McGregor Sins: The McGregor Legacy, #1

By Alisha Guenzel

Jonas McGregor was a traditional cowboy. He had many secrets under his cowboy hat. To reveal them would be to admit he was human. Instead he chose the life his daddy planned out for him: To be the best horse whisperer in Montana.

Everything has its limits, even as a boy he wanted it all. So when his brother Marcus showed interest in their next door neighbor he had to pull a prank that would set his life on a different course.

Years later many events happen to unravel Jonas’ mistakes. Which causes his family to fall apart. His sons Jason, Jesse, and Jude are stuck in the middle of their families past sins. But can they overcome the past and look to the future? Or will they ruin their chances of happiness and love when they meet three women who makes them more than The McGregor Legacy?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alisha Guenzel
• Release date: Jan 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781523221363

Book preview

Dedication

To S.G. my right hand girl,

You have made my writing experience

More than I would have imagined

It to be.

––––––––

Also want to send a special thank you

To C.C. for all your help

You’re the best.

––––––––

  Alisha 

| Page

Other Books by Alisha Guenzel

Unspoken Dreams

Jason’s Duty

| Page

McGregor Sins: Book 1

The McGregor Legacy

Series

Alisha Guenzel

| Page

| Page

| Page

| Page

| Page

| Page

Chapter One

The blistering sun pierced through the windshield of Jason’s F150 Ford pickup. He glanced in the rearview mirror to check the horse trailer behind him; all good back there. A quick glance at his reflection reassured him he looked as good as could be expected. People told him he looked like his father, Jonas McGregor. He didn’t mind, he had always thought his father was a handsome man with his brown eyes and the way his black hair that laid on his shoulders. The McGregor men were lucky to have natural muscle and it didn’t hurt they trained horses from sun up until sun down; nothing like breaking a horse to build core strength. 

Adrenaline shot through him as he pulled up to the local horse auction. He turned off the engine, grabbed his black cowboy hat off the seat, and pulled it down to shade his eyes. Jason loved this time of year. Nothing beat the excitement of buying and training new horses to be sold to eager customers.  As he stepped out of his truck, he grabbed the handkerchief from his back pocket and ran it down his face. Normally his daddy would drive, but at the last minute Jonas told Jason he wasn’t going. Jason couldn’t remember ever going to auction without his father, so that announcement had surprised him.

He put his feelings of confusion aside as he crossed the gravel parking lot. Everywhere he looked he saw horses.  Quarter horses in one pasture and draft horses in another. He also saw ponies such as Shetlands and POAs or Ponies of America, a horse that wasn’t quite a horse because of its height but didn’t have the short pony look.  Off in the distance Jason saw two mares, one a beautiful white and brown Paint and the other a velvety sorrel. As he stood admiring the two mares, a solid black gelding caught his attention when it reared back on its hind legs, nostrils flaring. It pawed the air and let out a loud neigh that pierced the air with pain. When the gelding landed on the ground he let out a deep breath that brought spit coming out of his mouth. He pranced away. Jason saw something in him he hadn’t seen in a horse for a while, fear of trust. Before he could try to reach the gelding he heard the owner start yelling at him.

You don’t want that one, he’s wild. Tim waved towards the gelding. He began to shake his head again and run like he was in a race.  He’s got trust issues. Downright ornery little cuss. He’s probably not worth what I’m asking for him.

Which is what? Jason whistled to get the gelding’s attention. As the gelding turned toward him, Jason noticed a patch of white on his neck and belly. Some people would call him a Paint. But he looked more thoroughbred to Jason. With his long black mane and tale, even his forelock was long. The look in the horse’s eyes told him the gelding was anything but work material.

Well, I was thinking $1,000.00. Tim shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

What about those mares? Are they workable? Jason took another look at the two horses that stayed together.

Sure, the Paint is a little stubborn, but the sorrel she’s a prize I would say. I’m asking $1,000.00 for the Paint and $3,000.00 for the sorrel.

I’ll take them. We need some good work horses and they look like they want to work.

I’ll draw up the paper work, Tim said tipping his white hat.

Awesome, it will only take me a second to pull my trailer over. Jason felt pleased with his decision. 

When he backed the trailer up to the pasture, Tim was nowhere to be seen so Jason made his way to his office. He found him drawing up a bill of sale for the horses.

I’m ready when you are, Tim.

