Page 47 of Choosing the Montana Cowboy

It shouldn’t have surprised Sam that the news had reached his little brother. But then, he’d met Natalie only a week ago tomorrow. Wait—they’d only known each other for a week? As easy as she was to be around, it felt like months.

“Eh, we’ll see,” he said, trying to downplay the news. “Still pretty early on, and she doesn’t live around here.”

“Gramps said she’s a looker.”

Sam smirked. He should have known that’s who spilled the beans.

“Also said she has a heart of gold and is trying to help us protect the ranch,” Jaxon added. “I didn’t realize the resort we heard rumors about when I was home over Christmas would move along that fast.”

“I think Hank Nelson’s passing sped things up. Poor guy was barely in the ground before Jack started looking for buyers.”

“Hank’s probably rolling over in his grave about it,” said Jaxon, contempt in his voice. “He’d hoped to leave that land to his grandkids. At least they would have appreciated it, even if their slimy father didn’t.”

“A tragedy, for sure.”

“Call me crazy, but I swear when I was little, I heard old Hank and Gramps talking about what would happen to the land when he passed. Only reason I remember is because they were playing poker and Hank tossed me the chip he was carrying. It’s a token from the old Golden Nugget casino in Vegas. Still carry it today—it’s my good luck charm.”

Sam shook his head. Jaxon might be the most athletic member of their family, but he’d also always been the most superstitious. “Well, if Natalie can’t convince her company to back off the Nelson property, we might need you to bring your lucky coin home.”

He talked with his brother a while longer, then returned his attention to their cattle inquiries. By noon, his eyes were tired of squinting and his fingers were cramping from all that hunting and pecking on the keyboard. In dire need of some fresh air, he walked the short way from his parents’ home to the main lodge. Hopefully, Norah and Gran were cooking up something good for lunch.

“From that look on your face, I’d guess someone’s been working on the computer all morning,” Norah said as he stepped into the main kitchen. She was loading plates of food on a large serving tray, presumably lunch for the three families gathered in the dining room.

And was that a fresh batch of Gran’s new bison stew? His mouth began to water. The meal had been a hit with their family. Hopefully, their guests would love it, too.

“I don’t know how Dad does it, sitting in front of that computer all day,” Sam admitted. “My back is killing me.”

Norah offered him a wink as she lifted the food tray. Sam held open the door leading into the dining room until she passed by.

“Teddy knows better than to sit in the same place for too long.” Gran ladled stew into a bowl and handed it to him. “You’ll figure that out, too, when it’s your turn.”

He nodded, knowing better than to complain about his future responsibilities. For now, he would continue to enjoy his regular daily role and help his father as needed. All of it was still better than working for anyone else; hearing Natalie’s experiences had reaffirmed that.

“Is Natalie joining us for dinner tonight?”

Sam grinned. She was becoming a staple around here. “Not sure, but I can ask. Was going to pop into town in a bit and see how her meeting with Chuck went.”

“Oh, I’m sure he was all ears. That man has been keyed up on expanding Marietta since he got nominated for the board of works, always saying how he and the mayor have big plans for the town.” Gran shook her head. “If he spent half that energy finding ways to reinvest in our town instead of trying to lure new companies here, we’d already have more money in our reserves.”

“Agreed. Hopefully, he didn’t pressure Natalie too much.”

“And hopefully she didn’t promise too much, either. I don’t envy her, having to play both sides of this project. Appreciate what she’s doing to help, just don’t envy her.” Gran held up a freshly filled to-go container. “Here, take her some stew when you go into town. She can always heat it up for lunch tomorrow. Just make sure she tells everyone where they can come to get more when the aroma has all their mouths waterin’.”

That was Gran, always looking to make an impression—or steal a customer. Their lodge played nice with the Bramble House most days, but come the main tourist season, it was game on. The Bramble House had a fancy dining room and close proximity to downtown; the Flying J had hearty meals and immersive experiences in Big Sky country. Neither was a bad option, in his opinion.

Sam finished his lunch, then made a quick stop at his place to shower and freshen up. He was halfway down the Flying J’s main drive before remembering her habit of calling or texting before coming to visit him. It’d take some practice, trying to remember to do the same for her. Grinning at the idea of this old dog learning new tricks, he paused at the main road, looked both ways, and froze.

“What the hell?”

There, at the front of the Nelson property, was a large, newly erected sign. With no traffic in sight, he eased onto the road and kept his speed low to give him a chance to read what it said.

COMING SOON: RIVER BEND RESORT

LUXURY VACATION DESTINATION

SPONSORED BY TERAKION INDUSTRIES, LLC

Sam’s earlier anxiety, which had eased with news of the ferret discovery, ratcheted up again. Had Natalie’s company had a change of heart? He snapped a picture and stepped on the gas, eager to ask her himself.

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