She didn't exaggerate.
The available harvest was significant compared with the surrounding pasture, but it wasn't unlimited. Only certain sections were mature and suitable for the planned use, and repeated heavy harvesting could weaken the plants during the drought.
She also explained the preparation requirements.
The need for complementary feed.
Transport limitations.
And the importance of professional monitoring as animals received the supplemental ration.
Wade listened.
For the first time in six years, he didn't interrupt her.
Roy took notes.
Travis asked practical questions.
When the discussion turned to payment, Wade looked uneasy.
Marlene placed a proposed agreement on the table.
It included a fair price based on documented costs, labor, equipment use, and the need to maintain the reserve. It also allowed for limited hardship arrangements where circumstances justified them, without pretending the ranch could operate indefinitely without income.
Wade studied the amount.
Then looked up.
"That's less than I expected."
Marlene nodded.
"I know what the market's charging."
He stared.
She continued.
"I'm not interested in turning your emergency into a chance to charge whatever I can get."
For several seconds, Wade didn't speak.
Then he whispered, "After the way I treated you?"
Marlene looked toward him.
The room became quiet.
Wade removed his hat.
His face was pale.
Then he said, "I was wrong."
For a moment, Marlene couldn't breathe.
The man who had kicked her first cactus crate was sitting in her office, admitting something she'd waited six years to hear.
Wade looked down.
"I laughed at your father."
Marlene felt tears gather.
He continued.
"And I laughed at you because I couldn't imagine a woman with four hundred sixty acres of desert knowing something I didn't."
His voice trembled.
"I was wrong."
Roy lowered his eyes.
Travis remained silent.
Marlene looked toward the photograph of Curtis.
Then back at Wade.
She took a slow breath.
"Thank you for saying that."
Wade nodded.
He seemed almost relieved.
Then Marlene continued.
"But I need you to understand something."
He looked up.
"This isn't about whether you finally think I was right."
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
She gestured toward the map.
"It's about what happens when the next drought comes."
Wade stared.
Marlene continued.
"If we help your remaining cattle through this month, but you return to exactly the same system without changing anything, we'll be having this conversation again."
Roy nodded slowly.
Travis looked toward the map.
Wade was quiet.
Then he said, "What are you suggesting?"
Marlene took the green notebook from beside the photograph.
She opened it to the last folded section.