by Myra Johnson
Lindsey swung down from her horse and ran to her aunt’s side. “It’s going to be all right,” she murmured, drawing Audra into a hug. “Nobody expects you to do this alone. That’s why I’m here, isn’t it?”
While Lindsey comforted her aunt, Spencer gathered Flash’s reins. The least he could do was take care of their horses for them. Leaving Annie, his bay mare, tied to a hitching post outside the barn, he led the late Charles Forrester’s big sorrel inside and clipped him between the cross ties. As he removed the saddle, he noticed a faint freeze brand partially hidden beneath the horse’s mane—a circle surrounding a script N.
The Navarro brand.
So at some point since the feud began, the two families had done business together. Otherwise, how could Charles have owned and ridden a Navarro-registered quarter horse? Spencer hoped for an opportunity to bring it up later with his father, preferably when Tito was otherwise occupied.
By the time he returned to the pasture for Audra’s horse, she and Lindsey had scattered several flakes of fresh hay for the cattle. The lazy animals munched idly, as if they couldn’t care less about the predicted arctic blast.
Audra separated out a couple more flakes, then straightened and dusted off her hands. She was breathing hard, but an air of confidence had returned. “That should do it, Lindsey. They’ll be fine till morning.”
Spencer slipped through the gate. “Flash is in his stall. I put away his tack and gave him fresh water.”
“Oh, Spencer.” Audra looked surprised he was still there. “You didn’t have to do that—”
“But thank you,” Lindsey interrupted with a chiding glance toward her aunt. To Audra, she said, “The wind’s picking up. Why don’t you go on to the house and get warm. I’ll take care of Skeeter.”
“But I still need to feed the horses and put out food and water for the barn cats.”
“I know the drill by now. Please.” Holding open the gate, Lindsey firmly waved her aunt through.
Spencer untied Skeeter from the fence, then fell into step beside Lindsey. Once Audra was safely out of earshot, he murmured, “Not sure which of you is more stubborn. Audra shouldn’t even be trying to run this place by herself.”
Lindsey spun on him. “I fully realize this is too big a job for one person. But once we’re operating in the black again—and we will be—I intend to stay on until we’ve hired some reliable help for my aunt going forward.”
About time Spencer learned when to keep his mouth shut. Because as much as he valued her expertise concerning funding for his rescue horses, when it came to accepting ranch management advice, Lindsey didn’t reciprocate.
Chapter Four
Arms locked across her abdomen, Audra stood in the doorway of Charles’s study. “How’s it looking? Any more hopeful?”
“Too soon to say.” Lindsey tore her gaze from the computer screen, where she’d been poring over figures since their exhausting meeting at the bank that morning. She’d been able to wrangle a consolidation loan for Audra’s credit card debt but only after she’d agreed to cosign. She’d done so willingly, of course, even with the understanding that she’d committed to being the responsible party should Audra fail to make repayment.
Yes, she had a fair amount put aside in savings, but if her unemployed status continued, the money wouldn’t last indefinitely. Aunt Audra’s prayer that Lindsey would find a suitable job with a decent salary in small-town Gabriel Bend simply wasn’t realistic.
“Sorry I can’t be more help.” Sighing, Audra came around and perched on the edge of the desk next to Lindsey. “I’ll never be able to thank you enough for all you’re doing. And Spencer,” she went on, regret shading her tone. “I was so ungracious to him yesterday, when he was only being neighborly.”
“I’m sure he understands.” Although Lindsey wasn’t sure she did. His repeated hints about selling the ranch were getting under her skin...perhaps because the almost constant knot in her belly suggested he might be right?
Hands clasped, Audra stared at the floor. “Whatever happens, honey, I don’t want you blaming yourself. Because even if we do lose the ranch, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. It’s just a house and a few cows and a chunk of land. What matters most is—” Eyes brimming, she forced out her next word on a shaky breath. “Family.”
Lindsey appreciated what her aunt was saying. A part of her even believed it. Even so, it took effort to keep from snapping back with a few thoughts of her own about family. The concept had clearly been lost on her father. Keeping her tone level, she stated, “I care about family, too. Which is why the McClement ranch is going to stay the McClement ranch, whatever it takes.”
Audra cast her a sad but knowing smile. “This is still about your dad, isn’t it?”
Teeth clenched, Lindsey looked away. “He should never have turned his back on his inheritance.” He should never have abandoned Mom and me!
“You have to let it go, sweetie.” Bending to envelop Lindsey in a hug, Audra gave her a tender squeeze. “Hanging on to bitterness only hurts you. It isn’t going to change your father.”
Lindsey released a sharp sigh and wrapped her arms around her aunt’s gaunt frame. Cheek pressed against Audra’s soft flannel shirt, she caught the faint smell of wood smoke from the living room’s potbelly stove. “But it’s so unfair,” she muttered. “Dad’s only interest in the ranch now is what he can get out of it if you sell.”
“Which won’t be much if that corporate offer is the best we can expect.” Straightening, Audra harrumphed. “How about we get our minds on a cheerier topic? Christmas is just around the corner. Think your mom and Stan would fly out for a few days so we can all spend the holidays together?”
