“I don’t know. Perhaps I used to work with horses.” How did I do this? She kept her feelings to herself but when the horse stomped his feet, when he knickered, when his eye watched her, she understood him.
Andrew translated what his father had to say. “Our family works for an Argentine rancher, Mr. Cortez. He paid a lot of money for this stallion.” Andrew looked over at the stallion, who was standing by Larina on the other side of the coral. He was now as calm as any of their other horses. “Larina continued to rub the horse’s neck. He is difficult and needs to be manageable before we get back to the ranch.”
“I’m happy to do whatever I can to help.” She continued to rub his neck. This horse was beautiful. She looked into his eyes. Did she work with horses? Something in his eyes and the way he cocked his head back. She definitely felt something familiar. That feeling was a link to her past, and she clung to it desperately.
Andrew continued to translate. “For now, would you mind helping Marco get him back into the stables?”
Andrew’s father called over to Marco.
Larina didn’t know why, but she felt no fear as she entered the corral with the stallion. He calmly followed her to the stables, and she put him in a stall, coming back a moment later with a brush. She started brushing him, talking softly. He turned his head back and stepped closer to nuzzled her chest. She stopped and stood still taking his head into her arms and held him. The stallion moved closer still and put his head over her shoulder as she pressed closer to his chest for a hug. For the first time since they pulled her out of the ocean she felt complete peace. It was several minutes before she or the stallion moved.
Bonding with this amazing animal felt so familiar. Her worries lessened, and a peace descended upon her as the tears ran down her cheeks. Wherever she was from, whoever she had been, she felt like she’d regained some small part of her past with this horse.
The weeks went by, and Larina’s memory still did not return. But her time working with the horses gave her a feeling of home. She clung to that familiarity. She felt like she was making some progress toward her former life, and the trauma of her amnesia started to fade.
Andrew spent more and more time with her and the stallion. “Larina, can I practice my English with you?”
Larina turned and ruffled Andrew’s hair. “Sure, shall we practice what you would say to all the girls?” Andrew turned bright red. Larina laughed. “I am sorry, I am just kidding you and making a joke.”
“Well I would like to know that vocabulary. Perhaps I will marry an American.” Andrew opened the stall to let the stallion out to graze and laughed.
“Okay, let’s sit here for awhile and practice.” Larina sat on the bench next to the stable wall. How about we start with, “You have a very pretty dress today.”
Andrew repeated the phrase.
Every day I will give you a new phrase to practice. Larina got up and walked with Andrew back to the house for dinner.
Marie and Larina were sitting on the porch together as was their habit early each morning. “I enjoy talking with you Marie. You are like a sister to me.”
“Yes it’s good to have girl talk. Otros son mayores.”
That Monday, Marie explained, “My husband is going to the city. Es posible para habla con las autoridades? Es posible?”
Larina wrung her hands. She was scared, but at some point she was going to have to face the fact that this was not her home and these good people were not her family. She agreed they could go to the authorities on her behalf.
While they were gone, she spent her time working with the stallion. It was her opinion that the stallion had been mistreated at some point, which would explain the attachment the horse had for her as a woman. But she didn’t understand the longing she felt when she was with the horse. Something was there in her heart—something she didn’t understand.
Manual called up from the corral. “Los hombres vienen! Larina’s heart started pounding as she came out onto the porch to see. “Gracias Manual.”Larina sat on the porch feeling too weak in he knees to walk down to the boat.
Maria came out on the porch and sighed. “Don’t worry Larina, if you no like, stay here.” The men were unloaded the boat. Most of it looked like feed for the horses and tools for the machinery but there were a few small packages that Andrew was carrying up to the house.
“Larina,”Andrew came running up smiling from ear to ear. Her heart skipped, and she half smiled back at him. “We did not find anything. No one knows who you are!” Andrew was full of excitement.
She sighed in relief and tousled his hair. He gave her a tentative hug and ran back to help his father. I need to get over this fear. Whatever happened, I know I am stronger than this.
She was smiling as she watched Andrew run back up with a package for her. He watched her as she opened it. “Yes!” In the box were some Levi’s and western shirts and a jean jacket.
Marie came up, smiling. “You like?”
“Yes, I love jeans.” She went in and tried on a pair then came back out onto the porch. The men gave her wolf whistles. Larina playfully bowed and turned around. “Gracias amigos.”
The island ranch had become the winter training center for the Cortez ranch. Even though the island had been in her husband’s family for centuries it was now the location for their horse training business. They had 5 ranch hands who were mostly the cousins of her husband. Their wives worked too tending the garden and fields and gathering clams and fishes and fruits that grew plentifully in the forested areas.
Larina took a deep breath. She loved the smell of the ocean with the sweet smell of wild flowers. That evening everyone gathered for dinner outside on the porch. The mood was festive until someone said something about the government. She looked around the table and everyone’s face looked pinched.
“What is the government have to do with this?”
Marie leaned over to her. “I don’t really understand it myself. There is some law about land ownership.”
The daily work continued as the time approached to move to Argentina and the big ranch.
