“Do you plan on keeping the ranch?” Mom asks, wiping her hands on a towel and grabbing her own drink.
“What’s with all the questions?”
“A mother has to know what is going on with her son.”
I snort a laugh before taking a too-hot bite of dinner. So fucking good.
“You know what’s going on with me. Busy with work in Seattle and now, owner of The Lost Spur.”
“I still can’t believe Verne left you the ranch.” Grace whistles.
“You and me both.”
It’s a thought I keep coming back to over the last few days. Trying to get everything sorted out back home before coming here, it was hard to stay focused.
I don’t know who is running the ranch now, but wouldn’t Verne’s right-hand man be better than me, someone who hasn’t worked outside in years? I’m more comfortable behind a desk and computer than on a horse.
“Verne always liked you,” Mom tells me. “Why wouldn’t he leave it to you?”
“Liking someone and leaving them your entire life are two completely different things.”
“Well, maybe you’ll find out some more information once you sign the paperwork with the lawyers.”
“Yeah, maybe.”
“Are you going to see anyone while you’re here?” Mom asks.
“Besides you two? Who else would I need to see?”
I dig in to my dinner, trying not to worry about how long I’ll be here and who I might see. I don’t need to worry aboutthat if I keep to the ranch. That should be my only priority while I’m here.
That and making sure my deals back home don’t completely fall through.
Kelly is perfectly capable of handling things on my behalf while I work remotely, but I don’t want to settle into that pattern here.
I have zero clue what I’m in for when I see the ranch.
“Do you want us to go with you?” Mom asks.
“To meet with the lawyer? No, I’m good.”
“I meant the ranch. You know, now that I’m retired, I can help out.” She waggles her brows at me. “I watch those design shows. I can help you.”
Looking around her house, I know she’s done a lot of work to fix things up.
This place wasn’t always the greatest growing up, but it was home. Once I started making good money, I sent money home for Mom. It’s nice to see that she’s been able to work on this place.
New wallpaper and light fixtures. New appliances in the kitchen. It’s simple things, but it really looks great.
“Maybe I could use you.”
She beams. “I could be your project manager.”
“I think that’s my job, Mom.” I laugh.
“I’m here if you need help.”
“Thanks.”
