Peace River (Rockland Ranch Series) Read Free Page A

ything about her grandfather, his gentle spirit, his unbending character, his sense of humor, and his wisdom.  How she desperately needed his wisdom in her life. 
                  Eli, half owner and head trainer, was wise.  He had the humility acquired from growing up a poor black farm boy, tempered with the strength that had brought him to pursue his dreams of the race track.  He’d worked his way from stable boy to become the most trusted and competent right hand of the legendary Hugh O’Rourke, and with Hugh’s death, Eli had become half owner.  He seemed far more a father to Carrie than Judd had ever been.
    Eli was wise, but he would never recommend she leave her home .  More and more lately she believed that was what she should do.  Because her mother never divorced Judd, the small house they had lived in became Judd’s at the time of her death.  It was right smack in the middle of the farm and so close to the main house it was practically attached.  Her grandfather had tried to buy it back from Judd, but he’d refused.  So, until something changed, they were stuck with him.  
    When Carrie’s grandfather passed away, he’d left very clear and concise instructions concerning his estate.  Carrie was to get the most valuable stallion, Ebony Wind, who’d won the Preakness and the Belmont a few years ago, as well as several other key races, and then had retired to become an incredibly successful racing sire.  He was extremely v aluable and was insured for $8,000,000.  The other horses and the farm were to be left in equal shares to Carrie and Eli Johnson, with Eli calling all the shots until Carrie was twenty-one unless Carrie was married before that.  In the event that Carrie married earlier, she and Eli would manage the farm as partners. 
    For that matter, Eli already had Carrie helping run the farm as partners and she knew he was very, very good.  She would never have questioned his management. 
                  Her grandfather had strictly stipulated in his will that under no circumstance was Denzel Judd to ever have ownership of any part of his estate, other than the small home.  Everyone had assumed this clause would put an end to Judd’s scheming--until his distant nephew Deek arrived. 
    Pausi ng on her porch, Carrie sighed and shook her head.  Something had to be done, but food first.  She was starving and Dante would be ravenous as usual. 
                    Pushing Judd, his friends, and his alarming behavior out of her mind, she hustled around the kitchen preparing breakfast.  Other than the racehorses, cooking was her next great passion and over the years she had come to truly believe that good, healthy food could solve most any problem.  It brought people together and strengthened relationships.  It brought good will, health and happiness.  Her philosophy was, you have to eat, so it might as well be one of life’s great pleasures. 
    As she was setting out dishes, she was gently picked up in a bear hug from behind and swung around in a circle in the dining room.  Automatically, she said, “Dante, put me down.  For a second I thought you were Geoffrey.  I have to finish getting breakfast.” 
    She squirmed in his arms and he put her down and followed her back to the kitchen where he snatched a piece of bacon and said mildly, “Haven’t seen Stupid Geoffrey yet today and he couldn’t lift you anyway.”  He chuckled as she absent-mindedly handed him glasses.  Finishing his bite, he said, “You ever gonna tell that poor boy you’ll marry him so he’ll go away and leave us alone?”
                  “It would never work,” she answered drily, “He’d just move in here.  Don’t you want me to marry someone with a brain?” 
                  Dante picked up napkins and condiments and switched gears.  “That stallion is still as fast as our most promising colts.  Do you know