Realistic or Modern Marathon: A Modern Western RP (IC Thread) (CLOSED)

[ReverseTex]

Around Marathon
-Marathon, Texas-

Parker McBride
Misty Gray
​

You’re still you, Parker… He allowed his mind to cling to her words until Amber released him. The lingering touch of her hand kept him grounded to Earth, not allowing his doubt to win out. Though now that his head was clearer, he could feel the physical pain try and creep back in. “I know you’re capable. But I’ve done enough damage. I just didn’t want to drag you down to my level.” He tried to explain. Though she was quick to rebut, insisting her father would happily sort him out if she really felt hurt. That alone instilled enough fear in him, having his fair share of run-ins with the old man.

With a sigh, he made his way to lean against the taillight again. It alleviated some of the stress from his back while minimizing its ache from sitting. “The question you should be asking is where to start with all my baggage.” He scoffed, though more amused than annoyed. For a moment, he paused, trying to figure the easiest way to explain it. But it quickly made sense it would be easier to show her.

So, he began to untuck his shirt. “Don’t worry, you aren’t getting me to strip down for you just yet.” He teased, trying to not let his mind dwell on the fact she’d be the first one other than his parents to see his scars. Somehow, this felt like an easier first step than explaining how he felt. If he showed her, then perhaps some of the pain wouldn’t have to be explained. It would just make sense as it was. Once he was done, he turned his back to face her and tugged the back of his shirt up. There, on the lower section of his back, started a long scar that trailed past to where his shirt was open. It was a bright shade of pink, still healing. “I had to get a spinal fusion in my lumbar region. Even with it, the doctors had to explain to my parents that the probability I'd walk again would still be around the fifty percent mark.” Slightly, he turned his side to expose his left rib, exposing the other major scar. There, a slash remained from the bull’s horn. “When I was thrown, I guess I clipped his horn in the air. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my dad eventually showed me the video in the hospital after a few weeks.”

Parker began to tuck his shirt back into his jeans, letting the physical reminders sit with Amber. “It’s easier for you to see it rather than my sorry attempt at explaining it.” He started. “I wasn’t conscious for most of the immediate fallout of it. All I have is what happened in that damn hospital room and how I felt like death was a better option than rotting one more minute in that bed.”

 

[BeyondDandy]

McBride Ranch
- Marathon, Texas -

DEAN FENTON
​

Dean took a deep breath as he glanced through the folder, his sharp eyes examining the numbers as if they would change if he looked hard enough. They did not. His jaw clenched. He knew things were grim, but seeing it in black and white made it even more real.

"Well," he finally muttered, closing the folder and placing it next him in the truck bed. "That's about as bad as it gets." His voice was level, but there was a weight to it, as if he'd gone through enough adversity to know that panicking wouldn't help.

He brushed a hand over his bearded jaw, his gaze returning to the livestock below. "Guess that means we have two choices—fold or fight." He turned to face Jack, his countenance blank for a time before a faint, humorless smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "And I don't take you for the folding type, Jack."

Dean leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees, but the words did not come immediately. His gaze was distant, fixed on the horizon, but his thoughts were elsewhere. He sighed gently and shook his head. "Feels wrong, talking about numbers like this when Tom hasn't even been in the ground a full month." He looked at Jack. "The man was like a father to me. More than he will ever know."

His throat was constricted, but he swallowed it down. "I kept expecting to see him out there with the guys, sitting tall on his saddle as if nothing could hurt him. I keep thinking he's about to walk through that barn door every morning, cussing about something, but he isn't, is he?” His voice lowered, gruff with something he was not used to expressing aloud. "He’s gone. And now this place—his entire life's work—is your responsibility."

Dean ran a hand through his hair, letting out a dry chuckle that didn't contain any humor. "How does your brother feel about everything? Not getting a share must have him on his heels?" The question lingered, like dry air. Dean was calculating. He accumulated information that he might use for or against. Despite his link to Thomas and Jack, there remained a sense of uncertainty about his own job security. But he was not going to bring it up.

“And Edward—Jack, you know he doesn’t have the ranch's best interests at heart. He’s been waiting for this. He sees Tom's absence as an opportunity to swoop in and start calling the shots.” Dean shakes his head. "I don't trust him."

