The Maverick Meets His Match (Hearts of Wyoming Book 2)(62)
That was the flaw in his thinking. No amount of accounting could capture the intrinsic value she placed on Prescott Rodeo Company. How could mere numbers reflect the sweat and labor her grandfather and father had spent building up the company that carried their name? Or the joys and triumphs she’d experienced in working with the animals? Or the warm sense of community that had grown with the enterprise? All of this was the legacy she wanted to provide her children. And Tuck’s children, even if her brother didn’t value it yet as much as she did.
“You could be a rich woman, Mandy. Especially if you decided to develop the ranch land once the company was sold. Rich enough to start your own stock company, if that’s really your passion.”
Though she’d never willingly sell the ranch, she’d thought about starting another company if Prescott was sold. But why sell something to buy the same thing. “I wouldn’t be able to use the name Prescott Rodeo Company, would I?”
“The name could be part of the company’s goodwill value.”
“How about Prescott Stock Company?”
He shrugged. “Depends on the type of restrictions the buyer asks for. They could ask for a noncompete clause but only for a set time, generally no more than two years.”
Two years. Seemed a lifetime. Six months seemed a lifetime.
“And then I’d be starting over. All the bloodlines my grandfather and Harold took such great pains to preserve in breeding programs would be for the benefit of someone else. No, Ty, I intend to keep what I’ve got. It may surprise you,” she said, grabbing the handle to open the door as a wave of irritation rolled over her, “but some things can’t be measured in dollars and cents.”
She stepped out of the car as his driver’s door clicked shut. She closed her door with a little more gusto, causing a loud clang.
He stared at her from across the top of the car, the sun’s rays bouncing off the shiny black surface of his sunglasses.
“Everything has a price, Mandy. And trade-offs. The decision comes in figuring out which trade-offs are worth it.” He glanced away, undoubtedly to check out movement across the yard, before focusing back on her. “Just want to be sure starting your own company is something you’ve given some thought.”
“I have thought about it. And I want Prescott.”
He walked around the car, heading toward her with deliberate steps, his long legs closing the distance in seconds. He stopped mere inches in front of her, invading her space. She peered up into a face just a breath from her own and silently cursed the mask of glass that guarded his eyes.
She wanted to know what he felt, not just what he said. Did he have any regard for her, for what she wanted?
“So what’s the plan?” he said, his question catching her off guard.
“The plan?”
“With the rodeo committee.”
He’d changed the topic without apology or explanation.
“I think I should see the rodeo committee. Alone. I know these people. I feel very comfortable requesting an explanation. They’ll likely be more honest with just me.”
He nodded, surprising her with his acceptance.
“I should probably see Stan, then,” he said.
“He’s the primary potential buyer, isn’t he?”
At that question, he removed his sunglasses to look her square in the eye. “Yes. So far.” Unfortunately, his stoic expression didn’t reveal anything that gave her hope—about her or Prescott.
“You planning on sealing the deal this weekend?” She’d never been good about keeping her thoughts, or opinions, to herself. Under the stress of circumstances, she’d given up trying.
“I owe it to him to hear him out. But as I said, the numbers won’t be available until Monday, which I told Stan. I really want to understand what the hell he’s doing here.”
“If he was asked to come by the committee, I may not like it, but I can’t blame him for it.”
“I’d still like to talk to him. Find out what he’s up to. And tell him we’re married.”
“I’m sure he already knows. I’m sure everyone knows. News travels fast on the circuit.” Whoever thought men didn’t gossip likely had never worked with them.
She knew there would be a lot of speculation as to the whys and wherefores. It didn’t matter to her what people would think at the moment, but what they would think a few months from now when Ty walked away, owning almost a third of the company—or worse, having sold off the outfit—and she would be left alone, a divorced woman, and perhaps a divorced, unemployed woman. And no happily ever after as her poor, deluded grandfather had hoped.
“Regardless, it’s better to get ahead of the rumor mill. Everyone probably thinks we’re crazy and will be betting it won’t last. In six months, when we divorce, they’ll feel vindicated. In the meantime, we get to play house.” His smile broadened to a full-blown grin.
This was business, strictly business, to him. And she was just a way to pass the time. She was annoyed at how her heart squeezed at that truth. She blinked back the moisture forming in her eyes
“Any regrets about last night?” he asked, cocking his head to one side.
More than she had earlier that morning. But she didn’t believe in regrets. The marriage, last night, may have been mistakes, but she’d made those decisions. Living was moving forward, not looking back. With a shake of her head, she gave him the reassurance of a negative response.