Page 44 of Cole's Joy
“Yes.”
“I’ll have you lead the way, and you can introduce me.”
“Okay.” Lois nodded and with a grin on her face, she started forward, she was still a few feet away when she called out, “Kade,” she liked that the other man held out a hand to prevent Kade from falling over as he turned to greet her.
“Lois.”
“You remembered my name.”
“I did, this is my brother, Lane.” They shook hands, and Lois told him her name, then turned to Cole.
“This is Cole, he’s the man I told you about yesterday.”
“Kade,” Cole said firmly as he offered his hand and nodded when he liked the strength of the other man’s hand. Neither of them tried to overpower him with the grip.
“Lane, nice to meet you. If you agree, we’ll go into breakfast. I heard there’s a buffet.” They started walking and he laughed. “I hope you brought your appetites.”
“We did,” Kade grinned, and looked at Lane.
“I’m buying, if that makes a difference.” Cole interjected when he saw the reserved look on Lane’s face. “If this goes as planned, or not, either way, this breakfast will be a business expense for me.”
“Only if you’re sure,” Lane said.
“I’m sure.” They were escorted to a table and before they sat down, they gave their drink orders, then all headed to the buffet. Lois also liked that Lane held a plate for Kade as it was piled high with food. Before getting his own plate, he made sure his brother was settled, then he went back for his. No one said anything as they ate. Lois was done, but Cole and the others went back for seconds.
It was Lane who finally spoke, “Thank you, that hit the spot. Now, what is this about a ranch converting from racehorses to rodeo horses?”
“Sure, and I’m not putting you off, but could you tell us a little about yourselves first?” Cole asked as he moved his plate away and refilled all of their coffee cups with the carafe he had requested. They didn’t say anything as the waitress returned and he asked for a refill on the carafe while the younger men asked for another juice. They were served, and Lane was the one that spoke.
“We’re twins, I’m older by five minutes.” He looked at Kade with a grin. “We grew up on a small farm, roughly two hundred acres, over in Kansas. We’re about three hours from here.”
“How old are you?” Lois asked. “Not that it matters, I’m just wondering.”
“Twenty-three.”
“Wow, I thought at least twenty-six.”
“Nope, twenty-three. Mom always said we looked older because we were out in the fields all day.”
“Are your parents still around?”
“Yes, they’re back home,” Kade said. “We have three younger siblings back there too, all girls. They’re finishing high school before heading to college. If they can get scholarships.” He shook his head and glared at Lane when he made a disapproving sound. “What? You know the deal we made with Dad, if this pans out, we can get a job, save some money, and help them out with college.”
Lane shook his head on a deep sigh, then looked directly at Cole. “Our farm isn’t a horse ranch. We have milk cows, and the field work is hay, oats, corn, wheat, typical farming. Mom has the garden and she cans to keep us in food for the winter. We’re not dirt poor, but we’re not rolling in the dough either. Kade and I have always wanted to be in the rodeo. I know it strapped them, but Mom and Dad gave us each five thousand dollars and told us we had two years to get the rodeo bug out of our system.However, once that money ran out, we were on our own, we had to live off our winnings.”
“I can see where your parents are coming from,” Cole said. “Do you have any money left?”
“Some, but we found if we sleep in the camper shell on the back of the truck we save money that way. We have about six months left before we have to either find a real job, according to Dad, or return and milk cows for the rest of our lives.”
Cole nodded and smiled when Lois pushed a pad of paper and pen across the table to him. He reached over and gave Tim a pat when he stuck his head out to look around.
“What was that?” Lane asked in shock.
“My Yorkie puppy,” Lois said with a laugh. “He’s only about ten weeks old, and I’m trying to get him used to being around people. Cole said I should take him to the rodeo tonight so he can get used to being around the animals. I know you didn’t ask, but where we live, I’ll be in charge of the community pantry, planting the gardens, and canning when they’re ready.” She and Cole exchanged grins when they saw confusion on the boys’ faces.
“Have you ever heard of Erin’s Way?” Cole asked.
“No, what or where is that?” Lane asked.
