Page 59 of Stirring Up Trouble
“True.”
He was right about that being a bonus. We weren’t here for any animals.
After the fun we had at Daddy’s rodeo, I knew I couldn’t wait a whole year to do it again. Once we got me all moved onto the ranch, I focused on options for rodeos we could go to that might be at a time when our friends could come too.
Thankfully, the Houston Livestock and Rodeo was close enough to Bellport they agreed it was the best option. On top of that, the organizers reached out to Daddy to see if he’d judge one of the contests since he was coming.
Now I realize that sounds strange. Why would they pick him out of all the people who came?
I’d be happy to answer.
Daddy was a badass.
Ok, so it was more than that. Part of me moving onto the ranch involved me building a proper business model to bring us into a new level of profit. With Wes's help, I formed a plan that involved harvesting the vegetables best for the area, connecting with local businesses to provide them with their meat needs, and my favorite — offering camp stays for people who wanted to experience a piece of the country without being too far out of their comfort zone.
Jake told me it was called glamping when I video called him to share the idea. He said he wanted to be a silent investor since we were family. He also liked the idea of having a place to stay when they came to visit in the offseason. His financial backing ensured him a permanent place to stay where he could, and I quote,“Fuck his Daddies as loud as he needed to.”
In no time we had the Anders Ranch booming with business. Jake made back his investment just last week, and he’s decided to put even more in since we’re already booked out for the next year.
“Saddle Up?” The sign at the gate drew my attention as we pulled in.
“Yep. That’s the theme this year for the events. It drew a big crowd from what I heard.”
“Oh, cool. It makes sense. Cowboys and saddles.”
Daddy laughed, then focused on getting us a spot. It was stupid busy, which was to be expected. This place had thousands upon thousands of people coming each year. It was much bigger than the rodeo we’d put together.
After he secured things, we took off to the gate. Daddy flashed the passes we’d been sent, then we were let through. I was more than happy to explore, but we had to find the others first.
It turned out to not be a difficult task. Jake was standing on a table right past the entry, a pair of binoculars in hand like he was birdwatching.
“JAKE!!” I waved my arms.
He turned at the sound of his name. I knew the minute he found me because he jolted. Maddox had to reach up to hold him steady.
I giggled as I rushed forward to meet him. Daddy followed, of course, though much slower.
Jake and I crashed together in a hug. “Cousin Robin! You’re here!”
“I’m here. Finally!”
“Easy, baby. You don’t want to get in trouble before things get started.” Daddy’s voice sent shivers down my spine.
I definitely didn’t want to get in trouble. But the idea of what he’d do was enticing.
“No time for the sexy bits. We’ve got to go watch some cowboy action. I was promised a production,” Jake declared.
Leon extended his hand. “Then come with me. We’ve got to get to the box to watch the events. We’ll grab food on the way.”
“Box?” I asked.
“Jake said he didn’t want to miss anything, so he bought one of the boxes where we’ll have privacy.” Maddox shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal.
All I could think about was how expensive that had to be. I felt guilty we hadn’t contributed to the expense. Then again, we’d been gifted some simple passes to get into things because of Daddy’s access. This would actually be a better deal for us.
We wouldn’t have to split the group up.
“They said there would be food in the room,” Jake called back to us as Leon tugged him ahead. The other man had his phone open, his gaze on a map of the stadium. I spotted it before he turned around and marveled at the area.