“Andrew, tell me about this ranch in Argentina.” Larina caught up with Andrew on his way down to the corral.
“We live there six months of the year and train horses.”
“Then who do you work for the other months?”
“We usually make enough to last us all year. It’s very important that we do well.”
The next day Larina was in the stables trying to clean the hoofs of the horses. Andrew’s father watched her for a few moments. He finally came over to help. “Dejame mostrarte una manera mas facil.”
In two seconds he used his tool and the horses hoofs were clean. Larina laughed it was done so fast. “I have been working on this for one hour.” “Gracias!”
He gave her his tool and left, chuckling.
Soon Larina’s Spanish was getting good enough to have simple conversations, and she was beginning to understand how dependent everyone was on their employment at the ranch. She still didn’t understand everyones worry about the government thing but she was fitting in and helping a lot. One evening, Andrew’s father asked to speak to her. She was in the barn with the stallion, Caballo, watching the colorful sunset, when Andrew walked up with his father. “Hola, Larina. My father would like to hire you to go with us to Argentina. We raise and train the horses for professional polo teams.” Andrew looked at Larina, his eyes pleading. “My father feels you have the gift with horses.”
Andrew’s father spoke in heavily accented English. “We need you.” With teary eyes, he patted her hand and looked earnestly at Larina. “We do not want to say goodbye.”
Andrew’s father was a kind and loving man. He was much older than Marie—he had rounded out in the middle, and his hair was greying at the temples. But to see him breaking the horses was something to behold. All the men would gather around just to watch. He had amazing strength and a knack with the horses that not one of the men could outdo.
And
rew said his father especially wanted to tell her that they thought of her as family. “It is important that we do well with this stallion.” His father’s face dropped into worry. “The country officials are trying to push our family off of the island. This island has been in our family for generations. They want to sell it to investors who plan to build a resort. “
“How can they do that?” Larina was amazed any government could do that.
“We don’t understand.” Andrew shook his head. “There is corruption in government. They are telling us we have to pay many taxes, and they want paperwork to prove we own this land. Our family had owned it for generations before any paper was required.” She especially wanted to help them fight this injustice. “You are the only family I know. I will come with you to Argentina. Si, es un honor.”
The next week was full of preparations. The house was boxed up, and Manuel moved from the bunkhouse to the main house. Ever since Manuel had pulled her from the ocean and care for her while they traveled back to their island; she had a special bond with him and he seemed to be extra concerned over her welfare.
“Manuel will stay with the horses we leave behind and care for the property.” Marie handed Larina some boxes to stack on the porch.
The men, however, planned to bring their training horses with them. There was a feeling of excitement in the air. Everyone walked with a sense of purpose, gathering equipment and loading the trailers. Larina was excited as well. She took a deep breath and determined to go forward with courage. Change was not a bad thing.
The day arrived, and a ferry came to the dock. Seven horses were walked down to the ferry and put in the stalls. Larina took Caballo’s reins and started walking down toward the dock. She stopped at the water’s edge hesitant to step on that barge. It was a large flat ferry with horse stalls on each side. Caballo was balking until Larina realized he could smell her fear. “It’s okay boy, I’m the one with water issues.” She took out a carrot and led him onto the boat. His stall was full of hay and it had a box with grain in it. As soon as he smelled that he went in happily.
“Where’s my treat?” Larina planned to stay with Caballo for the entire journey.
“How long will the trip be to the mainland?” Larina was feeling very ill at ease being on the water again.
Marie looked over. “Not long. I can ride with you if you are worried.”
“No, I will be fine.” She wasn’t sure she would be fine being on the water again, but she didn’t want to cause extra trouble.
It took an hour to get to the mainland. The bigger islands blocked most of the ocean waves from reaching the harbor. Even though the water was fairly calm during the trip, Larina was stressed and began to panic. As her heart started pounding she grabbed the side of the stall and held on tight. She could feel herself sinking into the deep. The horror she had felt, alone and trapped on that tenuous raft, rushed through her veins.
Caballo sensed her fear and became agitated, stomping his feet and pushing against the side of the stall. “Help me boy.” Larina reached out her hand toward Caballo. He calmed and sided up to her so she could reach him. As soon as she touched him her heart started to slow.
Caballo turned his head back and nibbled her arm gently.
“Thank you, it’s okay now. I am sorry, bad memories.” What is wrong with me? I thought I was over this fear. She sat down in the corner of the stall and recovered.
Once they arrived, the horses were loaded into trailers waiting on shore. The men joined the drivers in the trucks. Larina rode with Marie and Andrew. The sun was shining and the air was clean after a cool mountain shower. Larina could smell the pine and spices from someones kitchen as they drove along. The beauty of the mountains was breathtaking. “It is so beautiful here. The mountain peaks reach into heaven.”
“Do you know this place?” Marie asked.
“No, it’s all new—very beautiful and new. I was hoping I would see something familiar.”
I know you will find your home. It just may not be here in South America.” Marie looked down.
“We will keep our friendship Marie no matter where I end up. We are sisters.”
Marie took her hand and squeezed it. “Let’s practice our language.”
