Wrangling Wes

by Thomas, Jacquelin

  Despite her boss being a pain at times, Lydia was determined to make it in Los Angeles, if only to prove to her mother that she didn’t make a mistake leaving home.

  She picked up her planner, opening it up. A number of tasks were on her to-do list, including scheduling a spa appointment for Samara.

  She picked up her cell phone and scanned through her address book.

  “Samara Lionne would like to schedule a private session with Marlee,” Lydia said when someone answered on the other end. “Anytime after three today.”

  As soon as she hung up, she sent Samara a text message confirming her appointment.

  Lydia then went back over her calendar.

  An hour later, she emailed her boss a full agenda for the rest of the week.

  Samara was extremely high maintenance and relied heavily on Lydia to keep her abreast of her daily schedule.

  After ensuring that Samara’s needs were taken care of, Lydia decided to do some sightseeing. With any luck, she might run into Wesley again.

  I won’t get my hopes up.

  Lydia walked out of the hotel and joined others on the sidewalk milling about downtown Granger, which was the epitome of diverse culture. Residents and visitors dressed in jeans and those in business suits moved along the busy streets. She truly appreciated the beauty of Granger. The town was warm, welcoming and filled with a unique community spirit.

  One thing for sure, Samara could never survive in a place like this, which was probably the reason she sent Lydia to research this new role.

  * * *

  “There were some photographers hanging around near the entrance,” Jameson uttered in frustration when he entered the main house, where the family had gathered for lunch. “I could hardly drive through the gate.”

  “Are they still there?” Wesley wanted to know. He was fine with newcomers in town, but he had a problem when it came to the invasion of his family’s privacy. “I’ve already told them to stay off the property.”

  “Don’t be so hard on them,” his mother said. “Laney’s success has certainly brought in a lot of publicity, but it’s also increased sales for the ranch. This is a good thing.”

  “I get that,” Jameson responded. “But I don’t want people taking pictures of everything I do.”

  Wesley agreed.

  “I can have my publicist request that they respect our privacy and stay away from the ranch unless invited,” Laney stated.

  Wesley eyed his sister. He was worried about her because Laney did not look well. He remained silent. She had been moody of late and he did not want to risk upsetting her. He had tried on several occasions to get Laney to open up, but she refused.

  After Steven gave the blessing, Wesley reached for a sandwich and put it on his plate. “I don’t know about y’all, but I’m starved. I worked up an appetite.”

  His father agreed. “I could eat a bear.”

  “I hear there’s some actress looking to buy some property in these parts. She wants to buy a working ranch.”

  “Granger doesn’t need a bunch of people moving here just because they have suddenly decided to be ranch owners,” Jameson argued. “It would ruin everything the town represents.”

  “I don’t agree,” Wesley responded. “I think Granger can use some new blood. In fact, I’ve been entertaining offers for my parcels of land in Hastings.”

  “Are you crazy?”

  He met his brother’s angry gaze. “I’m not crazy, Jameson. I’m open to selling my property to the right person.”

  “I’m not sure I like this,” his mother interjected. “There have been a lot of celebrities looking to purchase land here. I don’t want to see Granger turn into a playground for the rich and famous.”

  “Mom, it’s not what I want, either,” Wesley expressed. “I’m not planning to sell to just anybody. It has to be the right person—someone with a commitment to agriculture and land stewardship.”

  * * *

  “How are things going between you and Wes?” Maggie asked when Lydia answered her phone.

  She laughed. “Somehow I knew those were going to be the first words out of your mouth.”

  “Hey, it’s all over town that you two have been seeing a lot of each other. So spill....”

  “I’m having a great time with Wesley. He is really a lot of fun and he’s been a perfect gentleman.”

  “I’m not surprised,” Maggie murmured. “Wes is one of the good guys.”

  Lydia agreed. “I think so, too.”

  “I keep forgetting to ask, but where did he take you for your dream date?”

  “We went to the Shank of the Evening Saloon.”

  Maggie gasped in shock. “He took you where?”

  “It was all in fun, Maggie,” Lydia said with a laugh. “As it turned out, Wes and I had a great time there.”

  “Hey, I go to the Shank from time to time with Dane, but it’s not what I’d consider the place for a first date.”

  “We had dinner reservations in Helena, but we were having so much fun there that we never made it to the airport. He had rented a helicopter to take us to Helena.” Lydia smiled. “It was still a nice evening though. Wes had his cook prepare a really nice meal for us at the main house.”

  “That Rusty is one of the best,” Maggie stated. “I tried to steal him away from the Browards, but he wasn’t interested in leaving. I even offered to double his salary. Thank God he didn’t take me up on that offer. My Dane would have had me put down for sure. He’s a wonderful man but cheap when it comes to stuff like that.”

  Lydia laughed. “Shame on you.”

  Shrugging, Maggie responded, “Hey, you can’t blame a girl for trying to stay out of the kitchen.”

  “He is a genius when it comes to cooking,” Lydia stated. “I was very impressed.”

