Chapter 1

Austin

 I am still deliberating my return to the place where I spent the first ten years of my life. It's been years since I last saw the enormous farmhouse and acres of pasture that I used to call home. My mom and I left everything behind when my dad passed away. I still remember the day we packed up and vacated the horse farm we shared with my grandfather on my father's side. It was a difficult time for me, and I never quite understood why we had to leave.

The memories of playing in the barn and riding the horses still linger in my mind. I yearn to go back to the place where I felt the most alive. However, I am still uncertain if it's the right time to make the move. My mother refused to discuss why we left, and I am left with more questions than answers.

I know that going back to Wyoming would mean leaving my comfortable life in the city. But the thought of being in the place where I grew up and reconnecting with my past is too tempting to resist.

I am twenty-two years old with a college degree in Equine Sports Medicine and Business Administration. My passion for horses started at a young age, and I knew I wanted to turn that passion into a career. After graduation, I decided to start my own business and became the proud owner of ‘Sitting Pretty Saddles.’

My business specializes in designing and creating custom saddles for horse enthusiasts. With my knowledge in equine sports medicine, I understand the importance of a well-fitted saddle for both horse and rider. I work closely with my clients to understand their needs and preferences, ensuring that every saddle is unique and tailored to their individual requirements.

Starting a business at such a young age was not an easy feat, but my determination and hard work paid off. I am proud of the reputation I have built in the equine industry, and the satisfaction I get from seeing happy customers riding in their Sitting Pretty Saddles is priceless.

As I drive across the vast and open landscape of Wyoming, my thoughts are consumed with the question of why I had to leave this life behind and only to return to this place. The answer, I know, is tied up in the legacy left to me by my grandfather.

I hadn't seen him since I was a child, and the news of his passing had come as a shock. Yet, as I immersed myself in the details of his will, I began to realize that there was something deeper drawing me back to Wyoming.

The property he had left me was more than just a piece of land - it was a connection to my past and the memories of my childhood spent exploring the rugged outdoors of this state. I couldn't bring myself to sell it, not when it held such sentimental value.

As I arrived at the ranch, I felt a sense of peace wash over hme. The horses in my trailer whinnied in excitement, and I knew that this was where I truly belonged. I may stay for a while, reconnect with my roots, and then return to hmy life in Ohio. But no matter where I go, Wyoming would always hold a special place in my heart - my true home.

Wyoming will be an adjustment. I was close to major cities, so shopping was never a problem. I will have to do team meetings by Zoom and only fly out to clients if needed. I typically do not go on personal saddle measures and fittings. The company has enough employees to permit me to concentrate on my craftwork.

As I look toward the Carter Ranch, my mind floods with memories of my childhood. I couldn't help but think of Cadee; we had been unlikely friends in school. Our families didn't get along, but that didn't stop us from talking and laughing during recess.

It was strange to think that our grandfathers' feud had trickled down to us. It seemed silly now, but back then, it was all-consuming. I tried not to dwell on it as I unloaded horses.

I envied Cadee. When she told me she had four brothers, I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Growing up as an only child, I often wished for someone to share my experiences with. Someone to play with, fight with, and grow up alongside. But alas, it was just me.

Cadee's brothers were named Cortland, Carrington, Coldwell, and Cameron. I couldn't imagine what it was like to have so many siblings, but I was sure it was chaotic and fun all at once. Cadee always had stories to tell about them, their antics and adventures, and I couldn't help but feel a little envious.

As the youngest of the siblings, I wondered how Cadee was doing. Did she feel overshadowed by her older brothers? Did they protect her fiercely, or tease her relentlessly? I wanted to know everything about their dynamics, their family bond.

But despite my envy, I was happy for Cadee. She had a built-in support system, a group of people who would always have her back no matter what. And while I may never know what it's like to have siblings, I was grateful for the friendship that Cadee and I had shared.

I am reminded of the last time I spoke to Cadee when my father passed. It was a beautiful summer day, but the air was filled with sadness and sorrow. I was sitting on the porch, lost in my thoughts, when I noticed one of Cadee's brothers coming down the driveway on a horse. My heart dropped to my stomach, and I felt a sudden rush of panic. I knew something was wrong.

My grandfather forced me to go inside. I ran to my mother, concerned something was wrong with Cadee. But unfortunately, there is no other reason for her brother to come over. The next day we left for Ohio, and my mom called Cadee’s mother to ensure she was okay. She was fine, but I still don’t know why her brother was at our house, and my grandfather refused to say anything.

Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, and months turned into years. Over time, life moved on, and the memories of that day started to fade.   I wonder what my grandfather was hiding and why he refused to tell me the truth.

As I unloaded the horses from the trailer, I couldn't help but take in the breathtaking equestrian facility before me. The barn was massive, measuring two hundred by three hundred feet. The left side of the barn housed twenty spacious stalls, each with a window for natural light and ventilation. The wash bay was spotless, and the two grooming bays were equipped with everything a horse could need to look their best. The large tack room, with its swivel door, was a horse lover's dream. It was spacious enough to store everything from saddles to bridles and had plenty of room to move around.

