Page 13 of A Surprise Wedding for the Cowboy

So… that’s why they were in Montana. Because this was where Eleanor had raised Nadine. This ranch might not have been an off-the-cuff purchase by Grandfather, after all. Somehow, it seemed to be an olive branch to Nadine’s family, but how did that involve the Sullivan side?

“An interesting story, Grandfather.” Graham leaned onto the table. “Could you please tell us how this ranch fits into the narrative?”

“Certainly. I want all of you to get to know each other, and that will happen as we make this resort into a profitable venture using all of your talents. I expect this will be our company headquarters for the next two to three years, though your fathers will continue to work out of Chicago while providing some oversight here from time to time. I, myself, plan to split my time evenly.” He spread his arms wide. “Welcome home, boys.”

Two to three years? No way. “Excuse me, sir. Have you forgotten I’m Jamie’s guardian now? I can’t just… ride off into the wild blue yonder or whatever you have planned for us all to do.” He wasn’t going to admit to the two cowboys in the room that he’d barely ever ridden, and certainly not since he’d been a young teen.

Grandfather smiled. “I’m aware, Tate. We can look into hiring a nanny for the boy. Nadine might have some suggestions, as she’s from the area.”

“If I wanted a nanny to raise him, I’d have left him in Gilead with Mom.” He hadn’t even considered that as a viable option. “I want to do my brother’s memory proud, sir.”

“We’ll work it out.” Grandfather’s wave was dismissive. “Your talents are best used in the office, anyway. I doubt you’ll be the one to teach our vacationing guests how to rope a calf.”

Tate nearly choked on his own saliva. He managed a few words. “You’re right, sir. Thank you.”

“We’ll be hiring some key personnel to fill in the gaps, but here’s what I’ve got for you so far. Please tell me if this isn’t agreeable.”

No one spoke up. Even the new guys seemed to know who was boss around here.

“Nadine is an experienced cook. She will be in charge of the kitchen for our guests. I have hopes to expand to a full-service restaurant, but probably not this summer. Tate, I need you in general operations as my COO. You’ve been out of the office the past few months, but I think you’re the right man to oversee the project. You’ll work with me, directly.”

Chief Operating Officer? “Sounds good, sir.” And it did. The nod to his position and experience soothed his ego.

“Weston, you will act as head wrangler. Apparently, we bought two dozen horses and a herd of cows.” Grandfather checked his notes. “Several hundred head, by the looks of it. You’ll be in charge of that area.”

The cocky guy nodded. “Yes, sir.”

Ah, the newbie could be taught.

“Graham, you’ll be in the office. CFO, if you will. I count on you to keep Sweet River Ranch in the black.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Bryce, you’ll head up grounds and landscaping. Maxwell, I need your construction expertise. The previous owners started several capital projects but ran out of funds. We’ll talk more on that.”

Both Tate’s brothers murmured their agreement.

“And Jude, you’ll be working with Bryce and Maxwell quite a lot. I understand you’re a whiz with tools, so maintenance will be your portfolio, at least for the time being.” Grandfather tapped his iPad and a wall screen brightened. “Are you ready to see my vision for Sweet River Ranch?”

The only appropriate response was yes.

Chapter Five

Stephanie eyed the man sitting across the booth from her in the Golden Grill. Tate had been awfully quiet since his meeting had ended and he’d driven them to town. Finally, she couldn’t stand it anymore. “Do you want to talk about what happened?”

He met her gaze then looked back at his menu. “What’s good here?”

“Everything.”

“What are you having?”

“The Reuben salad.”

“Salad, huh?” He stared at the listings. “Maybe a burger.” He set the menu aside.

The owner, Estelle, appeared at their table with a pencil and pad, her eyes bright with curiosity. “Hi, Stephanie. Good to see you and your friends.” She smoothed Jamie’s pouf of hair. “Just visiting?”

“This is Tate Sullivan and his nephew, Jamie.”

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