“I’m thinking about Simmentals. There are some amazing Charolais ranches here already, so…let’s try something new.” Early must have said something interesting, because Reese leaned in.
“Simmentals have trouble calving sometimes. What’s your thought on crossing them with Beefmasters? They’ll calve easier, they’re bigger, but you’ll still have nice, lean meat…”
Listen to them saying all those words that made so little sense.
But there was no doubt she was taking the job. She and Early got along so well, like they’d known each other forever. Maybe he didn’t need to understand it all right now. He understood enough to know they were talking about investing some money, though.
“Can I interrupt to ask a totally non-cowboy talk question, that’s way less fun than this conversation?” He set his coffee down.
Reese glanced at Early, then grinned at him. “You’re the one with the budget, huh?”
“Not yet. There literally is no budget. I haven’t found a laptop or a ledger or anything, and Demming says whatever he needed he just asked Rick for.”
“Okay. So how can I help? Seriously—I can get stats for you, feed costs, all of it. That’s what y’all are hiring me for. I’m not looking to punch cattle for a living. I want to be a bad-assed foreman for a big set-up. I want to be a part of a legacy.” There was passion in Reese’s voice, a ferocity in her eyes. “There’s a home here, and you said that if Dana has babies, you’re good with it.”
“I am. This is going to be a family place.” Early nodded, matching her energy.
“So yes, we want this to be a family ranch, a fun place for the kids to grow up. We definitely want it to be home. But Early also wants to make it profitable and that’s where I come in. Stats and costs are exactly what I need. I think Demming might be helpful there. But I also need to value the ranch. How many animals, what they’re worth, how close to capacity are we? How much more help do we need?”
He was going to work on the property value too. Insurance. Investments. Those things were squarely in his wheelhouse. “We need to know where we are now before we can grow.”
“Totally. I know that the mustang program is a serious labor of love and gets us that BLM land, but you have to be able to weather the bad years. A breeding program will help out, but you need to cull and sell anyone that’s not producing.”
Okay, that made sense. He mostly followed all of that. “So listen. I know nothing. I didn’t follow a word of that conversation you two were having, I was brought up in the suburbs… I’m going to learn, but I have to ask for some patience. And there are going to be tons of things I just don’t know we need. Early’s not going anywhere, but—tell me if I’m wrong, honey—I think he wants to get his hands dirty and not have to worry about this part.” That wasn’t a dig, Early was so good with the animals and he thought his husband really loved it.
Early nodded, expression serious. “I do. I love this, and I have a degree in water management and quality, so I’m going to spend some serious time assuring that my waterways are healthy, safe places.”
He smiled at Early, feeling proud, but also a little guilty for keeping this amazing man cooped up in Denver all these years. He really hadn’t understood. But he got it now, and he was all in for Early, and for their family. It wasn’t too late at all.
“Dude, you know how much that rocks? I want to learn about that too. Once we get the budget parts buttoned up, of course.” Reese grinned at him. “Can I start today?”
He was so relieved for Early. This had been a long process and he’d really wanted Reese on board. It was great to see it happening. “If we’re agreed on the salary, I think we’re good here.”
“I talked to Dana last night. She’s interviewing with the school today, and she’s in. All the way.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting her. Imagine if she ends up teaching our boys?” He chuckled. “Do you and Dana have plans tonight? We’d love to have you join us for dinner. I’m grilling steaks.”
“Ooh…steaks? Lucky.” Demming walked up, all grins, and Early snorted like a fractious horse.
“Like there’s ever—ever—been a supper your happy backside wasn’t invited to.”
Demming’s laugh filled the air. “I’ve got plans. I’m actually going to your folks’ for supper. Your Momma’s making that pasta salad with chicken, and we’re going to play cards.”
“Oh, lucky you. You’re having cherry turnovers for dessert.” He knew because he’d called and asked if Mommama would make them for the kids. “Reese, have you met Demming Rogers?”
“I know of him, yessir. I used to watch you rope on the Mountain States circuit when I was up in Greeley with my granddaddy.” Reese stood and held out one scarred-up hand.
Cowboys were all the same, Connor guessed. Scars were stories, the land was important, and respect was everything.
“You’re really reaching through the cobwebs there.” Demming shook. “Pleased. I’ve heard good things.”
“Excellent. I’m ready to learn everything you got time to teach me.”
Demming grinned. “I take it you got yourself a job?”
“Yessir, I do.” Reese didn’t even hesitate.
“The bad news is with her living on property she won’t be bringing doughnuts every morning.” He laughed but he was watching Early who looked relieved and happy. That was a look he could get used to.