Shane's Burden Read online

  Alley shook her head. Her mother had wanted out of Burnt River, but for Alley, coming back after ten years was like coming home. Cornell had never truly been her home. The academic scene was familiar, and admittedly, she enjoyed learning, but she didn’t love it, not like she’d loved the horses. She’d done the schoolwork because her mother had drilled it into her head that she would be miserable all her life if she didn’t.

  Alley glanced around the kitchen. She’d missed this. She’d missed Gramps. She’d missed Montana.

  I’m going to finally listen to you, Mr. Weiker.

  “I’m going to sell the place, Alley.”

  Alley spun around to stare at her grandpa. “What?” she croaked.

  “In fact, I’m meeting with a potential buyer this morning.”

  The pulse pounded against Alley’s temples. This was her childhood home. The few good memories she had from her youth were right here. She kicked herself mentally. Why had she stayed away? Why had she allowed her mother to convince her that she wanted a master’s degree in biomedical engineering, and then a doctorate? When would it ever end and be good enough?

  “Who’s the buyer?” Had she even asked out loud?

  Gramps stepped up to her, a sad smile on his face.

  “Shane Taggart.”

  Chapter 5

  Shane pulled his truck up in front of Henry Cramer’s simple ranch-style home. He gripped the steering wheel and leaned forward, glancing out the windshield. The house didn’t look much better than the barn a short distance away, at least not from the outside. Along with all the broken fence rails he’d passed driving up the dirt road of the property, Henry’s place was in worse shape than he’d let on the other day in town.

  It was a shame to see one of his neighbors in such dire straits. Henry was one of the smaller horse breeding operations in the surrounding valley, yet he’d persevered throughout the years when many others had been swallowed up by the larger outfits.

  Many new investors had moved into the valley in recent years, buying up plots of land. The Taggart Ranch was too large and had been in this valley for too many generations that no one had approached Shane with an offer to buy, at least not yet. Although he hated the idea that someone like Henry, an old-timer who had lived in Burnt River all his life, had to give up his life’s work, it would still be better if he made an offer before some outsider got wind that the place was up for grabs.

  Shane put the truck in park and turned off the ignition. The horse business was no different than any other – some succeeded while others failed, even after many years of doing well. There were large outfits like his family’s ranch, and there were smaller farms that did very well, too. Sometimes things just didn’t work out or weren’t meant to be. The Cramer Farm had certainly fallen on hard times.

  Even though Henry Cramer had been a small breeder in Burnt River for a long time, Shane had never done any business with him directly. He’d only talked to him a few times in town. The old man knew the business, and knew his horses. Why would his farm fail all of a sudden?

  Once it became part of the Taggart Ranch, it didn’t really matter. Shane was interested in the land, not the actual business. If he purchased the property, it would be a win-win situation for both him and Henry. Even though it was small, the farm was on a good piece of land in a prime location not too far from town for a veterinary clinic. Henry could retire in comfort and be financially secure without having to worry about running a horse operation and all the work that came with it.

  Shane opened the door of his truck and stepped out. Some chickens cackled from behind one of the sheds beyond the main barn, but other than that, everything was eerily quiet around here. No horses nickered or whinnied in welcome, no grooms shouted or laughed at each other in the barn aisles, and there were no sounds of hoof beats on gravel. Hadn’t Henry told him he had a few animals left?

  On the drive over, Shane’s mind had been on his conversation with Raine, and her thoughts that Henry’s granddaughter might not be interested in selling. Now that he was seeing the place for himself, that idea seemed even more unlikely. She’d probably taken one look at the farm last night, and decided to go back to where she came from as soon as possible.

  More than likely, she’d be grateful to have someone ready to buy the place. She probably wouldn’t care if her grandfather sold the farm to an outsider, as long as she got her inheritance from the deal. Since she most likely hadn’t been back to Burnt River since high school, she wouldn’t have any interest in this business.