He exhaled again, rolling his shoulders. "But we aren't out of options yet. I have a friend who may be able to help. Now, he’s not bank-approved, but he has money and connections we could find useful." He waited for the words to settle before continuing, "Jack, working with him isn't clean, and it won't be easy. But we've done horrible things in the past to keep this place alive.” He turned to stare Jack in the eyes, his gaze firm and serious. "We made our choice. So, if we're going to save this place, you need to decide how far you're willing to go.”

Dean paused for a bit, then said, "I'll back your play, whatever it is. But I refuse to let this place die, and I will not let Edward be the one to steal it."

Pagemaster

 

[NanLia]

The Calloway Residence
-Big Bend National Park, Texas-
Rhett Calloway
​

Rhett was excited to hear what the sheriff might offer in the way of a lead-in to the rest of the family. He hadn’t been a fool to know that Thomas had kept their conversations private; the idea of a family ranch falling into the local government's hands - even one that had the intention of the family continuing to run their business on the reserved land - would not settle well with the rest of the family. Nor would it appeal to other family ranches within his jurisdiction that fell into the same category as the McBrides Ranch.

Thomas entertaining the idea told Rhett enough that the business, Ranch and possibly even the McBride family were headed for financial ruin. He’d seen it happen time and time again, with industry changes in a constant state of flux, not to mention foreign markets encroaching on national ones; it was no wonder smaller ranches, farms and homesteads were disappearing. So far as Rhett was concerned, he’d rather pay extra for domestically grown and raised food than less for something that spent weeks in a cargo crate from who knows where.

Hearing he should direct his attention to James and Jessica wasn’t a surprise. However, he thought that perhaps Thomas would have left the business to his widow - in this day and age it was expected but the people of Marathon, and Texas, had their ancient beliefs. He nodded and sipped at his coffee, considering the possibility of bringing Emily in to meet the wife, and that could be his way into deeper conversations. He didn’t entirely like doing it, but Emily had always stood beside him in all aspects of their lives together, including his work.

Discounting the second, or third, son felt foolish. So many times he’d managed to get the head of the family to at least listen to his proposal because the youngest was often the most attentive. Being the youngest of three boys himself, he spent most of his life listening to his father and older brothers; their own family ranch had collapsed under financial pressure, long before Rhett had any opportunity to help. If they’d listened to him, rather than spoke over him, maybe their ranch, small as it had been, would still be around.

Much to his surprise, Tyler suggested Edward, the brother, of all people to speak with. He hadn’t been aware that Edward had stepped into the patriarch role and, while perhaps not the formal head of the family, he could be an asset to getting the rest of the family on board.

What followed from the sheriff concerned him. The fact that the sheriff, and would be the lead investigator in any suspected crimes, would almost… gossip about something underhanded happening with the McBrides felt dark. He hadn’t known Tyler to slip a single syllable about an investigation, or potential investigation, without it being fully buttoned up before. This was a warning from a friend: tread carefully.

Rhett blew out a breath, already reconsidering getting Emily involved with the family at all but he nodded. “Well, sheriff.” He smiled and nodded. “I do appreciate your insight on all of this, truly.” Rhett had been in Marathon long enough that there was a cost to everything, including knowledge and insight. “If there’s anything I can do to help you, you be sure to let me know.”

ReverseTex (Tyler)

 

[NanLia]

McBride Ranch
-Marathon, Texas-
Carson McBride
​

The early morning light cast a golden hue over the rolling Texas plains as Carson guided his horse along the fence line, the rhythmic clop of hooves blending with the distant calls of cattle. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of dry earth and mesquite, a familiar comfort to him. He adjusted the brim of his hat, eyes scanning the wooden posts for any breaks or sagging wire.

The ranch had seen its share of rough weather lately, and Carson knew well enough that a weak fence could mean trouble—either for keeping the cattle in or keeping unwanted things out. Spotting a few loose strands of barbed wire near the south pasture, he pulled back on the reins, bringing his mare to a stop. Swinging down from the saddle, he reached into his saddlebag for a pair of fencing pliers and a length of fresh wire. With practiced efficiency, he tightened the sagging strands, twisting and securing them in place. The rough metal bit into his gloves, but he hardly noticed—mending fences was as much a part of ranch life as breathing. When he was satisfied with the repair, he gave the post a firm shake to test its hold before dusting off his hands and mounting up again.

