Chapter Two

Chelsea parked her car in front of the realtor’s office in Clifton. She got out and walked to the door, entering with a smile. The woman at the front desk greeted her.

“Hi, welcome to Clifton Realty. How can I assist you?”

“I would like to speak with Lydia Griffin.”

“That’s me,” said a woman standing up from a desk against the wall. “How may I help you?”

“Hello, I’m Chelsea Kennedy and I’m interested in buying the Cotton residence.”

“That’s a lovely property. Please, come sit down.”

“Thank you.”

Chelsea followed Lydia to her desk and took a seat in the chair next to it.

“Are you familiar with the property?” Lydia asked.

“Yes, I worked there for three summers.”

“That’s great. It’s a beautiful place. Well, since you’re familiar with it, I’m not sure what else I can tell you.” Lydia chuckled.

“Lydia? I’m sorry, but you have a call. He says it’s urgent.”

“Thanks, Patty.” Lydia looked at Chelsea. “Excuse me for a moment, Ms. Kennedy?”

“Of course, and please, call me Chelsea.”

“Thank you, I will. I’ll just be a minute.”

While Lydia was on the phone, Chelsea glanced around the office. When Lydia hung up, she spoke again.

“That was Mr. Cotton. He mentioned your visit today. He is such a kind man.”

“Yes, he is. I enjoyed working for him.”

“Well, I need to mention that there is a stipulation in the contract.” Lydia nervously nibbled on her bottom lip.

“A stipulation?”

“Yes. Since the ranch is considered a business with employees, Mr. Cotton wants to ensure that all employees stay unless they want to leave.”

Chelsea’s mouth fell open in shock. She knew exactly what caused this requirement. Colt Monroe. He had something to do with this.

“So, I’m required to keep all of the employees?”

“Yes, ma’am. It is common for businesses to protect their employees’ jobs in case of a sale. Is that going to be a problem for you? I can speak with Mr. Cotton, but he seemed very adamant about it.” Lydia shrugged. “He just wants to take care of his workers.”

“Have there been any other offers on the property?”

“Not yet, but it’s only been on the market for a couple of weeks. Trust me, that property will sell. And if someone else wants to continue using it as a boarding stable, they would probably want to keep the current staff. They know everything about the place. Do you plan on keeping it as is?”

“Yes, I have always wanted to own a boarding stable.”

“Then from my perspective, the stipulation makes sense for your situation.”

“Does this still apply if I don’t need a mortgage?”

“A contract is a contract, so yes.”

Chelsea let out a sigh. “Okay.”

“Is there anything else you would like to know about the property?”

“I know the place very well. Unless there are any major issues, I don’t need to see the house again.”

“Honestly, I think you should still tour the home. Just to be sure. So, when would you like to move forward with this? I will need to schedule an inspection and give the Cottons thirty days’ notice before they need to vacate. But I believe they were planning on moving out at the end of this month anyway. All furniture will stay unless you request otherwise.”

“I would like to keep it furnished. That’s one less thing for me to worry about.” Chelsea stood. “Can I call you tomorrow? We can go over all the details then.”

“Of course. Here is my business card with my contact information.” Lydia handed Chelsea a card from the holder on her desk.

“Thank you again for your help. I’m really excited about buying it. I’ll be in touch soon,” Chelsea said with a grateful smile.

“No problem, have a good day,” Lydia replied with a smile.

“Thanks, you too.”

Chelsea climbed into her car, checked the traffic, and headed to her parents’ house. As she pulled up to the sprawling log home on their five hundred acres of land, she couldn’t help but smile. Despite their wealth, her parents had chosen to live in a modest home instead of a mansion.

She stepped out of her car and made her way up the porch steps to the back door. Just as she reached for the doorknob, it swung open, and her mother greeted her with a smile.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Chelsea, what a pleasant surprise! Come inside.”

“Thanks. Where’s Dad?”

“He had an emergency surgery, but he should be home soon. What’s going on?”

“Do you remember the Cottons?”

“Yes, you worked for them for three summers, right?”

“Yes, but you know how much I’ve always wanted to run my own boarding stable. They’re selling theirs and I want to buy it.”

“I see. So, you’ve come to the ‘bank of Dad’?” Sylvia Hawkins chuckled.

“I’d prefer not to go through a bank since I already have a loan there for the coffee shop.”

“And what about the coffee shop?”

“I’m going to keep it if I can. It does well.” Chelsea grinned.

“That’s true. Anytime I’ve been in, it’s been packed.”

“I know. I could have Ainsleigh run it for me.”

“That’s true.” Sylvia glanced toward the door. “I think I heard your father pull up.”

“Oh boy, now I’m nervous.”

