Ranchers of the Heartland #shortstory #FreeRead Part 2 of 12 #HazardousToYourSanity

Posted by Amber on September 25, 2023 in 2023, Amber Bentley,

  

Please remember this is a very brief, very quick, unedited write up to give y'all a little something different to read here. I have given Mystee Ryann FULL permission to take it and expand/correct as she sees fit once all 12 installments have been shared here. Again: very initial very rough first draft

Chapter Two: Unexpected Partnership

Emily had been working on her family's ranch since she was a little girl. She knew what it took to make a successful ranch and had no plans on giving up control anytime soon. However, as she approached the ranch a few days after her encounter with Jack, she saw that her father was in a heated discussion with him.

"Emily! Come over here," her father called.

Emily approached the men with some hesitation, knowing that her father was resistant to change.

"Emily, Jack here has some experience with ranching. He offered to help us out with a few things," her father explained.

Emily looked at Jack, surprised. She didn't know what to make of this situation. She had heard about the new rancher being highly experienced, but why would he offer to help them out when he barely knew them?

"Thank you, Mr. Smith," Jack said. "I'm happy to help out."

Emily's father looked at her and smiled, knowing that this was an opportunity that they couldn't pass up.

"Alright, Jack, let's get to work," her father said as they walked off together.

Emily stood there, feeling uneasy. She didn't like someone taking over, especially someone she barely knew. She couldn't help but think about the encounter at the store and how she felt around him. She decided that she would keep a close eye on Jack, not wanting to give up control of the ranch.

As she watched Jack work, she couldn't deny how efficient he was. He seemed to know exactly what needed to be done and how to do it. Emily started to see the value in having someone like Jack around, but she still wasn't sure how she felt about it.

"Hey, Emily, you mind if I take a break?" Jack interrupted her thoughts.

"Not at all," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

As they sat in the shade, Emily couldn't help but ask, "Why are you helping us out?"

Jack looked at her and smiled. "I believe in community, in helping out where I can. Besides, you and your father seem like good people."

Emily didn't know what to say. She had never met someone like Jack before, someone who genuinely wanted to help others. She knew that he was going to be a big part of their lives, whether she liked it or not.