Page 35 of Ranch's Resolve

The little boy’s eyes stay rooted to the floor, but he slowly lifts four fingers. Ranch and I chuckle. The sound has the littleboy lifting his head to look at us. He has black hair, like his father, and the same tan, but his eyes are not the same shade of chocolate brown. The setting sun filters through the window and shines in his golden eyes. When he grins at our amusement, he reveals an adorable gap in the center of his smile.

“This is my friend, Athena,” Ranch introduces me to the father and son.

“Can I see your picture?” I ask Santiago. He leads me to the table to show me the picture he’s been drawing. I see it is a page in a coloring book. A little girl with black hair and tanned skin sits beside a pond as she reaches out to touch a frog. The little girl has dark yellow eyes and is wearing pink shorts and a red t-shirt. He did a fantastic job of coloring within the lines. “That’s very good.”

He grins at me but says nothing. I noticed he hasn’t spoken a word since we entered.

“I saw Max outside with the horses,” Ranch says. “Have you met him yet?”

“Si. Briefly,” Carlos responds.

“Want to see the horses?” Ranch asks Santiago, holding out his hand to the boy.

Santiago nods before taking Ranch’s hand.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: RANCH

I lead the way to Max, who stands at the fence watching the barn cleanup. Next to him is Adele Blanchard.

“Adele, how are you?” I ask, leaning over to kiss her cheek.

“I’ve been better,” Adele admits with an exhausted smile. I introduce her to Athena, Carlos, and Santiago.

“I heard about your dad. Is he still in the hospital?”

“He’s home. He refused to stay another night. The doctor wanted him to go into a rehabilitation center, but the stubborn man refused. I need to find him a physical therapist. I’ll have a hard time getting him to leave the ranch for therapy, but I doubt I can find someone to make house calls.”

“We know a physical therapist,” Athena offers.

“Athena is right. One of my brothers is dating a physical therapist. Her name is Tanya. She’s excellent. She works out of a clinic, but she’s made noises about branching out and taking on private clients. I can give you her number,” I offer.

“That would be great.” Adele’s eyes flick over to Carlos and Santiago.

“Carlos is a new ranch hand,” I explain. “He doesn’t have anyone to watch the boy, so he’s staying here, too.”

Adele shakes their hands, smiling at the boy, while Max shakes Carlos’s hand. Max sends me a questioning look.

“Did Max mention that we’ll loan you ranch hands to help you while your dad is laid up?” I ask Adele.

“He did. We were just discussing where I need help. I have a few men working part-time. They’re taking care of the llamas and the sheep. I can handle feeding the goats, chickens, and pigs. However, I might need help transporting the goats if someone rents them. I don’t have anything scheduled in the next few days, but that may change. My biggest concern is protection, especially at night. I have a shotgun, and I know how to use it, but I’m a heavy sleeper. I’m afraid that by the time I realize there is a problem, it will be too late.”

“Some of my brothers are coming out here to help guard the ranch. We can work out a shift that ensures your protection, too.”

“I’d be grateful. Is there anything I can do to help you?” Adele asks.

“There’s no need,” I tell her. I turn to Max. “Carver, Reaper, Ghost, and Flame will be out here tomorrow. You can put them to work, along with Carlos,” I say, nodding at the man.

“That’s good. We could use their help,” Max says. He looks at Carlos. “Do you have any experience working on a ranch? Any experience with horses or cows?”

Carlos shakes his head. “I don’t, but I’m a hard worker and a fast learner. I’ll do whatever you need me to do. But what about my son?”

His question draws my attention to Santiago. I hadn’t considered the boy when I offered up Carlos as a laborer. The boy can’t wander around without supervision, but I don’t have anyone who can watch him.

“How about he spends time with me?” Adele offers. “Since you’re lending me ranch hands, I can spend my time withSantiago. Would you like to help me feed the chickens, goats, and pigs?”

“Would that be okay with you?” I ask Carlos.

Carlos doesn’t look like he’s pleased with the suggestion, but he’s smart enough to know he has little choice in the matter. He places his hand on Santiago’s shoulder and nods at me before turning to Adele. “Thank you. I’m sure he would like to help you with the animals.”

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