“Seriously? Chelsea, you and Eli know that we will do everything in our power to help you achieve your dreams. We never pressured either of you to follow in our footsteps as neurosurgeons. We just wanted you to live your own lives, not ours. We have always supported you and if there’s any way, we can help you get the ranch, we will.”

“You two are the best parents.”

“We know,” Sylvia replied with a smile. “Let me get him a cup of coffee.”

As the door opened, Wayne Hawkins walked in and smiled at Chelsea before greeting his wife with a kiss, as she handed him the cup.

“What a nice surprise, Chels.”

“How did the surgery go, Dad?”

“It went well, sweetheart.” He pulled out a chair at the table and sat down, looking at Chelsea with a raised eyebrow. “What’s going on?”

Chelsea looked at her mother, who nodded, then back at her father. After clearing her throat, she explained why she was there. Throughout her explanation, he remained silent and when she finished, she let out a sigh.

“She wants to use the ‘bank of Dad’,” Sylvia said with a grin as she sat down with her cup of coffee.

Wayne shook his head in mock exasperation. “I could have sworn we closed that bank years ago.”

Chelsea laughed. “I heard it reopened,” she said.

Her father raised an eyebrow. “How much?”

She told him the price and he didn’t even flinch.

“So, you’re sure this is what you want to do?” he asked, concern etched into his features.

“Daddy, I have always wanted to board horses. I love them,” Chelsea replied.

“I know you do, baby, but it’s not an easy business. It’s hard work. You’ll have to hire people.”

“No, I won’t. All employees stay,” she declared.

“Well, that’s good. I do know it’s a very successful place.” Her father reached for his cup and took a sip.

“I’ll pay you back—” Chelsea started to say before her father coughed on his coffee. Sylvia quickly came to his side and patted him on the back as he waved her away.

“I think you shocked him by saying you’d pay him back,” Sylvia joked, laughing.

Chelsea looked at her father to see him trying not to laugh.

“I will,” she insisted.

“Let it go, sweetheart. I’ll give you the money,” her father said with a shake of his head. “When do you need it?”

“I’m going to talk with the real estate agent tomorrow. I can let you know then.”

“That’s fine.” He stood up from his chair. “I’m going to grab a shower.”

“Thank you, Daddy.”

“You’re welcome.” After kissing Chelsea on the top of her head, he kissed his wife and left the room. Chelsea turned to her mother with a triumphant smile.

“I told you.” Sylvia smiled back at her daughter.

“Like I said, you two are the best parents.” She stood up from the table. “I better head home. I’ll call you tomorrow. I love you, Mom.”

“I love you too. Be safe going home.”

“I will. Bye.” Chelsea walked out of the house, a smile plastered on her face, and got into her car. As she drove to her place, the feeling of excitement and gratitude filled her heart and brought a smile to her lips. She couldn’t wait to make her dream become a reality.

****

Two weeks later, Tricia hugged Colt and got into the car. Colt turned to Walt and reached out his hand. Walt shook his head and pulled him into a hug. Colt chuckled, knowing he would miss this man greatly.

“You’re in good hands, Colt. Chelsea will keep this place running successfully.”

“I know, but I’ll miss you and Tricia.”

“We’ll miss you too, but we’re getting too old for this. Chelsea is young and passionate about this opportunity. She won’t let it fail, and I know you won’t either.”

“No, sir. I’ll do everything I can for it.”

“I know you will, son.” Walt looked around the area. “I will miss this.”

“I’ll keep you updated on how things are going.”

“Send some photos to Tricia. I’m not very tech-savvy, but she is.” Walt grinned.

Colt chuckled. “Yeah, I have her email address. I promise to stay in touch.”

“You better or else I’ll come back.”

“Well, if that’s all it takes for you to come back, then I won’t be keeping in touch.”

Walt laughed. “If only I were forty years younger, I’d stay. But these old bones can’t handle it anymore.”

“You’ll love retirement.”

“Walt? Honey, we need to go or we’ll miss our flight,” Tricia called from inside the car.

“Well, you heard the boss, I should get going.” Walt hugged Colt one last time. “You’re the son I never had, Colt. I trust you to keep this place thriving.”

“I will,” Colt said with a lump in his throat.

As the car drove away down the driveway, Colt watched until they disappeared. He took a deep breath and walked back into the barn to continue working.

A few days later, as he walked along the barn’s aisle, he saw Brian and Jett standing at the open barn doors.

“What are you two up to?” he asked, laughing when they both jumped and turned around. “You look guilty.”

Brian laughed. “We’re just watching the new boss move into the house.”

“Damn, I was hoping it was all a bad dream,” Colt muttered, making the two men laugh.

“Shit, she’s coming this way,” Jett whispered before quickly hiding.

“I should get back to work,” Brian said, scurrying off to one of the stalls.

Colt shook his head. He wasn’t going to run away from her.

“Good morning, Colt,” Chelsea greeted him as she approached.

