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Chapter 6: Plans

Bella POV

I really hate Mondays! I really hate Mondays! I really hate Mondays!

Today didn't get off to a good start at all. It started this morning when Cassie had a meltdown as I tried fixin' her hair. With her sensitivity issues, it's bound to happen. Most of the time I get it under control before it turns into a full -blown-knock-down-drag-out tantrum. Today, sure nuff', wasn't that kind of a day. Instead, we had tears, screaming and an all-out throwing anything within her reach.

Once I got her settled for breakfast, she didn't wanna eat. Normally, she will eat breakfast without a problem, and today, she even picked eggs and sausage. But, she decided that once I put the plate in front of her, she wasn't gonna eat eggs today.

And then, on top of all of that, I forgot that she needed more pull-ups for school. So, the first thing I did was drop her off so that she wouldn't be late for class. I then hightailed it to the store to buy a couple of packages and then take'em back to the school, all before nine o'clock.

Maybe I should have just stayed in bed today, I thought to myself as I got back into the truck. I sniffed at the thought, yeah, like that would've happened.

As I am driving back to the ranch, Jessica calls to inform me that James had called and said Alec wouldn't be able to deliver our feed order today because their truck has broken down. James and Victoria Morris own the local feed store. Their son, Alec, works with them. Alec normally delivers an order of feed to the ranch every Monday.

I tell ya', if it ain't one thing, it's another.

Not havin' a delivery today isn't gonna work for me 'cause I special order all the feed and hay so that it's fresh and not sitting' on the shelf for months on end. I make sure to only order enough for the week so it doesn't get stale.

I mentally run through my schedule today and figure that I could run out there and get our order. However, knowing it isn't all going to fit in the bed of my truck, I head back to the ranch to pick up a trailer and then turn back around and make the thirty mile drive to the feed store.

Can't let the animals go hungry now, can we?

While I'm kinda doin' this for selfish reasons, I also know that this will help out James and Vicki from havin' to worry about backed up orders and deliveries. And, just as I thought, James was very much appreciative of my picking up the order and gave the ranch a bit of a discount for my troubles.

On the way home, I stop at Dr. Gerandy's office to pick up some vitamins for the mares we will be breeding; his veterinary office is packed. He specializes in large animals, but 'cause he is the closest vet around these parts, people bring their small animals in, too. This is why his place is always so busy. I'm not sure how he keeps up. He needs an assistant to do the small things, like giving vaccines.

Four long hours later, I am finally back home with just enough time for the guys to unload the feed from the truck and unhitch the trailer, before I have to turn around and hit the road again. Grocery shopping for the week is next on my list, and then it's time to pick Cassie up from school.

Maybe I should hire someone to do the runnin' 'round required for the ranch.

It's not that I don't mind all the running, but it's startin' to wear me out. The guys are all so busy with chores and taking care of the animals that they ain't got the time to do it either.

As I am on my way back to town, my cell phone starts ringin'. I turn the radio down, and hit the Bluetooth button on the steering wheel with a quick, "Hello?"

"Isabella dear, how are you?" my father's old friend asks, makin' me smile. Every time he calls it makes me think of how much I miss my father.

Charlie Swan was the best daddy any girl could've asked for. He was both lovin' and strict; taught me the value of hard work. He loved the ranch as much as he loved momma and me. I think he even had me on the back of a horse the very day they brought me home from the hospital.

After losing my mom, I followed daddy around everywhere he went; even fighting him on havin' to go to school. Eventually, he finally figured out that I was scared of losing him, too. So, as soon as he would pick me up in the afternoons, he would work with the horses, while l'd sit on a bale of hay to do my homework. We didn't have to say much, but just havin' him nearby was enough. I think that he felt the same way, too.

Damn, I miss him.

"I tell ya' Carlisle, busy," I state matter of fact. "How are you and Esme?"

"Well honey, we aren't doing so great right now," he says hesitantly. I can hear the defeat in his voice as he continues. "Some stuff has happened with our middle son, Edward, and basically, the city of Seattle has turned their backs on the whole family. My children are losing their jobs and business; it is just bad all around."

"Hang on a minute, Carlisle. Let me pull over," I tell him, pullin' in one of the drives leading off the main road to the ranch's west pasture. I turn the truck off as I grab my cell phone. The grocery store could wait, and besides, Cassie loves going to the store with me.

"I'm here, what's goin' on?" I ask, urging him to continue.

"I know you have a lot going on. Do you have time to discuss this, or do you want to call me back?" he asks me. I can hear shame in his voice, and that is somethin' I never want to hear from a man so dear to me. I'm sure he has had to set aside his pride to make this call, and I won't make him wait if he's willing to pour his heart out to me.

"I have time right now," I answer. "Tell me what you need and how I can help? You know I'd do anything for you, Carlisle."

"Well, Edward was recently engaged to the Seattle Mayor's daughter. A few months ago, he received a call from the bank manager where he has both, his business and personal accounts. Large amounts of money had been withdrawn from both accounts. The bank had received another withdrawal notice to move some more funds and wanted to verify it with him before completing the transaction.

