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“This is he.”
“Mr. Hamilton, this is Doreen Sheidlin from Montana Bank. I’ve received your paperwork for the construction loan and had some questions. Do you have time to talk right now?”
“Yes, yes, I do.” I mouthed, “I have to take this” to Olivia and headed out of the kitchen. I felt bad about leaving them alone, but the ranch had to come first. “So what questions do you have for me, Ms. Sheidlin?”
“First off, I wanted to say I was surprised to see your application on my desk. Don’t you have one of the most successful ranches in the state?”
“Yes, we do.”
“I’ve seen write-ups of you and your family in the papers. I see you also have several bank accounts here. Was there a reason for the loan?”
“What’s that saying—spend other people’s money?” I chuckled. When she didn’t respond, I hurriedly added, “In all seriousness, much of our money is invested in stocks and held in trust for each of the brothers. As you know, there are seven of us. My parents wanted to ensure we all had an equal share.”
“But there are hundreds of millions of dollars—”
“Most of our valuation is in the land. We’re not worth hundreds of millions in cash money.”
“And you don’t want to sell any of the land?”
“No.” I was firm. “The land stays in the family.”
“So I’m reading your business proposal. You’re going to build a wellness ranch?”
“That’s part of the plan. It’s something my brothers and I have been talking about for a while. We weren’t sure, but I think it’s a good idea.”
“I understand your brother Austin is also building a place?”
“The family will pay for that.” I didn’t really want her in our personal business. “The business loans will be used for business purposes only.”
“You’re still going to keep the cattle?”
“Yes.” I made an effort to soften my tone. “We have a large estate. The units we build for tourists will be closer to the creek. Also, as my proposal stated, part of my plan is for tourists to see how a working ranch operates. I want them to be one with nature, in all ways. I think people will pay for that. I think they’ll appreciate the reality of what it’s like to live on a ranch.”
“You sound passionate about the project. I might like to come myself.” Her tone shifted. “Your profile says you’re single. Is that correct?”
“Yes, I am.” Was she flirting with me? “I’ve never been more single.” I looked up as I heard a small gasp. Olivia was just a few yards away from me, looking at me with a weird expression on her face.
“I’m surprised.” The banker laughed.
I cleared my throat. “Oh? Why is that?”
“Well, you’re practically the most eligible cowboy in the state. I’d think the women would be swarming.”
“Trust me, they aren’t.” I spoke into the phone, but my attention was on Olivia now.
“Maybe I can come over for dinner this evening. I can bring some beers with me. You cowboys love beer, right?”
“I’m not really dating right now. I don’t need complications.” I wasn’t sure who I was trying to convince: Ms. Sheidlin, myself, or Olivia. “Was there anything else you needed from me right now? I need to get back to some ranch business.”
“No, that’s all I need for now. I’ll be in touch soon,” she said in a husky voice before hanging up. I placed the phone back into my pocket and looked at Olivia.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt you.” She looked awkward. “I was just wondering if you knew where the mixing bowls were?”
“No idea.” I shook my head. “Maybe Sadie knows.”
“Maybe I know what?” Sadie popped up from behind me.
I shook my head. The house was filled with non-Hamiltons. It felt weird but nice. Was this what it would be like once we opened the resort?
