Georgia's Gamble [A Historical Fiction Novel; The Pratt Chronicles Book 1]

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Benjamin Tucker

I strode into the staff quarters like I owned the place, my red hair catching the last rays of the afternoon sun that filtered through the dusty windows. It'd been a busy few weeks settling into the rhythm at the Lone Star Ranch, but today was my day off. I had a bit of time before the evening chores which I always participated in even when I didn't have to, and that meant it was time to kick back and let off some steam.

The staff quarters were a mess—charmingly chaotic, as only a bunch of horsemen and jockeys can make a space. Horse blankets were strewn across the floor, the spare tack was haphazardly hung on hooks, and half-empty mugs of coffee and beer sat on every available surface. Jake and Tom were already sprawled out, their boots up on the table, engaging in the kind of banter that only stable hands and jockeys seem to understand.

"Look who's finally graced us with his presence," Jake said, not even looking up from his card game. His grin was all teeth, and I could see the mischief dancing in his eyes. It never seemed to leave the man's face.

"Had to make sure you two weren't turning the place into a den of iniquity," I said, tossing my hat onto the coat rack with a practiced flick. "Any excitement I missed?"

Tom, built like a brick house with a laugh that could shake the rafters, looked up with a grin. "Depends on what you call excitement. We've been trying to keep Jake from turning poker into a full-blown con job."

"Con job?" Jake protested with mock indignation. "I prefer to think of it as a 'strategic play.' Keeps the game interesting."

"Strategic my foot," Tom said with a snort. "If anyone's got 'strategy', it's you. You've been counting cards since we started this game."

I plopped down in an armchair, stretching my legs out in front of me. "I see some things never change. What's the game tonight?"

"Poker," Jake said, dealing out the cards with a flourish. "But if you're here to win, you better bring your A-game. Tom's been on a lucky streak."

I raised an eyebrow, reaching for the cards. "Lucky streak? More like he's been bluffing so much the horses are starting to bet against him."

Tom's laugh rumbled through the room. "Alright, alright. Let's see what you've got, Tucker. But if you lose, you're buying the next round of drinks."

"Deal," I said, taking my hand of cards and giving them a quick glance. "But don't expect me to go easy on you just because I'm new around here."

The game was underway, and the banter was thick. I was fitting in well enough, though my mind kept circling back to the news I'd heard earlier. I'd be working with the boss's daughter—Georgia Pratt. That's right, the very same Georgia Pratt I'd heard about in hushed whispers and through grapevine gossip. Her reputation preceded her, and from what I'd pieced together, she was something of a Southern Belle. Beautiful, with a strong head on her shoulders. Or so some of the stable hands said. I'm surprised they even knew which one Georgia was; if I had 15 children like the Pratt's I'd start labelling them with numbers instead of naming them. The only name I remembered was Monty. The oldest Pratt boy who wasn't much younger than me—and his name was Quentin? Why did everyone call him Monty, I had no idea.

"So," Jake said, casually flipping a card, "I hear you're going to be working with the boss's daughter soon."

I glanced up from my cards, intrigued. "The boss's daughter, huh? What's she like?"

Tom shrugged, tossing in his chips with a flourish. "Haven't met her yet. She's been away, but she's due back soon. Heard she's a bit of a looker, though."

"A looker, huh?" I let the name roll off my tongue, savoring the sound. "Sounds like she'll be more trouble than she's worth."

Jake chuckled. "Word is she's quite determined. Might be a bit of a challenge working with her, especially if she's set on getting in the way. And boys, when they say looker, they mean looker. I saw her before she left for Dallas, and damn, Good ol' Mr Pratt has a good one." He commented, licking his lips at the thought of the girl.

"Watch it, Thomson. Or we'll think you've taking a liking to Ol' Pratt's daughter" Tom shot with a cocky smirk before taking a long swig of his beer.

"Just you wait till you see her, and then you'll know what I mean!"

"Getting in the way?" I grinned, my eyes flashing with a hint of bravado. "Well, if she thinks she can mess with my training, she's got another thing coming. Frontier King isn't just any horse. He's a champion in the making, and I'm not about to let anyone—especially not a spoiled Princess who hadn't worked a day in her life—throw a wrench in my plans."

Tom raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like you're pretty confident. Hope you're ready for some competition, then."

I leaned back in my chair, throwing a confident look their way. "Competition? Bring it on. I've faced tougher challenges than a pretty face and a few objections. Frontier King's got heart, and so do I. We'll make a team, and no one's going to mess with it."

The conversation drifted back to poker, but my mind kept circling around the idea of working with Miss Georgia Pratt. I couldn't help but wonder how she'd fit into the equation. From what I'd gathered, she was due back soon from some extended trip, which meant I'd be meeting her in person before long. Great. Just as I was beginning to progress with King.

As the evening shadows grew longer, we wrapped up our poker game. The mood was light, filled with laughter and the easy camaraderie of fellow workers. Jake and Tom made sure to remind me about that round of drinks, but I barely registered it.

I pushed myself up from the chair, stretching my legs and preparing to head back to the stables for one last evening check. "Well, I should probably get back and make sure everything's in order. Frontier King's waiting, and I need to make sure he's ready for his bright future." I hummed out, swiping my hat from the hook I had discarded it on earlier.

"See you around, Tucker," Jake said with a grin. "And don't think we've forgotten about that round."

I tipped my hat, chuckling. "I'll make sure to remember. Until then, gents."

As I made my way back to the stables, the fading light of day casting long shadows across the fields, my thoughts were already turning to the days ahead. Working with Frontier King and dealing with Georgia Pratt was sure to be an adventure. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I'd tackle them with ease. I always did.

Frontier King was my focus, and I wasn't about to let anyone, not even the boss's daughter, whoever she thought she was, stand in my way. With a determined smile and a spring in my step, I set to work tossing in the dinner feeds into the stables, knowing that the real fun was just beginning. That—or it would prove a torture.