Satisfied the majority of the fence was holding strong, he let the reins go slack, giving his mare a pat on the neck. “Good girl,” he muttered before reaching into his saddlebag and pulling out his camera.

The morning light was perfect, and Carson never let a good shot go to waste. He raised the camera to his eye, framing a shot of a herd grazing against the backdrop of the distant hills. The shutter clicked, capturing the quiet resilience of ranch life—something he’d always appreciated but found himself drawn to even more in recent years.

A movement near the treeline caught his attention—a lone coyote slinking along the edge of the property, watching the cattle but keeping its distance. Carson lowered the camera and exhaled through his nose. As long as the fences held and the herd stuck together, there wasn’t much to worry about. But still, he’d keep an eye out.

He slipped the camera back into his bag, took up the reins again, and nudged his horse forward. There was still plenty of land to cover before the day got too hot.

(Open)

 

[neverbackdown]

The McBride Ranch
-Marathon, Texas-

Savannah McBride
​

"We might just have to bring back water fights if this heat don’t let up," Savannah drawled, her tone light, but the mischievous glint in her eyes said otherwise. It wasn’t just a passing thought—she was seriously considering it, right then and there, with the cool water already in her hand.bBefore she could dwell on it much longer, she spoke again, more to herself than to Zach. "Or maybe a swim in the creek’d do the trick," she mused, the idea slipping out as she pictured the relief of cool water against her sun-warmed skin.

A grateful smile tugged at her lips as Zach handed her the sunglasses, and she took them without hesitation. "Well, ain’t you a lifesaver," she said, slipping them on. "I don’t know how I managed to walk outta the house without ‘em—or a hat, for that matter." She let out a soft laugh, already feeling the relief as the tinted lenses shielded her eyes. "Oh, these are real good," she added, tilting her head slightly as she glanced around, testing out the UV protection. Out of habit, her gaze started drifting toward the sky, but she caught herself just in time, stopping before she could blind herself. Instead, she looked back at Zach with an amused smirk. "Almost made a real dumb decision there," she admitted, shaking her head.

As he talked about working on the ranch, it was clear he enjoyed it here, and that made Savannah smile. "Yeah, it’s real family-oriented ‘round here, which I love. Once you’re on the ranch, you’re family," she said, nodding along as he mentioned his plans for the evening. At the mention of Apollo, her brows lifted with interest. "Now that sounds like a fine evenin’," she said with a grin. "You’ll have to introduce me to Apollo at some point—I love dogs." Her curiosity piqued, she tilted her head slightly. "What breed is he?"

When Zach brought up Austin, Savannah nodded. "Yeah, technically my home’s in Austin, but I’ve always felt more at home here," she admitted, a soft, almost wistful smile playing on her lips. "I always planned on movin’ back someday, but after Elisa passed, I just… I couldn’t bring myself to leave my folks. But bein’ back now, it’s makin’ me realize just how much I’ve missed it here."

The thought of staying in Marathon had been tugging at her lately, more and more each day. She knew the ranch was financially struggling—anyone with eyes could see it—but she had no idea just how bad things really were. Her parents and brother doing their best to keep her in the dark and blissfully unaware of the problems with her favorite place in the world.

"Dallas is real nice," she mused when he mentioned it. "I went once for a conference and always meant to go back." Her lips curled into a slight grin. "Austin’s got its charm, maybe I’ll take you sometime and show you around, but you’re right—it ain’t got nothin’ on how beautiful it is out here."

********
Int;-

Misty Gray - Zach

 

[neverbackdown]

The McBride Ranch
-Marathon, Texas-

Jennifer McBride
&
Adelaide McBride
​

While it felt good to be back in Marathon, back to her roots, the past few months had been nothing short of exhausting. Trouble had settled over her in-laws’ ranch like a storm cloud that refused to pass. First, Parker’s accident—weeks of fear and uncertainty, not knowing if he’d ever fully recover. Then, the tragedy on the land, a loss that still clung to the place like a shadow. And now, Tom. The heart of the family, gone in an instant. Jennifer hated thinking it, but it was starting to feel like this place was cursed. Watching the people she loved take hit after hit, breaking under the weight of grief, damn near shattered her. And beyond the heartache, the ranch’s financial struggles loomed like a bad omen. Things had been rough even before Tom’s passing. Now? It was like they were drowning, and she wasn’t sure how much longer they could keep their heads above water.

