Page 9 of Her Cowboy Baby Daddy
“I don’t know,” Audrey said slowly. “Maybe your dad should.”
Daniel met Spence’s gaze. “Spence?”
“I’ll do it.” He owed Hayley, and he had an idea as to how to repay her, which might tip a decision as to water in their favor. Or maybe the money they’d pay would do that.
“I need details,” he said. “How much water did we lease, what did we pay then, and what’s a fair rate now?”
Audrey pushed back from the table. “I’ll get you that information.”
His mom was one of the most organized people he knew, which was why the Keller Ranch ran so smoothly. A few minutes later, she returned with a manila folder, which she opened and placed in front of Daniel.
“This amount of water would see us through,” Daniel said after reviewing the contract. “We only need to irrigate the fields bordering the Hunt property. This time the west side is good.” Being fed, as it was from a different, newly constructed ditch with a different water source. That water could only be used on the west fields, but leased aquifer water could be pumped wherever it was needed.
Spence looked at the figures, then said, “I’ll talk to her today.”
“Be convincing,” Daniel said. “Otherwise, I’m not sure what we can do other than to let that asshole win.”
Then they’d have to decide between a major thoroughfare across their property with the associated collateral damage, or watering the field.
Spence knew that Daniel would let the field dry up and blow away before he kowtowed to Carter Hunter; therefore, his mission was clear.
Nail down a lease, regardless of the conditions. Daniel would rather pay through the nose than let “that asshole,” Carter Hunt, win.
*
Greta laid herbristly chin on Hayley’s leg as they left Marietta. Hayley settled a protective hand on the dog’s warm body as she brought the truck up to speed. She’d intended to drop off the terrier at Whiskers and Paw Pals so that her adoptive mom could pick her up, only to find that the adoptive mom was no longer employed by the Hunt Ranch and couldn’t keep Greta until she came up with a new place to live.
“So what did she think she was going to do at the end of the season?” Elena Romero, the shelter manager, asked Hayley. “It drives me crazy when people lie on the applications. She said she was a year-round employee and now we find that she was seasonal,andshe did not get fired. She quit.”
“You’re certain?”
“I called out there. Talked to Dawn Hunt herself.” Carter Hunt was something of a jerk, but everyone liked his second wife, who participated in many community events and charities. “We need to amp up the vetting situation.”
“Along with everything else you do,” Hayley had said as she cuddled Greta against her. “And how many failures have you had in the past year?”
Elena looked skyward. “Two.”
“Not bad considering the number of animals you’ve homed. I heard thatsomeonetook in a potbellied pig.”
“It’s not a permanent home.” Elena made a sad face.
“I think it might turn into one.”
Elena’s eyes widened. “You’re adopting Remy?”
“I think Vince will, after he finishes law school. In the meantime, she’ll live with me.”
“Excellent.” Elena tilted her head at the little dog. “Care to foster Greta again?”
Hayley rubbed the little dog’s ears. “Of course.”
“Care to adopt?”
Hayley made a face. “If I start adopting, I’ll never stop.” And she had no idea how busy she was going to be in the future. “But... you never know.” If push came to shove, she would indeed adopt the little dog.
Chapter Three
Can I stopby to discuss a matter?