“Morning. Looks like you’re getting settled.”

“I’m grateful they left the furniture behind.”

“Did they take any of it?”

“Just some pictures and keepsakes. Mr. Cotton even left all the books in the office.” She tilted her head. “Have you been in there?”

“Quite a few times.” Colt nodded.

“To get reprimanded, no doubt.”

“Actually, no. I would just go sit with him and talk.”

“You’ll miss him, won’t you?”

“Yes, I will. Well, I’d better get back to work before I upset the new boss. She already fired me once.” He tipped his hat and walked away before he did something stupid like pull her close and kiss those perfect lips of hers.

****

Chelsea’s eyes followed his long stride as he walked down the barn aisle. She couldn’t help but admire how good-looking he was, even after all these years. When she first met him, her teenage hormones went wild. He seemed like such a man to her back then, but now she knew that the younger version didn’t compare to the matured man he had become.

Colt had certainly filled out over the years, and judging by the way those jeans hugged him, he filled out in all the right places. Chelsea couldn’t help but groan at the thought. She knew it was best not to entertain any feelings for him.

“What makes you think he would even be interested?” she chided herself. “Best to just think of him as the manager.”

She let out another sigh as she left the barn and entered her new home. As she unpacked some boxes in the kitchen, there was a knock on her door. She set down the box and opened the door to find her future sister-in-law, Lorna Carter, standing there with her daughter, Lily.

Lorna was once married to Eli’s closest friend, Mac. Tragically, Mac was killed while on duty with Eli and two other livestock agents during an ambush. Lorna was pregnant at the time and gave birth to her daughter just after the incident. She vowed to never get involved with another man who had a dangerous job, but she couldn’t resist falling in love with Eli. He also adored her and her daughter deeply.

“Hi, come on in,” Chelsea greeted them with a smile.

“Aunt Chels!” Lily exclaimed, holding up her arms for Chelsea to pick her up.

“Hey there, my favorite niece,” Chelsea said as she kissed Lily’s cheek before setting her back down and hugging Lorna.

“I hope we’re not interrupting,” Lorna said apologetically. “I’ve been wanting to stop by and see your new place but didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Nonsense.” Chelsea laughed. “You two are always welcome here.”

“Can we see the horsies, Mama?” Lily asked eagerly.

“If it’s okay with Aunt Chels,” Lorna replied.

“Of course! Let’s go.” Chelsea held out her hand for Lily and they made their way out of the house, across the yard, and into the barn.

Lily skipped along the aisle, stopping at each stall to peek in at the horses. If one was empty, she’d happily skip to the next one.

“She adores horses,” Lorna remarked with a smile.

“You know, Lorna, if you and Eli ever need some alone time, I can take her for a weekend. She’ll be safe with me.”

“Oh, thank you Chels. That means a lot. We’ll plan that once you’re all settled in here,” Lorna replied gratefully before inhaling sharply and turning her attention to someone walking toward them.

“What’s wrong?” Chelsea asked, following Lorna’s gaze, and immediately knowing when she saw Colt approaching them. She watched as he crouched down to talk to Lily, his deep laughter filling the air at something she said.

“Good Lord,” Lorna gushed. She waved her hand in awe. “That man is the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome.” She looked back at Chelsea. “Is he married?”

“Not that I know of,” Chelsea replied honestly. “He wasn’t back when I worked here, but it’s been many years since then. He’s forty-three now.”

“If he’s available, I think you should give it a try.”

“Oh no, we didn’t get along when I worked here. He treated me like a child and unfortunately, he was right. At the time, he was twenty-one and I was only fourteen. Now, looking at him, he seems so much more…” Chelsea gestured vaguely.

“Like a man? Because he definitely is and if you tell Eli I said any of this, I’ll deny it and never speak to you again.”

“Lorna, just because you’re engaged doesn’t mean you can’t admire a handsome man. I’m sure Eli looks at attractive women too.”

Lorna placed her hands on her hips, narrowed her eyes, and gave her a stern look.

“He better not.” Then she chuckled. “I’m sure he does, but I have nothing to worry about. Just like he has nothing to worry about.”

“Of course not. You two are deeply in love and I’m so happy for both of you. I’m also glad that Eli has moved past blaming himself for not being able to save Mac.”

“It took some time, but he’s doing well now.”

“Oh Colt, this is my future sister-in-law, Lorna Carter. Lorna, Colt Monroe, the manager here.”

“Ma’am.” He tipped his hat slightly. “Pleasure to meet you.”

“You too, Mr. Monroe.”

“Please call me Colt.” He tilted his head slightly. “You’re engaged to Eli?”

“Yes. We got engaged last Christmas.”

“Congratulations. Eli is a good man.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Lorna smiled.

“Well, if you’ll excuse me, I have some work to attend to in the other barn. Have a good day.” He walked around them and headed toward the door.

