Carrying the Rancher's Heir / Secret Son, Convenient Wife. Charlene Sands
took Tagg’s suggestion and shrugged with nonchalance. “Fine with me. So, are you helping this afternoon with Clay’s project?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there. He wants me to pick out the right horses for the kids coming to the ranch. You going?” He gave the tailored suit his brother was wearing the once-over.
“Not today. I have a meeting in the middle of the day. Gotta get back to Phoenix.”
“Something important?”
“Maybe. I’m thinking the Worths should get into the restaurant business.”
Tagg shook his head. “What?”
“Could be a really sweet deal. We could franchise, eventually.”
Tagg shook his head. Jackson was the go-getter in the family and had done very well for himself outside of Worth Enterprises. He had a gift when it came to making money. “That’s out of our comfort zone a tad bit, isn’t it?”
Jackson smiled wide. “Nah. I’m thinking it’s time to broaden our horizons.”
“Cattle, land development and now restaurants? You’ve got too much time on your hands, Jack.”
“Not true, I’m busier than ever.”
“Then maybe you need some outside interests that don’t include work.”
“Look who’s talking,” Jackson said with a grin. “This, coming from a man who doesn’t step foot off Worth land. Maybe you need to get a life.”
“I’ve got a life, right here. I’m not a recluse. I go out.” Rarely. But he did venture out on occasion. The last time he left town, he’d gone to Reno and had a sizzling hot night of sex with a sultry brunette.
“Okay, whatever you say. You got some time to feed me before you head over to Penny’s Song?”
“Yeah, I think I can wrangle us up some lunch.”
An hour later, Tagg got into his Jeep Cherokee and drove over to the Penny’s Song site. He had to hand it to his brother. Clayton Worth, country-western superstar, had retired from singing at the ripe old age of thirty-seven to live a simpler life on the ranch. Along the way, he’d had the inspiration for Penny’s Song and was making it a reality. All three brothers had pooled their resources and invested in its development. But Tagg felt close to this project for his own reasons.
He climbed out of his Jeep and studied the construction site. At least a dozen workmen applied their trade, though most of the major construction was complete. Shingles were being nailed down, barn doors were being set on hinges and new buildings forming an old-town-style street were wet with paint announcing Sheriff’s Office and General Store. The Red Ridge Saloon had an attached kitchen where the meals would be served. The bunkhouse where the kids would sleep would be run by well-screened volunteers.
“It’s coming along,” Clay said, walking up to him. He pushed his hat back on his head.
“It’s looking better than I imagined. The kids are gonna love it.”
“That’s the plan.”
Tagg captured his brother’s attention. “So, no hard feelings about the other day?”
Clay chuckled and shook his head. “You mean when you barked at me for not turning down The Hawk’s daughter? Nah. No hard feelings. I’ve never held Callie responsible for her old man’s doings. Even after you explained he’d just beaten us out of a big deal, I can’t fault her. She’s capable and more than qualified. Our mama didn’t raise no fool,” he said with a grin. “I know a good thing when I see it.”
Tagg held his tongue as Clay continued, “Fact is, she came up with a great idea for the general store. The kids are gonna get tokens every time they complete a chore. And then they can barter them for something in the general store. She’s donating little prizes and gifts to put in there.”
“That so?” Tagg had to admit it was a good idea. What child wouldn’t feel a sense of accomplishment being given a little reward for a job well done? His own father had instilled in all three of his sons the idea that hard work paid off. If you do a good job, you reap the benefits. “You should’ve thought of it.”
Clay’s eyes gleamed. “Maybe, but I was smart enough to hire on a pretty gal who knows child psychology. I’m taking full credit for that.”
Before Tagg could respond, his thoughts were interrupted by a burst of laughter coming from behind him. He turned around to find Callie Sullivan in the midst of a group of workmen by the barn, her head thrown back in amusement. All of the men in on the joke had their eyes on her, laughing along with her.
Something churned inside his gut. Seeing her again, smiling and happy around the crew, put him in a foul mood. She looked beautiful, even in faded jeans and a soft plaid work shirt with her hair pulled into a ponytail. She didn’t need frills to get him hot and bothered. Didn’t need her hair wild and loose to remember how soft those strands felt falling through his fingers.
She turned her head and caught him staring, then smiled wide, her dark eyes still glistening with mirth. She lifted her hand in a slight wave.
“There she is,” Clay said. He immediately gestured for her to come over. “I was darn surprised when she landed on my doorstep the other day inquiring about Penny’s Song. I hadn’t seen her in years.” Clay narrowed his eyes and shot a glance Tagg’s way. “But then, she stopped by your place, too, didn’t she? Enough to get you riled.”
Tagg bit his tongue. He’d seen enough of Callie Sullivan to occupy his dreams. “She didn’t rile me,” he said through tight lips. With Callie fast approaching, he couldn’t say much more to his brother.
“Hi, boys.”
Callie smiled at him then focused her attention on Clay. A piece of straw was stuck to her hair and Tagg had an uncanny urge to pluck it free. He focused on that strand of gold sticking out while Callie engaged in conversation with his brother.
“I’m so proud to be a part of this, Clay. Don’t forget, I’ll be happy to help with fundraisers, too. I’ve got some ideas that might bring the community together on this.”
“That’s real thoughtful, Callie.” Clay reached up and pulled that piece of straw from her hair. Tagg ground his teeth, watching Callie touch her hair and smile at his brother, like he’d just cured world hunger.
“Oh, thanks.”
Clay nodded and continued, “We’re depending on volunteers right now, but eventually, if all goes well, we’ll need more funds and have to hire on permanent help.”
“Keep me in mind.”
Clay smiled. “I surely will.” He turned to Tagg. “Actually, I’m glad you’re both here. I’ve got a job for the two of you.”
Callie shot Tagg a quick look then focused back on Clay. “Okay, I’m ready for whatever you have in mind.”
“We need to decide which horses will work best for the kids. Their ages range from six to thirteen. We need the tamest of the string, the horses with the most patience. We can’t afford to give up too many of our own trained cutting horses, but if you could select a few for now from our stables then we’ll go from there.”
Tagg could do this with his eyes closed. There was no need to involve Callie.
“I’d love to,” Callie said immediately.
“I can get this done, Clay,” Tagg stated. “If you need Callie for something else.”
Callie turned his way and he sensed her stare. He kept his gaze trained on his brother, not willing to see the recrimination in her eyes.
Clay shook his head. “No. I need you both for this. You each know horses, but Callie’s worked with children. And since none of us Worths have been around kids much, the two of you will make a good team.”
Tagg