AllFreeNovel
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I grind my teeth. “I won’t sell the ranch, Stede.”
“You don’t need them showing up at your place again, kid.”
Wyatt’s languid drawl cuts the silence. “What if we did sell it?”
I take a moment to process the weight of what my younger brother just said. Ford and Davis scowl at the question, but I see what Wyatt’s trying to do.
He’s giving me an out. Giving all of us an out.
My chest tightens at the thought.
What if I sold?
Last week, I was so sure of my answer. Sell? Fucking never. It’s our ranch. It’s my life. We’d let the town down if we sold. A strip mall, a casino, or worse, a Wal-Mart eating up the rugged Montana mountainside makes me sick to my stomach.
But what if my brothers want out? What if this summer goes to shit and we’re forced to sell? We’re already in the red and without a successful season, it’s unlikely we’ll be around to see next year.
I don’t like being backed into a corner. I got everyone into this mess, and it’s my responsibility to get them out.
I’ve never felt so goddamn helpless or pissed off.
“Charlie?” Ford begins in his soft southern drawl. “What are you thinking?”
I stare into the fire, my grip on the beer bottle tightening. “Not sure yet.”
“When nothing goes right, go left,” Stede says, his face crinkling in a wise grin. “You’re working on a solution, son.”
“That’s the hope.”
Ford’s cell phone lights up and he shows me the screen. The first single square on our Instagram account is a photo of the Runaway Ranch gate entry sign backdropped against brilliant, indigo sky. The caption readsWelcome to Runaway Ranch.
Current follower count: 150.
An image of Ruby earlier this week pops into my mind. She had been all over the ranch interviewing our staff and hired hands. I caught her at the lobby bar on her laptop clicking away a storm, her pretty face intent and focused.
She’s determined, something I appreciate. Out on the ridge, I believed her when she said she’d save the ranch. But as I sit here with my brothers and Stede McGraw, I’m not so sure.
“This gonna save us, C?” Ford looks doubtful.
I close my eyes, not in the mood for my older brother’s criticism. “Hell, if I know.”
What I know is if we can’t pay back our loan, we default. Our small knit community is out of a job.
The thought cuts right through my heart. Gives me more stress than I can damn near take.
I drain the last of my beer. A mistake. The liquid settles heavy in my belly. “I’m headed out. I’ll catch y’all on another day.”
“See ya, man.” Wyatt gives me a nod, his eyes asking me if I’m okay.
“Enjoy the fire. Last cool night before it gets hot.” I clap his shoulder as I pass him and head for my truck.
Silver moonlight shines through the evergreens lining the two-lane country roads as I drive back to the ranch. The cool night air sweeps away my worries from Stede’s place, saving them for another time.
It’s late, nearing eleven, when I pull up the long drive to my cabin. I slow for a figure crossing the road.
Illuminated in the glow of the headlights is Ruby. She’s barefoot, in a white tank top and cut-off blue jean shorts that show off her long legs. Balanced on her hip is a mesh laundry bag we give to guests.
I frown.
