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As they drove off, Alexis’s heart sank a bit. She would miss her family, but she was happy to have their blessing before they left.
They got into Kyle’s truck, and she gave him directions to the ranch. “So, just to explain what’s happened here, I found out three weeks ago that my father is not my biological father. My bio dad and my mom split while she was pregnant with me, and he decided to give up parental rights so I wouldn’t feel torn between the two of them. My stepdad adopted me when I was a year old, and together they had Brent and Brittany.”
“And you never knew?”
She shook her head. “He paid for half of my college education, and he was always sending presents that my mom disguised by saying they were from a made-up great aunt. Mom stayed in touch with him, so he would always know what was happening with me, and she would send him pictures of me. He died and his lawyer contacted me about being there for the reading of the will. And now, three weeks later, I’m the owner of a ranch, knowing absolutely nothing about cows.”
Kyle shook his head. “That’s crazy.”
“I know. And the ranch is huge. It’s a massive piece of land with thousands upon thousands of cattle. At last count, we had fifteen thousand.”
“That’s a big enterprise. And you want me to run it?” Kyle was amazed.
“I know nothing about cattle,” she reminded him.
“Then it’s my job to run it. I’m really glad you’ve got a few weeks before your foreman is leaving. I’ve got a lot to learn.”
“You really do. And I can’t help much, but I do have a management degree that I can use to keep the books and make sure everything looks good on paper. It’ll be your job to keep everyone working.”
“I’ve never worked as a foreman. I was a cowboy for Scott Ward up in Montana, and I have been for over ten years, but that doesn’t mean I know how to run a ranch.” Kyle was very worried about letting her down.
“I think Joe will be able to teach you what you need to know. I’m not asking for perfection, you know.”
He nodded. “I knew I was moving to Colorado, but I didn’t know what I’d do here. I actually have an application in on your ranch to come in and work as a cowboy.”
She laughed. “Well, you’re getting the job, but it may be a little different than expected.”
He pulled through the gate and over to park in front of the house. “I guess those Texas plates are yours?” he asked.
She nodded. “That’s something I need to deal with soon. Getting Colorado plates. And everyone in Texas says Colorado wrong, and I feel like I mess it up all the time.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, I’ve heard the same with Nevada. Very strange to me that they change the pronunciation of a state without permission.” He winked at her.
She laughed, opening the door and getting down from the high seat of the truck. “I’m going to change into real clothes before I show you around, if that’s all right.”
“Just so you let me do the same, and I’ll be as happy as a clam, though I don’t know why everyone thinks clams are happy.”
“I’ve always wondered that as well. I think we’ll be good together.”
He shook his head. “I thought I was getting a wife. I got a whole job as well.”
She pushed the door open. “If you don’t mind, I think I want to get to know you a little better before we have a wedding night, so I’m putting you in a bedroom across the hall from the master. Is that all right?”
He nodded. “I think that’s a great idea. I don’t know you well enough to make love with you tonight, and I’m dead tired.”
She led him through the living room and down a hall beyond it. “I’m the last door on the left, and you’re the last door on the right,” she told him. “I’ll change into me really quick, and we’ll meet in the living room.”
“Works for me.”
Ten minutes later, they both emerged, her in shorts and a tank top and him in Wranglers and a button-down shirt. She smiled. “I feel like me again.”
“Me too! That’s a nice room you gave me.”
“Mine’s better,” she said with a grin. “Separate bath and shower, and bath has a jacuzzi tub.”
“Nice!” he said. “I assume I’ll one day share that room with you.”
“One day.”
