Chapter 3

Cortland

It was a bittersweet day when our neighbor passed away. We knew he had taken advantage of our family by stealing our water rights, but we never expected him to leave this world so quickly. With his passing, I became determined to discover who had received the water rights to our land. I wanted to purchase them back and make things right for our family.

However, my search led me down a disappointing path. It turned out that my grandfather had given up his rights in an illicit poker club many years ago. We had no legal claim to the mineral and water rights anymore. We were left with no choice but to lease them back from the new owner.

To make matters worse, our neighbor had charged us for using the water on our own land. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but we had to pay the fees to keep our cattle and horses hydrated. It was a harsh reminder of how greed can drive people to do terrible things.

According to the agreement, everyone who participated in the sale had to do the same with their mineral and water rights or cash. However, when our family attempted to purchase our rights back, Mr. Mowery refused to sell. This led to tension between the two families and eventually caused a rift in our relationship.

I understand both sides of the issue. On the one hand, Mr. Mowery had the right to keep his property and not sell it back. On the other hand, my family felt betrayed by the refusal to sell, even when we offered above market value. Years have passed with me attempting to get the rights back, but 1 still feels bitter about the situation.

Mr. Mowery had already lost his son to cancer, a tragedy that weighed heavily on him every day. But when his son's widow fled with their only grandchild, a girl six years younger than me, it seemed like his world had shattered once again.

 I didn't know much about the girl, only that she and Cadee were acquaintances. They were able to hang out at school, but never at each other's homes due to the family drama. It was a heartbreaking situation, one that Cadee couldn't help but feel distraught over.

 When she found out that they were moving away, Cadee was devastated. She had grown to care for the young girl, even though their interactions were limited. It was as if the little girl was taking a piece of Cadee's heart with her.

As soon as I heard the news of his passing, I knew I had to find out who the new owner was. Mr. Mowery's attorney was from the same law firm we used, so I thought it would be easy to find out. However, my investigation led me to a dead end. The new owner was AM Myer LLC, and I had no idea who they were.

 I turned to my sister for help, and she told me her friend's last name was Myer. It was then that I realized that Mr. Mowery had left his property to a company with the same name as his granddaughter's last name. It was a cruel and selfish move, leaving nothing for his only heir. The attorney is working to find information on AM Myers LLC.  Perhaps we can meet with the gentleman to get our “rights” back.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of tiny footsteps running towards me. I looked up to see my niece, Constance, bounding towards me with a wide grin on her face. Before I could even react, she had jumped onto my lap, throwing her arms around my neck in a tight hug.

Constance was a bundle of energy, always eager to explore and play. She has a passion for horses that was unmatched by anyone I had ever known. I had heard about her recent request for a custom saddle from ‘Sitting Pretty Saddles,’ and I couldn't help but chuckle. Why would a five-year-old need a custom saddle?

 But as I investigated her bright, shining eyes, I realized that it didn't matter. Constance was a force of nature, and if she wanted a custom saddle, she was going to get one. With four doting uncles at her beck and call, there was no doubt that she would get whatever her heart desired.

 As I looked down at her, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the joy that she brought into my life. Her presence was a constant reminder of the beauty and innocence of childhood.

Constance grew up without ever knowing the warmth of a father's love. Her father, a bull rider, had died in a freak accident on a bull when she was just an infant. It was a tragedy that had left an indelible mark on her life.

We her uncles tried to fill the void left by her father's untimely death, but it was a task that proved to be too difficult. We love her as if she is our own, but we knew deep down that we could never replace her father.

“Uncle Cort, did you decide if I can get the ‘Sitting Pretty’ saddle,” Constance asks, batting her eyelashes at me.

“Stacy, which is what we call her, I called to talk to the owner, and I haven’t heard back yet,” I told her—sitting her on my lap.

That is not entirely true.  I did call and was informed the owner had a family emergency and was not taking new orders for the next month.  That, of course, did not sit well with me.  I requested the owner to call me back.  The lovely young lady on the phone assured me she would pass on the message.  She quickly said she did not know when she could talk to the owner to forward the message.  The owner is driving to a remote location to relocate and has several horses with her.

That got my attention.  Of course, as a male, I presumed it was a male-owned business.  I googled the company's net worth, a multi-million-dollar company. 

The company revolutionized the horse industry with their innovative approach to saddle making. They had developed a system using computers and artificial intelligence to map each horse's back, allowing them to create a custom saddle tree that perfectly fit each animal's unique shape.

Stacy sulks, and it is the cutest damn thing in the world.  I have no choice but to bite the bullet and make it up to her.

“What do you say we go shopping to make up for it,” I ask her.

“Really, can you go right now? Cause I can go right now,” she yells, hopping off my lap and yelling for her mother.

Cadee sticks her head in the door, ‘You spoil her, you know that, right?”

“Yes, Cadee, I spoil her and won’t stop.  So, go get ready for shopping.” 

