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and as much trouble as they were having with the machine they had, Jace doubted they’d be able to afford that any time soon. As the milk was run into a pipeline, it was stored in a large room—a cooling room—to get ready to ship.
    Today, the pulsator wasn’t doing its job. The steps to begin the process, first creating a vacuum and then applying enough air to massage the teat—much as a hand would if they were being milked by a human hand—had failed, and the cows, needing their milk released, were upset. Timing was everything in milking a dairy cow. They could milk by hand, but that was time consuming as well as unclean. But on occasion, Aunt Georgie would come out and milk a few of them…to keep in practice, she said. That milk was theirs to use, for baking or even for heavy cream when she needed it.
    After eating lunch with his family, Jace got into his truck and made his way to town. He slowed as he drove by the Carter Ranch. He just needed one more look before he set his plan into motion. It wasn’t even all that solid of a plan. Jace knew that, but with the help of Palmer, maybe he could help them both out.
    The drive to Holly’s place might have taken him less time, but he really didn’t want to do this. Being in the same house with her was going to be hard, but in the same room was going to kill him. He’d actually thrown around the idea of pissing her off and her kicking him out of her home, but his aunt would strip a wide path off his ass if she found out. So he’d play nice, avoid touching her at all costs, and get his butt back to the ranch.
    When he was let in, Mr. Palmer told him that Holly was still asleep.
    “It was harder on her than she’ll admit, being beaten like she was.” Jace felt his cat skim along his skin. “I take it you’re going to go over the books with her today. I’m glad, she needs something to do or she’ll go crazy. She’s bored, I think.”
    “Mason said we all had to. And that Clarke man. You guys are looking into seeing what the hell is going on.” Palmer nodded and offered him a seat. “I also wanted to talk to you about the Carter ranch. It’s up for sale, along with their cattle.”
    “I’d heard that. Holly said that they told her they just didn’t want to do it anymore, and that their kids are not really into ranching either. Sad thing to find out that you worked hard for your kids only to find out that they don’t care about it. Not with my Holly, of course, but I would imagine that it hurt the Carters.” Jace nodded, not sure what to say since it really wasn’t the truth. “Why are they giving up, Jace? I’d like to know.”
    “The banker. And some of the other places that are coming down on them. It’s hard, you know, and they only have each other. Mr. Carter said it was hardest on his wife, her being at home most of the time. I think they just want to move to Florida and have some retirement years after their two boys are out of the house.” When Palmer nodded, Jace continued. “I want to buy the farm. They’re selling the entire thing—cattle, house, land, and all the outbuildings—for a great price. The cattle are almost free. I’ve talked to Mason, and he and I could run our herds together; work the farms that way too. You know we have help; none of them get paid a lot…mostly they wanted room, board, and some pocket money. Not the same at the Carter ranch, but I figure we could work something out. I don’t have a lot of capital…well, none as a matter of fact, but I’m willing to work for it. For you. As a partner. I don’t know how—”
    “Jace.” He snapped his mouth closed when Palmer said his name, then laughed. “You’re going a mile a minute. Just slow down and tell me what you have in mind.”
    Jace stood up to pace while he thought. Have in mind? He was pretty sure that this man, this very wealthy and respected man, did not know what he had on his mind. Twenty-four seven. He wanted to tie his daughter to a post, spank