  “Speaking of food, Dane and I are having a barbecue this weekend. If you’re not busy, I’d really like for you to join us. We already sent out invitations to Wes and his family,” Maggie stated. “I probably should’ve kept my big mouth shut, because I’m sure Wes will ask you to be his date.”

  “It’s okay if he doesn’t,” Lydia said. “I have a personal invite from the hostess.”

  “You sure do, honey.”

  “What should I wear?” she asked, turning the subject of the conversation to fashion.

  “Cute and sexy,” Maggie responded. “I’ma tell you right now, there are some women who have been trying to get Wes’s attention. Some of them will be at the barbecue, so you better come prepared, sugar. Girls don’t always play nice, you know.”

  Lydia gave a short laugh. “Thanks for the heads-up, but I look at it this way, Maggie. If Wes is that easily distracted, then he’s definitely not the man for me anyway.”

  “I knew I liked you.”

  She hung up from Maggie when Lydia saw Samara’s name come up on caller ID.

  “Hi, Samara,” she said. “What do you need?”

  Chapter 8

  When she neared Wesley’s office, Lydia slowed her pace. The door was slightly ajar, allowing her to peek inside.

  He was there, going through a stack of papers on his mahogany desk. Lydia considered once more how handsome Wesley looked, even wearing the cowboy hat. In fact, he looked downright sexy.

  Lydia knocked softly to get his attention.

  Wesley glanced up. A smile lit up his gorgeous eyes when he saw her. “C’mon in, darlin’,” he said.

  “So what do you think of this outfit, Wes?” Lydia asked as she twirled around slowly. “Does it meet with your approval?” She had chosen a pair of jeans, cowboy boots and a tank top beneath a vest.

  “You look great,” he told her with a grin on his face. “You actually look like you belong on a ranch.”

  Wesley did
not delay getting started. “These heritage breeds serve as an important genetic resource,” he began. “By raising heritage breeds, we are able to maintain variety within our livestock population.”

  “Why is that important?” Lydia asked as she took notes.

  “When heritage breeds become extinct, their unique genes are lost and can’t be used to breed new traits into existing livestock breeds,” Wesley explained. “Raising heritage livestock can also help preserve valuable traits within the species so that future breeds can endure harsh conditions. For example, our animals are able to survive without the constant doses of antibiotics that are administered to livestock on factory farms.”

  “Are your animals raised on a pasture?” Lydia inquired.

  “They are,” he confirmed. “We have several acres for our livestock to roam, and we offer a diversity of grasses to eat.”

  The more she learned, the more Lydia found the information interesting. She had never heard of or paid attention to the subject of heritage breeding until she read Wesley’s profile and several articles in magazines.

  “Raising cattle, from my understanding, involves several operations, with each serving a unique role in the process,” Lydia stated.

  “You’re correct,” Wesley confirmed. “Beef production represents the largest single segment of American agriculture. You will find that more farms are classified as beef cattle operations than any other type.”

  She surveyed the cattle as they roamed about. “You have cows and calves, I see.”

  He nodded. “We maintain a breeding herd of cows that nurture calves every year.”

  Wesley walked Lydia over to another area.

  “Over here is where we place mature calves. They will spend anywhere from four to six months here and are given a balanced diet.”

  “Until they reach market weight?” she asked.

  “You’ve done your research, I see.”

  “There’s nothing like seeing it firsthand.”

  “Have I bored you already?” Wesley inquired.

  “No, I’ve actually learned a lot,” Lydia responded quickly. “This has been really educational for me. I’ve been thinking about switching over to organic foods, and you’ve helped me make up my mind. Thank you.”

  “What do you have planned for the next two days?” Wesley asked.

  “I don’t have anything special planned,” Lydia answered.

  “I still owe you the date that you paid generously for. I’d like to make good on that deal tomorrow. We can leave around ten tomorrow morning—and bring an overnight bag. We are going to Helena for the weekend.”

  “Wow...you really have me intrigued.”

  He grinned. “That’s the idea.”

  “I don’t suppose that you’ll give me any details about this trip.”

  “Pack comfortable clothes, but don’t forget to bring something dressy for the evening.”

  “I was hoping for just a little more information.”

  He chuckled. “Sorry, that’s all I’m telling, lil’ lady.”

  Wesley escorted her to the main house. “I told my mother that you would have some questions for her.”

  “She doesn’t mind talking to me right now?”

  “She cleared her calendar to spend some time with you. My mother loves talking about her horses.”

  Lydia hugged him. “Thanks so much, Wes. For all of this.”

  “It’s my pleasure,” he uttered as he opened the front door.

  Gwendolyn Webb Broward entered the foyer where they stood talking.

  “Hello, Lydia,” she said smoothly.

  “Mrs. Broward, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to me. I really appreciate it.”

  She stood at least five foot nine, Lydia estimated. She was an attractive woman with a welcoming smile to match the warmth of her eyes.

  “I thought we could start by the stables. I’d like for you to meet my horses.”

  “I would love it.”