  Shane shook his head. Why was he thinking about Alley Cramer at all? He hadn’t even met her. He had no idea what she was like. He wanted to dislike her, because she’d done something to him last night at Evie’s. In that brief encounter, where neither one had said a word to the other, she’d caught his attention, which had left an unsettling feeling in his stomach. Distractions weren’t part of who he was. He had enough things on his mind, and needed to stay focused on running the family ranch.

  Shane glanced at the house, his eyes methodically taking in the layout of the place from the outside. The house could be converted into a clinic with exam rooms and a business office for Mason. The main barn might be able to house some horses that needed care but weren’t critical. Several new barns would have to be built to comprise the main part of the large animal hospital, with surgical suites and exam areas for horses and cattle.

  He nodded as he continued to look around, planning things out in his mind. His father had always approached a business transaction in the same way. There was no room for emotions when it came to business, and as Mr. Weiker had told him years ago, Shane did what had to be done, staying focused, even if it was sometimes unpleasant.

  Raine liked to look at things from a perspective where emotions were involved. She hated it when horses got sold because they didn’t perform up to expectations, and he’d have to remind her that the Taggart Ranch had built its reputation and wealth not on emotions, but on sound business decisions. The purchase of this small farm would be no different. It would be perfect for Mason to expand Doc Johnson’s in-town clinic.

  Shane removed his Stetson and combed his fingers through his hair, then took the porch two steps at a time. The wooden boards creaked when he walked up to the front door. He knocked. Seconds later, the door opened.

  “Shane, good to see you.”

  Henry Cramer offered his hand. He wore a friendly smile on his weathered face that showed a lifetime of working outdoors. He sounded almost surprised that Shane had showed up.

  A twinge of sadness rushed through Shane as he shook the old man’s hand. Henry’s age showed in every wrinkle on his face and in his eyes. Clearly, the farm had become too much for him, and with the death of his son, he had no one to hand over the business to. The old man had built this place from the ground up, and in a way, it was a shame to see him lose his life’s work to someone who wasn’t family.

  Shane mentally shook his head. Emotions had no place when it came to business. Henry stepped aside and motioned for him to come in.

  Shane’s pulse increased unexpectedly. He entered the house, glancing around the modest living room. Would Alley be here? He blinked to clear his head. Why would it matter? The living room was empty except for him and Henry.

  Paintings of horses graced the walls and over the river-rock fireplace. Several trophies were displayed on the split-log mantel. The room was sparsely furnished with a leather couch and recliner, and an older-model TV sat on a small wooden stand that looked to be a converted old crate. There was nothing frivolous about this room. It simply looked cozy and well lived-in.

  “Can I get you some coffee?”

  “No, thanks, I’ve already had plenty.” Shane blinked away the grit from his tired eyes. His bed would feel mighty good tonight.

  “I sure do appreciate you driving over to take a look at the place.” Henry shuffled through the living room, his back hunched slightly. Shane followed. “Would make me feel a whole lot better to sell
to someone I know. Someone who’ll take good care of it when I’m gone.”

  Henry motioned for Shane to take a seat at the table in the small dining room just off the kitchen. Everything in this house needed upgrades, but it wouldn’t matter since it wouldn’t be a residence anymore if he bought it.

  Shane pulled out a chair. Henry took a seat opposite him, groaning as he lowered himself into it.

  “Why are you selling, Henry? I didn’t know you were having financial troubles.” Shane set his hat on the table and looked at the old man across from him.

  Henry shook his head. “I can’t run this place by myself anymore. Getting to be too much for this old man. Was supposed to be my son’s farm someday, but when he died in a car accident, I had no one left.”

  Shane nodded. That seemed like a good enough reason, and the one he’d suspected all along. At least Henry knew his limitations. He’d clearly stayed on longer than he should have.

  “Is the farm losing money?”

