Page 71 of Saddles and Snowstorms
“Mr. Callahan?” she called out, one hand shielding her eyes from the rising sun.
I approached slowly, not bothering to return the smile. “That’s me.”
“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Alice Kensington from Schumer and Grant Family Law down in Amarillo.”
I nodded. “I’ve heard of ya. You handled my folk’s estate when they died. What can I help you with?”
“Actually, I’m here to help you,” she smiled. “Would you mind giving me a tour of your farm while we talk?” Her smile seemed genuine as she glanced up at the barn, her eyes full of childlike wonder. “I do paperwork a lot for places like this, but I don’t get to visit them much.”
“Sure,” I sighed, not really finding a reason to say no. “I don’t got much, but I’ll show you around.”
I gestured toward the barn and she followed, her designer heels sinking deeper into the mud with each step. I almost felt bad for her, but anyone with sense knew not to wear city shoes on a ranch.
“You’re a cattle rancher, correct?” she asked, carefully navigating around a particularly wet patch.
“Twenty-five head,” I confirmed. “Small operation, but quality over quantity.”
“And you run it all yourself?” There was something like admiration in her voice.
I shrugged. “Always have.”
We reached the barn, and I held the door open for her. She steppedinside, immediately taking in the organized chaos that was my livelihood. The horses perked up at the new visitor.
“Beautiful animals,” she commented, reaching out tentatively toward the nearest one.
“That’s Whiskey. He’s friendly enough.”
The horse stretched his neck toward her, and she gently stroked his nose. For a city lawyer, she seemed comfortable enough around the animals.
“Mr. Callahan,” she said, turning back to me. “I’ll get straight to the point. I’m here because I’ve been retained by Dr. Rowan Walsh.”
The sound of his name hit me like a physical blow, and I had to steady myself against a post. Alice must have noticed because her expression softened.
“Are you alright, Mr. Callahan?”
I cleared my throat. “Fine. Go on.”
She nodded, pulling a manila folder from her leather briefcase. “Dr. Walsh has asked me to deliver these documents to you personally. He wanted to make sure you understood their contents completely.”
My mouth went dry. What the hell was this about? Had Rowan decided to sue me for something? Maybe for kicking him out of my life so suddenly? It didn’t seem like him, but then again, heartbreak made people do strange things.
“What kind of documents?” I asked, my voice rougher than I intended.
“Partnership papers,” she replied simply, opening the folder. “Dr. Walsh is proposing a business arrangement between his veterinary practice and your ranch.”
I blinked, trying to process her words. “Business arrangement?”
“Yes. He’s establishing a specialized care facility for large animals here in Sagebrush, and he’s looking to partner with a local ranch for both space and expertise. His proposal includes expanding your facilities to accommodate recovering animals, with all construction costs covered by his practice. In return, he’s offering you a percentage of the profits and a stake in the business.”
I stared at her, not quite believing what I was hearing. “Why would he do that?”
She smiled. “Dr. Walsh believes your ranch is ideally situated andthat your expertise with animals would be invaluable. He mentioned something about a rogue calf that you saved during a blizzard at a great personal risk.”
My throat tightened. Rowan had noticed. Had seen how I cared for my animals, how I’d nearly died out in that blizzard to bring that calf home. But had he told her how he’d saved my life in turn? How he’d nursed me back to health?
“He’s offering this from Austin?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Alice tilted her head. “Austin? No, Mr. Callahan. But he knew you would ask. Dr. Walsh has declined the position at Austin Animal Hospital. He’s committed to staying in Sagebrush. He’s already purchased the old Wilson property just outside of town for the expanded practice as well.”
