Page 93 of The Breakdown

“We’ll hire a couple more hands,” Gram said. “I know things will continue to be tight if we do, but we got no other choice.”

Vaughn closed her eyes and massaged her brow. “You’re right,” she finally said, opening her eyes to stare out into the passing desert.

“We’ll get on that with Natalie first thing when we get home.”

“Natalie? She helps with the hiring?” her mother asked.

“She posts the job listings for us on numerous websites,” Vaughn said. “She also made us a whole new website for the ranch. She did a really good job.”

“Did she? Wow. The more I hear about her, the more I like her, and I didn’t think it was possible to like her any more than I already did.”

“She’s a little trouper,” Gram said. “You don’t know the half of it.”

“I know she sounds like a keeper,” her mother said, smiling over at Vaughn. She patted her leg. “What do you think?”

“I think I’d rather not discuss my romantic life with my mother and grandmother right now.” Mainly because she didn’t know what to say in response to her mother’s question. She had too many other things on her mind at the moment. Maybe when all this chaos slowed down she could take the time to reevaluate and go from there.

“Oh, alright. I guess I can understand that,” her mother said. “I never did like discussing your father with your gram and gran. It just felt weird.”

“Thank you,” Vaughn said, grabbing her mother’s hand to hold. “I appreciate you understanding.”

“You know, I’ve been thinking…” her mother said.

“Uh-oh,” Gram said. “That’s always a frightening statement.”

“Funny, Mama.” Her mother continued. “I’m selling my place in Taos.”

“You are?” Gram asked, turning to look at her.

“I’ve wanted to for a while now.”

“Why?” Vaughn asked. Her mother, as far as she knew, loved living in Taos and selling her art. This was definitely news.

“Well, because I miss home. I miss you,” she said, squeezing Vaughn’s hand. “And you, Mama. And well, I think it’s time to come back home. Especially now with all the help that’s needed.”

Gram smiled and patted her leg. “Well, I’m just thrilled! I’ll have both my girls. Doesn’t get much better than that.”

Vaughn smiled at her as well. “That’s great news, Mom. I’ve really missed you.”

“Thank you, sweetie.”

“Will you still paint?”

“Oh, I’ll always paint. I just might not do it full-time. At least not until you and the ranch get back on your feet.”

“Just think,” Gram said. “The three Ruger women all under one roof again.” But her face clouded. “Unless Natalie leaves. Then you’d be in the guesthouse I suppose.”

“Natalie’s leaving?” her mother asked.

“At some point I reckon she will,” Gram said.

Her mother looked over at Vaughn. “Why would she leave? I thought she was happy at the ranch and with you.”

“She is,” Vaughn said. “But it was only a temporary arrangement.” She leaned forward to look over at Gram. “Has she said she’s leaving, Gram?”

“She’s talking about it again. Talking about her future and looking for a place online. I don’t think she wants to stay in Phoenix. She’s still too worried about her ex-husband.”

Vaughn’s stomach clenched. “I wish I could fix that situation.”

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