  “I’ve had some big bills in recent years. My granddaughter’s schooling cost a lot of money.” He smiled, the pride on his face evident. “Alley’s real smart, and she got a good education. I was glad to invest in her future that way. I thought the farm would recoup that money easily, but after my son died and Alley and her mother left, it just ain’t been the same. Lately, I’ve had some health issues.”

  Shane leaned forward. “If you’ve got health problems, I hope you’re taking care of yourself and seeing a doctor.”

  Henry laughed and waved his hand in a dismissive gesture in front of him. “I can’t stand doctors,” he grumbled. “All they want to do is poke and prod, and in the end, I feel more miserable than before.”

  “But you are seeing a doctor, right?” Shane pressed. Maybe he should have been more neighborly over the years and looked in on the old man every now and then. Now that he was aware, he’d be sure to check in on a regular basis.

  “You’re pestering me just like Alley, but if it makes you feel better to know, yes, I’m seeing a doctor.”

  So, Alley seemed concerned over her grandfather’s health, too. Shane’s mental picture of her improved already. He cleared his throat. He had a list of other things to do today, so it was best to get down to business.

  “I’d really hate to see you lose your farm, Henry.”

  Henry coughed, then sniffed. Eyes clouded in sadness looked up and met Shane’s gaze.

  “Got no other choice at this point.”

  Shane gritted his teeth. If he didn’t buy this farm, someone else would. That thought alone made him say, “I think we can come to a fair agreement on a price.”

  A screen door slammed at that moment, squeaking loudly on its hinges. Shane broke eye contact with Henry Cramer to see Alley rush through the kitchen, her wide eyes trained on him like a missile on a target.

  “He’s not selling,” she announced, coming to a stop a few feet in front of him.

  Shane’s brows rose as he shot a quick look at Henry, who looked equally confused. His gaze returned to the woman who stood boldly in front of him. He had to raise his head to look up at her. She didn’t appear quite as confident as her bold statement might have suggested.

  Shane’s eyes lingered on her face for a second. She didn’t look anything like the woman from last night. Although she’d worn jeans yesterday, she’d completed her attempt to fit the small-town country look with a stylish sweater and high heels. Before him stood a woman who, at first glance, reminded him of his mother, the way she’d looked when he was a boy – down-to-earth and not afraid of getting dirty.

  Alley’s dusty, faded jeans hugged her legs and thighs like a glove. The white t-shirt she wore also had a few streaks of dirt on it, along with a couple of bits of straw that clung to the fabric. The shirt was partially tucked into her waistband, and just transparent enough to reveal the outline of a dark-colored sports bra. A pair of worn work boots had replaced the high heels.

  Shane curbed the urge to reach out and swipe away the smudge of dust on the tip of her nose. Her long hair was held back in a ponytail, the shorter strands framing her lovely face. He rose to his feet. Having her stare down at him was getting to be an uncomfortable habit. She’d done the same thing last evening at Evie’s.

  “Alley, what are you talking about?”

  Henry pulled himself to his feet, too, and stepped up to his granddaughter. She broke eye contact to look at the old man, and her facial features instantly softened.

  “I don’t want you to sell this farm, Gramps,” she said in a soft and soothing tone.

  Shane stared from her to Henry. Some part of him relaxed in relief at her words, while at the same time, annoyance sprang to life. Who was she to decide what Henry should and shouldn’t do with his farm? She hadn’t been around to care about it before.

  “I have no choice, Alley. I told you that already.”

  Alley’s eyes went back to Shane for a split second, then rested once again on her grandfather. “I know what you told me, and I’ve been thinking about it. I’d like to talk to you, but in private, please.” She glanced Shane’s way again for less than a second before she pulled her eyes back to her grandfather.

  “Don’t make a rash decision, Gramps,” she nearly whispered. “I have an idea, but give me some time to try and figure this out first. I want to help you get back on your feet, and get this farm going again.”

  Shane scoffed before he could hold it back. “Sorry to interrupt, but how are you going to do that? Something tells me you don’t have the slightest idea how to run a horse ranch.”

