Trumann's Belt: A Ranch Hand Romance

Azalea’s POV.

I stared at my phone for a while, scrolling through the photos of my friends’ graduation. They made it out of Sunset Trails. I should’ve been there with them today, holding my bachelor’s degree with pride at the age of 22. Only, fate didn’t allow me to have that chance.

I thought back to the moment that had changed the course of my life forever, I was only 16, sneaking some snacks to the horses in the barn. It was just Lucas, my father, and I in the barn at that moment. Everything was fine at first until my father collapsed right in the middle. He was unresponsive for a moment and that was the scariest day of my life. Lucas ran to grab the ranch doctor. We had one of the finest on the ranch but even she couldn’t figure out what officially happened to him and had an ambulance pick him up to carry him to the hospital.

Dad had never once gotten sick, even colds had nothing on this man. When my father woke up he claimed he couldn’t see a damn thing and that’s when I realized my life was about to change. The doctors ran many tests and diagnosis to establish that my father had a rare genetic disease. I was in the clear but my off-springs could be at risk too, not that I cared as of right now. I didn’t plan on having kids soon.

The day we learned about the disease we both cried. I was only 16, I just assumed I’d head off to college because of the sports and good grades I had. I’d have a polished resume, I’d be able to get grants but that would mean I’d have to abandon my father and I could never do that.

Dad’s work cut back a little, he was only able to verbally help which was a great ton but for the Trumanns it wasn’t enough and that was understandable so I picked up the slack. I made sure to work for them and in return, we’d hold our home on the ranch and our salary.

Keeping the roof above our head wasn’t easy but I didn’t dare to complain. I didn’t let my dad know just how hard the labor worked. I loved working on the Belt, I loved the animals and all the people I grew up with– I just couldn’t bear the physical draining sometimes. I asked for a different role but Laura Trumann, the wife of the CEO, threatened to kick us out if I didn’t pull my weight so there went my plan.

Everything was going fine, life was content but I always craved for a bit more. I knew I needed more money. There wasn’t a cure for my father’s disease due to how rare it was but there was an experimental surgery. One that could very likely work, however, it was expensive.

The Trumann’s were one of the richest ranching families in America, their Belt had the biggest income, and they were great exporters. Their pay was good, considering they let us stay in our own small home on their land without having to pay rent. However, the money wasn’t enough. I saved every last penny I could, and Dad did too but we still lacked a tremendous amount of money if we wished to proceed with that surgery.

“Azzie, where are you?” Dad’s voice boomed through the living room. His question pulled me out of the string of thoughts I had gotten lost in.

“I’m here Dad, living room,” I answered, turning around. There he was, walking towards me very carefully. Adapting to this new life had been hard for him at first but he was a smart and fit man– thanks to the years of working on the Belt. Still, Lucas and I changed a few things around so he’d be able to move around much more freely.

Lucas was one of the boys from the ranch. He was only two years older and we quickly became friends– we’ve been friends for as long as I could remember. The scrawny, snotty boy grew up to be a handsome man with the warmest brown eyes sandy blond hair, and a charming smile. Okay… I may or may not have developed a crush on him over time.

“What are you doing?” Dad asked, stopping my daydream about Lucas.

“Looking at photos,” I said shortly.

“Yeah? What kind? Describe them to me,” he asked excitedly. He’d always ask me to describe them to him and they always brought a smile to his face but I don’t believe this one would do the same.

“No, it’s nothing,” I was quick to say, trying to dismiss this but Dad crossed his arms.

“Azzie,” he warned but it sounded more like a plea.

“Jill, Marie, and Rylan’s graduation photos. They look happy, each has their degree and it seems Jill went the business side rather technical,” I explained, knowing it would spark some sadness within him.

“Oh Azzie, I’m so sorry, you’re supposed to be there with them,” Dad sighed and shook his head.

“I couldn’t leave you, Dad, you know I’d never do that,” I reminded him and scooted closer to him, carefully patting his back.

“I know… I just don’t want you to regret a single thing, Azzie,” Dad admitted.

“The colleges that would consider me would be too far. I don’t want to live away from you, I love the animals here, the work, the people,” I reminded him and was truthful about it. It had been just the two of us since I was four. I barely have any memories of my mother but according to Dad she was one of the kindest women ever and would’ve been proud of what I became.

“People? You mean Lucas?” he asked with a hint of teasing.

“Dad, oh my god,” I gasped, feeling my cheeks get heated.

“What? It’s no lie,” he hummed proudly and smirked, “I may be blind but I can sense something.”

“Dad, it’s nothing, we’re just great friends. He thinks of me as an annoying little sister,” I admitted bitterly. I’d dropped subtle hints but he always ignored them.

“Oh, Azalea,” Dad shook his head. “He’s meant for you.”