She knew about the fight between Edward and Dylan before they left for Marathon, and as much as she wanted to step in and fix things, she also knew some battles had to be fought between men. But patience only stretched so far, and hers was wearing thin. She was the only one talking to Dylan on the phone, the only one keeping that bridge from burning completely. She understood both sides—why her husband felt backed into a corner, why her son felt like he had no choice but to lash out—but selling the ranch was never an option. Not to her. The McBride Ranch was more than land; it was memories—her teenage years, the echoes of family laughter, and most of all, the last happy moments with Elisa. A soft sigh left her lips as her mind drifted to her daughter, the familiar ache settling deep in her chest. But before she could sink too far into that pain, Savannah stepped into the room, breaking the silence with news that Dylan was an hour away.

After a quick conversation with their daughter, followed by a firm word with Edward—complete with the subtle but unmistakable threat that he and Dylan had better be seeing eye to eye by the time she got back—Jennifer slipped on her sunglasses and stepped out of the guest quarters, heading toward the main house for a much-needed wine night with Adelaide and Jessica.

“Howdy, ladies,” she greeted as she stepped into the kitchen, her tone warm but carrying the weight of everything the past few weeks had thrown at them. She set her purse down and let out a soft chuckle. “Sav might join us later. Said she was off to check on Buttercup, but let’s be real—Zachary’s the one really holdin’ her attention.” Amusement flickered in her eyes as she hugged both Adelaide and Jessica, taking a moment to soak in the comfort of their presence. “How y’all holdin’ up?” she asked, her voice softer now, looking between them with genuine concern.

Adelaide inhaled deeply as the sound of footsteps echoed through the house, signaling the arrival of company. She straightened herself, pushing aside the remnants of grief that still lingered beneath her calm exterior. Her mask was firmly in place, but there was a softness in her eyes that only those closest to her might notice. As Jessica entered, followed closely by Jennifer, Adelaide greeted her daughter-in-law with open arms.

"Thank you, love," she said warmly, wrapping her arms around Jessica in a hug. When they pulled apart, Adelaide’s gaze softened as she took in her daughter-in-law’s face. "How are you doin’? You alright?" she asked, the concern in her voice unmistakable as she searched Jessica’s expression for any sign of strain.

As Jessica answered, the door creaked open again, and Jennifer stepped in. Adelaide’s smile returned effortlessly as she turned to her sister-in-law, her playful nature emerging once more. "Oh, he is a cute one," she teased, the twinkle of amusement lighting her eyes as she gave Jennifer a warm hug. "Maybe let’s not let Edward and Dylan find out just yet," she added with a wink, knowing full well how protective both men could be when it came to her niece.

Adelaide poured wine for each of them as the conversation shifted to the boys. "Dylan has just arrived so Edward went to great him and hopefully sort things out, its gone on long enough". As Jennifer spoke about the tension between her son and husband, Adelaide could hear the frustration laced in her voice. The concern was apparent in the slight frown that pulled at her lips, though it vanished quickly.

"They’ll sort it out," Adelaide said, her voice steady and reassuring, as she handed Jennifer a glass of wine before passing one to Jessica. She then turned her attention back to Jessica, her curiosity piqued. "Is Jack out as well?" she asked.


*******
Int;-
Pagemaster - Jessica

Mentions ;- Edward, Dylan, Sav and Zach

 

[Pagemaster]

The McBride Ranch
- Marathon, Texas -

neverbackdown

Jessica McBride​

Jessica resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the mention of Zach and Savannah. It never failed to amaze her how people couldn't keep it in their pants no matter what the situation was. She supposed it could be some resentment that they were happy while everyone else was mourning. Honestly, it probably didn't matter at all; let them be happy and live their lives.

