SECOND CHANCES AT MG RANCH Read Free

was out gallivanting around.  He didn’t have time to be worrying about where she had gotten herself off to.  If she didn’t come back by dark, then he would go look for her.
     

Chapter 2
    Loren was already beginning to get under his skin and she hadn’t even been on the ranch for one whole day yet.   It had only been a few hours at best.
    The good Lord only knew what he had gotten himself into agreeing to stay on at the ranch.   He was still wondering what had possessed him to make such a rash decision.
    While working on the fence, he reflected back on his conversation with his long-time friend, Josh Randolph.
    He had called late one evening to make him aware that the time had finally come to transfer the ranch over to their daughter Loren and that she would be arriving soon with her horse in tow.
    Sam was already wishing that he had not bothered to answer the telephone that day.   Of course she would have probably still showed up on his doorstep to claim what was rightfully hers.
    Josh had visited the ranch several times over the years, sometimes hanging out for the weekend.   The arrangement had worked out well for both of them.  He was getting paid to do what he loved and Josh didn’t have to worry about the ranch.
    They had formed a good friendship over the years, but they both knew that when th e time came, Sam would move on.
    His friend had asked him to stay on at the ranch for a while longer to help his daughter get settled in, and maybe teach her a thing or two about taking care of the ranch.
    Loren had received a nice trust-fund, so although she really wouldn’t have to work if she didn’t want to, she would still need to learn how to manage the place.
    “I am sorry Josh, but I really don’t think that is a good idea,” Sam had told him.
    His mind was saying no but his heart was saying yes . He really didn’t want to leave the ranch just yet, but he wasn’t sure that he was ready to homestead with a spoiled little rich girl either.  That in its self was sure to spell big trouble and that was just the kind of trouble that Sam did not need or want.
    He had never really thought much about how he would feel when this time came.   He had lived on the ranch for many years, and it had been so easy to forget that it actually belonged to someone else.  Against his better judgment, he had made this place his home.
    “I am prepared to double your salary, and if that is not enough, I am sure that we can work something out.   You know that Loren means everything to us, and we need to know that she will be safe.”
    Josh paused briefly, and took in a small breath before continuing, “We will sleep much easier, knowing that you will be there to watch over her, at least until she is more familiar with the area.  Please give it some thought.”
    It was hard for Sam to not think about the extra money that Josh was offering.  If he were willing to double his salary for the next few months, he would earn enough money to put with what he had already saved to buy his own spread.
    Of course it wouldn’t be as nice a place as MG, but at least it would be his.   Maybe living with the little spoiled Miss Randolph would not be so bad after all.
    Without further thought, he made his decision.  “Josh, I believe you have just made me an offer I can’t refuse.”
    “And you, my friend, have just made me a very happy man.” Josh replied with a sigh of relief. “Loren should be arriving with her horse in about two weeks, if not before.  Oh and Sam, there’s one more thing before I let you go.  Loren tries to be a little bossy sometimes.  Try not to let her get under your skin.”
    “Thanks for the warning.” Sam could hear Josh chuckling as he hung up the phone.   He had a feeling that he was making a huge mistake, but he really couldn’t afford to turn down the extra funds that would make it easier for him to move on.
    Sam pushed the regrets from his mind and got busy finishing up with mending the