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Beyond that, I’d grown disillusioned with my fast-paced corporate life in Chicago. The constant hustle and bustle had left me feeling empty.
The only reason I’d refused to return to Marfa after that college summer was Max. If I could keep him at arm’s length, the small town would offer a refreshing change. It would give me ranch life with its simplicity, hard work, and close-knit community.
I was sure it would provide opportunities for me to grow in ways I’d never thought possible.
With a sigh, I set the fork down.
“I’ll stay,” I murmured.
The clattering of cutlery stopped, and the room fell silent.
Ethan and Jake exchanged incredulous glances. Their skepticism only fueled my determination.
Beth enveloped me in a hug.
“Welcome to the family.”
Despite my resolve, a nagging doubt remained. The property was in shambles. I knew next to nothing about the hard work of ranch life. Could I truly rise to the challenge? Or had I bitten off more than I could chew?
I looked around at the faces of those who had known and loved Grandpa. That was when I knew I couldn’t turn back on his legacy, no matter how daunting the journey might be.
“I’ll stay,” I repeated, more to myself than anyone else.
4
Max
“What?”Ispatintothe phone, disbelief making my voice harsh and loud. “She’s doing what now?”
My boots thudded on the wooden floor as I paced up and down my living room.
Anderson’s voice was steady and annoyingly calm. It floated through the line, confirming what I dreaded.
“Now, Max, calm down. Anna has decided to honor her grandfather’s wishes by staying at the ranch for a year. She won’t sell or hire a manager either.”
I squeezed the bridge of my nose, trying to fend off the headache I felt coming. This wasn’t part of the plan. Not part of the plan at all.
“Are you telling me she is going to be playing rancher?”
Anderson chuckled. The sound grated on my nerves.
“Seems like it.”
“She can’t be serious!”
But I knew that Anna was serious. Once she made a decision, she did her best to see it through.
“She can’t?”
There was a hint of amusement in his voice that pissed me off. I ignored his tone.
“Well, people change,” he said. “Maybe the ranch means more to her than you thought.”
“Anderson, remind me of the exact conditions of the will,” I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.
He recounted the terms, emphasizing the part about the ranch not being sold or managed by someone else for a year.
I grumbled something unintelligible even to my ears. Anna's stay was an inconvenience. I had to admit, though, that it was a clever move on her part. I had to admire her determination, even if it infuriated me.