The mention of Dylan and Edward was another minor irritation. She knew her temper was short, and it wasn't likely to get better anytime soon. That said, she had been close to Tom but the man wasn't actually her father, though he was the closest thing she had to one. Jack was hurting. Both recent deaths had happened quite literally in his arms and she had begun to see cracks forming in the stoic facade he showed the rest of the world. Every person had their breaking point and she wasn't really keen to find his.

"He is out somewhere with Dean." She replied to Adelaide. "I think they have a lot to discuss." It was the closest she was going to get to even mentioning the current state of affairs. They would all have to discuss it at some point, but now was not the time.

"Hopefully they've found a nice spot to have a chat. Jack does prefer to be outside." She added as accepted the offered glass of wine. The three women clinked their glasses and Adelaide toasted Tom before Jessica continued.

"I think he's hurting pretty bad, been a tough couple of months for him. He still kind of blames himself for Vicky even though he couldn't have done a thing, and now his dad. There's some self blame there as well. He's gotten distant a bit, though he still dotes on Rowan and i guess I can't ask for mor than that right now."

She drank more of her wine and fell silent. She didn't know what else to say. She'd never lost a long term partner and shuddered at the thought of losing Jack. He was her rock, her steadfast man, and watching him suffer was tearing at her heart.

The McBride Ranch
- Marathon, Texas -

BeyondDandy

Jack McBride​

If Dean had mentioned such an unsavory option a month ago it was possible Jack would have fired him on the spot. But now... Things were very different. He was now knew just had bad things were and pretty much every option was on the table. He had always been deeply proud of his work as a Texas Special Ranger and everything Dean said grated against that time, but desperate times called for desperate measures. Still, he couldn't allow it to pass without comment.

"I appreciate that suggestion," he drawled, nodding slightly. "But I reckon it's gonna be a colder day in hell 'fore I take help from folks who think they’re gonna get somethin' in return." He raised a hand, cutting Dean off before he could speak. "And that’s where we leave it, for now."

The two men fell quiet, their gazes fixed on the horizon. Jack knew something had to give. Maybe he'd have to sell off part of the ranch? It was a mighty big spread, after all, stitched together from the dreams of generations that came before him. There was room to spare, but if he did sell, who’d it be to? Developers? Hell, that ain't gonna happen.

Maybe Edward had a point, though. There were other ways. The solar farm idea was starting to look better by the minute, but the thought of it irked him. He couldn’t stand the idea of lookin’ at it, and even just knowin’ it was nearby would bring a weight to his chest. This was one of the last spots in Texas untouched by some big industrial project or some sprawling development. He didn’t want to see that change.

The fact that it sat so close to the Rio Grande made it prime real estate, and he knew his daddy had turned down more offers than he cared to remember. He could always take a look at some of those and see what the bids had been, but the thought of digging through his old man’s office made his throat tighten. It was a job he wasn’t lookin' forward to, hell, he was downright dreading it.

"I reckon the best place to start is seein' where we can trim costs, or find a way to boost our numbers elsewhere," Jack said, glancing over at Dean. "I’m open to ideas, if you got any." He didn’t want to talk about his daddy right now, but maybe working through a solution would help him keep his mind focused.

 

[ReverseTex]

McBride Ranch
-Marathon, Texas-
Misty Gray
(you can add in NanLia in your post)

Dylan McBride
​

It wasn’t surprising that his dad didn’t see eye-to-eye with him regarding the ranch still. Dylan didn’t expect to change his mind

overnight, and especially not anytime soon now that they were on speaking terms again. But it was helpful to hear his logic. It made sense that his dad didn’t want to develop and sell all the land; he could at least respect that perspective. The McBride ranch was big enough to sliver portions off to buyers while keeping the heart of the ranch under ownership. However, that depended on how much they sold portions for. The higher the bidder, the easier it would be for his aunt and cousins to keep the ranch.
The mention of Elisa stood out more to him than the rest of his dad’s logic. He knew his old man had selfish reasons for his ferocity against selling. While he respected the claim, Dylan didn’t agree with the sentiment. The ghosts that belonged to the land were fruitless to hold onto, bringing more pain than healing in his opinion. New beginnings offer everyone a fresh outlook on life and provide the necessary funds to continue living the lifestyle they chose.

