Love Begins with Fate

by Owens, Lindsey

  Kelsey watched. Nick had been breaking the horses, and preparing them for riding for a long time. He really was good at what he did. He tugged the horse toward him “Come here boy.”

  The horse tossed its head tugging against him for a moment before making its way forward. “How do you like the newest member of the ranch?”

  “He’s beautiful.” Kelsey held out her hand and let the beautiful sorrel and white paint nuzzle her hand.

  “His whole name is Stormbringer, I was planning on studding him with…” Nick told her.

  “No way!” Kelsey screeched, making the horse yank his head back away from the humans. “You finally convinced them to sell!” She pushed herself through the wooden frame of the arena and began examining the beautiful beast. “I can’t believe you got the legendary Stormbringer…”

  “Well, he’s still only three years old but he did fetch a good deal in the Janders’ case.” Nick admitted. The Janders was the family who originally owned the horse. Stormbringer’s father was an amazing high quality stud, which had won many a race for his high speed and shows for his beauty. Both the mother and the father and Storm himself were all registered paints. Stormbringer’s fees had been rising higher and higher the older he got. Starting at nearly ten thousand when he was only a yearling. The Janders’ had never been satisfied with the price, but now something happened and they had finally agreed.

  “What was the deal?” Kelsey asked anxiously. She was hoping it was something reasonable at least.

  “We are going to stud with whatever of our horses we want, obviously, but then he will also stud with two of the Janders’ horses. I also offered them two cattle and two pig, one this year and one next of each. Do you want to know the price?”

  “Do I?” Kelsey cringed.

  “Fifteen and free grazing of the western range for the summer.” Nick said quickly.

  “The western range?” Kelsey groaned. “What about our cattle and horses?”

  “They understand that, and it is okay as long as both families have their animals tagged. We will just share it for the summer. If luck is on our side the animals won’t even cross paths.”

  Kelsey simply nodded. “You did well.” She smiled. She had wanted the horse for a while and she knew that if he got to be much older she would have lost him to someone else or the Janders’ wouldn’t have sold. “Do you mind taking a time out?” She asked.

  “Yeah, I knew you were coming to talk…” Nick shrugged “Let’s just set this fella out to pasture.”

  Nick walked with Kelsey toward the home pasture. Kelsey opened the gate and Nick walked in with the horse. As soon as they were in he took the halter off and patted the horse’s haunches let him run into the free range.

  Chapter 23

  Kelsey and Nick had watched the beautiful horse run into the field. He would be bringing them some hefty price in foals for sure. Kelsey and Nick returned to the stable office. “Soda?” Nick asked reaching into the fridge behind him and pulled out a coke.

  “Sure, thanks.” Kelsey nodded.

  Nick passed her the drink and sat down opposite her. “So what happened with Julio?” she asked without holding back anything.

  “His training methods were getting extreme. One of the two year olds was ready to begin training and Julio couldn’t handle it. He took out the whip and began beating the poor thing trying to beat it into submission.” Nick sighed. “Luckily, I caught him before things got too far out of hand. I told him to get lost, he was fired. Your mother instantly sided with me and I knew you would as well.”

  “Oh my goodness, what about the foal?” Kelsey asked.

  “Riddles.” Nick stated.

  “No…” Kelsey gasped. Riddles was the smaller filly that would grow into the perfect size for her little cousin, Toby. She had given Riddles to Toby and thus the name was provided by Toby. Riddles was sired by one of the smallest mares the ranch had and so they were all hoping the horse would remain small for her cousin’s sake.

  “She’s alright. She only received two cuts from the whip but she doesn’t even show any signs of abuse, which is great.” Nick made sure to explain. “Your mom made sure the cuts were cleaned and cared for.”

  “I’ll have to remember to thank her.” Kelsey nodded. “So how many workers are needed?”

  “Well I would like another three here, but for the cattle and the hogs; I think you should speak to Mark. He’s been taking care of both of them. I’ve had Penny and Toby take care of the chickens.” Most of the cattle had been sent out to the pastures with the exception of those who were about to calf, so most the work was with the hogs, and the chickens weren’t much work.

