“Wouldn’t have missed it,” he replied.He’d talked to Connor when Lara had approached him with her bold proposal to save her family’s business.Cade had offered his support, but he’d urged his older brother to exercise caution.He’d sacrificed a lot to take the helm of Donovan Worldwide.He should have had years to travel, learn the business, date.But he’d never complained.He’d simply done what he’d needed to.All without blaming Cade for anything.“You look…happy.”
Connor grinned like a fool.“I am.”
“Here’s to many joyful years together.”He lifted his beer bottle and Connor tapped the rim of his glass against it.
“You’re going back in the morning?”
“Figured I’d head out after breakfast.Get in a half-day’s work, at least.”Cade didn’t have to explain.More than any of his half-siblings, Connor understood him, his need for solitude, to roam the land in endless search of healing.His grandfather, behaving more like a general than the colonel he was nicknamed after, often insisted that Cade needed to spend more time with the family, so it fell to Connor to cover and make excuses.Cade appreciated it.“I’m told I need to ask you for a guest list for the centennial.”
“That’ll take some thought.I’ll try to remember to ask Thompson.”
“Since you’re technically on your honeymoon starting tonight, I’ll get with him.He’s here tonight, isn’t he?”
“Somewhere.But wait until Monday.This is supposed to be his day off.”
“I forget.”
“It’s a Donovan curse.”
Cade nodded.Their father had always told them it was their responsibility not to fail.And none of them wanted to be one to let down the previous five generations.“Speaking of work…”
“I should have guessed.”
“When you’re back from your honeymoon, I could use some time to discuss some ideas for the ranch.”
“What are you thinking?”
“Ah.You mentioned something about this being your reception?”
They exchanged shrugs.
Connor glanced back inside, evidently to ensure his wife was occupied.“Make it quick.”
“I’m thinking of offering limited tourism.Maybe seasonal.”
Connor took a drink and regarded Cade.“On the whole section?”
He shook his head.“Just section one.”
“That one’s yours.You don’t need to run anything past me unless you’re looking for a second opinion.”
“It’s your heritage, too.But there are fiscal aspects to consider.Could make money.Could lose it.”
“What are the net benefits?”
“More people get to enjoy it.It provides employment opportunities for people living in town.Considering allowing tubing on the river.Horseback riding.That sort of thing.If it makes money, we could consider expanding the conservation area into section one.”
“Negatives?”
“Because I live there, it could mean some loss of privacy.Increased insurance premiums.Environmental impacts, for sure.We’d need parking, restroom facilities, vans or some way to move people around.”They already offered hunting, fishing and birding trips.But those were on the southernmost portion of the land.“There have to be another dozen things I haven’t considered.”
Connor nodded.“Have you consulted with Ricardo?”
Ricardo was the foreman of that section.More than anyone, he would know some of the pitfalls.“I was going to do that next.”
“Good plan.Then have him contact Nathan.Nathan can work on a feasibility study, work up a cost analysis.”
“You don’t mind me asking?”