She rolls her eyes and exits the office.  We were loaded in the SUV five minutes later and headed to the store. I, of course, can’t find a close parking spot, so we park at the very end. Stacy and I head up the aisle while Cadee doing something in the car. Stacy skips ahead a few feet. Then, from out of nowhere, a car pulls through one parking spot and tears into our aisleway.  I can see they are on their phone.  I take off to grab Stacy while yelling her name.

But then, I saw a girl clutch Stacy and spin her around away from the car. However, in the process, she stumbled over her cart, and I saw her ankle twist, and she went down. Despite the fall, she managed to move, so her back bore the impact, not Stacy's.

Finally, I heard Stacy crying, and the girl attempted to console her. I rushed over to help, as they were sitting on the ground, catching their breaths. The girl explained that she had seen the car coming and acted on instinct to protect Stacy.

I reach Stacy and pull her off the girl. Scanning her over, she is unscathed. I can’t say the same for the girl, though. She has a cut on her forehead, and her ankle seems to be sprained. I then reached down and assist her to her feet.

Damn, it is impossible to overlook the stunning beauty before me. Her luscious, long chestnut brown hair flow effortlessly, complementing her captivating, deep sapphire blue eyes. Clad in a pair of dainty shorts and a tank top that elegantly showcases her enviable curves, she is the epitome of grace and allure. As she struggles to stand, her ankle gives way, causing her to stumble into my embrace.

She saved my niece. So, I shouldn’t be thinking about how sexy she is. However, that doesn’t stop me from glancing at her ring finger and noticing none. However, a girl like this must have a boyfriend.

I cannot help but notice her subtle glances up at me. The way her delicate fingers trace the contours of my well-defined pectoral muscles is quite enticing. It appears she is drawn to me as well. This encounter is certainly going to be exhilarating.

“I’m sorry. Are you okay? Should I call an ambulance?” I ask, my eyes caressing her curves.

As I observe her, I cannot help but cloak my interest in a guise of concern for her well-being. Her eyes widen in surprise at the sight of me, yet as she runs her delicate hands along my chest, it becomes apparent that she recognizes my presence. Although I do not recall ever meeting her before, the allure of her mystery has captured my attention.

Suddenly, she takes a step back, as if realizing what she's doing. For a moment, she looks vulnerable and unsure, but then she quickly replaces that look with indifference.

I am unswayed by her facade, for her true interest in me is palpable. My resolve to acquaint myself with her intensifies with each passing moment.

“No, don’t disturb the EMTs for a twisted ankle and some scrapped-up skin,” the woman declared, wincing as she tried to put weight on her injured foot. “I’ll be fine. How is your daughter?”

"Ah, this is my beloved niece and although she may appear shaken, she is doing quite well," I reassure her. "I cannot express my gratitude enough for your selfless act of bravery. She holds a very special place in my heart." As I observe the relief wash over her face, I am reminded of the kindness that still exists in this world. However, before I can make my next move, my attention is diverted by the sight of Cadee rushing over to Stacy."

When Cadee finally reached us, she checked Stacy over, and scolded her for not holding one of our hands. Then she glanced at the little standing next to us.

AS I stand and watch the encounter, Cadee suddenly let out a loud scream and tightly hugged her. The startled woman was surprised but quickly reciprocated the embrace, a wide grin spreading across her face, making her beauty even more apparent. I couldn't help but feel a physical reaction to her allure, evident by the growing bulge in my pants.

“AUSTIN!  Oh my God, I can’t believe it’s you.  I haven’t seen you since we were ten years old,” She shrieks, thrilled to see this girl.  “You look amazing, Austin.”

Austin, as in ole man Mowery’s granddaughter. That Austin. This captivating girl is the granddaughter of our family's enemy. I've dealt with Mowery and the long-standing feud with ours, but I never thought I'd actually meet his granddaughter, let alone be so attracted to her.

But now I know who she is, everything has changed. I couldn't believe that she was the granddaughter of the man who had caused so much trouble for my family over the years. I know that pursuing anything with her would only cause more problems, and I couldn't bear the thought of hurting my family.

Cadee comes back to reality and introduces us.  “This is my daughter Constance, but we call her Stacy, and this is my oldest brother Cortland. Cadee says, throwing her thumb over her shoulder toward me. Thank you for helping my daughter.”

She crouches down to Stacy’s level and sticks her hand out for a shake.  “Hello, my name is Austin, and it is a pleasure to meet you, Stacy.  And it was nothing anyone else would do the same.”

When she rises, I notice she winces. She is hurt and attempting to hide it. That is the definition of a stubborn, independent woman. Those take a lot of work to come by. The women I seem to attract are clingy and would be a pitiful mess begging for assistance. Damn, Austin's casual attitude about the situation is such a turn-on. However, there she is, my enemy, and I can’t show any other emotions toward her.

Fuck my life, the first girl that had me thinking I would make her mine, and now this shit.  Make her mine where did that come from?  It is possible that my desire to pursue her was due to the fact that she is the first woman who did not show immediate interest in me due to my wealth. Being affluent certainly has its advantages, but it can also be a burden. I often feel as though women are only interested in me because of my financial status, rather than who I truly am.

