But he recognized tension when he saw it.
Hawthorne turned toward him.
“I came to discuss my offer.”
Nathaniel shook his head.
“My answer hasn't changed.”
“You haven't heard the new terms.”
“Don't need to.”
Hawthorne smiled.
“Carter, your ranch is struggling.”
Nathaniel's jaw tightened.
“That's my concern.”
The wealthy man gestured toward the pasture.
“You're carrying debt, your water supply is unreliable, and the winter promises to be difficult.”
Clara watched carefully.
Hawthorne continued.
“I can offer enough to settle your obligations and provide a comfortable retirement.”
Nathaniel shook his head.
“I'm not selling.”
Hawthorne looked toward Clara.
“Perhaps your new companion might help you reconsider.”
She smiled politely.
“I would need to see the terms before forming an opinion.”
The wealthy rancher's expression brightened.
“Of course.”
Clara continued.
“And the reason you want this particular property.”
His smile faded.
Nathaniel looked toward her.
Hawthorne laughed softly.
“Madam, business decisions needn't involve elaborate explanations.”
Clara nodded.
“Then neither does Mr. Carter's refusal.”
Mateo lowered his head to hide a smile.
Nathaniel stared at Clara.
For a moment, he felt something warm move through his chest.
Hawthorne's expression hardened.
“You speak very confidently for someone newly arrived in this territory.”
Clara looked directly at him.
“My father taught me that distance doesn't change the meaning of a contract.”
For several seconds, the wealthy rancher didn't speak.
Then he looked toward Nathaniel.
“I hope your winter is kinder than the last.”
Nathaniel nodded.
“Good day, Hawthorne.”
The man mounted his horse.
His companion followed.
Then the two rode toward the eastern road.
Clara watched until they disappeared behind the pines.
For a moment, she remained completely still.
Nathaniel approached.
“Something wrong?”
She turned.
For several seconds, she seemed uncertain.
Then she asked.
“Why does he want your ranch?”
Nathaniel frowned.
“Because he's greedy.”
Clara shook her head.
“That may be true. But wealthy men don't repeatedly pursue the same small property without a specific reason.”
He considered.
Then looked toward the stream.
“Water, maybe.”
Her expression changed.
He continued.
“His upper pastures have been running dry. Our creek still flows even in bad summers.”
Clara felt a chill.
The stream.
The old Carter claim.
The missing deed.
She looked toward the eastern mountains.
Then whispered.
“Of course.”
Nathaniel frowned.
“What?”
She turned back.
For a moment, she almost told him.
Almost explained that her father had spent years investigating the Hawthorne family.