I had a sneaking suspicion Marielle would not be as charmed as I was, but it was important she was involved.
“When are you coming?” I asked, redirecting my thoughts.
“Elisa has plenty of vacation time, and her supervisor is urging her to take it before year’s end. Frankly, I’ve been doing the same. She’s confident whenever she puts in will be approved, and since some of the agenda items are time sensitive, I’m planning for the end of next week.” I heard her clicking for a second, and then she continued. “The tenth works for arrival. Would you like me to stay for one week or two?”
I didn’t hesitate. “Two. We can spread out working days so you have plenty of time off to play with your wife. There’s a lot of fun shops in Briarwood and Russell Crossing. Plus, you could take some time away and go to Denver or Colorado Springs, if you want. I’ll pay for your stay elsewhere.”
There was a heavy beat of silence. When Marielle spoke, her voice was soft, “Carter, you are a very generous employer. My salary is far above the going rate and I do enjoy working for you. But you don’t have to bribe—”
“Nope! It’s not a bribe at all.” I took a breath and slowed as I reached Russell Crossing town limits. I’d heard the sheriff liked to stake out this section of road to catch motorists who didn’t heed the speed limit change. “It’s a working vacation. I’m dragging you out here. It’s only right.”
“Elisa and I can pay for hotels should we decide to venture out of town,” she said with a note of finality.
I wanted to argue but I thought better of it. I’d just give her an insane year-end bonus instead. Marielle handled everything for me except her own payroll. Exactly for this reason.
“Fine,” I acquiesced, making sure my exasperation was in my tone. “But the rental car is on me. Get yourself something comfortable, all right?”
“Absolutely,” she agreed. “I’ll work out the details and send them through to you. I’ve also sent you the charity proposal you requested. I found a local to you—” a hint of sass bled through in her tone “—equine rescue. I’ve vetted them thoroughly and they do excellent work.”
“The name?” I asked.
“Charlie’s Chance. In the brief, I included their website. Make sure to check it out.”
“I will,” I agreed, making a mental note of the name. Chances were Hawk or one of the other Harringtons had heard of it, so I could ask them about it. Not that I didn’t trust Marielle. She was incredibly thorough. “I’ll read it this evening, after I get back.”
She made a noise, almost as if she wanted to ask where I was going, but thought better of it. Instead, she cleared her throat. “Very good. Let me know if you need anything else.’
“Yep. Make the arrangements for your travel today, okay?”
“Yes, sir.”
I snorted at her playful tone. “Talk to you later.”
“Goodbye, Carter.”
I was taking the use of my name as a win. I grinned as the call disconnected on its own and turned down Millsbrook Road. It lined the west edge of Blue Creek Ranch and for the first time, I noticed some construction near the road. I slowed, taking it in. I wasn’t entirely clear on the BCR’s property line, but I thought this section was part of their acreage. I wondered what they were building.
A few minutes later, I turned into the ranch proper. I immediately rolled down my window, despite the bite in the air and grinned as Juanpablo sent up the alarm. Seriously, that donkey was a trip. As I drove past the house, I saw him at his fence line, mouth open wide as he brayed for all he was worth. Then, as has become my habit, I glanced at the front window of the big house to see the curtain on the bay window flick aside. I raised my hand in a wave at whomever was looking out. Probably Jenn, but it could be anybody. I couldn’t quite see.
I parked in my usual spot by the training barn. Barn 4. I was learning the property and names for the buildings. I thought I would stop in and take care of Ramona’s stall first, since the Harringtons and assorted staff had started leaving that work for me. There hadn’t been a discussion about it, other than Mal stopping me the other day with his usual affable grin.
“Just let someone know if you’re not coming in on a particular day, so we can take care of it,” he’d said, then walked away like it was the most natural thing.
I didn’t worry about feeding her because there was a schedule in the barn and someone else took care of that. If I’d actually wanted to get here early enough, I probably would have handled that too. Half the time, Ramona was already turned out by the time I arrived. Unless she was getting training that day. If I found her in her stall, I knew Hawk was planning on working with her, and I settled her in the wash bay while I cleaned the stall, then groomed her before putting her back.
I grabbed the bag from the passenger seat then got out of the Jeep. I headed straight for the barn but instantly realized the indoor arena was empty. I crossed through to the outdoor arena, glad I’d put on the thicker flannel today. October in Colorado was definitely chilly, though there were still some warmer days.
Hawk was there, perched on a pretty brown horse with black legs and mane. It took a second, and I had to rifle through the research I’d crammed into my brain, before I remembered this color was called bay. One of the things I’d loved learning was that all the different horse breeds had different standards of colors, and some of the colors were the same but had different names based on the breed.
Horse people were strange.
The man in question was entirely focused on the horse. He used his legs and reins to make the horse turn in a circle, front feet planted. Then Hawk backed it up and spun in the opposite direction, this time with back feet planted. I didn’t know the point of that, but it was fascinating to watch. Hawk had complete control and the horse was perfectly willing to do whatever he asked.
“You must be Carter Cahill,” a voice said next to me. I jumped just a little, so entranced by Hawk, I hadn’t noticed anyone come up.
I turned and took in the woman, on the shorter side and a little plump, with a mane of wild, dark curls piled on top of her head. One of the sisters I hadn’t met. There was no mistaking a Harrington when you saw one. They all had dark or light brown hair, and took after one of their parents. Sometimes it was a mix. Like this woman, who had Jenn’s blue eyes but Mike’s mouth. The same shape mouth Hawk had.
“I am. I haven’t had the pleasure of your acquaintance yet.” I gave a silly little half-bow.