I was startled as a hand was thrust in my direction. I looked up at the woman with striking blue eyes and a warm smile. "Hello, Cortland. It is nice to meet you. I am Austin. I was a friend of your sisters many years ago"

“I know who you are,” I say with a huff. As I spoke those words, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease creeping up on me. The person in front of me was a stranger, yet their presence felt so familiar. I tried to keep my composure, but my mind was racing with a million questions. What does she know about me? What does she want? Is she a threat?

My sister smacks my chest with the back of her hand, and I flinch. We are standing in the middle of a crowded parking lot, surrounded by people and noise, but it all fades into the background, and my focus zeroes in on her. She is the granddaughter of our enemy, the one who destroyed our family, but she was just a child when it all happened. Why do I feel such anger toward her?

“Stop being an ass. Austin had zero to do with what her grandfather did.”  Cadee huffs. “Besides that, every person who partook in that gambling club had to put up the same rights, including Austin’s grandfather.  So, stop blaming her.”

I could tell that something was off. Her confident demeanor replaced with nervous fidgeting and an avoidance of eye contact. I couldn't help but feel protective over her, wanting to shield her from the distress I caused.  But also worried what she was here to accomplish?

  “I’m sorry about what my grandfather did.  I just discovered the situation recently. Excuse me, but I ought to take care of my injuries.  Cadee, seeing you again was terrific; you have a beautiful daughter.  Cortland, again it was nice to meet you.”  She turns to leave and hobbles.

“Oh, my goodness, you are injured,” Cadee exclaims.  “That ankle looks horrid.  It's swelling already.  Allow one of us to help you get home at least.”

“Thank you for the offer, but I have another stop to make before heading home,” Austin clarifies, waving my sister off.

“Are you sure?  It’s no problem.”  Cadee queries. Austin waves her off.  “Alright, if you say so.  Thank you for saving my daughter, and at least let me take you to lunch one day.  It’s the least I can do for the trouble I caused.  If you're going to be here for a few days.”

“That would be great.  “We can catch up on our lives,” Austin accepts the offer.  “Give me your phone number, and I’ll text you, so you have my number.  Then just let me know when you desire to meet.”

“Yes, I can’t wait.” My sister voices while handing over her phone.  Austin enters Cadee’s number and sends a text. 

As I watch my sister and her old friend catching up, I can't help but feel a sense of warmth in my chest. The way she genuinely smiles at my sister seems to melt away any awkwardness that may have been lingering from earlier. It's heartwarming to see that even after all these years, their bond remains as strong as ever.  It's as if her happiness is contagious, infecting everyone around her.

But as she steps away to walk around her truck, I notice something that makes my heart sink. She's limping severely, and her face contorts in pain with every step.

Watching her struggle, I feel a deep sense of empathy and compassion. It's as if her pain has become my own, and I can't help but want to do something to alleviate it. I walk over to her and offer my arm to lean on, and she gratefully accepts.  I helped her into her truck. I find the presence of a crew cab dually in her possession rather arousing.

“Oh, Austin, you can barely walk. How are you going to drive?”  Cadee worries.

"Cadee, rest assured that it is my left foot, not my driving foot. I am perfectly capable of managing. Please do not concern yourself with my well-being as I am tougher than what meets the eye. Kindly contact me at your convenience for lunch, and I shall be present. “With a slight hobble, she makes her way to the driver's door and backs out of the parking spot before driving away.

Cadee expresses disapproval with a contemptuous glance. "Your behavior in front of your niece was inappropriate. I am concerned about the negative emotions that you and our other brother’s harbor. Austin is not involved in the feud, and everyone should release their resentment towards her.”

I proceed to gently massage the nape of my neck and express my regrets. "I apologize, sister. I realize that she wasn't involved in any way. My reaction was purely impulsive when I found out she was his granddaughter. Frankly, I am unsure of my actions and the reasons behind them."

Cadee's expression suggests that she is about to impart her extensive knowledge. I brace myself for what is to come.

“Oh brother, I see what went down. You were eyeing up to this total babe who saved your niece, and you had all these smooth moves planned out. And then BAM! Your arch-nemesis's family shows up and totally wrecks your game, bro. Tough break.”  Cadee teases

I mean, seriously, how does she have telepathic powers to read my mind? And now I'm left pondering my next move - do I bury her in the backyard or what? But then again, maybe I should just embrace the fact that she's onto me. Ah, the joys of being a shady character!

“Ugh, fine. I just can't wrap my head around how someone as stunning as her could be associated with that guy. And to make matters worse, our lawyer informed us that he didn't leave her a single thing in his will. Everything went to some Myer person. It's just ridiculous.”  I say frustrated.

"Wait a minute, I'm curious. If that's true, then what's the point of Austin being here?" she inquires.

I need to concentrate on understanding her presence and avoid getting lost in my thoughts. It's crucial that I accurately assess the situation and avoid inappropriate behavior. She's out of my reach, and I need to treat her as such while keeping my family's beliefs in mind. I must compose myself and stay focused on the task at hand. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to walk around with a visible physical response during our shopping trip.