Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“Was that the second thing you wanted to talk to me about today, before you got sidetracked with the cherry pie?”
My mother’s brows rose. I knew my voice sounded condescending, but why hadn’t she spoken to me about something so important before springing it on me in front of everyone else?
“Yes. It was.”
“I agree about the clinics,” Grandpa Gus stated as he circled the conversation back to the clinics. “They’d be a good source of income for the ranch.”
My grandmother glanced at me. “Don’t worry, Emeline. The camps have become a rich part of our history on the ranch. They’re not going anywhere.”
I smiled at her slightly, even though my stomach was reeling. “Who would be in charge of these clinics?” I asked in a tone that sounded angry.
Caden frowned slightly. “Gatlin and I can handle the cattle clinics. I know Mom is taking a step back, but we can speak with Marshall and see if he’s onboard with taking on that task, since you manage the camps and have your work here on the ranch.”
“You mean put Marshall in charge of the equine clinics and not me? You don’t think I can handle it? The camps are only two weeks out of the summer, I’m pretty confident I can add more to my plate,” I stated as I glared at my older brother.
His frown deepened. “No, I don’t think anything of the sort. But I can’t read your mind, Emeline. And honestly, you seem like you’re against the idea of the clinics.”
“I’m not against them, Caden. I literally just found out about them, after all. Can you at least give me time to process the fact that my camps are likely going to be downsized and replaced?”
The entire room fell silent.
Clearing his throat, Levi turned to me. “I don’t think anyone is talking about replacing the camps, Em. It was just a suggestion, since the cabins sit empty most of the year, unless they’re rented for retreats and such. I thought it would be a good place to look for additional income. It might even help with the camps, if you have any deficit in the fundraising.”
I felt like a complete idiot now. Here I was, throwing a tantrum…and for what reason? I didn’t have one.
I forced a smile. “No, you’re right. I’m sorry I overreacted. It’s a good idea. I just need a moment to process it all.”
My eyes caught Ensley’s. She smiled softly and motioned for me to join her in the kitchen. “If we’re done, I’m going to clear the table.”
I stood quickly. “I’ll help.”
Mom stood as well, but Ensley told her and Grams to sit back down. “Emeline and I have it. You two relax.”
Picking up my plate, I forced another smile. “Anyone else finished?”
Levi went to stand. I put my hand on his shoulder. “You’re a guest. Please, keep chatting. Ensley and I will take care of this.”
“Thank you, girls,” Mom said with a slightly concerned smile.
After grabbing a few plates, I followed my sister to the kitchen. Ensley put her dishes on the counter, turned to me, and sighed.
“Emeline, what was that all about?”
Setting the dishes in the sink, I leaned against the counter. Tears pricked at the back of my eyes. Looking into my sister’s gaze, I whispered the words I’d tried to deny for so many years.
“I think I’m in love with Levi. No, I know I am—and I don’t know what to do about it. Now I feel like everything I’ve worked for is slowly slipping from my hands.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh shit. I need Mom for this one.”
Levi
Once Emeline and Ensley headed to the kitchen, I said, “I didn’t mean to make Emeline upset, or make her think I don’t care about the camps.”
Vivianne waved off my concern. “Emeline lives, eats, and breathes those camps. She has since she was young, and I think for a moment she thought we were going to phase them out.”
“I didn’t mean to suggest that at all.”
Ladd shook his head. “You didn’t. Emeline has always dreamed big, and I love that about her. But the truth of the matter is, it’s getting more expensive to run the camps since we don’t charge the campers. Her idea for a camp for kids with special needs is amazing, but would cost even more to run.”
“Have you ever thought of opening them up to paid campers?” I asked.
Nellie shook her head. “That isn’t why we started the camps. It was never about making a profit off of them. The need is diminishing; therefore, the camps are shrinking. That, in itself, is a good thing. That means fewer kids are growing up in poverty in River Falls, and there are fewer kids at River Haven, which is a community goal we’re very proud of. The clinics are a great idea, Levi.”