Chapter 14
Kenzie
Secrets.
As a young girl, I’d kept them, whispering details only to my best friends.
As a woman involved in the workforce, I’d used tactics of discovery in a court of law to my benefit. The element of surprise was an excellent tactic at winning a case.
As a girlfriend to David, telling little white lies and keeping secrets had been part of home life.
There’d been no reason for him to know I’d spent money on myself.
I’d maintained my own bank accounts and made as much money as he had.
I’d contributed to the household so the treats I purchased for myself were allowed.
Too bad for him if he disagreed.
However, there was something about Wade hoping if not demanding I keep the secret of whatever he wanted to show me that caught me off guard. Maybe because he seemed so stressed.
I was considering shutting down all emotions and walking away. My sense of loyalty to my mother was the only reason I was allowing Wade to take me somewhere.
My father’s ranch was located on the outskirts of town. Several ranchers owned thousands of acres, but through the years, many had sold portions of their properties for money, making up for their loss in profits.
Given the length of time since I’d been home, I was shocked to see how many housing and commercial developments there were spread over hundreds of acres.
I stared out the passenger window, uncertain how I felt about trees being removed and the landscaping destroyed.
“Let me guess. Dad is involved in one of those.” I turned my head to look at him. When I did, Wade shrugged.
“Not the big communities. A resort.”
With the pristine mountains, lakes, and rivers, Missoula had always been on the cusp of development.
While certain members of the city council had been for more urban development, those who’d lived in Missoula their entire lives, raised families and had roots stemming for generations were none too pleased at the changes. That much I’d kept up with.
“A resort. Out here?”
“Well,” Wade threw out as he made a turn, “there’s a main attraction other than the outdoor activities and anticipated corporate usage.”
The long road had obviously been sectioned off as commercial. However, the landscaping created small town ranch appeal, the trees and the picket fences welcoming. The road twisted around and suddenly various corrals came into view, alongside modernized barns and training facilities.
“What is this place?”
“You’ll see. Just up ahead.” After another mile or so, another building came into view, a stadium of sorts.
“What is that?”
“What is that phrase? Seeing is believing? Come on.”
Trepidation hit me hard as I climbed out, following Wade toward the building. “Is this all Dad’s doing?”
“Oh, hell, no. There are investors, banks involved. Sure, some palms were greased, Kenz. I can’t lie to you. However, this was Dad’s dream.”
After he unlocked the doors, we walked into darkness. That didn’t last for long.
With a flip of several switches, the bright lights forced me to wince.
“The rodeo.” My father had always believed Missoula was a perfect location for the larger national and international rodeo championships.
Sure, we had a smaller stadium that allowed for the second and third tier shows, but that had never been enough for him.
“Yep. But not just for state or local competitions, but with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys and the Professional Bull Riders Associations. We want to put Missoula on the map.”
“What you’re considering would take a huge investment. Of time. Money. Let me guess. Daddy’s influence over the city council for land approval and needed infrastructure.”
Wade nodded. “You’re right on all counts and the city council members were thrilled with the idea.
We’re far enough away from the city limits and the influx of capital brought to the city will be incredible.
We were hoping to be operational for the fall’s championships but ran into several obstacles. ”
“Let me guess. Including legal ones.”
His grin confirmed why I was here. My dad believed I could make the difficulties go away.
“All this at the expense of the firefighters, which in turn hurts the smokejumpers.”
“I don’t play politics, sis.”
“Bullshit, Wade. You run the ranch. You’ve had to deal with city politics before.”
“Yeah, well, Dad had his hand in this. Just take a look around. Everything is state of the art.”
Exhaling, I couldn’t help but notice the time and effort that had gone into creating the environment. I headed to the center of the ring, glancing at the roofing system. With our winters, the area had to be enclosed. The size was perfect, incorporating dozens of first-class seats.
As I walked the perimeter, I had to admit I was thoroughly impressed with both the design and accommodations.
The concession stands were in perfect locations, bathrooms strategically placed throughout.
As I headed to the back, I noticed the signage was incredible, the artistry used to decorate the walls amazing.
