Marlene spent the following days helping organize supplies for affected families.
When Travis arrived to thank her for lending equipment, he looked toward the cactus rows.
"Guess those lanes were useful."
Marlene nodded.
"They helped."
He glanced toward the scorched ridge.
For several seconds, he was quiet.
Then he said, "I used to think you were wasting land by leaving those spaces open."
Marlene smiled faintly.
"Sometimes land needs room to do its job."
Travis looked toward her.
Then laughed softly.
"You're starting to sound like your father."
Her expression softened.
"Thank you."
By the end of 2006, the ranch had become a patchwork of green that was visible from the county road.
Not every section was mature.
Some plots held young cactus plants.
Others were established enough to supply new planting material and modest commercial harvests. Still others were being studied before Marlene decided whether expansion made sense.
The entire system now extended across much of the ranch's varied terrain, though she continued preserving natural drainage corridors, native vegetation, and practical access lanes.
Daryl visited just before Christmas.
He parked beside the house, stepped out, and stared toward the hills.
For several seconds, he didn't move.
Then he laughed.
"Well, I'll be damned."
Marlene appeared on the porch.
"That's usually how people greet me."
He looked toward her.
"How much is planted now?"
She smiled.
"About two hundred acres established, with additional sections being prepared."
Daryl shook his head.
"Two hundred."
She nodded.
He looked toward the green hills.
Then toward the old stock tank.
For a moment, he seemed almost emotional.
"Dad would've liked seeing this."
Marlene swallowed.
"I think so."
Daryl approached.
Then handed her a folder.
She looked down.
"What's this?"
He smiled faintly.
"A review of your expenses and sales."
She laughed.
"Did you drive two hours to give me homework?"
He grinned.
"Mostly."
They went inside.
Over coffee, Daryl explained that the ranch's financial position had improved enough to support a more stable repayment plan. The debt remained substantial, but the business had begun producing recurring income, and Marlene was no longer relying on the unpredictable sale of livestock to cover every operating expense.
He also pointed out areas where costs could still become dangerous.
Transportation.
Labor during harvest peaks.
Replacement equipment.
And the temptation to expand simply because the plants were growing.
Marlene listened.
Then nodded.
"I know."
Daryl studied her.
For a moment, he looked uncomfortable.
Finally, he said, "I owe you an apology."
She stared.
"For what?"
He looked toward his coffee.
"For treating you like a fool when Dad died."