by Ronica Black
Dwight came to a stand next to her and they both leaned on the barred fence.
“I know,” she admitted. “I’ve been going over all the bills.” She showed him the envelopes. “This isn’t even half of them.”
“I kept telling them to call you. Kept telling them they needed to do something. Ever since that drought a few years back, things have just gone downhill.” He spat, marking the dirt in the pen. “But you know how damn proud your aunt is. And Clinton.” He paused. “Hell, he’s been my friend since I was knee high to a grasshopper. My daddy’s best friend. It’s hard to see him like this.”
“How is your father?”
Dwight cleared his throat and linked his fingers. “He passed away two years back. Lung cancer.”
Krista felt a fool for not knowing. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”
“I don’t suppose you would, you being away so long and such.” After a pause, he glanced down at the cocky rooster pecking his boot and shook him off. “Pepe, git outta here.” He whistled and a red-and-white border collie came flying from behind the house.
Krista smiled and bent to pet the wriggling dog, then watched with amusement as it faced off with the rooster in aggressive play. “That’s not Pete, it can’t be.” But the dog looked just like the one she remembered from years ago.
“That’s Repeat. His son.”
The Collie knelt and barked at Pepe, then hopped at him before they gave chase.
“They’re friends,” Krista observed, smiling.
“Yeah, they keep each other entertained.”
Krista straightened next to Dwight and they both leaned on the bars and stared off into the afternoon sun. “Where are all the cattle?” she finally asked.
Dwight knew the ranch inside out and she figured he would be the best one to get accurate information from, especially since Clinton had given her three different answers to the same question. “They’re out to graze.”
Krista looked out past the house to the some two thousand acres that made up Wyler Ranch. Way out in the distance she could see numerous dots that she assumed to be cattle. They were eating bottle brush, no doubt, needing the roughage to help their digestive systems. “How long’ve they been out?”
“Two days. The creek’s half full again.”
“Anyone ride out with them?”
“Nah.”
“You no longer worry about coyotes?” They used to have at least two cowboys ride out with the herd to look out for such predators, especially if they had more than a few calves.
“Yeah, they’re still a problem, but I can’t be everywhere at once.”
“You’re the only one working?” She stared down at the dirt. It explained why she hadn’t seen anyone wandering around doing chores.
“For the most part. We got a young cowhand by the name of Cody that comes in to help me round up the cattle. He’s due in tomorrow to go out on the ATVs with me.”
“ATVs?”
Dwight took his time responding. “There’s only two of us. It’s easier that way.”
“What about the horses?” After all these years she was still uneasy just thinking about them. She hadn’t gone anywhere near the stables since she’d arrived.
“There’s seven. I had to sell our latest colt and two others several months back. We needed the money.”
Krista knew the ranch needed several horses for the cowboys to ride when they came in for work. The last summer she’d been here they’d had fifteen horses. But keeping a horse was costly, which also explained the ATVs.
“How many cattle do we have?”
“Couple hundred head.”
That was way lower than the herd size she remembered. No wonder the ranch was in such dire straits. They couldn’t possibly make enough money with that few cattle being sold. The throbbing in her temples returned as she mulled it all over. The mountain of bills, her aunt’s medical expenses, the disrepair and the struggle of the ranch…there was only one option, in her eyes, and it had kept her up the past two nights.
“Well, I got chores to do,” Dwight announced, pushing away from the fence. “It’s good to have you back.” With a tip of his hat he left her alone to stare after him as he headed toward the stables.
*
That evening Krista settled into a chair beside her aunt’s hospital bed after handing her a mug of fresh coffee.
“Mmm. I can’t seem to eat a damn thing, but this coffee sure smells good.”
Krista smiled, glad to see her aunt alert and full of personality. Judith slept a lot during the day, something she never did when healthy. She sipped the coffee and made another audible sound of delight. Her eyes twinkled as they flicked toward the window across from the bed.
“Krissy, pull open those blinds for me, would you? I want to watch the sunset.”
Krista rose and did as requested. Then she made sure Judith was comfortable by stuffing some pillows down behind her back so she could sit up easier. She tucked her favorite homemade quilt around her feet.
“Now, that’s better,” Judith said with a smile. “Coffee and a sunset.”
Krista stared out the window, watching the sun disappear behind the mountains with brilliant oranges and pinks. It was a beautiful, peaceful sight, just as it always was. But in her heart there was no light. There wasn’t even a nervousness in what she had to do. There was only a dark, calm sadness.
“What’s on your mind, girl?” Judith asked, somehow knowing that Krista was troubled.
Krista sat down beside the bed once again, but this time she couldn’t bring herself to meet her aunt’s lively blue eyes. She played with her hands, not knowing what to do with them.
“My Lord. Spill it, child. You look like you’re the one dying.”
Krista sighed and looked up. She hated doing this. Especially when Judith was feeling a bit better. “It’s about the ranch.”
Judith lowered her mug, suddenly somber. “It’s bad?”
Krista clenched her hands together. “Yes, I’m afraid so.”
“It will all work out. Don’t worry.”