“Ok, I’ve got to go now,” I cleared my throat and stood up. “I need to check on Nyx’s baby boy,” I said, thinking of my best horse on the ranch that just become a mother.

“Oh, don’t forget you have to switch the irrigation system, those crops will need more water with the shift in weather,” He reminded me, luckily letting go of the Lucas conversation.

“Yes, Dad, thanks for the reminder,” I replied. I fixed my striking red hair in a low ponytail then put on my hat and boots. I stepped out the door, ready for another day of work.

I spend my morning taking care of Nyx and her son. She wasn’t as gentle as she once was, she was so vigilant. She became my sole responsibility when she kicked another ranch member into the wooden wall. Around me, she was still anxious and protective of her son but we had a different bond and allowed me to get close to her little by little.

Part of me felt terrible for her, her son was only being monitored because he was going to be sold. Nyx was one of the fastest and strongest horses we had, she had paired with someone of her status and I remember how happy the Trumann were when they found out she had a male foal.

Nyx and the baby were both doing great. I finished up my work at the barn by checking all the other horses.

I was on my way to fix the watering system when I spotted Lucas. His sandy blonde hair was tucked underneath his cowboy hair that was tipped back just a bit, he wore a white shirt that clung to his body and showed off his toned biceps and abdomen. I took a deep breath, noticing the jeans that were just perfect for him.

Lucas carried a stray lamb in his arms effortlessly, his biceps straining and glistening with sweat and dirt. Lord, he was so handsome. Dad’s words rang in my head. We’re meant to be. I mean, we’ve known each other forever. We know each other better than anyone else. Maybe Lucas was scared of risking our friendship? Maybe he cares about me beyond our friendship and thinks the feelings aren’t reciprocated?

I will talk to him. There’s an event tonight at a local bar, we can go together and I can tell him how much I care for him.

I walked towards him and a smile formed on his lips.

“Good morning, Azzie, snowball decided to run away,” he said as he moved the lamb closer to me. I smiled at Snowball and petted her head.

“Good morning, Lucas… There’s something I want to ask you,” I said, feeling my heart racing in my chest. Oh god, this was real. I was about to take the first step.

Azalea's POV.

Lucas looked at me, his chocolate brown eyes glinting with the sun radiant on his face. Lucas continued to pet Snowball, and my eyes trailed down his arms for a moment as I took a deep breath.

“What’s up, Azzie?” Lucas asked, his deep voice so sweet sounding.

“Do you want to go to the Rodeo roundup at Cattleman Cantina with me?” I asked, ripping the band-aid off right away. I looked at him, eyes seeking for something in his.

“Oh, uh, yeah sure,” Lucas shrugged off, and I could feel my stomach being relieved. “We’ll meet there at seven?” he offered.

“Sounds perfect, I can’t wait,” I said with a huge grin, despite trying to act cool about it.

“Me neither. Now let me go put Miss Snowball back with her mother, maybe she can teach her a lesson or something,” Lucas tipped his chin down to the lamb in his hand.

I watched as Lucas walked away with Snowball peeking over his shoulder to look at me, almost as if she was pleading for me to take her and let her walk around. She couldn’t though; it was far too dangerous for her to be unattended here.

“Azalea!” Laura shouted my name from her balcony.

I sighed, my back turned against the balcony view. Laura Trumann, the wife of Trumann Belt, was in charge of everything else on the ranch that didn’t fall under the business. She kept everything in a tight line, making sure none of her friends who came over for brunch weekly would have a thing to gossip about.

Mrs. Laura had fired her head maid when she had to visit her grandchild in medical care too often. Though Mrs. Laura said she stole some of her jewelry, and that was the true reason, and that she’d never be so cruel to fire someone over anything else. I heard chatter from the other maids that the previous head maid would’ve never stolen a single thing, especially since she worked here for 30 years and hadn’t stolen a thing before.

I was warned to be careful with Mrs. Laura, and I wished to keep my distance, but since she fired her old head maid, I was pushed into the temporary role since Mrs. Laura couldn’t find someone fitting.

I turned around and squinted my eyes as I looked up where Laura stood. I waved at her politely.

“Come to the house! You need to do something for me,” she shouted from up there. Brandy, one of the men who worked on the ranch, shook his head at me as he walked past me. It was more directed at Laura, but since he couldn’t look at me, he just showed me he sympathized with me.

“Yes, Mrs. Laura,” I nodded to her.

I began to walk towards the house. A few men on the ranch looked at me and tipped their hats, their eyes warm with a smile on their faces. I was well aware that I was a beautiful woman, I just don’t think it’s worth all these men's attention. I think perhaps if they stepped foot outside the ranch more often, they’ll realize there’s more out there than just me.

