Heart of a Rancher by Tessa Layne

Author:Tessa Layne [Layne, Tessa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781948526166
Publisher: Shady Layne Media

Chapter Seventeen

“I’m sorry? What did you say?” Lexi asked, struggling to make sense of what she just heard.

“I want you to run for mayor,” Amy repeated.

Lexi looked over her shoulder, around the kitchen, and ultimately to Lydia, who was still perched next to the counter, but with a bemused expression on her face, now. “You mean me? Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. You’re young. You’re smart. You’ve had a career in the big city and returned home.”

“Yeah, because I got sacked.”

“Well, we can leave that part out,” Amy answered, growing more excited by the minute. “You understand the environmental impacts, and you come from one of Prairie’s oldest families. People respect you.”

“I don’t know about that,” Lexi hedged. “They respect my mom and dad.”

“And they know that the Grace name stands for honor, integrity… fairness.”

“Sounds like a good stump speech to me,” Lydia chimed in.

“I’m not running for mayor.”

Amy looked crestfallen. “I think you’re the perfect candidate to bring Prairie into the twenty-first century. And if you say no, I’m sure my brothers are out recruiting someone who’ll ensure those four-hundred acres get developed.”

Lexi’s chest ached at the thought of having major developers right next door. Fear for what might happen to her beloved creek weighed on her. But she couldn’t deny Prairie needed more jobs. They just needed the right jobs. Tech jobs that could be worked remotely. A community college or vocational training center to teach people how to install renewable energy systems, or how to program any of the AI technology that allowed ranchers to save tens of thousands of dollars a year. Prairie needed hi-tech ranching jobs, not hourly jobs working at a factory farm in unsafe conditions.

So, maybe she’d make a good mayor after all. “I’m not saying yes, but if I were to run, what would it entail?”

“Tomorrow is the first day to file for the special election that will take place a month from now. You’ll need to raise money, or use your own money to print some signs. If there’s more than one candidate, there might be a debate, but I’d expect the thing to be pretty low key.” Amy leaned forward, eyes lit with excitement. “In fact, if you jump in, it might deter someone else from running. And of course, you’d have the endorsement of the daughter of the late mayor.”

“What do you think Lyds?” Lexi asked, turning to her twin. Lydia knew her better than anybody. If Lydia thought she could do it, then she would. The idea of giving something back to the community she loved held a certain appeal. “What do you think Bubba?” she cooed at her nephew, who’d sat happily snuggled against her this whole time. “You think Auntie Wexi would make a good mayo?” she asked in the silly voice she reserved just for him. He giggled and clutched at her braid.

“I think Bubs approves,” said Lydia with an indulgent laugh.

“What about you?”

Lydia let out a heavy sigh. “I think you’d be great, sis. I’d vote for you.

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