Krista felt her mouth fall open. Surely her aunt wasn’t sick in that way. Her mind was sharp as a tack. She had to know how bad it truly was. And to say it would all work out? How could she even think that? “I’ve gone over everything, Aunt Judith.” Krista spoke softly. “The ranch is faltering. It’s not making money. In fact, it’s costing more than it makes just to keep it up and running.”
Judith said nothing.
“I’ve paid some of the bills, all the ones I could cover, anyway. Got everything caught up as best I could, but…” Krista paused, unsure as to how to say it. “The way I see it, there’s only one way out. Only one way to keep your head above water.” She paused again, watching her aunt’s blank expression. “I think we should sell the ranch.”
Judith whipped her head up, pinning Krista with her serious eyes. “Absolutely not.”
“Aunt Judith…”
“No, I don’t even want to hear you say it. I said no and that’s final.”
Krista felt the heat rise to her face. “It’s the only way.”
“I said no.”
“You can’t say no.” Krista got to her feet, frustration taking over.
“I can and I will.”
“Fine, you sit there and say that. In the meantime the ranch goes under. You called me for help. That’s what I’m trying to do. If we sell the ranch now you can still come out ahead.”
“We’re not selling the ranch!” Judith trembled and nearly spilled her coffee.
Krista offered to take it from her, but Judith tugged it away like a spoiled child.
Krista was at a loss. All the frustration from spending hours on end staring at the numbers came out. “Then what the hell do you want me to do?”
“I told you not to worry about it!” Judith countered. “There’s another way.”
Krista took several breaths and closed her eyes, trying to control her emotions. “What way is that?”
Krista blinked, surprised. From the state of the ranch and the bills, it was honestly the last thing she expected to hear. Her aunt and uncle had led simple lives living off the cattle and the land. To find out that they had something like life insurance truly surprised her.
“You do?”
“Yes.” Another long sip of coffee. “I bought it years back. And only because Molly Singer’s girl was selling it.” Molly was their nearest neighbor, another rancher.
Krista again closed her eyes. Her aunt lived a life completely different from Krista’s. In a way the older woman was very naïve about the real world and its ways.
“I should probably look at the policy,” Krista said. There were most likely stipulations, and a part of her was afraid the thing wasn’t even legit.
“It’s in the nightstand drawer there. Your uncle doesn’t even know about it.”
Krista opened the top drawer and pulled out a large manila envelope. “Do you know how much it’s for?”
Judith stared out the window. “A hundred and fifty thousand.”
Krista lowered the envelope. It was a good amount, but not enough to keep Clinton or the ranch cushy. The medical bills alone were pushing fifty thousand. The Wylers didn’t have health insurance and it was costing a lot to keep Judith at home with twenty-four-hour care. Not to mention the treatments, the hospital visits. Krista placed a hand on her aunt’s frail shoulder, not wanting to upset her any more that evening. “I’ll take a look at the numbers again.”
She fought off tears at the older woman’s secret savior of life insurance. Judith really thought it would save them all. That even in her death, she would somehow take care of things. Krista bent and kissed her on the forehead. Her aunt was a good woman. Krista owed it to her to try and find another way to save the ranch. Taking her coffee cup, she eased Judith back down into the bed and left her staring into the sunset.
Chapter Four
“There’s no way. There’s just no way!”
Krista threw down the fountain pen and knotted her hair in her hands. She stared out the window at the morning sun and wished to God life could be as simple as Mother Nature made everything seem. She wished she could just step outside where the warmth from the sun would massage her shoulders, and all her troubles would disappear.
A beep on her laptop alerted her to a new e-mail. Working via the Internet had kept her clients at bay for only a short while. They were now demanding her presence. Fingers flying, she responded to yet another home buyer, recommending Suzanne for all their house-searching needs. She’d done her best, e-mailing and showing houses online, but people still wanted a physical person to show them through the homes they were seriously considering. And right now, she couldn’t be that person.
“Shit!” She sent the e-mail and sank down into her arms on the table. The loss of control she was feeling made her head pound and her heart race. Her eyes closed with exhaustion just as a soft hand came to rest on her shoulder. A mug of coffee was placed in front of her.
“You need to eat something.”
Krista offered Sonja a weary smile. “Please, sit.”
Sonja pulled out a chair and sipped from her own cup. Her dark hair was tied back into a ponytail that held numerous long, thin braids.
Krista could smell her plumeria body lotion and thought she looked beautiful in her lavender-colored scrubs. “I don’t seem to have much of an appetite.”
Sonja nodded. “You need to keep up your strength if you’re going to run things around here. You’ve got a long road ahead of you yet.”
Krista allowed the heat of the coffee mug to mesh into the palms of her hands, almost stinging them. “We’re going to have to sell the ranch.” She stared out the window as she spoke the defeated words.
“I thought so.” Sonja rose to pluck the bread from the toaster. She buttered it in silence and put the plate in front of Krista along with two jars of jam, one strawberry, one peach.
“Thank you.” Krista picked at the toast as Sonja sat back down.
“Mrs. Wyler isn’t going to be happy.”
“I know.” Krista chewed a bite and then decided on the peach preserves to flavor it up.
“She’s been on the phone all morning. Cursing up a storm.”
