Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(105)

“Are you ever resentful that path was expected for you? And then Chase got to go off

and do his own thing?”


The depth of the questions surprised him. Like she’d just been waiting for the chance

to ask. “There are days, but I’ll admit those days are rare. I’ll also admit I’d

probably feel differently about that life if I hadn’t found my place in the club.

Besides I’ve always known my station in life regarding our section of the ranch.”


She frowned. “I was under the impression the McKay Ranch was one entity.”


“It is. But it’s complicated with the additions to the original ranch land. My Uncle

Carson and his sons have been buying up land for the last fifteen years. So has my

Uncle Cal.”


“And your family hasn’t added on?”


Not yet. “Not much. First there’s gotta be land around us for sale to buy.”


“Working with the ag industry will be a whole new experience for me. I’ll be taking a

course after the first of the year that deals with land lease rights, mineral rights,

and how it can affect the added value of the land.”


“We’ve owned land lease rights for over a hundred years, in some places.”


“So how does it work? Dividing the work and the money when there are so many family

members involved?”


“We divvy up responsibilities. Technically all the cattle belong to all of us. We

divide them up according to land size. Out here it takes about thirty-five acres to

sustain one cow. So those in the family who’ve bought more land run more cattle, so

they make more money.”


“Land equals money?”


“Yep. As far as the rest? We’ve got common ranch equipment to use. Feed is divided up

between us because we work together to get the haying done. We’re all paid out of the

expenses account. Gotta watch those pennies bein’s we’re only paid individually once

a year after the cattle have gone to market.”


“I don’t know if I could handle only getting a check once a year.”


He shrugged. “It’s just the way it goes. So I’m glad I get some extra cash from my

furniture makin’ sideline.” Which reminded him he needed to check on what the holdup

was for payment on his last completed furniture order. He’d need that money sooner

rather than later.


“Does Chase have any stake in the ranch? Seems like he’s not around to pitch in.”


“He opted out last year and took a cash settlement. I did talk to Chase today. He’s

excited about the event Saturday.”


“Really? Lucky for us it fit into his schedule so last minute.”


“He’s done with the PBR tour for the year.”


“What’s it like? Having your sibling a celebrity?”


“Chase is Chase. He’s the same way now as he was when he was a kid.” He smiled. “A

spoiled brat. But he’s a good guy.” That’s when Ben realized Ainsley was doing it

again, directing the conversation. “Here you’re asking all about my family. You must

think I’m a total dick because I’ve never asked about yours.”


Ainsley started to swing her legs on the tailgate. “Not a lot to tell. My parents are