  “I’ll do that.” Kelsey nodded. “Would you be interested in managing the stable?” Nick had been the trainer but never had the opportunity to manage everyone. Julio had done that job.

  “That would be great…” Nick grinned.

  “Lovely.” Kelsey beamed. “I have wanted to promote you for a while. Do you have anyone in mind, for the other positions?” She asked.

  “I was hoping that you would allow me to bring in my nephew and a good friend of mine. Both are in need of jobs and I know they will work hard.” Nick admitted.

  “Well I would like to meet them first but I don’t think that would be a problem.” Kelsey shrugged. “Has anyone put up an ad?”

  “Yeah, there are some guys coming in tomorrow for an interview. I would meet them with you if you would like.” Nick told her.

  “That sounds good. Do you know where I can find Mark at?” She asked standing up and walking toward the door.

  “He might be out by the barns but it’s getting late. He might be out checking on the pregnant cows.” Kelsey looked up at the clock and noticed how they had spent a lot of time talking, it was nearly noon now.

  Kelsey made her way out after thanking Nick for his time. She made a note that there were a possible three positions needed for the horse barn and then set to find Mark. It was getting dim outside and she knew he probably would be out working somewhere. Sure enough, Mark wasn’t in the hog barn. The hogs were fed and watered.

  Kelsey continued to the cattle barn. The barn was much smaller than that for the hogs and the horses. There were only six major stalls in the barn and most of the time they weren’t used. The cattle barn was more for holding feed and hay. Most of the cattle stayed out in the pasture behind the barn or in the open ranges.

  “Mark you out here?” Kelsey called.

  “Sure thing,” Mark called stepping up toward the barn. He had been up to his knees in feed and cattle. The nearly hundred and fifty females which were soon to birth were surrounding him trying to get some food.

  “Back!” he yelled out.

  “Looks like you’re getting some action finally.” Kelsey laughed. The young man chuckled. Mark was in his early twenties with blond hair and dull grey eyes. He had been looking to get Kelsey’s attention for a while and she knew it. She just wasn’t quite ready yet and she knew most of the guys here were after her for her land.

  “Not exactly the type of action I was looking for.” He swatted at the cows which tried to dig their heads into the feed bucket. “Mind giving me a hand?” He asked.

  Kelsey laughed and stepped into the fenced area. “Hey cow… here cow, here cow.” She called holding up a half empty bucket which she rattled back and forth.

  Several cows turned their heads in her direction freeing up the space Mark needed to dump the remainder of his bucket into the trough. “Thanks” Mark called as he pushed his way back through the cows toward the edge of the fence. “I have been debating on moving the trough’s to the fence again.”

  “Go ahead. I’ll help you tomorrow afternoon if you would like.” Kelsey told him.

  “I think it would be best. So you came to talk about the hands am I correct.” Mark stated. He had hoped someday she would come and talk with him about something else but he knew better.

  “Yeah, Nick said I would need to talk to you about how m
any hands are needed out here. I guess you have been taking on the cattle and hogs.” Kelsey said.

  “I guess you caught me. I think one person for the hogs and chickens, and another three for the cattle would be nice. The rest of the guys here can do a good job at caring for the fields and such. But I really need a few good ropers and riders for moving the cattle to the summer pasture later on and another few to watch over the cattle here and the rest of the animals while we’re out.” Mark told her.

  “Okay. Well then at least four am I correct?” Kelsey asked.

  “Yep. I think that would do, you can ask around the house but I think that’s the best. Even if the guys are seasonal I would like another two that are full time.”

  “Well you’re welcome to sit in on the interviews if you would like. Nick is planning on it. I guess there are guys coming around tomorrow.” Kelsey told him. “I’m heading in for lunch.”

  “When I am finished out here I’ll be in, I bring a lunch out. It’s nice seeing you again. I hope I get that chance to take you out to dinner before you head back.” Mark called.