“That makes sense,” Dylan commented. His father’s clear view of interest in the idea, but not the execution, gave him all the fuel he needed. He could be the one to do it. His dad could sleep easy at night; his extended family could continue their way of life, and he could pave his own path of success. It all made sense to him in that moment of clarity… However, the story he needed to stick to needed to paint a different picture. “Look, before I made the call to come out here, I picked up a new client. He’s got interest in developing Marathon proper, adding actual storefronts, restaurants, and the like. I need something to do while I'm out here since we all know how me on a horse would go,” he explained, smiling at the last bit. “I’ll keep it far from the ranch, I promise. But I think it could be a good thing, you know? It’ll be good for the town and maybe show the family the potential prospect of selling.”

The businessman he had in mind certainly could do what he just said; however, he knew the main sell would be the ranch. Dylan just needed to keep that part of the deal separate from everyone until it needed to be said. If all went according to his plan, he could wrap a beautiful red ribbon around the idea for Christmas… The trailhead soon came to an end. The view from the low-rolling hill overlooked the sprawling mountain ranges in front of them. Even if he didn’t want to admit it, it was hard to hate such a view. It invoked stories like an ancient painting, a small window to a time long before them.

“Well, old man, I’d chop this up as a success.” Dylan teased, bumping his dad’s elbow with his. “We didn’t kill each other, so I think Mom and Sav won’t have to do the dirty work of whoever won that fight.” Though coated in sarcasm, he was glad the bridge mended itself. In a world without his father, he’d be a lost ship at sea. “What’s the rest of your afternoon look like?” He questioned.

 

[Misty Gray]

Around Marathon
- Marathon, Texas -

Amber Williams​

Whilst Parker moved to lean against the truck, Amber remained on her feet now, casually sliding her hands into the rear pockets of her denim shorts. It was clear sitting had been causing him some discomfort and so she was happy to stand if it was giving him some relief doing so too. She nodded in understanding at his comment about where to start with all of his baggage. She didn't speak up, instead leaving it in Parker's hands to decide what he wanted to divulge to her.

When he began to untuck his shirt, she raised a curious eyebrow. She scoffed in response to his teasing. "I wasn't worried about you stripping down. I figured I'd have to buy you dinner first," she joked in return. She remained quiet whilst he turned his back to her and lifted his shirt. She reached out towards his large scar, stopping short of making contact with him, as she got a close look at the still healing wounds. "Shiiit. That must've hurt." It came as a shock to hear he'd been given a fifty percent chance of walking again. He then turned a little so she could see the scar by his left ribs. Her expression wasn't one of disgust or upset, more a deep interest laced with concern for what he'd been thrown.

Amber gave him chance to tuck his shirt back in before saying anything. "Thank you for being comfortable enough to show me," she told him. "It sounds like a blessing that you weren't conscious through a lot of that. It must have hurt like a bitch for a while after the accident!" she remarked. "I'm glad you managed to beat the odds. Even if you might have thought death was better than the hospital, you clearly wanted to survive. And to walk again." She folded her arms and shuffled her feet on the spot for a moment before looking him in the eyes. "You're struggling now and I can't even pretend to understand how you feel or what you've been through. But there has to be a big part of you that wanted to survive and fought to. You're a fighter and you wouldn't have got this far if you didn't want to get through it. I think you can be happy again, but it'll take more time and effort. You've got people here to support you... including me," she reassured him.

ReverseTex (Parker)

 

[Misty Gray]

The McBride Ranch
-Marathon, Texas-

Zachary Johnson​

Zachary flashed a boyish smile at Savannah's light comment about starting water fights to get through the heat. "Now you're talking," he enthused with the idea about a swim in the creek. He doubted he would go as far as to do it, certainly not during work hours, but the thought of it was appealing given how warm he'd been all day.

"You've had it too easy in Austin, that's what it is," he lightly teased her when she admitted to leaving the house without eye-protection or a hat. "And next you'll be telling me you forgot the sunscreen too," he knowingly teased. Despite his bantering, he was quick to shake his head to show he was merely joking. It wasn't his place to tell her what to do, even if he couldn't help but offer advice. He observed her as she gave his sunglasses a test, unable to contain his laugh when she stopped herself from looking up at the sun. "Miss McBride, you're a liability. Those shades weren't cheap but they're not that good," he pointed out.

