“On the ranch,” Thomas added. “We’ve been working with you for more than a year.”
Brett was still confused. “You don’t like it here?”
“No,” Dave said quickly. “We like it here. A lot. It’s just that…you know…the program was only supposed to last for eighteen months. And you know…”
“What’s going to happen to us once the program finishes?” Thomas blurted out. His face flushed redder than a sun-ripened tomato.
Dave’s clenched jaw told Brett just how important the question was to them. “What would you like to do?”
Thomas and Dave looked at each other.
“We’d like to stay,” Dave said. “If that’s okay with you and Mr. McConachie.”
“You wouldn’t have to pay us a full ranch hand’s wage, either,” Thomas added. “Mrs. Bennett’s meals are real good and we don’t have many expenses.”
The hopeful expression on their faces brought a lump to Brett’s throat. He knew what it felt like to not know where you belonged. With their history, finding another job wouldn’t be easy. But thankfully, there was no reason for them to leave.
Brett slid two pieces of bread into the toaster and returned to the table. “Pat and I are impressed with what you’re doing. We were going to ask if you wanted to stay with us. On full pay.”
Dave’s eyes widened. “We can stay?”
Brett nodded. “For as long as you like.”
The smile on Thomas’ face was instant. “That’s…that’s awesome,” he stammered.
Dave cleared his throat. “Thank you.”
Brett smiled. “You’re welcome. Although there is one catch.”
Thomas’ smile slipped.
“Pat and I have decided to continue the youth program next year. Would you both be happy to act as mentors for a new ranch hand? You’d need to show them the basics and teach them about living on a ranch.”
Dave sat taller in his seat. “We could do that.”
Brett dipped his spoon into his bowl of soup. “That’s great. I’ll let Pat know that you want to stay with us.”
“We’ll thank Mr. McConachie tonight,” Thomas said. “My sisters will be happy. When I moved here, they changed bedrooms. Laura’s had her own room for so long that she won’t want to share with Lily again.”
Dave lowered his head and kept eating.
Brett knew things were tough for Dave’s family. “What about you, Dave? What do you think your mom will say when you tell her you’ve got a full-time job?”
“She’ll be happy, too,” he mumbled.
Thomas leaned toward Dave. “Tell Brett what happened last night.”
Dave didn’t raise his head.
A sinking feeling hit Brett’s stomach. If Dave’s father was up to his usual tricks, he’d speak to the police about what they could do.
“What happened?” Brett kept his voice low, willing himself to calm down and hear what Dave had to say.
“Tell him,” Thomas insisted. “If you don’t, I will.”
“You told me you wouldn’t say anything,” Dave whispered.
Thomas might have the more easy-going nature of the two, but not today. “I’m not saying anything. You are.”
