Page 81 of Tempting Fate
Gabe knew, and sympathized with all of them. “Hopefully the city will stop it from happening.”
“I wouldn’t bet your money on it. Revenue for the city is a hard thing to turn down just because a few nimbies are complaining.”
“You mean some of the most influential residents in the community.” Gabe hitched his brows in challenge.
“I don’t know about that. What I do know is, as much as I don’t want a motocross track next to my home, or the crime and nuisance it might bring, the money it’ll generate will buy the department a few more officers, after-school programs for the kids, and a host of other things this town needs. It’ll also lose the city a bunch of money if Moto Entertainment decides to sue because the town blocks it from coming in. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. For me, personally, things would be best if they stayed the same, if the land was kept for agricultural purposes.”
Raylene didn’t have that choice, unless one of the local ranchers stepped up.
Gabe got to his feet. “I’m off to search for gold.”
“Good luck with that.” Rhys beaned him in the back of the head with the ball.
Chapter 20
On Sunday morning, Harper showed up at the barn in her pink cowboy boots with a baggie full of apples and her dad in tow.
It was so cute that Raylene’s mood instantly lifted.
Drew Matthews followed his daughter around the stable, listening to her chatter on endlessly.
“This horse’s name is Sugar,” she told him. “She used to have thrush in her hoof. That’s like this really gross infection. But the farrier—that’s kind of like a foot doctor for horses—came and trimmed her hooves and now she’s better.”
Drew turned to Raylene. “Harper’s been hanging out here a lot.”
“I can tell. Between this and McCreedy Ranch, you’re an expert, huh, Harper?”
“Not as much as Justin and Cody. They know everything about horses and cattle, and even chickens.”
“You’ll get there.” Raylene gave Harper’s ponytail a little tug. “How’s Ginger?”
“She’s good. Clay gave me a lesson yesterday.”
“That’s great.” Raylene suspected he wasn’t thrilled about his stepdaughter working for her. At least Drew didn’t seem to have a problem with it.
“You want to watch me next time?” she asked her dad.
“I can’t think of anything I’d love more.” He kissed the top of Harper’s head, making Raylene wonder what the world would be like if everyone had a father like Drew Matthews.
Gabe would be that kind of dad. Attentive, nurturing, proud. She mentally kicked herself for going there and tried to focus on the task at hand.
“You ready to learn the routine?” she asked Harper, who bobbed her head enthusiastically.
“First, you break off a flake of hay.” Raylene walked Harper to the hay loft and showed her how to snap open a bound bale of alfalfa by twisting a hook in the wire that held it together.
Drew watched closely, and Raylene got the impression he’d be taking over this part of the chore. It didn’t take that much strength if you did it right, but the hook was sharp and could cause a serious injury if you weren’t careful. She’d grown up using them and had never had an accident.
“It’ll break off like this.” She demonstrated.
“I know. I do it at home all the time.”
“Excellent,” Raylene said, and showed Harper which trough was Gunner’s. “Always make sure his water is filled.”
“I know how to do that, too.” Harper climbed up on the fence. “Can I give him some apple slices?”
“Sure. Then I’ll show you how to feed him his oats. Only once a week, though.”
“Okay.” Harper stuck her hand inside the stall and held her palm perfectly flat so Gunner could take the apple without nipping her fingers.
