Bluebonnet Days

Heading home. It's been about 5 years since I’ve been back to the ranch, let alone step foot back in this state. I was blessed to be able to travel after I graduated high school and completed my studies abroad online. My parents fortunately understood the need for me to get away after the last half of the school year became a shattered mess due to a broken heart. The closer I get to home, the more my anxiety increases and I’m just praying I find the courage to get through what is ahead. George Strait, Cowboy rides away interrupts my thoughts as I realize it's my phone ringing. I see it's my best friend Mia. “Hello” “Sam, how much longer until you are here? I swear you are driving well below the speed limit, taking your sweet ass time!” “Haha, funny Mia. I am about 40 minutes out now. Just enjoying the view as I see the bluebonnets are in full bloom. Are you at the house already?” “Yes! Everyone is here and there is a special surprise!” “Mia, you know I hate surprises. Can’t you just tell me before I get there?” at this point I am pleading “Sam, absolutely NOT! Anyways, I know I have been fortunate to see you throughout the years, but everyone is really excited to see you again. So hurry up!” “Alright, fine. See you in a bit” and I close the call. Almost there now. Looking down the long stretch of road lined with bluebonnets on both sides. I just loved this time of year, growing up in Alice, Texas. School being out, running wild as a kid through the fields, my first kiss happened in a field of bluebonnets and carried many memories in between until my heart was broken by that same boy. Weston Lancaster, my one and only love. We basically have been around each other since the day I entered this world. He is 2 years older than me and my brothers’ best friend. Also, our dads are business partners and moms are best friends. They own the Heart of Kings Cattle Ranch. Lead producer of the best beef in the central through southeast states. The ranch has been owned by the Duponts (my family) and the Lancasters for over 86 years. Our grandfathers created this ranch and passed it down to their sons, to be continued to be passed on through generations to come. Our houses reside together on this large property as well as they have several other properties that house their cattle. Near the house is mostly the horses and their top breeders to keep the line strong and healthy. O gosh, I’m here. Pulling through the gates, I make my way down the driveway. FInally I see the white house peek through the large willow trees. Deep breath. I am coming home now, because dad said he needed me for business and that it was time for me to come home and find my place here. I have already completed my school, earned my MBA in business and communications, along with working with a large financial firm that was known all over. Dad wants to secure the future of this place. My brother Jackson went to the University of Texas to study agriculture. He has basically taken over many reins from dad and Mr. Lancaster already. In this day and age, just being a ranch owner with cowboys and ranch hands does not promise security for the future. Dad and Mr. Lancaster want to make sure all of us kids are well knowledged in aspects of owning a ranch in every aspect.