Page 116 of When the Smoke Clears

I motion to the door. “Sorry to keep you from breakfast.”

“No apologies necessary. Thank you.” He extends a hand that I shake willingly.

“I’ll meet you guys out there in just a bit.”

I’ve just finished drafting paperwork for Kelly when my cell rings on the desk. It’s Jason, which is odd because the guys hardly ever call me when I’m not around.

“Hey, Jason. Everything ok?”

“Uh, yeah,” he says, sounding confused. “Were you serious about pigs? Because some guy is here with two big-ass hogs in a truck.”

I grin. “Yep. Might add more, too.”

“Uh. Ok. Cool. So…” He lets the last word trail off instead of asking a question.

“Have him pull up to the enclosure. Shouldn’t take more than the four of you to get them in there.” I laugh at their expense.

His confusion turns to concern. “You got it, boss.” As he pulls the phone from his ear, I hear, “Just when I feel like I’m getting somewhere with the cattle,” and the call cuts off.

Deep into the afternoon, I decide to take Maci on a short tour of Terrence’s property. We cut through the gate on the west side of Strickland Ranch, which enters near the front corral.

Terrence waves from the back end of a long trailer attached to a truck. They’re loading horses. “Hey there,” he says with a smile.

I pull the Defender up alongside him and we climb out. As Maci rounds the front of the vehicle, I wrap an arm around her and tuck my face into her hair. “You’re getting punished for that later. You know better than to touch the door.”

Her face reddens before she can hide it.

“Terrence, this is Maci. Maci, Terrence.”

Terrence extends a gloved hand, which she shakes. “Nice to meet ya,” he says, grinning again. “You two getting ready for the big move?”

Maci smiles pleasantly.

I nod. “We are. I’m just giving Maci a quick tour over here, like I mentioned, and we’ll be out of the way.”

“You’re no bother to us.” He waves a dismissive hand. “The main house is open if you want to take a peek.” He bounces an eyebrow at Maci. “You’re welcome to check anything else.”

“Thanks.” She smiles, and her eyes fall to the horses.

Terrence and I exchange a few more words before we wish him well and head off. This time, Maci waits for me to open the door for her.

“Good girl,” I say into her ear before she sits.

She exhales audibly and falls into the seat.

Today, I focus on showing her the buildings. Corrals and stables up front, along with two large open arenas. Kelly previously mentioned using them for events, and I agree it’s a good use of what’s already here.

“I love these.” Maci gestures to the first arena, raising her voice over the yell of the engine. “Didn’t you say Kelly thought they could be repurposed?” Her green eyes meet mine, and I’m captivated by the spark there. When she’s brainstorming and creative, there’s so much life in her. I want to see it all the time.

“Yeah. Actually, I’ve decided to have him take my role on.”

“I think that’s a great idea.”

“I’d love for you to sit down with me and the ranch hands, especially Kelly, and talk about some ideas. I think you and Kelly would be a great team.”

She smiles widely, but I don’t miss the hint of surprise cross her face. “I’d love to.”

A strong satisfaction coats my insides. Building this legacy with Maci is immensely gratifying, and I’m excited to see where it all goes.

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