Jason, I know you want that gelding but he’s messed up. I really shouldn’t be selling him.

I want him. He needs guidance.

You McGregor’s are always doing the unthinkable.

That’s what makes us so good.

Tim turned to the beeping printer as paper spat out. I reduced the price. And I normally don’t do this, but if he doesn’t work out bring him back.

You don’t have to do that. I don’t think I will need that waver. He’s scared of something, and I’ll figure it out one way or another. Jason signed Tim’s copy of the receipt. Let’s go load them up.

Yes Sir.

Tim replied thinking again that Jason was just as crazy as that horse he had. But everyone knew the McGregor family always took on horses like the gelding. Ever since Joseph McGregor settled in Absarokee they were known as horse whispers. Joseph passed his gift to James and James passed it on to Jonas who passed it on to his boys. Jason was the one who took it seriously. Jason could look at a horse and know what it needed. Even if it was crazy that never stopped Jason. Jesse well he had other plans for life and Jude was still wet behind the ears. But there was one thing the McGregor family never forgot. Their last name and what it stood for.

As they walked back to the corral the mares were chasing each other. But as soon as the two men were in the corral they stopped and stood at attention. They were easy to catch. When Jason jumped the fence, the paint just walked up to him like she had known him forever. She was kind around the eyes and as he put the halter on her, she rubbed his hard belly. Stop that now, nice to meet you too, but don’t be pushing me, he spoke softly to the mare. Jason watched as Tim got the second mare just as easily.

We’ll load these mares and then tackle the gelding together. Tim said opening the gate.

Alright. Tim, if need be I can do this on my own.

I know, but I would hope I could catch him just as easily as you.

Jason let out a bellowing laugh as he took the paint to the trailer. She had an easy gate. Maybe Tim was wrong about her. She neighed as she jumped into the white trailer. Easy girl your sister is coming with you. Don’t worry, you’ll like your new home. The paint nudged him in response. Yes this horse was kind but she also needed boundaries. He looked back to see Tim coming with the small quarter horse who walked with grace. Lexi he would call her. Short for Alexandria the princess that was lost but was found. He looked at the paint she had a star on her forehead. Star suited her. When he knew they were tied into the trailer he went back to the corral. The gelding was running again. Runner would be his name. Since watching Tim chase the gelding that’s what he was doing. Running for his life. But why would a horse so young look so terrified, Jason wondered? He was flaring his nostrils and doing his best to keep away from Tim. Jason jumped the fence without a backwards glance. He walked to the middle of the corral chuckling under his breathe. Tim, stop running. You’re going to have a heart attack.

He’s not wanting to get caught.

Tim grabbed his side as pain seared up his body as he took in a breath.

With you running around he thinks he’s won. Stop running.

Jason watched the beautiful gait of Runner. He would be a great ride if Jason could get him trained. When the horse realized his running partner was gone he stopped prancing. He looked at Jason and Jason looked back. Fear had the gelding in its clutches.

Easy boy, Jason whispered and took a step forward. The horse ran off again. Damn it.

Jason almost had him. Calm easy breaths, his daddy had taught him. When a horse was spoiled or afraid easy breaths will bring them to you. He watched as Runner was running to his own race again. He paid no mind as the horse pranced and bucked. The gelding would figure it out that Jason wasn’t going anywhere. Jason watched him and looked him in the eye every time he stopped.

Tim go check on the Mares. You being here is scaring him. Jason took a baby step toward his new horse. He ran off again. All Jason did was breath evenly. He wiped the sweat from his brow and began to walk in circles. He wasn’t going to give up on this animal. Obviously too many people had. And that was going to end today.

When the gelding stopped again half an hour later, Jason took two steps forward. Whoa big guy. I’m not going to hurt you. When the horse didn’t move he took a chance and moved closer. The horse was shaking so violently his coat had a ripple effect. Jason finally got close enough to put the lead line over his neck.

See, I’m not a monster. Jason rubbed the gelding from neck to belly to calm him. Let’s go home, boy.

Runner stomped his hooves in protest. But Jason stood there and stroked his sweaty neck. Feeling the muscle of the young horse was amazing. Looking into his eyes was like looking into a scared child after being told a boogie man story. Jason made a shushing sound as he ran his gloved hand down his neck to his belly. The horse began to breathe slower and steadier.