Thankful her mother had found happiness when she’d remarried and moved to Florida a few years ago, Lindsey smiled. “That would be nice. I’ll call later and ask.”
“We’ll need to get busy baking and decorating.” Audra tapped her chin as she moved toward the door. “I’ll start making lists.”
If only Lindsey could distract herself so easily. “I’ll come help in a few minutes.” With an inner groan, she returned her attention to the accounting program on Charles’s desktop computer.
Her laptop, also open on the desk, chimed to announce an incoming email. Reading Spencer’s name in the sender’s line, she hesitated to open the message. But the subject line read, Sorry. Forgive me? So how could she resist?
I overstepped yesterday. Whatever you and Audra decide to do with the ranch is your business, not mine. If there’s ever anything I can do, though, the offer still stands. In the meantime, you asked for some photos. Sending a few you might like. BTW, how does New Start Equine Rescue sound for a name?
Short and sweet—typical Spencer. She couldn’t help smiling as she began scrolling through the pictures.
Moments later, she found her eyes tearing up at the incredible transformations the photos portrayed. From skin-and-bones and drooping heads to bright eyes and healthy musculature, each set of pictures told the story of Spencer’s loving attention. His skill as a horseman was undeniable, and no matter how things turned out for the McClement ranch or where life took her after her work here was done, Lindsey promised herself she’d do everything in her power to help Spencer launch his rescue program.
She’d start right now by giving her friend Joella James a call. With Audra puttering around in the kitchen again, Lindsey padded over to nudge the door partway closed, then took out her cell phone and plopped into the desk chair.
She caught the sophisticated blonde businesswoman in the middle of haggling with a hotel manager over the too-small room he’d reserved for a huge corporate awards banquet. “It’s okay, Joella. You can call me later when you have more time.”
“No, please.” Her friend’s voice dropped to barely above a whisper. “You’re saving me from chewing this jerk’s head off!” Joella excused herself to t
he manager with over-the-top politeness, then adjusted her voice to a normal tone. “Of course, Ms. McClement. How can I help you?”
“Smooth. Very smooth.” Lindsey snickered. “Glad I could be of assistance. Now...perhaps I could twist your arm to do a favor for me?”
“If I can, sure. What’s up?”
Lindsey described what she wanted to do for Spencer. “He wouldn’t need anything fancy, just a basic site with photos highlighting his equine rescue program along with a link for registering as a donor or volunteer.”
“Hold on here.” Joella’s tone turned disbelieving. “Is this the same Spencer Navarro who dissed you in front of all of Gabriel Bend?”
“We were kids, and he apologized.” She put a hand to her forehead. “Don’t make a big deal about this. Besides the fact that he’s amazing with horses, he’s been really kind to Audra this past year. I’m just returning the favor.”
“Mmm-hmm. You still have a crush on him, don’t you?”
“I do not.” And whom was she trying to convince? “Can I enlist your web design skills or not?”
Joella sighed. “Email me some details and I’ll put together a rough draft.”
“Thank you so much, Jo-Jo. I won’t keep you, then—”
“No hurry. The crabby manager can cool his heels a bit longer. Besides, we haven’t had a good long talk in ages. How’s it going with your aunt’s affairs?”
Lindsey gave her a condensed version of the last few days. “So I’m scrounging for ways to get her out of debt without losing the ranch.”
“Tough. I know what the place means to you.”
Lindsey rose and paced in front of the windows. Beyond the barn, the cows they’d brought in yesterday afternoon grazed on hay and winter grass. “Since I’ve been here, an idea has started percolating.” She chewed her lip. “But I’m afraid it’s way more ambitious than I should even be considering.”
Joella harrumphed. “Am I talking to the same person who insisted we could replicate the ballroom from Beauty and the Beast in a big, bare convention hall for our high school prom? When did you ever shy away from an ambitious project?”
“Prom was eleven years ago. College and the corporate world have been a major reality check.”
“Tell me about it. Being an event planner was always my dream, but...lately it’s been more stressful than I signed up for. Besides, I’m sick of these big-company execs who think all it takes to get their way is to shell out more cash. They don’t seem to understand there are limits to what money can buy.”
A gust of icy wind shook the windowpanes and forced its way between the sill and frame. Caulking and weather stripping—more repairs for the constantly growing to-do list. “If they wanted to toss some cash my aunt’s way, neither of us would complain.”
“I’ll make a note,” Joella said with a dry laugh. “So tell me your idea. I love doling out unsolicited opinions.”
Lindsey tiptoed into the hallway to peek in on Audra. Surrounded by measuring cups, cracked eggshells and the flour canister, she had the mixer running again. Just what Lindsey needed—more cookies. She returned to the study. “It’s the ranch. It’s so beautiful here—or at least it was in its heyday.”
“What are you getting at, Linds?” Joella’s tone had softened.
“I’m not completely sure yet, but I keep thinking there should be a way to monetize this place. A way to keep it in the family and generate some income until things stabilize enough for my aunt to get back to the business of cattle ranching.”
“Like a bed-and-breakfast or something?”
“A B and B may be too ambitious, at least for now. I’m thinking about some kind of outdoor event venue, like for weddings and such. You’ve visited here with me in the spring and summer a few times, remember?”