  Kelsey blushed ducked her head and hurried away. She really liked Mark, he was a good friend, but only that. A friend.

  Kelsey made her way to the house. After lunch she had went to finish off her homework which she would later email to her teachers. Ryder had convinced them she had an emergency back home and to accept her homework as emails.

  When she finished she picked up her cell. There had been three missed calls all from Hannah. First she set to calling her brother. After a few rings Ryder answered with a yawn.

  “Hey,” Kelsey said. “How is everything going?”

  “Everything’s just peachy.” Ryder answered. “Did you send in your homework…?” He asked.

  “Yes, dad” Kelsey groaned. Her brother acted as if she was a child so often it annoyed her.

  “Good. Well I got to get going…” He told her. “You know dinner with the guys tonight.”

  “Hey Ry… how is he doing?” She asked.

  “Who?” Ryder questioned trying to pretend that he had no idea what his sister was talking about.

  “Ha, very funny. How is Parker? I didn’t get to spend much time with him before I left. You know to apologize for the other night…” She drawled.

  “Oh he’s great. Anyway I’m running late. Gotta go.” Ryder told her quickly.

  Kelsey sighed. She knew he was leaving something out. “Fine. Talk to you later.” Kelsey muttered and hung up.

  Their conversation was quick and evaded everything Kelsey needed to talk about. She groaned and quickly dialed her friend. Maybe she could ease her heart even if it was slightly.

  “Oh goodness finally!” Hannah answered on the first ring. “I have been trying to call you forever!”

  “Well you got me now. I’m sorry I was busy.” Kelsey admitted. “So how was school?”

  “OMG!” Hannah squealed. “Your brother and I are spending time apart…” Hannah skimmed over “any who… Parker and Ryder got into a fight on the field.”

  “What! Wait… why are you and Ryder not getting along and what about a fight?” Kelsey asked confused.

  Hannah explained how Ryder had been pissed off at Parker and punched him, how she had gotten too close, and how her and Ryder are now spending time apart. They had talked for hours until Hannah finally had to mention it. “He’s been trying to get your number…”

  “I don’t know, I got to get going Han… I’ll talk to you later.”

  Kelsey wanted to get to know Parker. He was nice enough and good looking enough too but she hadn’t had good experiences with the last guy. She also was quite busy around the ranch.

  Chapter 24

  Kelsey had her day full. She had got up with the crowing roosters and set to getting a shower before she had made her way to the breakfast table. Annie had already begun her big morning breakfast routine by the time Kelsey had made it to the kitchen. “Well, ain’t you a pretty sight. No wonder all the guys in town are after you.” Annie chortled.

  Kelsey had her hair hanging in loose messy curls from her shower. She had pulled on a pair of her old holey work jeans and pink tank top. Over that she had pulled on a button up long sleeve pink flannel, her chaps, and a comfortable pair of cowboy boots. To top it all off with a black cowboy hat but that currently hung from her hand as she strode in.

  Kelsey blushed. “Thanks, no I’m not.” She mumbled. She looked around at the guys at the table who were now whooping and whistling and shook her head. “So what’s on the agenda today?”

  “We’ve got animals to feed, fences to check on and mend, the interviewees are coming today after lunch, and then the guys are going to be cutting the hay today.” Nick informed her.

  Kelsey finished her breakfast, helped Annie clean up the kitchen then went out to greet her horses. Kelsey walked into the horse barn and petted each individual horse. “Good morning, Sweetie.” She greeted petting the plump pregnant mare. “You gonna give me a good and pretty baby soon?”

  The horse whinnied. Sweetie was a brown quarter horse which Kelsey had bred with one of the many studs on the farm. Sweetie’s baby was already reserved for the sheriff. If it was a filly he was going to give it to his daughter and if it was a colt it was going to go to his son. They were seven and eight years old. Both ready for their first horse of their own. Nick had made a deal with the sheriff to raise the baby at the Lodge ranch until it was weaned then it would move to the sheriff’s house until it was ready to be fully trained.