“That is a great idea. Your English is coming along a lot better than my Spanish.”. Marie kept up a steady conversation with her as they drove, helping her practice Spanish and then switching to English so Marie could practice.
Andrew scowled in the backseat. “I wanted to travel with the men.”
Marie looked back and frowned. “Andrew you know your father will let you do what he feels you can do.”
“Yes Andrew and besides I hope you will be close to where I am working.”Larina laid her head back and almost immediately fell asleep until she felt Marie’s gentle prodding. “Larina, we’re here.”
She sat up straight and looked out at a beautiful valley nestled in a mountain canyon. The pasture’s grasses were gently waving in the evening breeze. Jutting out of the forested foothills were sharp mountain peaks that took up half of the sky. Marie rolled down the window. “The air is so fresh. Can you smell the pine? Its glorious.”
Andrew sat on the edge of his seat. “This time, Father will give me more important work to do. He promised. Our Juarez family has worked for the Cortez family for generations and I know how to train the horses.”
“What were your duties when you were here last?” Larina was impressed with the corrals and individually fenced pasture areas.
Andrew pointed to the whole valley before them. “This is the ranch, the whole valley. I was in charge of the morning feeding.”
“What do you hope to do now, Andrew?”
Marie answered for him in Spanish which Larina didn’t understand. She looked to Andrew. “She said I want to train the horses. I can do much of what they do already.”
“I don’t know what I will be doing either,” Larina replied. “Perhaps we can work together.” They all looked at the large mansion as they drove past it to the small cottages behind the stables. Large oak trees surrounded the stables and outbuildings. The main house had a large limestone wall surrounding an acre of land. The house was also made of limestone. Larina could see a courtyard and swimming pool through the front gate as they drove by. It was elegant, and the barred windows and gates shouted Do Not Enter.
Marie looked over to Larina. “We work for the Cortez family. My husband’s family trains the horses that Jared Cortez sells to the polo teams in Argentina.”
“That is impressive Marie. I hope I can be of use, this is a very professional looking ranch.” She looked out at the many pastures and tracks all nicely fenced with white board fencing. “I hope I don’t let the Juarez family down.” She felt nervous and wondered if she could really do this. All her horse experience was just discovered as she worked with them. She had no idea if she really could train horses or not.
They drove around to the back of the stables and up a little hill where large oak trees shaded four little cottages. Larina took in breath and sighed. “These look darling. So we get to live here for six months.” They were nestled at the base of the mountain just outside the pine forests. Larina could see herself sitting on the rocks at the edge of the woods enjoying the countryside maybe while eating her lunch. It was going to be an exciting time.
Chapter 4
T he days passed as Shane finished his research and finalized his travel plans. He had studied horse ranches all over South America but was most intrigued by a ranch in Argentina that had produced some champions. Finally the day arrived to leave. He spent the hour before he left with Jasper. “Okay, boy, I will miss you, but our plans are starting to gel.” He patted his horse’s neck and rubbed the star on his forehead. “I will be back in just one week.”
The flight to Buenos Aires was long and uneventful. First class was fine but nothing like his father’s private jets. As nice as they were they were not equipped to fly horses around. So Shane was forced to fly commercial.
From the airport in Buenos Aires, he took a smaller plane and then a helicopter to the Cortez ranch.
As he came in for a landing, Shane surveyed the valley. “Whoa, this is beautiful.” The valley was nestled under some serious mountain peaks, and the grasses were green and lush. A flood of workers met his helicopter and ushered him into a truck that drove him up to the front door of the mansion. This large and lavish home reminded him of his parents’ home in Texas.
A stately man came down the porch steps to greet him. “Mr. Stapley, it’s so nice to meet you in person. I have enjoyed our phone conversations.”
“Yes, I enjoyed talking with you about these beautiful animals. This is an amazing area. We could use some of the rain you obviously get here.” Shane shook his hand and looked around as he followed Jared Cortez into his home.
At dinner, Shane enjoyed a brief history of the Cortez ranch. He was impressed. Jared’s mother was American and so was his wife. “That explains your perfect English, Jared. How did you meet your wife? If you don’t mind my asking.”
“I was sent by my parents to a dude ranch in Texas for a vacation, basically to get me away from a girl they didn’t see as suitable. At the ranch, I met my wife and fell in love.”
“What ranch was it?” Shane was interested now.
“The Rio Lago Ranch. We will never forget the name or the kind people there.” Jared took his wife’s hand. “We still stay in touch with Carson, their ranch manager. He is coming down soon to look at our stallions as well.”
“Oh, competition I see.” Shane laughed
“Always.” Jared grinned. “I hope you will also take time to see some of the countryside. We have amazing trails into the mountains with waterfalls and beautiful private lakes.”
“That sounds like an adventure I cannot pass up.”
As he lay down to sleep that night, Shane was anxious for morning to arrive. He had made a study of the champion lines in polo sports but also in steeplechase. He couldn’t wait to see in person the beautiful animals he had only seen in pictures.
Her Billionaire to Remember (A Texas Ranch Romance Book 5) Page 2
