“No, that is not the solution,” Willow said as he sat down at the table.“You know what you have to do.”
“What are you talking about?”Hayden asked.
Becket glared at Willow.“Nothing.”
As they got up from the table, Hayden put a hand on Becket’s shoulder.“Do you have a minute?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Shall we talk in my office?”
“Stay,” he told Harper.With a soft whimper, she lay down again.
As Becket followed Hayden, he glanced at Willow.
“Tell him,” she said.
“Please,” Cooper added.
In his office, Hayden sat down on one of the chairs near the window.“Come and sit.I think we should talk.”
“About what?”
“About you.”
Irritated, Becket frowned.“What about me?”
“You show up, you’re doing a great job pretending to like the work on the ranch, I can always rely on you, but I get the impression you’re not really enjoying it.”
Crossing his arms, Becket glared at his brother.Damn it, he didn’t have time for this.“Since when does one have to be happy when you work?”
Hayden smiled.“Oh, I think that’s a prerequisite for any job.If your heart isn’t in it, why do it?”
Sighing, Becket got up.“Look, I don’t know what drivel Willow and Coop have told you, but I’m happy.Okay, maybe not ecstatically happy, but who the hell is?I like most aspects of working on a ranch, but we’re all different.”
“Exactly.I know, for instance, Coop’s strong point is animals.He’d much rather spend time with them than with people.Ranching is a business and like any business we need to use every hand we have where they do the best work.Not everyone likes to work with the cattle, some prefer working the fields.”
“Damn it, Hayden, where does this come from?Have I given you any reason to complain?”
“Of course not.”Hayden also got up.“I was hoping you’d trust me enough to tell me about your illustrations.”
Becket looked up quickly.“Who told you?Was it Willow or Coop?”
“They’ve mentioned it, but I’ve always known you love to draw.Ever since you were little, you were always drawing on anything you could get your hands on.I didn’t know about your social media page, though.Laura was the one who showed me what you’re doing.I’ve always known you have talent but, looking at the illustrations you share with the rest of the world, if not your family, it’s obvious that is your passion.If the comments on your posts are any indication, people love your cartoon sketches as well as the witty comments you add.Wouldn’t you rather spend your time doing that than working on the ranch?”
Stunned, Becket stared at his brother.“You and Cooper can’t do the work alone.Willow helps when she can, but when she has an upcoming exhibition, she disappears into her studio for days.”
“I know.That’s why I’ve contacted a few people who have reached out before about working with us and I think I’ve found the right person.You know Hunter Grant?”
Becket nodded.“I’ve had a few beers with him at various times over the years.I like him.Last I heard, he was still working on a neighboring ranch.”
“He’s resigned.His family has a ranch in Colorado and he was heading back, because his dad wanted to retire.I’m not quite sure what happened, but apparently the old guy has changed his mind.I haven’t asked more questions, but Hunter is interested in joining our team.I’ve spoken to Coop and Willow about it.Coop doesn’t have a problem, but Willow… let’s just say she’s not very happy about it.”
“Do you know why?”
“Not really.Hunter is ready to join us as soon as you decide what you want to do.”
A huge lump formed in Becket’s throat.“But what about Walker?”