See, its okay. Now I’m going to put this halter on you. Jason pulled out the black halter that was meant for him. As he showed it to him he reared his head up but Jason caught his nose and applied presser. No! You are coming home with me Runner. You need me. Now settle down. The gelding bowed his head and obeyed. He walked Runner out like they had known each other forever. Leaving Tim’s mouth out stretched to catch flies. Jason looked back after loading his new horse and laughed as Tim threw his hat on the ground and whistled. You are you’re daddy’s son aren’t you’?

If you are talking about what I just did, catching a horse that doesn’t want to be caught. Jason latched his trailer. Then yes sir I am. Jason stretched his hand to the owner of the ranch and shook his it. Thanks Tim, see you later.

Tell your daddy I said hi will you?

Yes, sir. Take care. Jason jumped in his truck and revved it up. It was getting late and he couldn’t relay on anyone else to feed his herd. He cranked up the country music and as he sang along he knew this summer would be the best summer ever. Although daddy may get mad at him taking on another project horse so late in the season. Runner was his, and he’d pull his wait he just needed time.

Pride filled Jason as he drove up the driveway leading to McGregor’s Horse Ranch. Jason felt the trailer wobble back and forth. He looked in his review mirror as his heart quickened knowing the gelding was frightened and must be rocking the trailer. When he pulled into his spot, Jesse and Jude ran toward the truck as it came to a stop. Why they insisted to run like adolescents was beyond him. Especially Jude he knew better. Jesse he understood since he didn’t really know a lick about horses. Jude on the other hand knew never to run up to the truck with horses in it.

Jesse was back from college for the summer, and his ash white face looked out of place under the cowboy hat he kept for the ranch. He took more after their mama’s side of the family. Jude on the other hand, was a McGregor to the bone, with his shaggy black hair and broad shoulders.

What have I said about running towards the trailer while I’m driving? Jason asked walking to the side of the trailer. The horses began to snicker.

Not to? Jude said bending his head down. "How many did you get? Are they trained?

Three. And yes at least two of them are. Jason opened the trailer door. The gelding’s eyes were glassy with fear as he stomped his hooves. The mares were doing their own stomping because of the gelding’s anxiety. Jason walked slowly toward the gelding.

Easy there, Jason said soothingly. Jude, get ready for the gelding. He’s kind of skittish.

I’m ready, his little brother yelled.

Jason rubbed his hand along the gelding’s neck. What was it with this young horse? Jason wondered as he got closer. The gelding pawed the floor more violently the closer he got.

Stop that now! Jason yelled and yanked on the lead rope. As Jason was backing him out Runner flung his head in the air again, this time his eyes weren’t filled with fear but of disobedience. 

He’s a spirited one, Jude said with a grin.

Daddy’s not going to be happy with that one, Jesse stood back watching. He pulled on his collar, the heat was unbearable.

He just needs direction, Jason said. He turned toward Jude. Here, take him. Jesse and I will get the mares.

Alright. Jude took the gelding to the barn. The black and white horse tossed his head, but Jude snapped his lead to calm him.

Jesse, I’m going to need your help.  Jason turned toward the mares.

Okay, I hope these mares aren’t as ornery as that gelding.

They aren’t, Jason said getting the paint. See, nice and easy. Are you sure you weren’t adopted, Jesse? You’re such a ninny when it comes to horses, Jason teased.

Just because I don’t have the crazy horse gene doesn’t mean I’m not a McGregor.

Jason laughed as he handed the lead to Jesse. His brother didn’t have the ‘crazy’ gene of taming horses, but he still had his place at the ranch. Whether Jesse wanted to admit it or not was another matter. Jason got the last mare. She snickered and rubbed her head on his shoulder.

There you go, girl. Ready to eat? Jason rubbed the white diamond on her sorrel face and walked her to the barn.

When he got there Runner was rearing to full height. Jude had him by the lead line but Jason rushed in and grabbed it. Leaving Lexi’s lead go. He pushed Jude aside and looked the gelding in the eye. For a brief moment he just stared at Runner baiting him to rear again. But Runner neighed and bent his head.

I had him Jason what the hell did you do that for? Jude swiped the dirt off his jeans.

He’s my horse Jude. He can’t be rearing like that. Are you okay?