Continuing down the right side of the barn, there was ample storage for hay, equipment, and bedding. The laundry area was clean and well-organized, and the bathroom was spotless. The arena was massive, measuring one hundred twenty-five by two hundred fifty feet. The footing was perfect, and the arena was impeccably maintained. The remaining fifty feet of the arena had a horse exerciser on one side and a round pen on the other. It was clear that the grandpa spared no expense in providing the best possible environment for his horses. 

As I finish settling in the horses, I take one last look at the barns and pastures before head toward the house. The two-story farmhouse with a wrap-around porch is a sight to behold. It's exactly what I imagined when I decided to leave the hustle and bustle of the city and move to the countryside.

The porch faces the barns and pastures, and I can't wait to furnish it with tables and chairs. It'll be the perfect spot to respond to emails and work at the end of the day. As I walk towards the house, I can't help but think about the long-term plans I'm making. Did I commit to staying here forever?

The thought of selling this place now seems impossible. I've only been here for a short while, but I've already fallen in love with the peacefulness and tranquility that comes with living in the countryside. The sound of birds chirping and the smell of freshly cut grass is all I need to feel at home. As I step onto the porch, I take a deep breath and soak in the beauty of my surroundings. I know I made the right decision by leaving the city behind and starting a new life he

Entering the house, I noticed that the home had been renovated recently. It has that rustic farmhouse appeal. I didn't realize Grandpa was so up to date on home decor. According to the documentation from the attorney, he certainly had the money. That reminds me, I have a Zoom meeting with the attorney tomorrow to go over the monetary aspects of the inheritance. Not that the cash suggests much to me; my business is exceptionally profitable. I will likely find some charities to share some of the money. You know, to offset the taxes and all.

I headed upstairs with my suitcases to find my new room. I had just moved to the city to start a new career, and I was excited to finally settle into my new home. As I reach the top of the stairs, I glimpse a set of double doors off to my left. This is likely the primary bedroom, so I open the doors to reveal a room in gray tones with wood floors. I am impressed by the spaciousness of the room, and I immediately feel at home.

I locate the walk-in closet and unpack my clothes, stashing my suitcase in a corner. Next, I walk out of the closet to the master bath and unpack my toiletries and makeup. The bathroom has a walk-thru shower, a soaker tub, and double sinks. I am reminded of what my mother said when I told her I was moving here, “a lot of house for one person”.

 As I start to explore the rest of the house, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. I’ve worked hard to get to this point in my life, and I am proud of the success I have achieved.  As I settle into my new home, I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

I lived with my mom and stepdad for years before moving out on my own. While I was in college, I struggled to balance my passion for horse training with my busy schedule of business travels. It was hard to keep up with the responsibilities that came with owning horses, but I refused to let my dreams fall by the wayside. That's when I decided to start my own business, creating custom saddles for equestrians.

 As my business grew, I hired employees to handle the traveling aspects of my job, which allowed me more time to focus on training and crafting the perfect saddle. My passion for horses and dedication to my craft paid off, and I was able to move into a beautiful home with a chef and all the amenities I could ever need.

As I sit on my sofa, I flip on the television, hoping to distract myself from the endless to-do list that looms in the back of my mind. The news channel plays in the background as I shovel forkfuls of food into my mouth, barely registering the weather report. My laptop beckons, and I reluctantly pry myself away from the television.

As I respond to emails and correspond with my team, I feel a sense of accomplishment. The business is thriving, and I can feel the satisfaction of a job well done. But then, I notice an email from the attorney I have a Zoom meeting with tomorrow. My heart sinks as I realize that I have neglected the farm and grandfather’s businesses. The financial information attachments weigh heavily on my mind, and I know that I have a long night of reviewing and analyzing ahead of me.

I click the link, and the numbers swim before my eyes. The farm and businesses that have been in my family for generations are now my responsibility.

As I scrolled through the rest of the attachments, my mind raced with the possibilities of what I could do with all of these properties and rights. I had never known about them before, and now I was sitting on a goldmine.

I clicked the link to the deed of the Carter property, but my eyes were immediately drawn to the section about mineral and water rights. To my surprise, I saw that these rights were currently in the name of my grandfather, which meant they were mine.

As I continued reading, I saw that the documents included a lease agreement for water use. It seemed that the Carters had owned the rights initially but had given them to my grandfather, who then leased them back to the Carters.

I couldn't believe it. My grandfather had never mentioned anything about owning these rights, let alone leasing them back to the Carters. It was all so confusing, and I didn't know what to make of it.

I was perplexed as I read through the legal documents that stated the Carter ranch had given away their water rights and then leased them back. I couldn't understand why anyone would give away such a valuable asset. The following links are all the same.  I was getting a headache trying to reason this out, so I chose to go to bed and consult with the attorney.