“No, still trying to narrow that down. So far, everyone has done everything they need to do to keep illnesses like this from spreading.”
“I heard the ag officer is threatening to fine whoever was the culprit.”
“I don’t know Dr. Reed personally, but from what I’ve seen, he’s all talk. He likes to scare people into conformity. I don’t think we’ll be able to pinpoint anyone. Everyone is so good about taking care of their herds.”
“Sometimes things happen.” He shrugs.
“Agreed.
“I heard about the trouble your dad is in.”
“Where did you hear about that?”
He shrugs again and glances down quickly. “I’m quiet and listen a lot.”
I blow out a breath.
“Buddy,” I sigh.
“I don’t want your dad to lose the ranch. He’s a good man. I know you have your problems with him, but…he was taken advantage of. A lot of people were and…”
“I’ll figure it out, Caleb.”
“You don’t have to do it all on your own, though. You’re part of our family.”
Why is he saying that? Does he know about me and his dad?
“I’ve got it under control, I promise.”
He hesitates, then pulls an envelope from his jacket pocket and holds it out to me. “I want you to take this.”
I blink, staring at the envelope like it might bite me. “What is that?”
“Money,” he says simply. “I know things are tight, and I want to help.”
This fifteen-year-old is handing me an envelope full of money.
My chest tightens, and I shake my head, stepping back. “Caleb, no. I can’t take your savings.”
“You can,” he insists, stepping closer. “And you should. Your dad’s a good man, and so are you. If this can help even a little, then I want to do it.”
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I swallow them down. “That’s… that’s incredibly kind of you. But I can’t accept it. You’ve got your own life, your own responsibilities. I won’t take from you.”
He looks at me, his expression earnest. “It’s not about me. It’s about you. And your dad. I know you’ll find a way to make things work, but I want to help however I can.”
I reach out and put a hand on his arm, squeezing gently. “You’re a good kid, Caleb. The best ever. And I’ll never forget this. But I won’t take your money. I’ll figure it out.”
He sighs, slipping the envelope back into his pocket. “All right. But if you change your mind, it’s here. Just say the word.”
I nod, giving him a small smile. “Thank you. Really.”
As he heads back toward the house, I take a few seconds to focus on my breathing.
This kid barely knows me, but Wade has done a great job raising him. He is willing to give me his savings to help save my family’s ranch.
Once I’ve finished with the herd, I return to the guest house, change my clothes, and grab my running shoes. I need to clear my head, and nothing does that better than a good run. The cool air greets me as I jog down the dirt path away from the barn, my thoughts swirling.
By the time I return, my muscles ache pleasantly, and my mind feels a little less chaotic. I’m wiping sweat from my brow when I see Wade standing by the barn, his arms crossed and his jaw tight. The moment he spots me, he strides over, his boots kicking up small clouds of dust.
