Chapter 12
TWELVE
CALDER
Once we’re all seated, the sound of forks on plates fills the air.
I finish first but don’t leave. There’s plenty to do today, but a simple meal around a table is a siren’s call.
A pleasure I haven’t indulged in for a long time.
My company is salty and defensive, but even that’s abated since we’ve filled our bellies.
I run a hand over my jaw. More damn questions swarm in my head than when I arrived.
I’m supposed to be putting a lid on everything at Crossroads Ranch, but it’s getting thrown open wider.
“Why were there so many losses this past calving season?”
Sawyer pops her head up, surprised. “How do you know? Oh, right. Carlos mentioned you’re studying all the records.”
Diving into the books is something I’ve never done. Dad was, to be blunt, controlling and a micromanager. Now I can see why. The spreadsheets only got organized after Carlos started working for Crossroads, and even then, it’s like he had to make money out of thin air.
“It was a lower birth-rate year, in addition to two losses, and two more stillborn.” Concern passes through Sawyer’s gaze as she rattles off the stats.
I hate that I’m glad to see it. She didn’t react when she mentioned I had access to the ranch’s data and financials, but the loss of life bothers her. Is it from her mistake?
“I preg-checked the herd,” she explains, “and we were down, but I thought it was just the year. We have a few I knew would only have one more season in them.”
“A few makes a big difference when the number is this small.”
Our 150 head should be closer to 175, and it’s dwindling.
Fewer births equals less sales. And aside from the sadness of the deaths, each one impacts the bottom line.
Thousands of dollars in total. A herd this size can barely sustain the ranch.
How did Dad keep it going? I haven’t delved into the bank records, but anxiety churns in my gut that I’ll discover loans and then more loans.
She nods, surprising me once more with her openness. Dad’s gruff voice echoes in my mind. That girl treats the animals like she’s the one who purchased them. He didn’t exaggerate about either girl and their commitment to each Cross endeavor. Unfortunately.
The decision my brothers and I made before my arrival weighs heavily on my conscience.
The urge to reach over and entwine my fingers with Meredith’s is sudden, and my hand twitches.
I sit up straighter. I’m not here to admire how pretty she’s become, or to enjoy cooking with her.
I’m definitely going to ignore the pleasure of walking into the house and seeing her awake and rummaging through the fridge.
Sawyer pushes her plate away, snagging my attention.
Thank fuck. “When we lost those two over the winter, I checked for parasites and inspected the hay they were getting fed. Nothing. Then, when we found the stillborns, I pushed for more testing. Something’s going on, and I’m afraid it might get worse. ”
“Do you think it will?” I ask.
“I’m watching, and there are a few I’m worried about. They aren’t keeping weight.”
“Carlos didn’t mention anything.”
“He thinks it’s par for the course. And it can be, but the weather has been too mild. Aside from navigating around a muddy spring, it’s been nice and dry, but also not too dry.”
She’s right. Something else she says bothers me. “Who wouldn’t do more testing?”
“It’s not that Ransom wouldn’t by choice,” Sawyer sighs, and it’s easy to see the toll this week has taken on her. The dark rings under her eyes and the droop to her shoulders match Meredith’s. She really did get close to my dad and the ranch. “I would’ve had to send it out to a reference lab.”
Ah. A flagging ranch can’t afford that. “Money.”
“If I could’ve done it myself, or pulled strings…” She holds her hands up.
Silence falls around the table, only, this time, it’s companionable. The last time I discussed ranch drama with such ease was with my brothers.
I collect the empty plates and rise.
“The dishwasher is the short boxy appliance with a door,” Sawyer says with snark.
I flip her off just like I would’ve done to one of my brothers as I round the island, and the women’s laughter echoes through the room. I clamp down on my smile. I can’t seem too chummy. It’ll only make selling all this out from under Meredith even worse.