"He explained that he didn't authorize the withdrawals and wanted the dates and amounts. Come to find out, his fiancée was embezzling money from him. She had someone who works at the bank open another account and was transferring the money to that account. She was basically trying to wipe him out within a months' time before the statements came in.

"He went to her apartment to confront her, and caught her with someone else in bed. He contacted his attorney and the police, bringing charges against her. But, because of who her father is, she was cleared of the charges.

"Wait a damn minute," I blurt out in shock. "You're tellin' me there was proof she stole from him, and they let her off?"

"Yes dear, of all the charges," he confirms. "Now, her father is out to destroy my family and he is succeeding; slandering us in the media any chance he gets," he ended with a sigh.

I could not believe people could be so cruel. It made me angry knowin' that such good folks like Carlisle, was going through this mess. I knew in my heart that I needed to do whatever it took to help save his family from the hell raining down on'em.

"How can I help? If it's money you need, I can wire it out this afternoon. You know I'd do anything for ya'," I tell him earnestly.

"No sweetheart, financially we are ok right now," he assures me. "I was just thinking of maybe getting my family out of Seattle for a while."

I know that I'd open my home to him and his family, no questions asked. But, I need to know how I can actually help them outta this mess. I have a couple of ideas swimmin' around, but I need to make sure that any decisions that I make are going to help both, the Cullen family as well as sustain the ranch, and not hinder the growth that it has made.

"Carlisle, I think I might have an idea," I tell him. "Will you be around this evening? I am in my truck right now and would like to call you back when I get to the ranch."

"Sure, sweetheart," he answers. "I will be home, just give me a call whenever you get a chance."

"Give me a couple of hours and I will call you back," I promise.

"Ok," he says. "I will talk to you later."

"You will," I assure him now. "Talk to you soon."

"Bye sweetheart," Carlisle concludes. "And thanks for listening. I don't normally go around telling people about my problems, let alone explaining the heartbreak that my son has gone through."

"Hey, don't worry 'bout it. Anytime," I reply. "Have a good day. I'll talk to you soon."

Knowing Billy keeps in touch with Carlisle on a regular basis, I think this is something he could give me some insight on. I already know what my answer will be, I just wanna make sure they would all be able to handle it here. The ranch's success is important to me for many reasons.

Talkin' to Billy is gonna be on my books for today. I know that he used to work with Carlisle on the ranch, and I just need to see what we are all up against.

After picking up Cassie and hittin' up the store, we finally make it home. I make my way to the barn in order to find Billy and Sarah. I explain to Billy about my phone call from Carlisle and he informs me he knows a little of what is going on.

"What do you think of invitin' them out here?" I ask hesitantly. "We have that mini-camp this weekend and we could always use the help."

"I think that is a brilliant idea," Billy agrees. "Then we can see'em in action; see if they fit here and maybe offer them jobs."

"Well, I promised Carlisle I would call him back as soon as possible," I explain. "Would you mind sittin' in on the conversation?"

"Not at all," he complies. "Let's go to your office."

Once we are in the office, I dial Carlisle's number on speaker.

"Hello," he answers sounding exhausted.

"Old man," Billy greets. "How'ya doing? An' that beautiful wife of yours?"

"Hanging in there," Carlisle answers. "That's about all we can do right now, Billy."

"Hey, Carlisle," I cut in so he knows I'm listening. "We have a proposition for you."

"I'm all ears sweetheart," he perks up.

"How 'bout y'all come on out here for a few days? I have a mini camp this weekend and could use the extra help. You could fly in on Friday and help set up and run the camp. Then, depending on how that goes, we can all sit down Sunday and see if we can figure out a solution for ya'?" I present.

"That...actually sounds like a wonderful idea," he agrees.

"How many people we talkin 'bout you bringing wit'cha?" I inquire, jotting down notes and ideas as we go. "You mentioned in your email that it was your whole family and that they were capable of working on the ranch, is that right?" I ask needin' to make sure I had the space and jobs for everyone.

"There's seven of us. I believe everyone has certain skills you could utilize," he advises.

"Can you give me the cliff notes on them?" I ask so we can find the best place for them to help out during the camp.

"Edward is a Chef and owns his own restaurant. He is a magician in the kitchen. My oldest son, Emmett, is a physical therapist and studied sports medicine. His wife, Rosalie, is an administrator for the Special Education department. My youngest son, Jasper, has his own construction company. Alice, Jasper's wife, is a veterinary assistant at a large animal clinic. You already know my profession, and Esme handles the business side of things for local charities," he defines.

"We could use this weekend as a trial," Billy explains. "I know you can handle the work here. We just need to make sure that we utilize the others for their talents."

"That sounds very reasonable," he answers back, hope lacing his voice. "I will make arrangements and email you the information Bella."

"Make sure ya'll fly into CLL," I recommend. "I'll have transportation waitin' for ya when you arrive."

"Thanks so much, Bella," his tone sincere. "We'll see you soon, dear."

"See ya' soon, Carlisle," Billy and I reply.

Now, to make plans for their arrival. I just hope everything works out, for everyone involved.

Thanks so much for all the wonderful reviews. I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know what you think.