The Rancher's Family Legacy by Myra Johnson

Author:Myra Johnson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-02-28T20:32:21+00:00

Chapter Eight

Several days later, with the high school band banquet behind them and everything falling into place for the Gracey-Totten wedding on Friday, Holly took a morning off to finish her Christmas shopping. It would be another sparse collection of gifts under the tree, but by this time next year, things should be looking up. With the event center on track for completion by mid-April, they were already booking large indoor functions for late spring and early summer, including weddings, graduation parties and family reunions.

Leaving Janeé Clare’s with a beaded bracelet for Joella and an infinity scarf for Lindsey, she continued along Central Avenue toward Ally & Aiden Gifts. The shop also carried books for children and teens, and she hoped to find the latest by Davey’s favorite author.

As she neared the vacant shop, her steps slowed. The papered-over display window reminded her of the day Mark had noticed the article about land conservancies. Lately he seemed increasingly preoccupied with whatever his research had turned up, but he still made an effort to spend time with Davey. The last couple of Saturdays, the two of them had done more work at the old cabin, and Davey thought it wouldn’t be long before Mark had the place habitable. Although why anyone would want to live alone in such rustic and isolated conditions was beyond Holly.

A blurry reflection appeared next to hers in the window glass before a familiar male voice said, “We’ve gotta stop meeting like this.”

She spun around. “Mark. Hi. I was just doing some Christmas shopping.”

“Same here.” He held up an Ally & Aiden Gifts bag. “I wanted to get a gift for Aunt Lois and Uncle Hank, and Samuel gave me a few suggestions. I found something for Davey, too. Hope he likes joke books.”

“He loves them.” She was touched that he’d thought to get her son a Christmas present. “G-rated, of course.”

“Of course.”

Her glance drifted toward the shop window. Out of curiosity, she asked, “Have you learned anything helpful about land conservancies?”

“It’s been enlightening. I’ve scheduled an appointment after the holidays to meet with a representative from Hill Country Farm and Ranch Conservancy.”

“I’m not sure I understand how it works.”

“Basically, the owners donate a section of land to the conservancy. They can still use the land, but it’s now considered a conservation easement, which means it’s protected in its natural condition for perpetuity.”

Holly recalled the trail ride a few weeks ago and Hank Navarro’s concerns about encroachment from the other side of the river. “So...the land would be safe from developers and such?”

“That’s the idea. But there are options to consider, so before I present this to my family—on both sides—I need to put together a clear plan.”

“I gathered you hadn’t told them yet. Don’t worry, I haven’t mentioned it, either.” She shifted the strap of her shoulder bag. “Well, I should finish my shopping.”

“Yeah, me, too. When would be a good time to meet with Davey again?”

“He’s out of school until after the first of the year, so whenever you can spare a few hours.

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