Heart of a Rancher. Renee Andrews
and Dana knew he was about to leave. “You still think my dude ranch will work?”
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t. And it’ll be very rewarding when I prove to my brother that I picked a wise investment.”
His smile grew, dimples popping into place, and he stood. “So Ryan Brooks doubted the success of an Alabama dude ranch? After six banks all thought it was a terrific idea and couldn’t wait to loan me money? In fact, I’ve still got all their letters of praise telling me why it’s a fabulous idea, if he’d like to see them.” At her soft laughter, John added, “Seriously, I do appreciate your taking a chance on this, especially when no one else would.”
“I’m making an investment based on my instinct more than on marketing history, of course, but Daddy told me to follow what feels right.” She pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “And this feels right.”
“Investing in an Alabama dude ranch?”
She wanted to make sure he understood and put a lot of thought into her words. “The dude ranch is what’s on the surface, but that’s not what I’m investing in.”
He’d taken a step toward leaving, but he stopped and turned, leaned against the porch post. “You aren’t investing in the dude ranch?”
The moonlight behind him created a beautifully sculpted cowboy silhouette, but even in the shadow, she could see the question in his eyes, the slight tilt in his face saying he wondered if she’d changed her mind. That couldn’t be further from the truth. On the contrary, after learning even more about this intriguing man tonight and seeing how deeply he cared for others and how strongly he felt about this beautiful ranch, she’d reaffirmed her decision.
“My father always said that when you invest, you aren’t investing in things, you’re investing in the heart behind the product, in the soul that makes it work. I’m not investing in an Alabama dude ranch. I’m investing in you.”
He took another step then turned, and even though his face was in shadow, Dana knew he smiled at her now. “I plan to show you that’s a wise investment,” he said.
She returned his smile. “I’m counting on it.”
Chapter Four
“Yay! I knew Uncle John would come watch me ride!” Abi waved wildly, toppled a little in the saddle and had to regain her balance on the brown mare. “Whoa!”
Dana’s cell phone buzzed in her pocket, but she ignored the interruption and watched Abi find her seat in the saddle again. Ryan had been texting ever since she woke up this morning, and she’d had enough business distractions. Today was Saturday, a day normal people relaxed and enjoyed life. Normal people, like the Cutter family. And she wanted to enjoy it, too, especially now that she saw John’s old blue pickup coming up the drive.
“Abi, you need to pay attention.” Georgiana stood next to Dana against the round pen railing. “I’m guessing she nearly fell off the horse trying to wave to John.”
“You’d guess right, but she’s back on track now.” Dana continued to be amazed with everything Georgiana could do and sense without sight. She’d even hiked the trail between the Cutter farm and Georgiana’s mother’s farm without assistance or complaint. But even though Dana answered Georgiana, her eyes hadn’t left the blue pickup nearing the barn. John didn’t wear his Stetson today, his brown waves ruffling in the breeze from the open truck window. “I thought you said he would sleep this morning since he worked all night.” Dana pulled her cell from her pocket, deleted Ryan’s text instructing her to call him and glanced at the time. “It’s only ten o’clock. Didn’t he work until seven?”
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