  The sheriff was welcome to bring his children by every week, every day if interested and allow them to play with the foal. They would bring the baby back as often as once a week for one on one training sessions.

  “Am I correct in saying she might drop it soon?” Nick asked coming up beside Kelsey. Kelsey may have been young and Nick may have been one of the best horse trainers in the county but Kelsey had more experience helping Julio and her mother bringing foals and calves into the world.

  Kelsey felt her way down the horse’s body and nodded. “I would say within the next week or two. According to the records she’s due in ten days. I want you to make sure her stall is cleaned out, lined with fresh sawdust and straw, fresh water and fresh oats. I want you to keep an eye on how she’s acting. Make sure she’s still moving around. If she starts circling or laying down and whinnying; I want to know about it.” Kelsey told him as she walked out of the stall and made her way down the center of the stalls patting each horse that came to stick its head out. “I think I am going to go for an early morning ride, check on the fences of the home range and then make may way out to the north range. I have my cell if you need me…” She drawled as she stopped to look at her favorite trail horse. He was her favorite with barrels as well. The same horse that Kelsey had won scholarships and trophies with, Thunder.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Nick nodded “Would you like me to get Thunder saddled?” Nick asked.

  “Nah… you’re busy. I will do it. I haven’t forgotten.” She smiled.

  Kelsey walked into the tack room and pulled out her western saddle, saddle pad, and bridle for Thunder then continued toward spot where Nick had brought Thunder to. He was hooked up to the indoor hitching post which was easier than trying to maneuver within the stall.

  She swung the pad onto her horse’s back then hoisted the saddle upon the horse’s back. She hooked the bridle on a hanger while she synched the straps. “Come on boy.” She grunted as she elbowed the horse in the side. She loved Thunder but he had a habit off sucking in air when she wanted to ride.

  With the saddle synched and the chest strap in place she walked over and grabbed the bridle. She held it up to Thunder and pushed the bridle against his teeth until he finally opened up. Nick had come to give her a set of saddle bags. “Don’t forget these.” He told her. Nick had always looked out for everyone here at the ranch; he didn’t want Kelsey forgetting something as important as the saddle bags. “I dropped in a few snacks, just in case.�
� He admitted.

  “Thanks.” Kelsey told him as she unlatched the horse and began to walk toward back doors. Once outside, Kelsey hoisted herself up on the right side of the horse. She had known the whole right and left side opinions with horses but she wanted to prove people wrong. A good horse could be ridden mounted from any side. Kelsey settled her feet into the stirrups and waved goodbye as she clicked her teeth and took off at a trot. Two of her dogs took off running after her. Riding was exhilarating. This was living in Kelsey’s mind.

  Chapter 25

  “Hey,” Hannah said as she approached Parker. She had evaded Ryder for the last few classes trying to catch sight of Parker wandering around.

  He looked like crap with bags under his tired eyes. “Hey.” Parker yawned. “What’s up?” Parker asked as he turned to look at Hannah. “Whoa! What happened?” He gasped as he stepped toward her, slowly extending his hand out to Hannah’s cheek.

  She flinched back “Uh… I got caught between you and Ryder the other day. You both just were so in the zone…” She shrugged.

  “Really? I am so sorry.” Parker said.

  “Forget about it. Anyway, what I wanted was to know if you meant what you said when you were fighting with Ry.” Hannah asked.

  “Oh uh yeah. Of course I did.” Parker rubbed his hand through his hair. “You can ask the guys about that kind of stuff. They’ve been trying to set me up…”

  “I don’t want to ask the guys.” Hannah told him. “I am only going to talk to my friend about this if I believe you… not everyone else.” Hannah had been trying to get her friend to go out on a date with a guy every time she came to visit. When she had visited Kelsey at the ranch she had talked with many of the people there as well. Everyone seemed to try and get Kelsey interested in someone. Nobody wanted her to end up alone.

  “You would talk to Kelsey for me?” Parker lit up. It was the end of the day and they were walking out to the parking lot.