2. Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Colt
" H ey Colt, I need you to help me out for a few." I hear Blake's voice boom over the walkie.
"Yes sir. Where are ya?"
"North side of the barn."
"Headed there now." I steer my horse, Honey, toward the barn and we take off at a gallop.
Blake, the ranch manager, and I have been working closely together recently. The ranch owner that hired me has been having some health issues and I have really stepped up in hopes of a small raise. I love ranching, but it isn't easy on the body or the mind. I am a simple man. I don't require a lot, but I use all my extra funds to help out my little sister.
My sister hasn't had the easiest life since our mother passed, but I made a promise to my momma that I would take care of Callie, no matter what. She has a steady job doing what she loves but recently went through a tough divorce and is now a single mom to my favorite little girl in the world. Millie is four years old and a complete handful. I really need to find the time to go visit but ranch life never stops.
I slow Honey as we get closer to Blake's location. I can see he is off his horse, talking to someone who appears to be his brother. As I get closer, I see the resemblance between the two men. Both have dark hair, tall, broad and their stance is the same. Arms folded across their barrel chests.
Shit, am I in trouble ?
"Thanks for meeting us down here," Blake says as I dismount my horse. He holds out a hand and I return the gesture. "We wanted to make you aware of some changes that are coming."
I nod and listen intently, hoping I am not one of the changes. "What ya need me to do, boss?"
"Stop calling me boss, for one," Blake chuckles.
I toe my boot in a patch of dirt and nod my head.
"No easy way to say this, but we are gonna need you to help us out a little more. You are going to have some additional responsibilities starting this week. I'll show ya the ropes on what you'll be doing. We will, of course, be compensating you for the extra work." Blake looks to his little brother, Brooks.
"So, our dad is requiring more care than we initially thought, and our sister is coming to help us get everything situated. She's a little, well a lot pissed the fuck off. "
"She has always been headstrong, and we want to make you aware that we might not be around as much as we have been while we figure out everything." Blake rubs his hand down his face.
"Basically, she's gonna have us by the balls and we don't know what she will demand we do." Brooks looks to Blake, exhaustion all over his face. "Brynn doesn't want to return to Rutherford Ranch."
"We fucked up and didn't tell her immediately about Dad, because she is never here. So now we are paying the price." Blake is now rubbing his forehead.
I totally understand where they are coming from. My sister is hell on wheels. I have seen the shit she can do when she puts her mind to it. No doubt, their sister sounds the same.
"Okay. What exactly are we talking about?"
"You'll be in charge when I am not around," Blake says.
Holy fucking shit .
"Like over the other ranch hands?"
"Yup. You are my right-hand man, and you have earned your new title." Blake shuffles his stance. "I am promoting you to foreman."
I am speechless. I'm pretty sure I am catching flies right now.
Blake chuckles, "You are ready for it, man. You've busted your ass day in and day out with these guys. "
"We appreciate all your hard work. The new title comes with a healthy raise, and you don't have to live in the bunkhouse anymore," Brooks continues. "You'll now be living in the cottage by the pond."
"Are you serious?" I honestly can't believe this is happening right now.
"Serious Colt. You've earned this." Blake claps me on the shoulder. "Go ahead and be done for the day. Let's ride over and see your new place. It is ready for ya."
"Yes, sir." I mount Honey to take her to the stable for the night. "I can't believe this." I whisper to myself as I quickly brush Honey and give her a treat. "See ya in the morning, girl." She nuzzles my hand, looking for more peppermints.
"You ready?" Brooks hollers from the entrance of the barn.
"Let's do this."
We all climb into the side by side and take off toward the pond.
"You can get settled in tonight. Everything should be ready, but if you need anything, let me know." Blake opens the door and drops the key in my hand. "Welcome home, Colt."
I look around at the small but pristine cottage. It has a fireplace that will be nice in the winter, a small kitchen and as I walk through, I notice two bedrooms and a bathroom. "This is too much. "
"Nope. You deserve this. Trust me, you are gonna earn your room and board," Blake says with a chuckle. "You are now in charge of making sure the ranch operates smoothly, and that the animals are cared for. We are going to announce to the other ranch hands at breakfast in the morning that you are their direct supervisor. They answer to you now."
"I appreciate the opportunity," I say as emotion clogs my throat.
"Don't fuck it up." Brooks claps me on the shoulder. "Need any help moving your things in?"
"No, I should be good. I don't have much," I say as I offer my hand to each brother. "Thank you again for the opportunity. I won't let you down."
"Just help us keep Brynn happy, and we will be solid," Brooks says with a laugh.
The guys give me a ride back to the bunkhouse where I load up my bag, get in my truck, and head to my own living quarters. I want to take a long, hot shower and not have to worry about someone banging on the door trying to get in to take a shit.
I put my clothes in the dresser and my boots by the door. I look around and everything is stocked. There are some essentials in the refrigerator, a fancy coffee maker, and the best part, not a soul here but me .
Communal living is not for the faint of heart and having my own place is a dream come true.
I already ate dinner earlier at the main house. The ranch provides three meals a day to everyone who works on the ranch. Their setup is nice, it is one of the nicest ranches I have ever worked on. I hope to be here for a long ass time.
I decide to take my shower and bask in the first night in my new place. I might even sleep naked.