He trailed behind me, obviously worried I’d find fault with the design. What I knew about land development was how to protect workers. What was really needed was for the people of the city to be protected from my father’s influence. Not a position I wanted to be in.
“What do you think?” Wade asked.
“Impressive. What happens when it’s not rodeo season?”
“Then we have concerts. The roofing can open up as well.”
“Then why place all the cards on the table about the rodeos?”
“That’s the way the stadium was sold to investors.”
Another sigh left me. “Of course it was. A promise made. The investors are none too happy the season was missed for the year.”
“Nope. They had box seats already presold. Reimbursing the box holders was a nightmare.”
Why hadn’t I heard about this? “And the two rodeo associations?”
“Unfortunately, neither organization wants to have anything to do with us. That’s all political in nature and you know our father.”
“Yeah, a bull in a china shop. However, if you think I have the skills to strong-arm them, you’re wrong. Not my forte.” Nor was it anything I was interested in doing.
“No, but you do know rodeos. You know cowboys. You know how the system works. And you could talk an Eskimo into purchasing land for igloos.”
My misfortune couldn’t have presented my father and brother with a better opportunity. Plus, I had no doubt my father had made other promises.
“So what? This isn’t how I intend on spending my career.” I was serious. Although I had to admit that rodeos were in my blood.
“A one-time deal,” he insisted.
I glared at him. “Why don’t I believe you? What does that mean exactly?”
The look on Wade’s face made me very nervous. “Why don’t you at least allow our father to explain that to you. Remember, this is our little secret.”
Secret, my ass. Why was it the entire town wasn’t talking about it?
Or maybe they were and I’d been away for far too long.
* * *
“I’m so glad you’re home.” My mother was all smiles as she rushed toward me, taking me into her arms for a hug. “I was so worried about you after Bartholomew told me what happened. Oh, baby girl.”
“It’s fine, Mom. I had a handsome angel on my side.”
“You mean the man who rescued you?”
“Yes, Stephen Beckett.”
“Axe. Of course.” She backed away. “He’s turned into quite the man. I know his father is proud.”
“What do you mean of course? And how do you know his nickname?”
“I do keep up with things around this town, dear girl.” My mother grinned. “You know that man has always been your protector. That’s why I always adored him.”
Hearing my mother mention Axe in a glowing way brought butterflies to my stomach. “He truly risked his life to save mine. That’s why I’m dressed this way. His clothes.”
She snagged my hand, squeezing my fingers. “And you look adorable in them.”
“I’m sure Daddy will have something to say about it.”
“Oh, to hell with him. But you can borrow some of my clothes until we can go shopping. I cannot wait to thank Axe. He kept my baby girl alive.”
“It’s funny how Wade doesn’t care. I wonder why.”
Her sigh was heavy. “They had a falling out. A misunderstanding. Don’t let that bother you.”
“Well, I’m here to talk to Dad about his urgent call. How have you been?”
“I’m sure you’ve heard your father and I are not on speaking terms at the moment.”
“Yes, and I know why.”
She backed away, quickly glancing over her shoulder as if our discussion was a little secret. “Your father just won’t learn. He’s close to retirement age but continues to get involved in projects. Imagine, a rodeo in town. How long are you in town for?”
“That depends.”
“Don’t let the old buzzard drag you into anything you don’t want. You have a life to live. I’m sorry to hear about your job and about David, but things will look up. When life provides you with lemons, you know what you need to do.”
I laughed. “You’re always so optimistic. I might be better off without both.”
My mother had never been one to mince words, which was how I’d inherited my caustic mouth. “The world provides signs. What you do with them is what creates true karma. Now, if you ask me, David was beneath you.”
“Oh, really? I thought you adored him.” My mother could still surprise me, but I needed to hear her words of wisdom.
“Nope. Not a chance. Only the best for my little girl.”
“Well, maybe one day I’ll find the right guy.”
“You will. Any man would be lucky to have you. Even though I’m pissed at your father, he was the right one.”
Backing away, I gasped on purpose. “You’re kidding me.”
“Oh, stop. You know I adore your father, even if he does drive me insane. That’s what men do oh-so well.” She threw a look behind her toward where his office was located in the house. “He means well, but he just won’t listen to common sense or anything else.”
“How did you know he was the right one?”