Trying the Knot by J.M. Madden

Author:J.M. Madden
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter Ten

As Jackson walked through the ranch house, he knew he'd found his new home.

Holt's friend had turned out to be a mutual acquaintance, someone Brock had introduced Jackson to a couple of times through the years. Gary Lane was an aging gentleman, extremely bow-legged from so many years in the saddle, his skin tanned to leather. Jackson liked the old curmudgeon immediately. He reminded Jackson of their old farrier, Roger.

Gary had been around horses longer than Jackson and Holt had together, and didn't mind reminding them of that fact several times as they walked around the land he owned, just a few miles from Holt's place. The spread had seen better days, falling into some disrepair as Gary got older. There was a lot that needed done to improve the property, but the bones were good. And there was one new metal-sided barn that had been put up within the past few years that didn't need anything. There were several ponds, plenty of trees and it had a bit of elevation over the surrounding property, which would come in handy if they had another Hurricane like Harvey. Houston had been hit hard by the hurricane and was still recovering in certain areas.

Gary walked them through the barns, introducing him to some of his prized stock. They were aging just like Gary was, but Jackson was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the horseflesh. They were extremely well cared for. Gary had no problems reeling off who had won what and which stud had the most winningest offspring. One stud he called Rocket had offspring that had earned over two million dollars on the Quarter Horse racing circuit and rodeos.

Jackson knew quality when he saw it and he knew that many of these horses had a lot of life left in them yet, so when Gary told him what he wanted for the place, Jackson offered a significant amount more for the stock to be included.

The old man wiped at his eyes and rubbed Rocket's massive, muscular cheeks. It took him several long moments to respond. "I didn't dare hope that they could stay in their home. It's one thing for an old man like me to move on, I understand. But they wouldn't. Hell, most of these horses have never stepped foot off this property."

Turning to face Jackson fully, he shook his hand. "Holt can witness we shook on the deal. I'll have my lawyer get in touch with you for the paperwork."

"And that apartment over the garage?" Jackson continued. "You're welcome to stay there as long as you need to until you make arrangements in Arizona. Or wherever you want to go."

Gary tipped his ancient Stetson to him. "I appreciate that, Jackson. It'll take me a while to get things arranged."

"I know. Holt said you'd taken the property off the market a year ago."

"Nobody but property developers wanted the place, and I didn't want to sell to them. I knew something would come along eventually. And you did."

Gary grinned for the first time and Jackson laughed, appreciating the old man's humor.

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