“How could I forget? And that cute little storage building that used to be a chapel—surrounded by trees and flowers in bloom, the place was a photographer’s dream.”
“I think it could be again.” Lindsey sighed inwardly as her gaze swept the barren backyard. “But you have to spend money to make money, and that’s my current sticking point. When I’m hoarding every penny to pay the back taxes, there’s nothing left to spend on other things.”
A soft exhalation preceded Joella’s thoughtful silence. “How does your aunt feel about this plan?”
“It’s nowhere near a ‘plan’ yet, and I haven’t even mentioned it to Audra.”
“But if this could be a way for her to keep the ranch and pay the bills...what’s keeping you from at least giving it a try?”
“You really think I should?”
“What are you risking besides a little time if you create a preliminary business plan and approach a few possible investors?”
“We could start small, do it in stages.” Lindsey’s pulse quickened as the idea took hold. “Maybe pitch the location to photographers while we work toward developing the grounds as a wedding venue. I talked to Holly the other day and was thinking how great it would be if she’d move to Gabriel Bend and become our caterer.”
“I think you’re onto something, Linds. Holly and Davey would love it there. And if only I could leave behind big-city Dallas and corporate event planning...” Joella sighed. “I’d give anything to move down there and help you make this happen.”
“Oh, Jo-Jo, nothing would make me happier.”
“Of course, I’d expect you to reintroduce me to Spencer’s amazingly good-looking brother the next time he’s in town.”
Lindsey smirked. “They’re identical twins, you know.”
“I do. So why are you still on the phone with me when your handsome horse rescuer is next door?”
“I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that.” Lindsey dropped into the desk chair. “Go straighten things out with your horsey hotel manager. I have a bunch more of Audra’s financial records to dig through yet today.”
“Don’t give up on your idea, though, Linds. You can do this.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence. And thanks for saying yes to building Spencer a website. I’ll email you more details shortly.”
* * *
Round-penning one of the quarter horse yearlings, Spencer shook his head. Moments before he’d hit Send on his email to Lindsey, he’d suffered serious second thoughts. For one thing, she had plenty already on her plate. For another, between the learning curve and the time commitment, could he realistically handle everything entailed in operating a nonprofit equine rescue? And maintaining a website—Lindsey must not have a clue how computer illiterate he was. He’d had to break down and ask his mom how to attach photos to a message.
After returning the yearling to the pasture, he saddled another of the horses for a training ride in the arena. The speedy little mare was almost ready for her new owner, Jenny Thomas, an up-and-coming barrel racer willing to pay top dollar for her next mount in hopes of winning big rodeo purses. Breathing almost as hard as the mare, he completed the cloverleaf pattern and galloped across an invisible finish line. No doubt this horse would quickly prove her worth.
“She looks good,” his father called from the end of the arena. “A little wide around the second barrel, but you’ve done well with her.”
A rare compliment Spencer would gratefully accept. “She’s built for barrel racing. Calm and focused at the start, plenty of power in the hindquarters for those turns.” He swung to the ground and walked the horse over to the fence rail. “I’d like to give her two more weeks of training, then have Jenny come over and try her out.”
“Good plan.” Spencer’s father opened the gate for him. “Did you fix the leak in the yearling barn watering system like I asked?”
“All done.”
“And the latch on Concho’s stall?”
“Changed it out for something a little more challenging.” Their prize breeding stallion had recently figured
out how to open his gate and go exploring.
With a crisp nod, his father adjusted his Stetson and marched off. Not so much as a thank-you, naturally. Spencer had grown up with the man’s brusque manner, but sometimes it still stung—and only made him more determined to prove himself by making his equine rescue efforts self-sustaining. Dad had great love and respect for horses, so his attitude had nothing to do with the nature of Spencer’s undertaking.
No, Hank Navarro simply couldn’t stomach the idea of losing both his sons’ full commitment to the family business.
With the mare untacked and settled into her stall for the night, Spencer strode over to the small barn to check on Cinnamon, then went to the house to clean up before supper.
His mother, stirring something on the stove, greeted him with an air-kiss. She wrinkled her nose. “You smell like horse.”
Tossing his Stetson onto the hat rack, he snorted. “If you aren’t used to horse smells by now—”
“Just an observation, mijo. I’m quite fond of aroma de caballo.” Lois Navarro might not be Latina, but after thirty-six years as Hank’s wife and Arturo’s daughter-in-law, she’d picked up enough Spanish to hold her own. Smiling, she tilted her head. “Can’t help but notice you’ve been spending a lot more time next door. Nice to have Lindsey around again, isn’t it?”
How was he supposed to answer that without putting ideas into his mother’s head? She’d always favored Lindsey, never letting the Navarro-McClement feud get in the way. “She’s giving me advice about starting an equine rescue nonprofit. She even has a friend who can build me a website.”
“Wow, you’re going all out with this venture. And my son getting all techy with a website—never thought I’d see the day.”
“And you haven’t seen it yet.” Good thing Dad and Tito hadn’t come in yet. He’d just as soon leave them out of the loop until his plans solidified.