“Bye, Colt,” Lily shouted after him.

He turned around with a grin and waved at her.

“See you, Lily.” He left the barn.

“He’s even more attractive up close. And his eyes are so dark,” Lorna murmured.

“Let’s go inside, I’ll tell you about the first time I met him.”

They entered the house and sat at the table while Lily unpacked her coloring book and crayons from her bag and started coloring.

Chelsea let out a sigh. “I’ve always loved horses. I have two of my own back at my parents’ place, and you know Eli has horses as well. Anyway, I met Walt and Tricia Cotton when I was fourteen. They came to my mother’s birthday party and I instantly fell in love with them. They’re truly some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. Mr. Cotton sat down and talked with me, and when I mentioned how much I loved horses, he suggested I come here and work for him during the summers. Of course, I had to ask my parents first. They thought it would be a good opportunity for me.” She smiled warmly. “And it really was. My mom would bring me here around six in the morning, and I’d work until two in the afternoon. I loved every minute of it. But when I met Colt, my heart skipped a beat. I developed a crush on him instantly. But unfortunately, it seemed like everything I did annoyed or bothered him in some way. He even threatened to fire me one day when I forgot to clean one of the horse stalls.” Chelsea shook her head in amusement. “Looking back now, I think he knew about my crush and wanted to put an end to it. There were three other girls working here as well, and he treated us all the same way. Strictly professional. We were just too young for him at that time. Most days he would just ignore us, but I couldn’t help but stare at him. And one day, I even wore short shorts to try to get his attention. But he chewed me a new one, and made me go back home to change into proper jeans.” She laughed at the memory. “I was determined to make him notice me.”

“A young girl’s heart is fragile.”

“Mine was shattered because of the way he treated me. I swore I hated him. I told myself I would never work here again unless Colt was gone, but I returned for two more summers. After that, I went to college and met my loser of an ex-husband. Anyway, when Mr. Cotton told Colt that I was buying this place, we got into an argument. He said we never got along and I said it was because he treated me like a child. He responded by saying, ‘you were a child.’ He was right.” Chelsea grinned at Lorna. “I even told him he was fired once I took ownership.”

Lorna burst out laughing. “You did not!”

“Oh, but I did. But then Mr. Cotton found out about it and made it a requirement for whoever bought the ranch to keep all current employees who wanted to stay. I’m sure he did that with Colt in mind.”

“Do you think Colt told him?”

“Well, I don’t know how else Mr. Cotton would have found out, but I highly doubt Colt went running to him to tattle. Most likely, Mr. Cotton spoke to him after I left, maybe about the sale, and the fact that I fired Colt came up in conversation. So, Mr. Cotton made sure I couldn’t get rid of him unless he did something truly terrible after I took over the ranch.” Chelsea frowned. “Does that make sense?”

“Yes, it does. So now you have to deal with that gorgeous man all day long. Must suck for you.” Lorna grinned.

Chelsea laughed. “You have no idea. It’s hard not to stare at him with his cowboy swagger, rugged looks, and those intense dark eyes. Damn.” She fanned herself with her hand.

“I still think you should go for it. If you’re both unattached, why not? Have some hot sex.”

“What makes you think it would be hot?” Chelsea grinned.

“Uh, have you seen him?” Lorna laughed.

“Well, yeah, there’s that. But it’s been so long since I’ve had sex, I’m sure I’ve forgotten how to do it. Although Colt could probably remind me.” She sighed. “But he works for me and things could get complicated if it didn’t work out.”

Lorna tilted her head. “You still have a crush on him.”

“I wouldn’t exactly call it a crush. Maybe just a strong attraction.” Chelsea sighed. “He looks damn good in those jeans.”

“I remember thinking the same about Eli when he came to the ranch for the horses. I couldn’t take my eyes off his ass in those tight Wranglers.”

“Please, don’t talk about my brother like that. It’s just weird.” Chelsea shook her head.

“Oh, it wasn’t just his ass.” Lorna snorted out a laugh at Chelsea’s eye roll.

“Enough with the details.”

“Fine, fine. So, do you want to join us for lunch?”

“Definitely. Let me change and then we can head to the diner.”

“Yay! I want a hangburger, Mama,” Lily said.

“It’s hamburger, sweetie,” Lorna corrected.

“But Daddy says hangburger,” Lily insisted.

“Only for you.” Lorna looked at Chelsea. “I keep telling him to stop encouraging her but he loves it.”

“I’m so glad he’s happy. He loves you both so much, and I love that she calls him, ‘daddy’.”

“He loves it too, and we feel the same about him. I can’t wait to marry him. Now go change.” Lorna waved her off.

“I’ll be quick.” Chelsea went to change and then met them in the kitchen before they headed to Clifton for lunch.