“I’m sure you’ll be fine. You’re good with kids and horses.”
Charlotte bit back a retort. She was glad Emerson had stepped up to help on Saturday mornings, but it wasn’t enough. Charlotte would need more help if they continued to grow. But she hadn’t really vocalized that to her sister. Maybe it was time she did so.
Emerson loaded the last dish and started the dishwasher.
“You know, the expansion has been going very well. We’re in the black even with me quitting my second job. And with these extra lessons and Gunner’s new clients, there’ll be enough money to pay another ranch hand a modest salary.”
“That’s great.” Emerson grabbed the dishrag and began cleaning up the mess she’d made.
Her sister wasn’t taking the bait. “I was kind of hoping you might like to fill that position. You wouldn’t have to work at the bakery anymore. No more getting up at five in the morning...” She chuckled nervously.
“Thanks, but I like my job. I’m learning a lot and Vivian’s pretty flexible with my hours.”
“We could be flexible too. I’m pretty sure we could afford to pay you more than she is.”
Emerson tossed the rag in the sink. “I don’t want to work the ranch, Charlotte. I’ve tried to tell you that about a million times. I don’t know how to make it any clearer than that.”
Charlotte blinked. “I did hear you. But Mom left this place to both of us, not just me. And I thought once the ranch was turning a profit—once it was a success—you’d want to be part of it.”
“That’s because you’re not listening. I don’t care if it makes the Fortune 500 list, I’m not interested in working here.”
Charlotte winced. Her jab felt so personal, as if she was rejecting Charlotteandthe ranch in one fell swoop. Em had been raised here just like Charlotte, and she was great with horses. Why didn’t she want to do this together—make it a real family business?
Emerson’s expression softened. “I know you love the ranch. It’s obviously in your blood—but it’s not in mine.”
Understanding dawned. “Is that what’s going on here? Because the ranch was passed down from Mom’s family? Have I made you feel you’re not a part of it? Because that was never my intention. I know I kind of pressured you into the expansion, but that was the only way this place would ever make it. It’s been going for three generations. I can’t be the one to run this place into the ground. Em, you’re my sister in every way that counts. And you were Mom’s daughter too. She wanted us to share this place.”
Emerson shook her head. “That’s not it. Mom, Dad, and you have always been my real family.” She gave Charlotte a pointed look. “I’mnot the one searching somewhere else for that.”
Charlotte sucked in a breath. And there it was. The topicthat had been pushed to the back burner all these weeks was suddenly moved to the front and set to boil. “That’s not fair.”
“Maybe not, but the whole subject leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I saw your laptop the other day—you’re still searching for him.” Emerson straightened and headed for the door. “And I saw the Robinsons here in full force for your grand opening. I can’t compete with that.”
“You don’t have to—Emerson, please don’t go. We need to talk about this.”
“I have to tack up the horses. Good luck with your lessons.” And just like that she was gone.
As it happened, Gunner ended up helping Charlotte with the classes. And she was grateful since one of the kids had trouble listening and waiting his turn. Gunner was great with the little guy, giving him one-on-one guidance while Charlotte adjusted the stirrups for the two students on the ponies.
After class he waved as the last car pulled down the drive. “It was smart scheduling the classes back-to-back.”
The August sun beat down mercilessly, making Charlotte wish for some shade trees. “No reason to tack and untack twice. I’m glad it worked out for everyone’s schedule. That didn’t go too badly, did it? If the second lesson goes that well, I think I’ll be able to manage on my own going forward.”
“You did great and the kids had a good time.”
“That’s important. It’ll keep ’em coming back. And they each learned the safety rules and got some saddle time. That little Audrey is a natural. Did you see the way she praised Ginger?”
“She seemed comfortable in the saddle. They all did prettywell though. Even Ethan, once he settled in.” Gunner leaned against the fence, propping one leg up. His arm muscles bunched as he took a swig from his water bottle.
He was a sight in those rugged jeans and faded green shirt. The moms had noticed, that was for sure, even the married ones. They’d be disappointed next week when the eye candy wasn’t around.
Charlotte stroked Firefly’s muzzle and the horse released a soft sigh. “How are the new clients doing? What are their issues?” Gunner was so competent that she’d completely handed the training program over to him.
“They’re coming along. The paint doesn’t like the saddle, and the bay has been biting her stall mate. I think the owner of the paint was just too impatient in his training. I should be able to turn him around pretty quickly. I’m not sure yet why the mare is biting, but hopefully I’ll figure it out.”
“I have no doubt you will.” She thought of Midnight, their resident loner. She’d noticed a special connection between Gunner and the gelding that seemed to extend beyond the training pen. He spent a lot of bonding time with the horse. “And Midnight? How’s he doing?”
“He’s a stubborn one, but I think I’ve found the key to his heart.”
