“Could you sell horses to sheriffs’ departments in other Wyoming counties?” Reese wondered.
Noah nodded. “Exactly what I was thinking, but I have to pass muster first under Sheriff Sarah Carter.”
Shay asked, “What does this all mean, Noah?”
“In the phone call, Sarah said she wanted to buy three well-trained trail mounts for their department. They’re getting called out more and more often on searches for children lost in the Salt Mountains east of our valley and the Wilson Range to the west of us,” Noah said, pulling open a hot roll and slathering butter on it. “Sarah wants to come here in the next week to look at the stock I’ve chosen for her department. She’s no stranger to horseflesh and she knows a good horse from a bad one. With your permission, I’m going to meet her tomorrow at her office and we’ll talk over her specific needs for her department.”
“How close is she to actually purchasing them?” Shay wondered. She liked the fact that Reese took part in the conversation and had something of value to contribute to it. From time to time, he’d look up from eating, but he was listening and saying little. It made her feel protected and it was a strange sensation because none of the other three vets made her feel that way. They treated her like a much beloved kid sister. Reese had her back in a different, more personal way. She gently tucked those realizations away for now.
Noah rolled up another forkful of spaghetti. “When Sarah called, she said she and two of her deputies want to give our three mounts some test rides after they’ve made their selections. I said that’s fine. So, they’ll take the horses out in the back country and give them some trial situations. If they pass, she said she had it in her yearly budget to buy them.” He waved his fork at all of them, bursting with good news. “Even better, Shay? Sarah asked me if you would consider boarding their horses here at the ranch. I told her I’d talk to you about it. But it would be a huge plus to have the sheriff’s horses boarded here. Word gets around fast, and other valley people would jump at the chance to put their horses into a nice place like what we’re building.”
“That’s great, Noah. What kind of money is involved?”
Noah shrugged. “As you know, I train breed and non-breed horses. Sarah wants Appaloosa or quarter horse types. Animals that are real quiet.”
“You have two quarters and an App out there,” Shay pointed out. “Are they trail trained?”
Giving her a satisfied smile, Noah nodded. “Yes, ma’am, indeed they are. A well-trained horse can cost anywhere from three to eight thousand dollars apiece. Sometimes more. It just depends. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department is going to cut me a check for these three once they pass their tests.” He assessed her for a moment. “That means, I would guestimate, fifteen thousand dollars coming in next week, so cross your fingers.”
Her eyes widened enormously. “Really? That much?”
“The horses they specify take a year to train, so they want someone like me, who has a lot of experience, to find the right ones for them. It’s not an easy process and it takes time. They’re basically buying my knowledge and suggestions on which are best for their needs.”
“Of course,” Shay said, reaching out, touching his forearm. “This is what it’s all about, Noah. You’re here to build a business for yourself, and now you’re expanding. Look how people are coming to you! Remember? I told you it would happen.”
Noah nodded and gave her a warm look. “Yeah, I was pretty down in my cups when I arrived. I was like a tramp dog on your doorstep, wasn’t I?”
“You’ve never been a tramp, Noah. Don’t you dare use that word around here!”
All the men except Reese chuckled and gave one another sly looks of amusement.
Garret looked over at Reese. “We call Shay our cheerleader. She makes us self-correct words we use to describe ourselves. She’s hell on wheels if we use words that aren’t positive.”
Reese nodded and saw how upset Shay had become. She was more than a cheerleader. More like a fierce mother bear with her cubs. The set of her jaw and the flash of fire in her eyes finished the visual for him. “I think it’s a good idea.” He saw all the men grin, nod, and return to eating.
Shay smiled over at Noah. “You should be so proud of yourself. That’s a lot of money.”
“Yep, and fifteen percent of whatever it is, will go back to the ranch.” Noah lost his joviality and became serious, holding her gaze. “I know we’re shaky money-wise, so this is a great break for all of us.”
“It sure is,” Shay whispered, suddenly emotional. She gave him a sweet look. “This is just such wonderful news. Congratulations, Noah. It’s a breakthrough for you. It means you’re on your way up and out. Quit the dog training and focus solely on horse training.”