Chapter Eleven – Emeline #3
The rest of the meal was filled with different conversations between smaller groups.
Levi and Gatlin started talking about the cattle ranch, while my grandfather Gus, Caden, and my father discussed buying a new tractor.
My mother, grandmother Nellie, and Ensley were chatting about one of the horses Ensley had recently shoed, and how she needed to be rehomed.
When I looked over at Rhett, he smiled at me before shoving a forkful of salad into his mouth. I returned the gesture and sat back in my chair, quietly observing everyone.
“What about you, Em?” Levi asked.
Setting my glass of wine back on the table, I glanced at him. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t listening to what you were talking about.”
Gatlin replied first. “Levi was saying he thinks we should do a clinic at the ranch.”
“A clinic?” My gaze bounced between Gatlin and Levi. “What kind of clinic?”
Levi wiped his mouth and set his napkin on the table.
“Something that focuses on the production side of cattle ranching. Topics could be about bovine reproduction, artificial insemination, health, and nutrition. You could have them throughout the year as well since guests wouldn’t be at the mercy of a school schedule. ”
Gatlin nodded his head and pointed his fork at me. “We could do it for the equine side of the ranch, as well. A riding and horsemanship clinic. We could teach about breeding and raising horses skilled in working cattle. Ensley can even teach a farrier clinic.”
Levi added, “For people who are interested in hoof care. She could talk about how to become a farrier, what her day is like, advanced shoeing techniques.”
“What are we talking about?” Ensley asked from down the table.
“Levi has some great ideas about teaching clinics,” Caden stated, obviously already aware of Levi’s thoughts.
My father leaned back in his seat. “That sounds interesting.”
“Caden and I were talking about it. It would be another way to bring income to the ranch,” Levi said, looking from my father to me. “I was wanting to get your input as well, Emeline, since some classes might be a few days, and people would be staying in the cabins.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” my mother put in before I could reply.
Panic was suddenly setting in…panic that these clinics could push out the summer camps since those would be for profit and my camps obviously aren’t.
Gatlin looked at our father. “Dad, you talked about possibly starting clinics before, remember that?”
He nodded. “It was something that your uncle Mike pushed for years ago.”
“That’s right,” Caden said. “I remember him talking about it.”
“What about the camps? I wanted to do a camp in August for kids with special needs.”
All eyes shot to me.
My mother smiled. “We would never stop the camps, Emeline. But you have to admit, they are getting smaller and they’re only two weeks out of the year.
The rest of the time the cabins sit empty unless rented out.
And if we can use the cabins to generate more income, that would benefit not only the ranch, but the camps and the Christmas event as well.
I’ve also been meaning to talk to you about the camp for kids with special needs.
The idea is amazing, and one I don’t want to push aside, but I think it’s going to take a bit more research than we thought.
At least, according to the lawyers. We have to make sure we have everything covered.
It’s a very high-liability situation, and one that I don’t want to rush into too quickly. ”
“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.”