been a hard day.
It was Patti’s first thought as she slowly woke up. Her eyes fluttered open and she stared at the ceiling. They were in her room, in the space that had been so private until recently.
Yesterday had been a hard day. But the evening, with her Daddy, had been pure bliss.
After his shooting range contest with his brothers, they’d spent a little time with the sick animals, feeding, hydrating, playing music. Trent had measured the animals heart rates as they listened to the music and noted, with a mixture of surprise and delight, that they did seem calmer with the music, and that their symptoms appeared to be lessening too.
Patti should have been ecstatic, but her conversation with her friends had been at the forefront of her mind.
If you’re yourself and things don’t work out, you haven’t ruined anything, it’s just… what happened.
Those words had wormed their way deep into her core.
So far, she hadn’t told Trent the whole truth about herself. That she had tricked Takis into letting her stay at the ranch. That she was really a very wealthy woman.
And if she wasn’t telling the truth about herself? Then how were things going to work out?
