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“Oh, please don’t tell me what I think you’re going to tell me.” Beau closed his eyes.
“Sadie is an investor in the horse that I bought.”
“Sadie’s an investor?” Beau raised an eyebrow. “How much money did this horse cost?”
Sadie spoke up. “Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and Wyatt and I signed a contract. I’ll get paid back out of the winnings. I have no claim to the horse, in case you’re worried about that. Literally, we have a simple contract that pays me a hundred thousand back over the next ten years. I think that was a pretty good arrangement for the family.”
“You are family, Sadie.” Mom smiled. “You know that. Don’t listen to Beau.”
“Yeah, but two hundred and fifty—” Beau began.
“Beau.”
“Sorry,” he looked at Sadie, “and you know you’re family.”
“Thank you.” Sadie smiled back at him.
“So tell us more about this horse.”
“His name’s Prince Waterman,” I said. “I’m not sure if I will keep that name, but he’s a year and a half. I took him around the corral, and I was able to ride him. I was able to see what he has to work with, and I think he will be a winner,” I said straightforwardly. “Obviously I’ve never trained horses for racing before, but I am confident that he’s the real deal and with some good training, I’ll get him in the winner’s circle sooner rather than later.”
“Congratulations!” Olivia grinned.
“Yeah, that sounds amazing,” Lucy added. “Can’t wait to see him.”
“And I have some news as well,” Sadie said. “I guess I should tell my parents first, but seeing as you guys are like family as well, I wanted to bring it up. I’m thinking about going back to school to get my MBA or a master’s program in nonprofits because I think I want to start my own nonprofit and train women in the skills they need to work on ranches.”
“Wow, that’s absolutely amazing,” Arya said, “And, you know, I will definitely sign up for those classes because I would love to work at a ranch and I’d love to have those skills to really … be an important … feature.” She stumbled slightly over her words. “And I guess seeing as we’re all announcing things, I should announce my news.”
“Oh, you have news?” Mom looked at her in surprise. I noticed that Chet’s expression grew wary.
“Yes,” Arya said. “I’m actually going to be moving out in a couple of days. I’ve accepted a job working at the bar. And as part of my salary, I’ve been given access to one of the apartments on top of the bar, and Eloise and I are going to live there. I’m hoping that until I figure out daycare, Eloise will be welcomed here, but of course …”
“Oh, my gosh. Of course, darling,” Mom said quickly. “I’d be more than happy to look after her.”
“Me too,” Olivia nodded, “anything you need.”
“And me three,” Lucy said, “I love Eloise. We’re here for you.”
“What?” Chet suddenly yelled. We all turned to stare at him.
“Sorry?” Arya said. “What do you mean?”
“What are you talking about—you’ve gotten a job at the bar and you’re moving out? Did I or did I not tell you that you cannot take a job at that bar? Those men are not—”
“Chet, I appreciate your thoughts on this matter, but I am taking the job because there’s a paycheck, and I’m grateful to have been offered it seeing as I don’t have any real experience as a bartender.”
Chet’s face was dark. “The only reason you got that job is because you’re pretty and all the—”
“Enough!” Dad’s voice cut across the room.
“Dad, look, I’m not going to let Arya get taken advantage of.” Chet jumped up and walked over to Arya. “Can I talk to you outside please?”
“Well, I—”
“Now,” he said. “I really would like to talk to you.”
“Fine,” she said, rolling her eyes. I saw her give a look to Sadie, and Sadie just shook her head. We all watched as Chet and Arya walked out of the room.
