Page 2 of Colt

“I might sell the shop, since sales have been good. If I have to fix up the house, and I could sell the shop, I could use that money. I don’t know. I love my coffee shop, though. It was the first thing I got on my own after the divorce.”

“I know. Is the house in bad shape?”

“It’s still standing, but it needs a lot of work on the inside.”

“That means hiring someone. Nick and I will help when we can, but we can’t be there all the time.”

“I’ll check the bulletin board at the Feed Store for job listings. I’ll need someone who knows about horses too.” She smiled. “I’m excited to finally fulfill my dream of owning a boarding stable.”

“You’ll not only need help with the horses, but also someone to keep the barns clean. Are there already ranch hands?” Paige frowned.

“No. Everyone is gone from there. I suppose I’ll need to hire a manager as well.” She nervously chewed her bottom lip.

“That’s right. It’s important to run this place as a business, so you may want to consider hiring someone for accounting or management duties. You can’t do both, and whoever you hire won’t be able to either.” Paige tilted her head. “Are you sure this is what you really want?”

“Paige, you know I’ve always dreamed of running my own boarding stable. I understand that it comes with managing employees, and I have experience with that, but I still plan on helping out with the horses whenever I can.”

Paige grinned. “I know this has been your goal for years, and you’re capable of running a successful business.” She shook her head. “I don’t know why I’m even asking. Of course, this is what you want, and I am genuinely happy for you. But should you be buying a place that you have to fix up? I mean, Nick and I will support you however we can, and Eli and Lorna will too.”

“I can’t find a place, Paige. I just happened to see this on the computer. I’d love to find a place already established that won’t cost me to fix it up. And I’ll have to find someone with experience in managing a ranch, they’ll know what to look for when hiring help.”

“How many horses do you plan on housing at once?”

“I need to inspect the stalls and see their condition. But with the Cotton family selling their property, I’m hoping to attract some of their clients.”

“Maybe you should buy their place. You know Mr. Cotton.” Paige smiled. “Unless they’ve let everyone go since they put it up for sale, you could have workers there, plus a manager. That way, you’ll have someone experienced helping out.”

“It’s probably more than I want to pay, but it wouldn’t hurt to check it out. I’ll head out there now.” Chelsea grinned. “I’ll let you know how it goes. Now go enjoy lunch with your gorgeous husband.”

Paige chuckled. “He drives me crazy, and not always in a good way, but I love him.”

“Yes, you do. Even though you fought it all the way.”

“I did, but he wore me down. Anyway, I should get going before Nick gets impatient.”

“I’ll walk out with you.”

They entered the front of the store to see it packed with customers.

“Your shop is always so busy, Paige.”

“Thank you. I love it too.” Paige turned to her employee. “Alice, I’ll be back in an hour, call me if things get hectic.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Alice, we’ve talked about this. Just call me Paige.”

“I’ll try to remember.” Alice smiled.

Chelsea followed Paige outside.

“Ma’am?” Chelsea couldn’t hold back a laugh.

Paige shook her head. “She’s only twenty and when I asked her to drop the ‘ma’am’ she told me her mother taught her to respect her elders and use proper titles like ma’am and sir for people older than her.”

Chelsea stopped walking, causing Paige to stop as well.

“I’m sorry, but did you say... elders?”

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