"Apollo is a German Shepherd, two years old now. I'll be sure to introduce you. He's a very sociable dog and he loves the attention," he told her.

A warm smile crossed his mouth when Savannah told him she'd always felt more at home on the ranch. It was certainly something they could agree on. He nodded along when she explained she'd always planned to move back there. The mention of Elisa confused him a little. His father had stopped working at the ranch 15 years ago and a few years later Zachary moved away from Marathon for his studies. As a result, he wasn't aware of Savannah's younger sister or what had happened to her. Clearly Elisa was family, but in that moment there wasn't an appropriate point to ask for elaboration.

With talk of Austin and Dallas, he moved to perch himself on the low wall, taking the time to have a rest after working all day. "I guess a trip to Austin would be nice. I'll let you be my tour guide," he told her. "You can show me the charming parts and maybe convert me to the city. Doubtful, but worth a try," he lightly commented.

Eventually, the curiosity got the better of him. If he didn't know something, he tended to ask for more details or find the answers himself. Her mention of Elisa had caught his attention and he didn't want to leave her to assume he understood. "Was Elisa family? A sister? Sorry if that's too personal. My dad worked here until 15 years ago. Back when I was a kid I used to hang around here sometimes. I remember you and your brother visiting with your parents a couple of times..." he trailed of.

neverbackdown (Savannah)

 

[BeyondDandy]

McBride Ranch
- Marathon, Texas -

DEAN FENTON
​

Dean sighed and adjusted his weight, adjusting his hat to block off the light. He could see Jack's mouth clenched, the weight of unfavorable judgments hovering over him like a mountain. It was heartbreaking to watch a guy try to hold on to traditions established by generations before him, but the truth was that things were changing, and holding on too tightly may shatter him.

However, Dean was not going to push too hard—Jack had made it clear where he stood on some topics, and the man was as stubborn as they come. That was fine. As a ranch manager, Dean understood when to push and when to give Jack time to process.

With arms crossed, he let the silence between them settle before speaking. "Alright, let's talk options." He raised one hand and started counting them off with his fingers.

“One—we tighten our belts. Reduce wasteful spending, trim back operations, and perhaps let go of hands that aren't strictly required, though there ain’t many of them left." Dean could see Jack's tension rise, but he persisted. "The problem is, if we cut too deep, then we won’t have enough men to run the ranch. And if word gets out that we're struggling, it's not only the others who may start looking elsewhere—it's the buyers, suppliers, and other people who rely on us to keep this place running. One weak link, and the entire chain begins to snap."

He lowered his first finger and raised another.

"Two—we diversify. Lease some of the land for grazing. We have a lot of smaller enterprises that can't afford their own spread but would pay a good price for access to the pasture. We could even look into agrotourism—city people will pay ridiculous prices for a weekend of playing cowboy. Riding horses, branding cattle, and sitting around a campfire drinking whiskey like they're in an old Western.” He smirked slightly, shaking his head. "I know it ain't exactly in line with tradition, but money is money."

He paused for a few moment before continuing.

"Three—we review contracts again. The government has always had money for people who are ready to work their property in a specific way. Conservation initiatives, security contracts, and even land preservation agreements. Private clothing, too. There are companies willing to pay to use a portion of the property for research or controlled grazing.” He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed Jack's reaction. "Now, I know taking money from the government, or anyone from that matter doesn’t sit right with you, but it's a damn sight better than some of the alternatives."

He dropped his hand and took a slow breath, knowing that the final part would be the most difficult to swallow.

"Last option," he carefully stated. "We go over the earlier offers that your father turned down. I'm not suggesting you have to sell just now, but it wouldn't hurt to look. You might find something that doesn't taste as bad now that we're facing some serious issues."

Jack's expression was unreadable, but Dean could see he was chewing it over.

"Bottom line, boss, we need to make a move quickly. We keep standing around, and the ranch will sink right out from beneath us. If that happens, what we want, wanted or didn’t want won’t matter. Others will make that decision for us."

He paused for a second before continuing, "it’s not fair and getting out of it won’t be easy, but that's where we are.”

Dean fixed the hat on his head again, shielding the rising sun as he gazed at ranch. "So, what are you thinking?”

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