Page 78 of Spur of the Moment
I wasn’t going to let my parents lose their property because of money. We could always make more. It was just figuring out how to do that was the problem.
It wasn’t like you could snap your fingers and bring in more income when it came to ranching and farming. The Bronsons had a chunk of income from their cattle, hay, and rescue, though the rescue ate up a bunch of the money itself, but my parents relied on farming alfalfa.
If there was a way I could find more property and open us up to more income, I’d do it. I didn’t want my parents to think it was all on them, even though the ranch was theirs. I didn’t own the land itself, but I put my heart and soul into keeping it running alongside them. This ranch was my entire life, and I wouldn’t let it be taken away from any of us.
There were too many memories here, and I wanted my children and generations to come to have the same memories. Even if they did have to sell it, I had the option to buy the portion of land my house sat on, but it wouldn’t be the same. The Cooper ranch couldn’t be split apart.
A blue Ford Edge drove up the drive, kicking up dust in its path. With my hands in my pockets and my hat low on my head, I approached her car as she killed the engine and got out.
She had blonde hair that almost reached her hips and a cream-colored cowgirl hat with the brim flat, not a roll or curve to be seen on the thing.
“Good morning, ma’am,” I greeted, holding my hand out to her.
“Please, call me Bea. Ma’am makes me feel old,” she said with a shy smile as she shook my hand. She didn’t look a day over thirty.
“Alright, Bea. Well, I don’t want to take up too much of your time, but I did want to talk to you about Billy’s old place.”
She leaned into her car, grabbing a piece of paper with a photo of the property entrance on it. She held it out to me and I took it, skimming over the information.
“Honestly, if you’re really interested, I can lower the price. My brother doesn’t quite care what we sell it for, he just wants it to go to someone who will take care of it. And by the looks of it,” her eyes skimmed my dirt-covered jeans and stained work shirt, “you’d be the perfect fit.”
I folded the paper, stuffing it in my back pocket. “No offense to Billy, but that property would be in the best shape it’s ever been if I took it over. I just need to get some things in order before I can make the jump,” I stated. I wanted to surprise my parents, but I’d have to get a loan before I could decide if the price was something I could do. I didn’t want them to lose money by lowering the price, either.
“Is it your parents looking to buy it?” Bea asked, blocking the sun with her hand over her eyes. The morning sun was no match for her hat.
I rubbed the back of my neck, glancing at my parents’ house to the right of me. “Not necessarily. I’m the one interested, but it’d be to help them out.”
She nodded, understanding what I meant. “Well, like I said, I don’t mind lowering the price if it’s something you want to discuss.”
I shook my head. “Price isn't the problem. Just have to talk to my bank and then I can let you know.”
She smiled. “Well, you have my number. I’ll talk to my brother and wait to hear from you?”
“Sounds good to me. I’ll hopefully know within the next few days.”
She held her hand out again and I shook it. “Sounds like a plan, Bailey. It was nice meeting you.”
I nodded, dropping her hand. “Nice to meet you too, Bea. And I’m sorry about your father. Billy was a great guy and an even better farmer. He was always over here helping out if we needed it. Never met such a giving guy.”
She gave a closed-lipped smile. “He was always talking about that rescue next door, telling stories about your dad and Travis. The three of them had a lot of fun, it sounded like.”
I let out a small chuckle. “They sure did.”
She turned back to her car and said over her shoulder, “Say hey to Lettie for me.”
I watched her as she slid into the driver's seat. “You heard?”
She smiled up at me, pressing the button to start her car. “Small town, remember? Plus, it’s not like you and Lettie have ever been a secret, even if I don’t live in the county line.”
News traveled fast, that much was for sure.
“Drive safe, Bea,” I said.
“Thanks. Talk to you soon,” she replied before closing her door.
I watched as she pulled down the driveway, heading to the main road. Maybe things weren’t going to be so bad afterall. I’d figure this shit out for my parents, and I’d get the girl.
That’s all I ever wanted in life.
