Chapter Six

"So, what do you think?" Hunter turned and looked at Flynn Elliott. The man was a genius when it came to flowers, shrubs, and trees. Truth be told, he was an expert when it came to almost any type of vegetation.

Not only did Flynn design breathtaking landscapes, but he also had acres and acres of land covered in everything from roses to fruit trees he was growing and testing, including hybrid plants of his own making. If anyone knew the best place for Hunter to carry out his plans, Flynn was the man for the job.

Hunter tried to be patient as Flynn stepped onto an old, rotting tree stump and turned in a slow circle, taking in the ground around them. A house in need of repair, a barn about to fall down, and a yard overgrown with weeds marked where a family had once lived. There were pastures, now overgrown, and wheat fields, currently barren. The fields held the most interest for Hunter.

The land—comprised of two adjoining properties—was located a few miles west of Pendleton. A creek meandered through both properties, providing more than adequate water resources, although Hunter intended to sink a few wells for the drought years that would inevitably arrive.

Flynn faced the fields that had once grown wheat. He'd been out twice to collect soil samples, and Hunter hoped the man would reveal what he'd found today while he still possessed a few grains of patience. Antsy to put his dreams in motion, Hunter wanted to set his future on course.

Now that his father felt he'd all but abandoned Bramble Hall, Hunter felt a deep need to prove he wasn't squandering his life or his inheritance but doing something worthwhile.

"I believe it will work, Hunter," Flynn finally said. He closed one eye, held out his left arm like a level, and sighted in on the ground where Hunter intended to plant apple orchards.

Hunter had spent his childhood raising apples and thoroughbreds, and held a considerable amount of knowledge about both enterprises. While he loved horses and always would, he wanted to bring high quality apples to the Pacific Northwest. With the railroad running from Pendleton to Portland, not to mention trains that traveled to Boise and Spokane, he was sure he'd have no trouble selling all the apples he could harvest.

However, Hunter didn't want to plant just any old type of apple. He was tired of the varieties they grew at Bramble Hall. He wanted something new and fresh and flavorful. A friend had told him about a golden apple that had popped up in West Virginia, and Hunter wanted to grow them on his place. The apples didn't bruise easily and had an impressive keeping ability, making them perfect for transporting. Combined with a juicy, crisp, sweet bite, the apples were just what Hunter had been searching for. He intended to plant the golden apples along with three varieties Flynn had suggested.

Flynn had given Hunter the names of some growers in the Midwest who had shipped boxes of apples to him when he was at college. Even months after being harvested, the apples tasted fresh and delicious, and he knew then they were what he wanted to grow.

Although he was working to develop his own hybrids, Flynn didn't yet have enough trees ready for Hunter to use for commercial purposes. Hunter had offered to provide a few acres of ground for Flynn to plant experimental trees if the man would continue to consult for him and design the landscaping for the yard, once he actually bought a place. It was an agreement they would both find to be beneficial.

"You'll need to plant something fast-growing that can serve as a windbreak for the apple trees." Flynn stared out at the field. "Poplar trees should work quite nicely. I can place an order for you from a nursery in California, and the trees could be here in a few weeks."

"That sounds great, Flynn," Hunter said, smiling as Flynn hopped off the stump, and the two of them walked over to the ground where the orchards would take shape. "What about the soil?"

"It's rich and good, not too rocky. It's a little sandy, but that's not a bad thing when it comes to fruit trees. It will help hold the moisture in the dry years." Flynn motioned with his hand, making imaginary rows. "I'd plant the trees in rows facing this direction with your windbreak over there. The access to the creek is ideal. The river is far enough away you shouldn't ever have to worry about a flood destroying the orchard. Are you planning to purchase both parcels of ground?"

"Yes. The adjoining property has two small houses that could be habitable with a little work. The barn is in good shape, and there is a large equipment shed." Hunter pointed to the buildings just visible in the distance.

"And you intend to also run a herd of cattle? What about horses?"

"I'll start with a small herd. I plan to keep them on the other side of this place, where the pastures are already fenced." Hunter pointed behind them. "I don't intend to raise horses to sell, just for my own pleasure and what is needed for working the place."

"Do you want my opinion? Unvarnished?" Flynn asked, turning to face Hunter.

"Please."

"Buy the two places. If the property there,"—Flynn tipped his head toward the land to the south on the far side of the creek—"becomes available, snatch it up as well. It's all prime ground, and I think whatever you plant here will grow beyond what you can imagine. The pasture grass is rich and loaded with nutrients. I think you'll eventually want a bigger herd than you anticipate and will need to expand it. If your apples do as well as I expect, you'll want more ground for trees as well. I think it's smart to have various income sources, hence the apple trees and the cattle. I am happy to offer advice on nutrients to add to the ground when you plant the apple trees and would be more than pleased to accept your offer for a few acres on which to plant experimental trees. In exchange, you must let me landscape that ghastly yard around the house when you're ready."

