Page 39 of Ranch's Resolve

“What plans?” Roger asks.

“You’ll hear about them while we eat.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: RANCH

As I listen to Adele describe her idea of turning their ranch into an animal sanctuary, I notice Athena picking at her food. Although, as I watch, I realize she’s only avoiding the pork chops, which are some of the best I’ve ever eaten. However, instead of calling her on it, I focus on Adele and Roger.

“An animal sanctuary?” Roger asks Adele. I can’t tell from his tone if he likes the idea or not. From the look on Adele’s face, she isn’t certain either. “How would that work?”

“They offer an option to those who have farm animals they need to surrender. That’s how we got Han and Leia. Remember? The family who bought the pigs for their children and didn’t realize how big they’d get?”

Roger nods and chuckles. “Yeah, I remember. They felt bad about having to relinquish the two pigs, but they didn’t have a choice because they lived in a townhouse.”

I shake my head at the absurdity of buying two pigs without researching how big they’d be when they reached maturity.

“Han and Leia are adorable,” Athena says, eyeing the pork chop on her plate with distaste. I grin when I realize she’s picturing the faces of Han and Leia.

“The original Gentle Barn is north of Los Angeles,” Adele explains. “They have other locations across the United States. I visited the California location several years ago, and what they’re doing appeals to me. Especially after talking to Athena about the possibility of having residents of Crossroads come visit the animals.”

“Crossroads?” Roger asks, looking at Athena.

Athena pushes her plate away, obviously done trying to pretend she’ll eat Han and Leia’s cousin. “It’s a shelter for abused women and children. I’m the psychologist on staff, and I’m looking at additional therapy options. Having the women and children visit a ranch like this one can help heal them.”

“How?” Roger asks. The question comes across rough, but I can see the curiosity in his eyes.

“First, getting them off the compound and giving them a change of scenery benefits them. As I explained to Adele, they’ve secured the compound by building towering walls. They’ve softened the environment with greenery, but they can’t hide the prison-like atmosphere. The ranch offers them wide open spaces and an abundance of natural beauty. Nature can heal. Second, the animals will bring the kids and women out of their shells. It’s what animals do best. They offer a distraction. Petting and caring for the animals bolsters happiness. We have an abundance of data proving that animals are natural healers for those who have experienced trauma. It’s why service animals are so popular.”

Roger slowly chews his food as he listens to me describe Crossroads and the plan for visits. He nods when Athena finishes. “I think that’s a great idea. It would be wonderful to see kids on the ranch and enjoying the animals.”

“What about turning this place into an animal shelter?” Adele asks her father.

He shrugs. “We can discuss it.”

I see the disappointed expression on Adele’s face. The rest of the dinner passes silently and a little uncomfortably.

I help Athena and Adele clear the table before assisting Roger back into his recliner. “Is there a reason you don’t want to transition the ranch to a shelter?” I ask him.

He shakes his head slowly before sending a remorseful look toward the kitchen. “I’m considering selling the ranch.”

“Why? Because of the attacks?”

He nods.

“Look, two of my guys will guard this place tonight. My club is looking into the asshole threatening us. We’ll find him and stop him. Don’t give up. Okay? Just give me a few days. If the guy calls again, stall him. Tell him you’re considering his offer, but you need to discuss it with your daughter or with your lawyer. Is the ranch in a trust?”

Roger looks at me with surprise. “Yes, it is. How did you know?”

“I didn’t, but it makes sense. You’re the type of man who would protect his daughter, and having the ranch in a trust for her makes the most sense. Telling the guy you need to discuss the terms with the lawyer will buy you time. He won’t attack if he thinks you’re seriously considering his offer.”

“Okay, I’ll stall him if he calls again. I appreciate the extra guards; they’ll make it easier for me to sleep tonight.”

“Is this threat the only reason you don’t want to consider Adele’s idea for turning the ranch into an animal sanctuary?”

“Yes. I think Adele’s idea is a good one. Even if I go through physical therapy, I probably won’t be the same. Before I fell off the horse, I knew I was getting too old to work the ranch like I did when I was younger. I was considering hiring more help, but that would have me operating in the red. Turning the ranch into a sanctuary would give us options. I like the idea of rescuing animals and having kids come visit.”

“Then do me another favor?” I ask. When he nods, I continue. “Talk to Adele about her ideas for the sanctuary. She’s as worried as you are. Having her focused on something else will help her cope with all that’s going on.”

“I’ll do that,” Roger agrees. A knock on the front door draws our attention and draws the women out of the kitchen.

---