Jason looked at his brother to make sure he was okay. Jude looked more pissed than hurt with his flushed face and fisting hands. He had to protect him. He was his little brother. It was his duty to watch out for him. It didn’t matter he was nearly twenty-four. In Jason’s eyes Jude was still the little kid that followed him around with his wooden pony while he was working the ranch with daddy.

I said I had him didn’t I?

Yes, sorry.

Whatever. Jesse let’s go and leave Jason with his horse.

Jason watched his brothers leave the barn and let out a long sigh as he stared at Runner. Why was Runner so afraid? He held out his hand and the horse slowly moved towards his glove. He smelt it and lifted his head. Jason pulled the lead line just a little and Runner became tense. So Jason let go of the lead and threw it over the gelding’s neck. That action the horse didn’t mind.  Jason moved to the right and Runner followed. Jason moved to the left Runner followed again. So he was smart. That was a plus. When Jason went to reach out to him he back away.

What have I told you about going to a horse? Jonas approached his eldest son.

Not to, let the horse come to you.

Why did you get him Jason, you know we have no time for another project horse.

But daddy, if you saw him at Tim’s you would have grabbed him too. Jason turned away from the gelding. He looked at his daddy and noticed he was sweating today. Jonas pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his forehead. Besides he won’t be any trouble. I’ll work him in the morning and after dinner. He’ll be trained in less than three weeks. You’ll see.

I don’t have time to see Jason. I have an auction to worry about. Besides shouldn’t you be showing Jude more of the ropes around here?

Yes, but daddy he doesn’t show the responsibility that he needs to have a bigger part of this ranch.

Don’t question your brother’s capabilities. That’s my job. Jonas removed his hat and ran his hand through his greying hair. He whistled and the gelding came to him. Runner sniffed the older man and bowed his head. What is it boy? Jonas whispered as Runners eyes grew large with fear. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Jonas grabbed the lead line loosely and put his hand on the horses head. He had a white star that covered his forehead. He was a beauty but there was no room for horses that didn’t know how to work. You have three weeks. If he isn’t trained by then, you have to get rid of him. Auction is coming up and I need you focusing on the horses we need to sell. Making sure they are moving on command and obeying you at every turn.

Yes, sir.

Jason took the lead line from his father and rubbed Runners neck. The horse’s skin rippled under his touch. Something dramatic must have happened to this poor animal. Jason knew he would never find out the details of his life before now. But Jason did know he would train him. Even if it was the last thing he did. Come on Runner it’s time to eat buddy. Tomorrow starts a new life for you.

The following morning Jason was up with the rooster as he always was. Walking into the kitchen he took in the smell of fresh coffee. He always enjoyed the quietness of the house when he got his coffee. The kitchen wasn’t anything fancy just a stove and counter tops as he pushed open the double swinging doors he couldn’t help but think of his daily chores. He needed to spend time with Runner first and foremost. Later he’d find Jude and give him instruction on what he needed to do with the yearlings. The coffee steamed as he poured it into his John Wayne mug. The ultimate cowboy and his idle had been the Duke. Granted as he walked to the barn he was nothing like the Duke but he would hope he was good at what he did.

The sky was already showing signs of heat as the morning dew evaporated into the air. Jason went into his favorite part of the barn. The feed room. It smelt of oats and alfalfa. He began to hum as he filled the feed buckets. He heard a neigh. It was Runner. Jason walked over to his new riding partner and just watched as Runner walked in circles. When Runner nodded his head his forelock caught in the wind and Jason had a brief moment of recollection of the movie Black Beauty.

Breakfast buddy, then we work. Jason put some oats and hay in the stall. The gelding dived into the food like he hadn’t ate in a while. Watching him Jason wondered how he would reach this creature. He seemed to want things but he had an attitude. He would find a way, he always did, and this time wouldn’t be any different. He took food to Star and Lexi. He loaded the UTV for a treat for the horses in the outer pastures. It would be so much easier if Jude actually got up with him and helped. They could do so much more at a faster pace. But Jude chose the night life over ranching. And when it suited him he did his chores. Jason knew he couldn’t do that. There was a responsibility that came with this ranch and Jason took it as it was: his duty.