Hunter expelled a long breath and reached out to shake Flynn's hand with a smile. "It's a deal!"

Flynn chuckled. "Just to keep things legal and binding, I'll have Mitch draw up papers we can sign."

Hunter liked Flynn's brother-in-law. Mitchell Lawry was an excellent attorney and a good man who could be trusted. Hunter's family had hired him in the past for assorted matters and had nothing but satisfactory results each time they worked with him.

"That would be great. Just let me know when to meet you at his office to sign the papers." Hunter looked out across the property he intended to soon make his. "I sure appreciate your input, Flynn. I know I'm young and have a lot to learn, but if my father has taught me anything, it's to surround myself with good, knowledgeable people. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with you."

"I'm pleased by the arrangement, Hunter. It will be exciting to observe how these new varieties of apples do here. It's a risk, but one I feel will bring reward in a few years when those apples are ready to harvest."

"I can hardly wait to get started. Do you have any suggestions on men to hire to do the planting? I probably should hire a manager for the orchard, and one for the cattle once I actually purchase the beginnings of my herd."

"I have a few men I could recommend for the orchard. Rowdy would be a good resource for someone to oversee the cattle, or talk to Garrett Nash. He knows a lot of people in the area, especially those involved in ranching." Flynn walked over to what had once been a fence around the yard of the house, but the boards had decayed and fallen apart. "What will you do with this house? Do you plan to live here?"

"I do plan to live on the place in this location. Whether the house can be remodeled to my liking will be up to Walker Williams. I intend to have him take a look at it once the papers are signed and the property is mine. If he thinks we need to start from scratch, I'll tear this place down and repurpose the wood for outbuildings."

"That sounds wise," Flynn said, settling a hand on Hunter's shoulder. "I need to get back to town. Evie and I are visiting the Stewart children later this afternoon."

Hunter recalled last year when Flynn's wife, Evie, had nearly died taking care of the Stewart children. She'd been working as their nanny then, and everyone in the household had contracted diphtheria. Flynn had braved catching it to assist Nik in caring for Evie and the others. Dally had nearly gone into hysterics when Nik had announced he would quarantine himself at the Stewart residence. Thankfully, neither Nik nor Flynn had gotten sick. During the weeks they were quarantined there, Dally and Hunter had taken food and supplies, leaving them near the gate, a safe distance from the house.

Hunter had been worried for Nik but nearly as worried for his sister as she wept and prayed and fussed and fretted until Nik finally felt it was safe to return to the B Bar D. Even Cornelia had cried when Nik had returned. Although he'd remained well, he'd been exhausted from the round-the-clock care he had provided for weeks on end. He'd lost weight, along with most of his tan, returning home pale and thin, not looking at all like the robust man he'd been before he'd walked into the Stewart's home and diagnosed the sickness.

It was a blessing that no one else in town had come down with the illness. Hunter knew Flynn had been beside himself with worry over Evie. Not long after she'd recuperated, the couple had wed, the same day Flynn's sister had married Mitch. It had been a wonderful celebration and a reaffirming moment of God's goodness as well as prevailing love.

Hunter recalled the looks of devotion and adoration Flynn frequently bestowed on his bride whenever they were together. Dally thought it was sweet, but Hunter thought it went beyond that. It was beautiful to see love lived out each day, just like he saw with Nik and Dally.

Apparently, Nik had received advice from Walker Williams' grandmother to kiss Dally every morning long enough that she would forget he might not come home that night due to his hectic schedule and busy medical practice.

Every morning before he left, Nik took Dally in his arms and kissed her soundly, regardless of who was in the room. Then he'd grin and rush out the door, ready for a day of work.

If Hunter ever got around to marrying, he intended to follow the same practice. A sizzling kiss full of passion and promises seemed like a wonderful way to begin the day.

Although Hunter had thought he'd found his forever with a girl named Katherine, she'd turned out to be fickle and interested purely in his family fortunes. She'd been quite an actress, making him think she cared about him when all along she was biding her time until she could claim part of Bramble Hall's coffers. Thankfully, his cousin Billy had overheard her talking to one of her friends at a party and relayed the details to Hunter.

If it had been anyone else breaking the news to him, Hunter would have likely popped the fellow in the nose and convinced himself the offending lout was jealous he'd caught Katherine's eye. Only, he'd known Billy would never lie to him.

Hunter had followed Billy through the shadows and stood behind a drape, listening to Katherine tell her friend all the things she'd change at Bramble Hall when she took over as mistress of the house, starting with sending Hunter's beloved grandmother away, then tearing out all the apple trees to plant vineyards. She'd bragged about her plans to convince Hunter to sell "those dreadful horses," as she put it, then spoken quite disparagingly about Hunter's mother.

