Montana Hearts: Her Weekend Wrangler by Darlene Panzera Read Free Book Online

concern,” Bree told them, “the good news is that the ranch is booked solid. The first guests arrive in two weeks, three of them high-­profile CEOs from Iridescent Beauty Cosmeticswho are scouting for a place to hold a corporate retreat. If they select ours, they’ll give us a large cash advance.”
    “That’s a relief,” her father grumbled.
    She ran her tongue over her bottom lip and continued, “The bad news is that no one’s hired any employees. We still need a kitchen crew, ranch hands, and a head wrangler to lead roundups on weekends.”
    “The ranch managers must haveplanned to take off before the summer season,” Sammy Jo said, her eyes wide. “When Bree dug into the finances, it just made them leave sooner.”
    Merle gave them a sympathetic look. “I hired a crew for our dude ranch months ago. You might find yourselves with slim pickings.”
    Bree’s father winced and let out a low grunt. “I feel another headache coming on.”
    “If you aren’t ready in time,I can help you out by taking some of your guests to my ranch,” Merle offered.
    “That’s nice and neighborly of you,” Ma said, “but with our kids home, we’ll manage, won’t we, Jed?”
    Their father arched a brow toward Ma, gave her a look like she was out of her mind, and let out another grunt.
    “Meghan and I will stay and help,” Delaney promised.
    Their father glanced Del’s way and nodded.Bree watched his gaze turn toward her. “Don’t you have to return to New York?”
    She raised her chin. “That’s up to you.”
    Her father didn’t say anything for a long moment. Then the corners of his mouth shot upward and he laughed for what seemed like the first time in years. “Well, then, I guess you’ll be stayin’.”
    “C ’MON, G RAMMY, YOU can do it!” Cody shouted as he climbed atop the corralfence in the Tanners’ yard.
    Ryan gave his son a quick glance, grinned, then turned his attention back to his mother. The mare had taken to her just fine. The problem was the filly. “Try to pet her. Run your hands over her neck and back.”
    “I’m trying,” his mom said, sounding out of breath. “But every time I get near her she runs around the other side of the mare.”
    “Dad, should I gether some carrots?” Cody asked.
    Ryan shook his head. “No. The filly’s teeth aren’t strong enough for carrots. Better get some grass.”
    Cody jumped down off the fence and ran into the barn. When he came back he started through the gate, but Ryan called him back. “The mare doesn’t trust boys like you and me. We have to let your grandma do this on her own.”
    “Thanks, Cody.” She retrievedthe grass and waved it in front of the filly. “Come and get it. Nice sweet green grass here just for you.”
    The filly ventured a few steps forward and took a nibble. Ryan’s mom dropped a handful on the ground and the filly continued to eat.
    “Slowly,” Ryan instructed.
    His mom reached her hand over the soft, wispy brown mane, and slid it down along the filly’s back. “I think she’s okaywith me now,” his mom said, smiling. “Why don’t you toss me a brush?”
    Cody took one out of the tack bucket and threw it behind her. The filly jerked her head up, but then, seeing no threat, bent down for another mouthful of grass. The mare leaned her head down, too, and nibbled beside her, but when Ryan’s mom tried to run the brush over the filly’s coat, the young one tried to scoot away again.
    “Well, at least you’re showing her different things,” Ryan encouraged. “Why don’t you let her sniff the halter?”
    “Watch out she doesn’t run away with it,” Cody warned.
    Ryan’s mom picked up the miniature blue nylon halter and lead rope. “I’m more afraid she’ll run away with me .”
    “You’re doing fine, Mom,” Ryan encouraged. “Let her smell the band, then ease it up over her nose.”
    She did as she was told, but she wasn’t experienced with younger horses. The filly tossed her head this way and