He never liked the automobiles on the ranch. There was something about riding verses driving that Jason enjoyed. Plus after riding he didn’t feel the kinks in his back as he did with the UTV. But riding the hills whether it be by machine or animal was beautiful. His father had pine trees everywhere and the elephant grass was flourishing this time of year. When he finally parked the UTV outside the corral the horses began to neigh. Suzie one of daddy’s oldest mares came up first. She was a beautiful palomino who had given them many foals. They didn’t consider her a brood mare just because they rode her. She was actually Jesse’s ride when he went horseback riding. Although that wasn’t much lately.

Hey girl, you want something sweet? Jason pulled out a bucket full of oats. He jumped the fence like it was nothing. With grace and balance. He never thought of his work as work. He enjoyed it too much. Get up, feed horses, take the four wheeler out to see what needed to be fixed, then do morning fixing of anything that needed to fix. Then of course there was the fun part of exercising and training the horses. He had been helping his daddy since he was fifteen. Just like he did with his daddy before him.

Jason pulled the brush out of his pocket and ran it down Suzie as she ate. The other mares caught the smell of oats and came running. Daddy had mostly quarter horses but there were occasional Paints and Arabians as well. Daddy always told him that every horse has a purpose. To do a job and ride on the ranch is what they were made for. That and breeding of course. Breeding, training and selling. That was the McGregor way and that’s how the ranch ran today. Once he was done with Suzie he went to the next mare who in return nuzzled him.

That a girl. He told another mare as he groomed her. For the next half hour he groomed all of them. Grooming the horses always soothed him. Not that he was an irritable person by nature but lately he had felt that he was the only one caring about his daddy’s ranch. Jude was always running off, Jesse at school and well something was just off. Why did daddy not go to auction? He wondered, daddy never missed an auction. You are over reacting. He’s fine. His conscious poked at him.

When he finished with the mares he moved to the next pasture. Where his daddy held his geldings. Once he was through with them he went back to the barn. The horses in the barn had plenty of time to eat. So he went into his tack room and grabbed Runners halter and lead line. He took off his gloves and ran them through the apple treat bin. It was a trick his daddy showed him. If a horse didn’t trust give him something he would want. Treats. Although he wouldn’t give Runner the apple treats maybe the smell of them would give him enough courage to be curious.

He wouldn’t push Runner today. He wanted to see what he knew first. First rule of his family business was find out what the horse knows. And that is what he would do. Runner looked to be five years old so what had he learned in those five years. He began to whistle as he opened the gelding’s door. They always whistled to get the horses attention. Runner needed to learn his whistle so he would recognize it.

Runner began to back up when Jason entered the stall. Jason stopped and looked at the gelding in the eye. And whistled softly. Come on boy. Don’t make this hard. He whistled again and put his hand out. Runner needed to put his nose on his hand. He needed to be calm enough to be curious. Jason hoped the smell of apple would be more powerful than this fear. He stood there for twenty minutes just watching the gelding. Runner finally bowed his head and sniffed his hand. Good boy.

Jason put the halter in front of him. Runner sniffed the halter and nudged it with his nose. He let out a neigh and crossed his legs as he moved back again. We aren’t leaving here until you are ready. Jason whispered. I can do this all day. Jason backed up and stood to his full height. Eyeing the horse was the easy part. Getting him to obey was going to be the first hurdle. Runner moved two hooves toward Jason. And glared into his eyes. Jason never looked away. And Runner came closer. That’s it. Jason whispered. A little closer. He held out the halter and Runner dipped his head. Jason put the lead rope over his neck and slid the halter onto Runners face. There we go. Let’s go Runner it’s time to see what you are made of.

––––––––

Summer in Los Angeles was always busy. Especially around campus. Haley had only a week left of her sophomore year of vet science and she was going out with her parents tonight to celebrate another great year of studies. She had a 4.0 average again and she was looking forward to be helping her father Edward Sheridan in his clinic We Save Paws. That was their time together, where he told her stories of his adolescent years in Montana. Haley Jane, there’s nothing like the open space. He always said. And the beauty of the Montana skies makes your life complete.

Now as she drove to the local grocery store to pick up a bottle of wine for dinner she wondered if any of his stories were true. Why would he leave?

She loved it in the city. Besides if they didn’t live there she would have never met her boyfriend Andrew. He was in her eyes the best man alive besides her father. He treated her right. Granted he was busy all the time but he did make time for Friday night dinners and at her parents no less. She remembered the day like it was yesterday. . .