“Really?” Krista had yet to give the final bad news to her aunt. She’d gone over and over the numbers. Even with the life insurance, the ranch wouldn’t make it for long. Something had to be done. The sooner the better.
She swallowed more coffee and thought briefly about spiking it with something stronger to help her get through giving Judith the bad news. The woman was dying. It was terrible to have to tell her all that she had worked for was dying too.
“God damn it. Curse this thing!” Both women turned at the shouts of Judith Wyler. She was nearing the entrance to the living room, walker in front of her and the tall IV pole next to her.
“Mrs. Wyler!” Sonja exclaimed as they both stood and flew to her side. “What in the world are you doing!”
“I’m walking into the living room, what does it look like I’m doing!” Angrily, she grabbed at the pole to tug it along. “But this damn thing doesn’t want to move!”
Sonja reached for the portable lifeline and assisted the older woman while Krista stood helpless. “Krista, why don’t you turn the recliner around for her?”
Nodding, Krista did as instructed and they both settled Judith into the chair.
Breathing heavily, Judith licked at her parched lips. “Sonja, be a doll and get me some ice chips?”
As Sonja headed into the kitchen, Krista covered her aunt with a light blanket. “What are you doing out here? You know you should ask for help if you want to move around.” She tucked the blanket in firmly, making sure the chilly morning air couldn’t penetrate.
“I’ve got company coming and I can manage just fine.” Judith eagerly took the cup of ice from Sonja and sucked on a small chip. Next to her, the IV beeped and continued to work, dripping much-needed nutrients into her veins.
“Company?” Krista asked. “Who?”
“Mrs. Wyler, how about some toast this morning?” Sonja tried.
“I don’t want any toast.” Judith’s eyes traveled over Krista. “Rae’s coming by to visit with me this morning.”
“Ray?” Krista had never heard a Ray mentioned before.
Behind them voices came muffled through the walls. The front door opened and Clinton walked in, followed closely by two men. Clinton pulled off his hat, as did the second man, and Krista smiled, recognizing Dwight.
“Morning, ma’am,” he said, nodding at each of them.
Krista murmured a hello and waited as the third man closed the door and turned to face them. He wore Wranglers and a faded collared shirt along with a worn baseball cap.
“Rae.” Judith smiled. “Come give me some sugar.”
The capped stranger walked confidently into the room, removing the ball cap to bend and kiss Judith on the cheek. “How are you, Mrs. Wyler?” The voice was deep and smooth, but definitely not a man’s.
Krista stared, startled and moved by the sight before her. Rae held her ball cap in hand, the tanned muscles in her forearms straining as she smiled down at Judith. Errant strands of short dark hair fell onto her forehead, framing a classically angled face. Krista felt her own cheeks burn as she noticed the small, round breasts and a hint of a flare in the hips.
She’s a woman. Rae’s a woman.
She cleared her throat, trying to get control of the strange excitement that suddenly coursed through her. Everyone else took her cough as a polite request to be introduced.
“Rae, this is my niece, Krista,” Judith announced proudly.
Rae met Krista’s eyes with her own deep hazel ones and stepped forward to shake her hand. “Hello.”
“Hi.” Krista returned the firm handshake and hoped the heat in her face wasn’t visible. My God. What is this I’m feeling
? Sparks? She shook the thought away. It had been a long time since a woman had caused any kind of a reaction in her. And never one who looked like this. One who obviously worked outdoors, judging by her worn boots and strong-looking body. She was gorgeous, in a very raw and wild sort of way.
“I’ve heard a lot about you,” Rae said with a friendly smile that had no doubt melted millions of hearts.
“Really?” Krista was surprised. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I’ve heard your name before.” She struggled to keep her composure. A pang of jealousy also shot through her as Judith beamed. Who was this woman her aunt was so obviously happy to see?
Rae merely raised her eyebrows. “Your aunt’s always going on about you.” She glanced back down at Judith, who reached out to hold her hand. “About how she wished you would visit more often.”
Krista forced a smile to hide the guilt the statement brought on.
“Krissy, this is Dr. Jarrett,” Judith said, “the veterinarian we’ve used for years.”
Krista thought for a moment. Yes, she had heard Clinton speaking of their vet with great fondness. He’d been mumbling about Dr. Jarrett on and off as he wandered around doing chores. Maybe she should’ve paid more attention.
“You’re here to care for the horses, then?” Krista noticed the thick leather belt and the insignia on her polo style shirt. Jarrett, Inc. An emblem of a galloping horse was embroidered next to the words.
Rae met her eyes and then glanced away, squeezing Judith’s hand before releasing it as she sat down. “Not exactly.”
Not exactly? Krista began to grow nervous as the looks between her aunt and Rae continued.
“Why doesn’t everyone have a seat?” Judith encouraged.
Krista sat slowly, watching as Dwight and Clinton did so across from her. Sonja gave her a concerned look and quickly disappeared into the kitchen, claiming there was more coffee that needed to be made. Krista felt strangely alone as she waited for her aunt to voice what was really going on. She didn’t have to wait long.
“Krissy, I’ve been on the phone with Rae all morning. I asked her to come over to talk about the ranch.”