Livid, hurt, and disillusioned, Hunter had clenched his jaw until his molars ached to keep from shouting at the uppity snippet. Instead, he'd taken her home, acting as though nothing was amiss. When he walked her to her door, he'd assured Katherine it would be the last time. He recalled how coy and sweet she'd acted, batting her eyelashes at him, clinging to him as though he'd made a grand joke. That's when he'd explained in clear, concise language that he never wanted to see her again.

Of course, she'd tried everything imaginable to manipulate her way back into his life, but Hunter had blocked her efforts, and she'd finally given up. Last he'd heard, she was chasing after one of the Vanderbilts. He really should write a letter warning the poor chap of Katherine's scheming ways.

Flynn thumped him on the shoulder, drawing Hunter from his memories.

"I'll let you know as soon as Mitch has the papers ready. Would you like me to go ahead and order the trees?" Flynn asked as he stepped into the car driven by his faithful servant, Benson.

"Let's wait until I am officially the owner. If something should happen, I don't want to have a train car load of trees arrive when I have nowhere to plant them." Hunter reached out and shook Flynn's hand again. "I'll head into town and see if I can finalize things this afternoon. If I do, I'll let you know about the trees."

"I'll wait to hear from you. If I'm not at the house, leave a message, and I'll order them when we return from our outing with the Stewart offspring."

Hunter waved as Benson turned the car around and left. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. With a smile, he envisioned how the place would look one day in the future, when the apple trees were heavy with fruit, cattle grazed on the rich pasture grass, and the two-story farmhouse was a comfortable, welcoming haven to his family and friends alike. He could almost hear the laughter floating out the windows and see the children playing tag in the yard. Girls with Dally's auburn hair and boys with his black locks. His sister and wife sat on the porch swing, giggling over something Nik had said. Luna tossed her head, smiled, and …

Snapped out of his daydreams by the vision of Luna in the midst of them, Hunter opened his eyes and shook his head. Why on earth would he picture Luna Campanelli there? He barely knew the girl. Woman. Incredibly attractive and interesting female.

Still, he had no interest in courting her, let alone marrying her. Did he?

Then again, he had invited her to the circus next week.

What had he been thinking? Clearly, he hadn't been. The words had burst out of him without his permission. The next thing he'd known, he'd been suggesting a time to pick her up at Tony and Ilsa's home.

Honestly, he'd been hard put to keep his eyes off her the other night at the restaurant. She was full of vigor and zest, all bright smiles and big brown eyes that sparkled with life and humor. She wasn't a thing like Katherine, who carried herself with regal aloofness and practiced grace.

No, Luna was … well, Luna. When she wasn't fainting into his arms at the depot, energy seemed to fairly pulse from her, as though she could barely hold herself in check. Not that she wasn't beautiful, because she was, with her rich brown hair and flawless skin, and that adorable heart-shaped face. But she wasn't someone he could picture sitting in a parlor embroidering samplers or knitting socks. Luna needed adventure and challenges. At least, it seemed that way to him.

She reminded him of Dally and his mother—two women he greatly admired for their intelligence, skills, and compassionate approach to life.

Hunter looked at the house, with the porch sagging to the right, the siding in need of paint, and half the windows cracked or broken. He closed his eyes again, picturing it painted, restored, and filled to the rafters with love.

"I think Dally and Nik's smooches are getting to me," Hunter groused. He walked over to where his horse, Wind, grazed in the shade. Hunter took the reins in hand and swung into the saddle.

The ride to town was pleasant and didn't take long. He went to the telegraph office and sent telegrams to the current owners of the two properties. While he waited for replies, he walked down to the bank and spoke with Grant Hill about the funds he planned to withdraw to make the purchases and the steps for expediting the process. He then dropped by Mitchell Lawry's office to have him draw up the paperwork for the sales, hoping like everything the sellers would accept his offers.

Flynn had stopped by the attorney's office earlier, and Mitch had already started a simple contract Hunter and Flynn could sign for their deal. While Hunter was discussing terms with Mitch, one of the errand boys from the telegraph office arrived with replies to both of Hunter's telegrams.

"It looks like I just bought two farms," Hunter said with a huge smile after reading the missives.

Mitch stood and clapped him on the back. "Congratulations, Hunter. Flynn mentioned you plan to raise apples and beef. That's an interesting combination."

"The world can never have too much food," Hunter said, hardly able to think as his head spun with excitement.

The purchase of the land was Hunter's big step into adulthood and his future. It felt like a monumental, pivotal moment in his life. One he never wanted to forget.

He shook hands with Mitch and returned to the bank to finalize the payments with Grant. From there, he rushed to the telegraph office and sent two more telegrams to the sellers, accepting their terms and letting them know he would wire the payments as soon as they signed the papers. After leaving a message for Flynn to order the trees, Hunter fought the urge to shout with pure joy.

In a mood to celebrate, he stopped by Nik's office and insisted on taking him, Dally, Rowdy, and Corni out for dinner. A sudden craving for a fine Italian meal made his mouth water. If fortune continued to smile down upon him, Luna would be working at Caterina's restaurant, and he could share his good news with her.