Page 9 of Never Left You

“You have seen the world.” Wyatt stated.

My father’s gaze turned to his youngest son. “We’ve never been outside the US or Canada. It’s time I focus on your mother.”

Rhett took a deep breath. “I get it. I want to spend all the time I can with Kyla.” He shifted in his seat. “So, what does that mean for Hartwell Hills?”

“Well”—my dad turned to Lachlan—“Lach owns half. That’s what Levi’s will stated. He and I owned it fifty-fifty. The other fifty needs to be split between you three.”

“Equally?” I asked, knowing very well my twin brother didn’t want any part of the ranch. I didn’t exactly know what Wyatt wanted from life, but I did know he didn’t want to be tied to a piece of land. Rhett on the other hand, this was his life. Once he was ready to retire from tie down, his plan was Hartwell Hills. I have overseen the finances and day-to-day of the ranch for five years now. Lachlan and I worked together to make sure everything ran smoothly, and it was a well-oiled machine. But, despite doing it every day, I had my father to fall back on. He was always there when I needed guidance.

He knew what was happening behind the scenes now. He knew what those books showed. The truth was, Hartwell Hills needed extra funds somehow. We weren’t bleeding money, but we weren’t really making a profit either. We’re barely breaking even every month. We were able to make payroll and supplies, but I would like to see something come of it.

“That was a plan,” my dad spoke, “but…”

“I don’t need an equal share.” Wyatt interrupted, moving to rest his elbows on his knees.

“And we accounted for that. So, here’s my proposal.” Dad stood. “Abi gets the majority.”

My eyes widened. “Excuse me?”

“You’re already running it.” Dad leaned on his chair, placing a hand on his hip as his eyes bore into mine. “Lachlan and I talked about it.”

“But…Rhett…” I looked over at Rhett, who simply blinked. My big brother was showing zero emotion here. I wanted him to protest. I had seen him get angry—granted, never at our father—but I knew it was there. He needed to claim the ranch.

“It makes sense.” Rhett sighed. “I’m only here for the year, and then I’m back on the circuit. You and Lachlan already know it inside and out, more than I do so…” He met my gaze. “It makes sense for you to get the majority of my share.”

I chewed on my lip to stop my jaw from dropping.

“It does.” Lachlan nodded. “You know more about the finances than anyone, and you know the land just as well as I do. You have the drive for it.”

The drive.

“The ranch may fail in the next couple years if something doesn’t change,” I blurted out. “And I don’t want to be the one responsible for it.”

“Wait…” Rhett sat up in his chair. “What? The ranch is failing?”

My heart pounded. “Well, not technically. But if something doesn’t happen soon, we won’t be breaking even every month.”

“But, we do need another source of revenue.” Lachlan added as I caught his gaze. I nodded.

“Yeah we do.” I returned his nod before turning to look at my dad.

“Ideas?” he asked, and I froze. “You’ve been looking at the books for years now Abi. What do you see?”

I racked my brain, looking over at Rhett, wishing in this moment he was my twin instead of Wyatt—who had all but checked out of the conversation—hoping he could give me some telepathic answer as to how to bring in more profit.

“Well,” I began, still hoping for something from Rhett. “It’s winter, we’re always slower but…this started about a year ago. To be honest, I was a little upset we didn’t sell to David—”

Rhett’s head spun my way. Bringing up the events of last year surrounding his wife wasn’t an easy topic, but the man—as sleezy as he was—wanted to buy five hundred acres for 3.7 million dollars. 3.7 million dollars we could have used to updatethe barn and stables, get more staff, expand the garden, fix the fences, and possibly get more cattle. When dad was tip toeing around the idea of selling, I was secretly hoping he would. Lachlan and Rhett would have never allowed it, and I played their side. But, I silently wanted that to happen. I wanted the money for the ranch.

“You didn’t just say that?” Rhett grumbled, leaning forward on his chair and burying his head in his palms. See—I knew he was capable of anger.

“It was a lot of money, Rhett. You never saw the total.” I argued.

“It was substantial.” Lachlan heaved a sigh, “But it wasn’t worth it at the time.”

“It really was though. There are so many things around here that need to be expanded or repaired or…hell…that was five hundred acres we didn’t have to worry about anymore.”

“But it was David.” Rhett dropped his hands, his voice hoarse.

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