She had met him by chance at the grocery store. She was getting melons and he was getting tomatoes and when she grabbed for a cantaloupe the whole pyramid fell leaving her to scramble to pick them up. Andrew being on the other side with the Roma tomatoes came to help her with her humiliation. . . .

Are you okay? He had said.

Um. . . I’m not sure. I need a cantaloupe but they all fell.

She ran her hand through her blonde hair. How could she be so clumsy? She looked at the man in front of her. His green eyes pierced into her as he watched her grab another cantaloupe. His business suit indicated that he had an important job. Not knowing what to say she kept her mouth shut as she cleaned up the mess she made. In her jeans and pull over she felt like she was on display. But why would it matter, he was a stranger. He wasn’t anyone to her, just a stranger helping her pick up her mess.

Name is Andrew, Andrew Manchester. He extended his hand to her.

Haley, Haley Sheridan. What brings you to the store? . . .

That was three years ago. Now they were a happy couple that made time for each other when they could. Every Friday night they spent playing cards and having dinner with her parents. He was going to meet her there tonight since he had to work late. It didn’t faze her since most times they met up because of his work schedule. She grabbed the wine and went to the self-check-out lane. It was faster and she wouldn’t have to make small talk.  Grabbing her change she rushed to her car. Haley never slowed down. There was no time.

The drive to her parents little piece of heaven was always relaxing. It was on the outskirts of L.A. The grass was cut evenly and their one story house was a house out of the high and rich society pages. When she made it into the house she could smell her father’s famous BBQ ribs. Mom and dad shared everything from cooking to cleaning. It was one of the things she admired about them. They shared everything.

Haley Jane, is that you? Edward called out as the door opened.

Yes, dad it’s me. Haley yelled back. Are you in the kitchen?

Yes, come on in I need my number one girl.

Hey, I thought that was me. Lindsey chuckled as she teased Edward.

Okay, I need my second girl. Edward gave his wife a quick kiss on the lips.

Alright enough PDA, I’m here and soon so will Andrew.

I thought he had to work. Edward grumbled.

He does but dad, you know he likes Friday night dinners. She went to taste the BBQ sauce. Besides who would be your partner in Jing if he wasn’t here?

I could play for two.

Edward, stop. He’s Haley’s boyfriend.

Why can’t she like someone who knows what it is to be country? Andrew isn’t the kind of man I want Haley with.

Dad, Haley hugged her father’s broad shoulders. I love Andrew and Andrew loves me.

Do you love him the way I love your mother? Edward pointed to the brown hair woman over the pot of beans.

I don’t know. But my point is don’t’ be hard on him. He was raised different.

So were you Haley Jane. Edward whispered.

Your mash potatoes are burning dad.

Oh crap. Lin, quick give me a pot holder!

Haley watched as her parents worked to together. She put the wine in the freezer and thought on what her father said. Maybe she didn’t love Andrew the same way that they loved each other. But not everyone was that lucky. She was twenty-five and wanted someone to call her own. Andrew although not perfect did love her. And he did have his romantic moments. Every anniversary he got her a bouquet of flowers. She went outside to wait for him. The night was clear. But looking up she couldn’t see many stars. Was there such a place where dreams came true and stars were actually visible? Dad said there was, when she was a little girl she would ask him where and he’d say Absarokee Montana.

Jason could feel his father’s presence as he lunged Runner in the round pen. It had been a week and in that week Runner had shown he wasn’t a complete waste, he just needed to be shown who was boss. In that weeks’ time Jason had already installed their voice commands. The problem now was the horse wanted to do what he wanted when he wanted.

Like now he was bucking and rearing when he was supposed to be trotting. When he reared Jason held tight to the lunge rope and snapped it tight. Runner in returned slammed his hoofs down to the ground making a dust devil with his prancing.

I said trot! Jason commanded. Come on damn it!

You can’t push him Jason. His father said from the other side of the pen.

I know but he’s capable daddy.

He needs to want it. You can’t force him. Jonas opened the pen door. Give me that lunge line.

Jason handed him the extended lunge line that was used to do ground work. They liked doing more of their training under saddle but with Runners disobedience he was still in phase one of training. He jumped the fence and watched as Jonas calmed Runner down. Jonas whistled and Runner responded to him on command. Every time he reared Jonas pushed him back. Most people weren’t crazy enough to walk into a rearing horse but Jonas took those chances.