Laura opened the door just as I arrived at it, and she smiled. Her smile was so inviting, but I had a feeling there was something sinister behind it.

“Hello, Azalea,” she greeted.

“Hello, Mrs. Laura, how are you?” I asked politely.

“Great. You need to do something for me. Come with me,” she cocked her head to the right and began to walk. “So, the cars need to be washed. Those three over there and you know we prefer it be done by hand. We also have tire shine, use it because last time you forgot to use it,” she spoke without once looking at me and she was on her way to the tea room. “Oh and this needs to be done before the night ends.”

“Oh, ok. Uh, yeah sure, I’ll come after lunch to do it then,” I offered, trying not to sound annoyed. I had to remind myself this was all worth it. I wouldn’t be able to save up much outside this ranch.

“After lunch works perfectly. For now help me in the tea room. I was thinking we should change the curtains and redo the cabinets,” she asked but it was an order. Her asking was just her being polite about it. “It’s just time for something more refreshing. Tomorrow the ladies will come over for brunch so we have to work on it right now,” she gushed.

By "we," she always meant that she’d be sitting and doing nothing whilst the rest of us worked our asses off. I barely finished my tasks on the ranch, I still had to feed one of the horses.

“I mean, I need to feed one of the horses first–”

“Well, be quick then, return immediately,” she clapped her hand. “I’ll have Mary fix you up a quick lunch so we don’t lose time,” she offered.

“Wow, thank you, I’ll be fast,” I lied.

I took care of the last horse, watching as she finally ate her food without throwing a tantrum this time. I smiled and offered her a snack. I finally returned to Mrs. Laura, and her lunch consisted of an apple, a salad wrap, and some orange juice. The portion was that of a child; it’s almost as if she was trying to hurry me. I ate my lunch but still had 15 minutes of my break, but she kept looking at me as if I were committing a crime, practically forcing me to end my break early with just her eyes.

I began to do her work. I climbed up and down the ladder so many times. All because she couldn’t decide which curtain works best. Then she decided to swap out the paintings in her room. I dusted every shelf and replaced and rearranged all the trinkets.

By the time I was done inside the house, I had to go hand wash the cars. There was an entire routine that included me cleaning the tires and polishing the lights and of course, some special fluid for the windows.

I finished the last car and let out a sigh. Finally, I stored away all of the items I had used and reported back to Mrs. Laura. She was happy and dismissed me. I was just happy she didn’t find me another last-minute task to do.

I returned back home, and Dad informed me he’d be heading out with Lucas’ dad and some other men on the ranch. I didn’t have to worry though; they all took great care of each other, and I was just thankful they wouldn’t be heading to the bar.

I wore a red floral skirt that came down to my ankle, but there was a deep slit on my right thigh. I paired it with a black button-up that was tied right under my breasts. I curled my hair before putting on my black special boots that matched perfectly with my cowboy hat. I took a look in the mirror; my green eyes were brought out with the dark colors, the red on my lips vibrant and bold.

I smiled at my reflection and grabbed my bag, ready to head out. I had been as quick as possible, but I knew the chores of Mrs. Laura had slowed me down.

I was running late, almost an hour and a half late, but I couldn’t help it. Lucas would understand though; I knew he would. I had texted him, but he didn’t reply to my messages, but I knew he didn’t often check his phone.

I arrived at the bar and jumped out of my truck, inhaling a deep breath. Here goes nothing. I’ll see Lucas, I’ll ask him to dance, and he’ll realize I have feelings for him– if he didn’t know that already.

I stepped foot into the bustling bar. There were people all over; some laughed and drank, others played darts and pool, and others just sat and observed quietly. The music shifted, and I knew this song! I had dreamed of dancing to it with someone.

I looked toward the dance floor and saw Lucas standing there with a smile on his face. I frowned, why was he on the floor when a two-step dance required two people? Then I saw a brunette making her way to him. Lucas smiled and cupped her face, leaning down to kiss her.

My heart shattered to pieces. I knew it wasn’t fair to him since he didn’t even know he held it. I felt like this was my fault; I shouldn’t have been late. He was most likely bored and found her, or she found him. I didn’t blame her one bit… Lucas was devastatingly handsome.

Heartbroken, I stepped out without looking but ran into a man. The man was tall with a strong build. His hands flew to my hips as he steadied me. A spicy woody scent filled my nose, and I looked up to meet with blue eyes that challenged the ocean on a warm sunny day.

Damon Trumann. I ran into the heir to the Trumann Belt. He had been away on a business trip for almost three weeks, and now he was right here in front of me after I ran into him. A smirk on his face, and I couldn’t help but notice how handsome this man was with his beard and charming smirk and mesmerizing eyes.

“Azalea?”

He. Knew. My. Name.