  The glare that followed his impulsive comment could have burned down the barn.

  “Thank you for your input, Mr. Taggart, but with all due respect, you really don’t know anything about me. And I would thank you to mind your own business.” There was a distinct hitch in her voice, as if she was trying hard to control what she really wanted to say.

  “Come now, you two. We can discuss this without getting feathers ruffled.” Henry stepped closer. He chuckled uneasily, his eyes going from his granddaughter to Shane.

  Shane’s eyes narrowed. The last thing he’d expected was opposition from Alley Cramer. He’d give her an argument if that’s what she wanted, and let Henry know at the same time that his granddaughter was in way over her head if she thought for a second that she could hold on to this farm. A slow grin formed on his face as he shook off his growing annoyance with the woman.

  “I understand that you’re smart and have a lot of schooling under your belt, but I don’t believe for a second that you have any inkling about what’s involved in running a breeding and racing stable.”

  Alley’s eyes widened. Her cheeks took on a rosy color, making her look even more appealing. Shane ran a hand along his unshaven jaw, trying to rid his mind of this crazy attraction to her. He’d never been a believer in instant attraction, unlike his friend, Jerry Cooper, who professed an immediate love for every female that crossed his path.

  “I’m sure I can learn.” Her voice rose in defense. “There are books on the subject, and I have my grandfather to show me.”

  Shane took a step toward her, then changed course and reached for his hat on the table. Clearly, he was not going to talk business with Henry while Alley hovered over him. Besides, he had a list a mile-long to get done today, and he was tired and already in a bad mood.

  “Henry, give me a call when you decide what you’re going to do.” He intoned the sentence to make it clear that Henry should be the one to make the decision about his farm, and not his granddaughter. “I’ll see myself out.” He glared at Alley, then spun on his heels and headed out the door.

  He’d barely reached the porch steps when the front door opened behind him.

  “This farm isn’t for sale.”

  Shane’s spine stiffened at the sound of Alley’s determined voice. The muscles along his shoulders tensed, and he clenched his jaw. Slowly, he turned to face her. She stepped out of the house and closed the door behind her. He
didn’t waste any time and walked up to her, stopping inches from her and meeting her determined eyes with a glare.

  “I really suggest you go back to where you came from,” he whispered, keeping his tone low and his eyes fixed on hers. “I’m sure you’ll be a lot happier there. All the schooling you’ve had, and no matter how smart you think you are, is not going to help you manage a horse ranch. Just because you paraded around in high school carrying fifty pounds’ worth of books every day doesn’t make you better than any of the people in this town.”

  Alley stared. Her eyes had gone as round as saucers and her mouth opened slightly, forming the word “oh”. All that was missing were her glasses and the load of books, and they’d be back in high school.

  She seemed stunned that he remembered that incident from a decade ago. Admittedly, it had taken a lot of memory-searching and looking her up in his junior-year yearbook to spark that memory. Ironically, it had occurred on the day he’d had his life-changing conversation with Mr. Weiker.

  “You’re out of line, Mr. Taggart,” she hissed, putting special emphasis on addressing him formally and calling him mister. “I think you’re the one who should go back home, and let me discuss this matter with my grandfather before he throws away everything he’s worked for.”

  Her lips trembled slightly, and there was a definite hitch in her voice. She maintained eye contact with him, but she blinked several times. She was definitely uncomfortable and intimidated, but she tried hard to put on a brave act. Shane gnashed his teeth, working the muscles in his jaw. His anger was about to escalate, but he wasn’t mad at Alley. He was acting like an ass, and she’d told him as much.

  Shane smashed his hat on his head, nodded, and rushed down the porch to his truck before his temper really got the better of him. What on earth had made him lash out at her like that? The last time he’d lost his temper with anyone this badly had been in high school, when he’d gotten into a fight with one of the football players from a rival team. If Raine found out, he’d be in some serious hot water. He glanced over his shoulder at the house. Alley had already disappeared inside.