“That sounds reasonable,” Rob said, wondering what he was getting into. “And if it doesn’t fit me, I’ll quit.”
Jethro huffed and spit. The spitting was something that Rob would have to get used to. It wasn’t exactly appealing, but as long as he didn’t have to do it himself, he’d figure out how to tolerate it. He couldn’t imagine he’d be able to change the habits of a seventy-eight-year-old man.
The two of them walked back to the barn where Tyler had finished the tractor repairs.
“What was it?” Jethro asked.
“Fouled spark plugs. I cleaned them and put them back in, but buy a new set of plugs and plug wires to be safe.”
“Thanks.”
“Did you check everything out?” Tyler asked Rob.
“Sure did. I start work tomorrow.”
Tyler looked startled. “Really? That sounds great. Who knows, you might buy Jethro out when he’s ready to retire.” He slapped Rob on the back. “We might be neighbors.”
“Don’t you get ahead of yourselves,” Jethro warned. “I have to see how this works before you buy my place out from under me. I got to make sure the right man ends up with this ranch. I owe that to my Martha.” He peered at Rob as if trying to judge his character. “Did Mathews tell you she named this place Mountain View?”
“Yes, he did. That’s a perfect name for a beautiful piece of land. You’ve got a great view of the mountains. I can tell you love it here.”
“You got to love the land if you’re going to work it. Ranching ain’t part-time work. You got to put your whole heart and soul into it,” Jethro lectured, and it reminded Rob of something Dad would have said.
He reached out and clapped Jethro on the back. “I know, and I’m ready to put my heart and soul into making Ridgeview a place where I’ll spend the rest of my life.”
“Okay,” said Jethro. “I’ll see you tomorrow. I feed around seven.”
“I’ll be here.” He shook the man’s hand, and together he and Tyler walked toward the SUV.
“Well,” said Tyler once they were on the road back to his ranch, “I didn’t expect him to hire you.”
“Me, either, but I think he’s getting tired. Ranching is physically and mentally hard work, and he’s not exactly a spring chicken. Maybe if it works out, and he learns I’ll appreciate what he’s built here, he’ll agree to sell it to me.”
“That’d be great. He’s been able to make a go of it there, so that tells you something about the land and its suitability for cattle ranching.”
“He’s quite a character.”
“Yeah, he is,” Tyler agreed. “But he’s a good man. He’s been an excellent neighbor. I’m glad he’s hired you, though. I’ve been worried about his working out here all by himself. He had somebody helping him, but the guy moved on. I stop in at least once a week, or at least call to check on him.”
“He seems in good health, though,” Rob observed.
“Yeah, but he’s slowed down in the past four or five years. I noticed right away when I got back from the Sandbox. I guess we notice how much has changed when we aren’t around to see it happen.”
“That’s the truth.”
“Well, I’m glad you can help him. I think it could be good for both of you.”
When they arrived at the ranch, Rob said goodbye and headed back to MJ’s. He’d sure have a lot to tell her tonight.
Chapter Thirty-Three
MJ pulled her car into the driveway, pleased to see the house lit up in such a welcoming way. Having someone there to greet her every night felt wonderful. Especially Rob and Maverick. Who knew she’d settle in to have a dog and a man in her life after being alone for so long?
“Hi, Honey, I’m home,” she called as she stepped into the kitchen. A wet nose nudged into her hand. “Hey, Maverick. How’s my favorite dog?”
He panted and licked her hand, giving her the goofy canine grin she loved. Rob came through the doorway from the living room a moment later. “I thought I heard a car door.” He leaned down and kissed her. “Missed you.”
“I’m glad to be home. It was a miserable day. The toilet in the ladies’ room backed up and flooded it. Then a group of seven-year-old homeschoolers got dropped off and used the tables and bookshelves as a jungle gym.” She sighed. “I haven’t been this tired in a long time.”
“Sit down. Do you want something to drink?”
“A glass of wine would be wonderful.”
“Sit down. I’ll get it.”
She sighed as she sipped her wine. “How was your day? Did you meet with Tyler’s neighbor? The one with the cattle ranch?”
“Yep. I’ve got a lot to tell you.” He sat down next to her and pulled her feet into his lap. Removing her heels, he began massaging her from toes to ankle.
“Oh my gosh, that feels so good. You have magic hands.”
He smiled at her and waggled his eyebrows, until she couldn’t help laughing.
She felt the tension melt from her whole body the more he touched her. She sighed. “Tell me about it.”
“Well, you’re looking at a gainfully employed man.”
“Really?”
“Yep. It turns out Jethro Gordon, that’s the guy’s name, has been working by himself. He’s seventy-eight and looks ten years older than that. His kids aren’t interested in the ranch, and ultimately he wants to sell it to someone who will appreciate it the way he has.”
“Gordon? I went to school with Catherine Gordon. I think she lives in Atlanta now. At least she did when I last heard.”
“Right. He’s also got two boys, all grown and living on either coast. Anyway, none of his kids want anything to do with ranching. It’s a nice operation. It looked well-organized,
