Page 17 of Embracing Hope

“But you’re not?”

There was a stretch of silence. “That remains to be seen. So this is Sagebrush Pine?”

She pressed the brake at the red light and glanced over at him. Damn, he was handsome, but she couldn’t let that sedate her logic. “Sagebrush Pine is a grain of sand compared to San Antonio.”

“That sounded a bit like an accusation?”

“Take it however you like.”

“What do y’all do on a weekend?”

“Attend church, drink at Mav’s, or ranch,” she said.

“I would categorize ranching as a living, not a hobby.”

“A true rancher understands he will have no hobbies. The ranch consumes their life.” She stared at the light waiting for it to change. “See, that’s what you need to understand. Daddy is a rancher. He’s dedicated his life to making Sagebrush Rose what it is today. The land is his baby, his legacy. People from states away know the Rose reputation. When they buy our beef, they know it’s high quality. So, while you’re turning over rocks to find reasons why you shouldn’t agree to the merger with Sagebrush Rose, remember there are a dozen other farms and ranches out there that would jump at this opportunity. Daddy has seen strife before, and he’s overcome every single one.”

He grunted. “I’m not disputing Sam's reputation, but there’s a stain on the Rose name after some incidents on the ranch. Questions arise when a hand gets killed or hurt on any ranch.”

“For a man who seems to have done his research, it certainly lacks knowledge. Rigs Fletcher, or should I use his real name, Pok, was a criminal who tried to kill a handful of people, including my sister before he was fatally shot.”

“What about all the sudden marriages?”

“What about them?”

“Each of your sisters have walked down the aisle in the last six months.”

She sighed. “Are you suggesting that my sisters' marriages indicate some sinister plot?”

“I understand business, Hope. In theory, the Sagebrush Rose Ranch seems to be undergoing significant changes, possibly in its leadership. I know Sam is approaching retirement age, and if that's the plan, Marcum Livestock needs to be informed sooner rather than later.”

“Are you suggesting that if Daddy retires, theoretically speaking, my sisters and I aren’t able to run the business?”

“My brother and I need to know before we proceed with the merger. I’m not questioning your capabilities, but we understand this is a significant risk for Marcum Livestock.”

“I’m sure if there’s anything that you need to know, Daddy will inform you.”

“Hmm.”

“What does that mean?”

“You know what I think? Instead of Sam heading up this merger like I’d expected, he sent his beautiful, persuasive daughter. That could mean he’s hiding something or doesn’t care if this business deal happens.”

Hope needed to monitor her words carefully. Isaac was observant and thoughtful.

“I don’t care what you think. And if you believe I’ll waste my breath trying to convince you of something you already have figured out, then you’re full of misconceptions. Daddy asked me to be the liaison, and I’m doing that. If you have a problem with that, I suggest you ask him to find someone else.” The best way to deter Isaac’s thoughts was to act like she didn’t care.

“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not mad that you’re the liaison. You are mighty upset, though. Like an internal bomb is about to explode.”

She waved a hand to dismiss him.

The small town blossomed into pastures, lush fields, and mountains with craggy tall tips that seemed to touch the sky lit only by the setting sun. “I’ve heard you and your brother aren’t real cowboys.” Yeah, some part of her just wanted to get a rise out of him, just as he always managed to get one out of her.

Instead of getting offended, he chuckled. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ve heard it told that Sam is so busy running behind his daughters cleaning up their messes that he’s lost track of what’s important. He can’t run a tight ship like he used to either. Probably why his hands are running amuck.”

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