Page 37 of Her Saltwater Cowboy

“Yes. That’s part of the problem between the boys.”

“Is that what we’re calling them now?”

“Better than brats.”

Willow tipped her chin toward the overhead sun and laughed. She fell back onto the blanket, weightless and free. Cares didn’t exist, neither did stress or worry. Instead, she simply enjoyed the act ofbeing.

“Or you’d prefer to call them that,” Bella said. “I guess I’ll allow it.”

This made Willow laugh more.

They lay in the grass for a while, the air pungent with fresh hay and sun-infused wood. Bella sat straight up. “I think we need a plan.”

“Agreed,” Willow said, lazily. “I’ve got to go make supper, but it would be so nice to be pouring our very own oil into our pots and pans. Still …

“Still?”

Willow sighed. “It’s going to take a lot, I think.”

“Maybe an irrigation specialist first.”

“Yes, and a team for the orchard. Though I think some of the hands might take it on.”

“Maybe Ace’ll be more open to it if we write up a business plan.”

“Business plan? I was just thinking of having Sutter Creek oil around for dipping crusty bread into.”

“Oh … so good! But … I used to work in a library and helped all kinds of people draw up plans. Maybe it’ll help us pitch it to Ace.”

“Correction. It’ll help Chance pitch it.” Willow pulled herself up, tucking her legs beneath her. “I think you’re right, though. We should start by researching what we have here, like we’re doing now. Then maybe some soil testing, as Rafael mentioned.”

“I could sketch out a restoration timeline, since you’re so busy.”

“You wouldn’t mind?”

“Not at all! These baby steps will help everyone get on board. And I’ll feel like I belong around here.”

Willow quirked a look at her. “Why don’t you feel like you belong?”

“Don’t take offense. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

“But something is making you feel that way. Can I help?”

“Well, for one thing, Rafael and I are still newlyweds. We’ve not yet had much chance to build a home together, and, though I know he’s trying real hard to make everyone happy”—she shrugged—“I can tell that some parts are heavy on him.”

“You mean not having your privacy?”

Bella blushed and shrugged again. “Partially that, yes. But also, he and Ace only made their peace last year.”

“Oh, and maybe it didn’t stick?”

“No, it did. It did. They’re on good terms, but I don’t think Chance is really on board yet, kinda like I mentioned earlier.” She grew silent a moment. “It’s not lost on me that this ranch could have been Rafael’s, and he knows that.”

“What do you mean? I don’t understand.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything.” She shifted and began petting Seabiscuit.

“Bella?”

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