Every step Jonas made toward the gelding made Runner think. He didn’t want the contact of the old man. So he ran. And after a few laps of pushing back and forth between man and horse they were finally working together. Lope! Jonas commanded. The horse loped. Now trot! Perspiration began to drip from Runner. White lather formed under the cinch and saddle pad. You will listen! Jonas bellowed. I have no room for spoiled horses. You want to stay you work! Jonas pulled Runner to a stop.  

Jonas stroked the horse’s neck. Jason watched his father count to thirty and then release his horse from the exercise. He brought him up to the fence. His father was breathing heavily. Was his hand shaking? Jason couldn’t’ tell if it was or if the sun was playing tricks on him. You have two more weeks Jason. If I have to train this horse for you, you have no need for him.

Yes, Sir.

Jason acknowledged his father’s words. Most people would find that hard and probably argue the fact that they were twenty eight and could do it their way. But Jason knew he was right. He needed to control his horse or get rid of him. He didn’t like the latter thought so he would just step up his game tomorrow. He jumped the fence and took the lead rope and walked Runner back to the barn. His father looked worn today. Was he limping? Jason wiped his eyes with his handkerchief and noticed his father walking normally back to the house. He was seeing things. He had been working from sun up to sun down to keep up with all his chores. Tonight he would have a sit down with his brother. He was being over worked and it was showing with his lack of control over Runner. Jude had to step up and take over at least a little.

Later that night Jason walked into the house sweaty and dusty. His brothers were already inside with their father playing Jing. The rest of the afternoon had been spent catching up on patching up fences and pot holes. No thanks to Jude. Looking at him now just made his anger boil as he took two steps at a time up the stairs to take a shower. He wanted to confront his brother with his irresponsibility’s but he couldn’t do it under a pile of sweat and mud.

Stripping his clothes off made him feel at least ten pounds lighter. He had been riding Bonnet and she threw him into the water trough that they had in the large arena. Although he considered himself a good rider, he still had mishaps. And his head hadn’t really been in the saddle this afternoon. He kept thinking of what would happen if Runner didn’t improve. What he would have to do.

The water felt good on his back as he just stood there under the shower. He knew there were things that needed to get done before the auction that would bring in the revenue for the rest of the year. He had gone over the books and as much as he hated numbers it was part of a rancher’s job to be aware of what was coming in and going out. Their ranch was actually in its prime right now. Even with the supply and demand for a good horse was fading they weren’t doing too badly. Tomorrow he would work the mares and pull the foals they did have and move them to the front. They were old enough to be separated from their mamas. Besides it was time they started to learn simple routines.

Jason! Dinner! Jesse banged on the door.

What the hell? Jason jumped out of the shower. Leave me alone. I’m almost done.

Just letting you know. Dinner is getting cold.

Why don’t I just get a house of my own? Jason thought as he got dressed. If he had his own house he wouldn’t have to deal all the chaos of his brothers.  But your father needs you. His conscious prodded. That and you need a good woman to help you with a ranch of your own. And you have yet to find her Jas. He combed his hair and pulled on his boots. He hated when his conscious was right. He couldn’t leave his family. They needed him too much for him to think of his own future. When he opened the door Jesse was standing right there.

What?

Dinner’s ready.

You said that already. I can walk myself to the dinner table Jesse.

I know but I thought maybe we could talk.

I don’t have time for little pep talks Jesse Boy. Jason slapped the back of his younger brother. The smell of roast beef filled his nostrils. If his mama knew how to do anything it was cook. How daddy stayed thin was beyond him. When they made it to the table everyone was already at their places. Jude on his left and Mama and Daddy on the ends of the table.

Sorry I’m late. I had to shower.

Its fine we were just worried you drowned or something. Anna smiled at Jason. How’s the herd coming Jonas?

Good, we are nearly where we need to be, to be ready for auction. Jonas began to fiddle with his food. Anna, have you heard from Lindsey lately?

No, why?

Well I tried calling Eddy and it went to voicemail.

Did you call during his clinical hours? You know how he gets during working hours.

No I called at the right time Hun. It’s odd though because normally even when I can’t get a hold of him he calls me back.

Is that your friend from school daddy? Jason asked filling his fork with roast beef.

Yes.

He has a daughter doesn’t he? Jesse asked.

Yes, Haley. She’s in college for Vet Science. I think she’s about your age Jesse Boy.

"Maybe