Page 55 of Whiskey and Wildfire

“He cares a lot about the animals,” I said. “Their health is very important to him.”

Mia nodded. “That makes sense. Native people are very in tune with animals, especially horses.”

I just stared at her, surprised by how blatant she was being. “Uh… right.”

“Well, Mr. Baker,” John said, holding out his hand. “How would you like to transform this ranch into something that’s going to keep for family in business for generations?”

My irritation and worry melted away in an instant. “Are you serious?” I asked, staring at his hand. “You… You want to invest?”

“I’m on board if Mia is on board,” he nodded. “And unless Dustin has any legal objections…”

Dustin shook his head but remained silent. “Then I think it’s safe to say we’re ready to sign the contract as soon as you are.”

“Oh my god,” I gasped, barely able to contain my excitement.

Could it really be that easy? Was I going to end up saving the ranch after all? It seemed so impossible two days ago and now there I was, on the precipice of salvation. I nearly shouted in agreement before my mind wandered back to Dakota. I should talk to him first and my family before I did anything.

“If you leave me with a copy of the contract,” I said. “And give me a day or two to talk it over with the family, I’d be happy to get back to you.”

John nodded, a sly smile on his face as he took my hand. “That’s a good instinct you’ve got,” he smiled. “Always look at the contract first.”

The contract was produced from Dustin’s briefcase as we headed back to the main house. With farewells done, I watched as the investors climbed back into their SUV, a mix of emotions swirling in my chest. Relief at their interest, excitement at the potential to save the ranch, but also a gnawing unease about the direction they wanted to take things. As the vehicle disappeared down the dusty driveway, I turned and headed towards the barn, knowing I needed to talk to Dakota.

I found him in the tack room, aggressively polishing a saddle. His jaw was set, eyes focused intently on his work. I leaned against the doorframe, trying to find the right words.

“Dakota, I?—”

“They said yes, didn’t they?” he asked, cutting me off.

“Yeah. They did.”

“What did you say?”

He was so tense, and it put me on my guard.

“I… I told them I needed a day or two to think about it.”

He turned on me in an instant. “What’s there to think about?” he asked, sounding more angry than I expected. “You saved the ranch. Congratulations.”

I furrowed my brow, trying to figure out what was going on. “Dakota… I know that lady upset you, but?—”

“But the ranch is more important,” he finished for me. “I know.” He turned back to the tack, slamming it down on the bench. “Just let me know when you want me to start selling beads by the side of the road. Or maybe you’d like me to dress in feathers from head to toe and spin a sign out on the highway to bring customers in? I bet everyone wants to see that.”

My concern for his well-being quickly turned to anger. “That’s not fair, Dakota.”

“No!” he shouted, turning on me once more and pointing a finger in my face. “You know what’s not fair? The man I care about, the one that shares my bed, standing there and saying nothing while that woman tried to turn me into a fucking circus attraction. See the real Indian! Guess his weight correctly and win a tomahawk! Hell, maybe we should just get a buffalo and slap some war paint on me so I can ride through in the night and reenact the battle at Little Bighorn!”

“What did you want me to do?!” I cried back, the anger filling my chest like a fiery blaze. “Just sacrifice my home? Your home? All because some lady said a few shitty things to you? You’re the one saying how bad you want to save this place and stay here!”

“I’m not a roadside attraction, Logan,” he growled.

“And I have no other way to save this place, Dakota!”

Silence filled the barn as we stared at one another. The moments ticked by and all I could hear was the beating of my own heart in my ears.

“So, that’s it, isn’t it?” Dakota said at last. “This is where it ends.”

“Nothing has to end,” I replied, trying to contain my irritation. “This is the beginning.”

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