  As they walked toward the stables, Gwendolyn glanced over at Lydia and said, “My son appears to have taken a strong interest in you.”

  “I am also very interested in Wes,” she responded truthfully. “I like him a lot.”

  Gwendolyn smiled then. “I really believe that you will be good for him.”

  At the stables, Gwendolyn proudly showed off her stock.

  “What is the best time of year to breed?” Lydia inquired. “Or does it matter?”

  “Oh, it matters,” she responded. “Mares have a natural breeding season, which is in the spring. However, there are ways to begin the season earlier by artificially increasing the amount of light.”

  “What does that do?”

  “Sunlight stimulates the receptor centers in the brain, which then triggers the production of reproductive hormones,” Gwendolyn explained.

  “Is this a normal practice?” Lydia inquired.

  Gwendolyn nodded. “It’s more common in thoroughbred studs to try and produce foals as close to January 1 as possible. It’s the official birthday of all thoroughbred racehorses.”

  She smiled. “I didn’t know that.”

  “In my opinion, the best time for a foal to be born is between the months of May and July. This is when the most grass is available, and it helps the mare’s milk supply.”

  “Is there a best time for a mare to be pregnant?” Lydia asked as she continued to take notes.

  “June through August,” Gwendolyn replied.

  Before Lydia realized, she and Gwendolyn had spent the past two hours talking about horse breeding and her life as a rancher’s wife.

  She glanced down at her notes before asking, “Have you ever considered doing something else with your life?”

  “I love what I do and horses are my passion,” replied Gwendolyn. “Outside of being a wife and a mother, there is nothing else I want to do.”

  “I think I’ve taken up enough of your time,” Lydia said, checking her watch.

  “You don’t have to rush off. In fact, I’d like to know a little more about you.”

  She swallowed hard. Lydia really did not like talking about herself. “What would you like to know?”

  “Where are you from? I would say somewhere in New York.” Gwendolyn smiled. “I have an ear for accents.”

  “I’m originally from Syracuse,” Lydia said.

  “What took you to Los Angeles?”

  “My desire to work in entertainment management.” She met Gwendolyn’s gaze. “It’s my passion.”

  “I suppose you’ve told Wes about this.”

  “I have,” Lydia confirmed. “I’m sure if things grow serious between us, then we will have to have another conversation. But for now, he doesn’t have a problem with it.”

  Gwendolyn’s probing brought turbulent thoughts to the forefront of Lydia’s mind, however. She really did care a great deal for Wes, but could she give up her dream for him?

  * * *

  Wesley arrived promptly at ten the next morning.

  “Good morning,” Lydia greeted when she opened her door. She was dressed and ready to leave with a large designer tote in hand.

  She was wearing a pair of white jeans embellished with silver studs that traveled from the pockets and down the outer seam. Lydia’s turquoise top was also adorned with silver studding around the neckline. Fringe fell from the empire waist of the tunic.

  “You look nice,” he told her.

  “Thank you for the compliment. I wasn’t really sure how to dress based on the little amount of information you gave me.”

  His gaze slid over her body, and his approval showed in his eyes.

  During the drive to Helena, Wesley asked, “How did it go with my mother?”

 
“Great,” Lydia responded. “She’s a really sweet lady.”

  “My mom really likes you.”

  “Did she tell you that?” Lydia wanted to know.

  Wesley nodded. “She told me that we were good for each other.”

  “She mentioned the same thing to me. But what do you think, Wes?” Lydia inquired. “Do you feel the same way?”

  He stole a quick glance in her direction. “Actually, I do.”

  Lydia settled back in her seat, a smile forming on her lips. “As much as I hate thinking about it, I will have to leave one day soon.”

  “I know,” Wes responded quietly. “Not saying I’m looking forward to that day at all.” After a moment, he said, “Lydia, you know that I don’t want you to go.”

  “I’m not sure I want to leave,” she admitted.

  Wesley reached over and took her hand in his. “Let’s not have this discussion until after we get back to Granger. I don’t want any dark clouds hanging over this weekend.”

  “I agree,” she told him.

  Upon their arrival to Helena, Wesley announced, “We are going to take a ride into the Old West for the first part of our date.”

  “I see you’ve discovered my love for history.”

  He nodded as he parked the car.

  Wesley led her toward a waiting horse-drawn wagon. “I want this day to be special, so I came up with plans that I believe you are gonna love.”

  He helped her inside.

  “This is a wonderful start,” Lydia stated. “I can’t believe I’m in an authentic horse and wagon.”

  “The horse is definitely authentic, but the wagon, I’m afraid, is a replica,” Wesley confessed. “I don’t think we’d want to ride in one from the 1800s.”

  “Okay, so it’s not authentic, but this is pretty close.”

  “This is Miner’s Alley,” Wesley said, indicating a point of interest. “It was considered a miners village from the gold rush days.”

  “What is that cabin over there?” Lydia inquired.

  “That’s the old Mack cabin. It was built in 1864 and is one of the last remaining structures that represent Helena’s early history.”