Page 131 of My Cowboy Trouble
"She'd probably be horrified that we're charging people to muck stalls."
"You underestimate your aunt. I knew her for a long time and can assure you she'd be impressed that you figured out how to make money doing it." Clara Mae winks. "Besides, these city folks need a little reality in their lives. Nothing wrong with showing them where their food comes from."
"As long as nobody gets trampled by our 'authentic ranch wildlife.'"
"That's what those waiver forms are for, dear. Very thorough, by the way. My lawyer friend was impressed."
"Your lawyer friend?"
"Oh yes, I had him look them over. Can't be too careful when you're dealing with tourists. They sue over everything."
I stare at her. "You had your lawyer review our liability waivers?"
"Well, someone had to. The boys are too trusting, and you're too busy trying to keep everything running smoothly." She adjusts her purse strap. "Consider it my contribution to the local economy."
"Clara Mae?—"
"Don't you 'Clara Mae' me. This whole operation is the best thing to happen to this town since the highway went through. Half the businesses in town are seeing increased traffic, thanks to your guests needing supplies and meals and entertainment."
"Entertainment?"
"Oh yes. The diner is doing a roaring trade in 'authentic cowboy breakfast experiences,' and the feedstore started selling souvenir T-shirts." She grins. "You've accidentally revitalized the entire downtown."
"Accidentally?"
"Well, I doubt you planned to turn the whole county into a tourist destination when you started this little venture."
She's right. What started as a simple idea to bring in some extra revenue has somehow snowballed into a regional attraction. Last week, three different travel bloggers showed up wanting to write about the "undiscovered gem of authentic Western hospitality."
I'm not sure whether to be proud or terrified.
"Anyway," Clara Mae continues, "I just wanted to stop by and see how you're settling in. Still feels like yesterday you showed up in those fancy boots, convinced you were going to sell this place and run back to the city."
"I was convinced of that."
"And now look at you. Local business owner, pillar of the community, practically an institution." She heads toward the door, then turns back with that knowing smile. "Like I always said, some people are meant for ranch life. They just need the right incentive to figure it out."
"The right incentive?"
"Three cowboys and a profitable ranch don't hurt."
And with that, she's gone, leaving me with a basket of eggs and the distinct feeling that my entire life has been orchestrated by forces beyond my control.
Starting with one very manipulative aunt and her very detailed will.
That evening,after the last guest has been fed and the horses are settled for the night, I'm finally relaxing in the living room. Gavin flops down beside me on the couch with a beer and that look that means he's about to say something that'll either make me laugh or want to throw something at him.
"So, princess, been thinking."
"You're thinking again, Gavin? That's dangerous."
"Very funny. I've been thinking about your next brilliant business idea."
Asher appears from the kitchen with his own beer, grinning. "Oh, this should be good. What's she planning tomonetizenow?"
"Is that your new favorite word?" I laugh.
He shrugs. "I'd never heard of it until you came on the scene. So yeah, I guess so. It has a nice ring. And when I throw it around with the other cowboys, they think I'm fucking Einstein."
