Page 42 of Mountain Rescue
“No, I didn’t know that.” She smiled as June gushed about Cheyenne and her husband, how awesome the dude ranch was, and how beautiful Montana was. When June finally took a breath, Rachel said, “Listen, I need to go. You have fun, and I’ll talk to you in a few days.”
“Okay. I love you, honey pie.”
“Love you, too.”
She chuckled after disconnecting. Maybe she should tell Dallas to warn the men on his ranch to keep an eye on their shirts. She wouldn’t put it past June to steal them.
“What you and Jack have planned here is pretty impressive,” Dallas said after Noah had taken him on a tour of the site. The location was in a valley surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. A forest of trees, each a different shade of green—reminding him of a patchwork quilt—rose up behind the one cabin already built, and where others were planned. A river snaked its way through the land, and on the other side, a mama deer and her fawn were grazing. It was an idyllic spot, peaceful and perfect for a retreat.
Noah nodded. “The kennels will be finished next week. Jack will move the dogs over then so he can be onsite. We’re aiming for the lodge and cabins to be done before winter sets in. We’re pretty much on top of everything except for the equestrian center. We know jack shit about horses.”
“I might be slow, brother, but I do eventually catch on.” He narrowed his eyes at Noah. “The equestrian center is why I’m here.”
“No, you’re here because when Jack talked to you, he picked up on the fact you needed some downtime with people who’d understand what you’re dealing with even if you don’t want to talk about it. However, since you’re here, might as well make yourself useful.”
“Jack’s a sneaky bastard. This how he got you to work for him? Had you roped in before you knew what he was up to?”
Noah laughed. “More or less. Pretty sure he had a plan for me from day one.” He stared at the mountains for a moment, then turned his gaze to Dallas. “I thought I’d be a SEAL until they ran me off when I couldn’t pass the physical, but after what happened, I just couldn’t go back. What if I messed up again and...” He shook his head. “I try not to go there.”
“Yeah, same here,” Dallas quietly said. Noah was thinking of the mistake he’d made. No one on the team blamed him, but Dallas understood why Noah did. Truthfully, although he’d been brutally tortured, he wouldn’t trade places because he’d feel the same guilt as Noah did.
“I was drowning my guilt in the bottom of a bottle, no idea how to climb out, and facing a bleak future. Jack saved me.” He swung an arm out, taking in their surroundings. “To be involved in something that will help people like us is more satisfying than I can explain.” His voice cracked, and he cleared his throat. Then he grinned. “And because Jack brought me here, I met Peyton, and that, brother, is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“How the mighty have fallen.”
“’Cause I’m a man in love,” Noah sang.
Dallas rolled his eyes. “You’re ridiculous, is what you are.” And amusing. Noah had kept them entertained on deployments with his ability to come up with a song that fit any situation.
The man actually had an amazing voice and could play a guitar as well as any rock star, could have been a rock star himself, he had that much talent. Dallas had asked him once why he hadn’t pursued a career in music. Noah claimed he had no desire to be famous and have to deal with all that came with that.
“Credit for that one goes to Eric Clapton, if you’re wondering.”
He wasn’t. He did, however, envy the peace and happiness both Jack and Noah had managed to find. Maybe there was hope for him. A girl with whiskey brown eyes popped into his mind. He pushed the image away. He had to figure out his future before he brought a woman into his life. “So, where are you thinking of putting the equestrian center?”
“Haven’t a clue. That’s what we’re hoping you can help us with. Like, how many horses do we need, what kind of staff, what kind of building, and any other questions we don’t know to ask.”
Dallas surveyed the site again. “I’d suggest starting with a dozen or so horses but build a barn with at least two dozen stalls so you’ll have room to grow if need be. You want horses that are mature, steady, and calm. You’ll want some paddocks so a horse can’t run away if it spooks. Map out two or three riding trails for those more experienced. The barn and paddocks need to be on flat land. As for staffing—”
“Whoa, I’ve already forgotten half of what you just said.”
“Bullshit.” He tapped Noah’s head. “Your mind is a steel trap, but I see what you’re doing here. So, how about, to quote you, I make myself useful while I’m here and work up a business plan for an equestrian center?”
“Jack said you’d come around.” Noah slapped him on the back. “Welcome to Operation Warriors Center.”
“All I’m doing is creating a working plan for the equestrian part, so don’t go getting any ideas.”
“I said close to the same thing and look at me now.” Noah’s laugh sounded a bit likeyou don’t stand a chance against Jack.
“Yeah, well, I’m a Montana boy, so I won’t be sticking around.”
Noah’s only answer was a sly smile, which Dallas ignored.
“You got anything planned for that level spot off to the right?” Dallas pointed to an area in the distance.
“Nope. That look like a good place for your barn and paddocks?”
“Not my barn. Not my paddocks, but yeah, it does.”
