“McCray Landing didn’t become what it was by sheer luck, darlin’. My family did it by being educated. My pa wanted me to have the best business education available.”
“But getting into Harvard… It’s very competitive.”
“I never got less than an A in high school, and my rodeo wins helped. And my ma was a legacy.”
“Laurie? I had no idea.”
Zach warmed at the affection in Dusty’s voice when she mentioned his mother. But of course, she would remember Laurie with affection. With her own mother wasting away, Laurie McCray had no doubt been a refreshing sight. “She’s a smart cookie.”
“I was too young to appreciate her intelligence, but I remember her cookies. Oatmeal raisin, always warm.” Dusty closed her eyes. “How is she?”
“She’s well. Still lives up at the main house. Dallas, Chad, and I each have our own places on the ranch.”
“And she went to Harvard.”
“Actually, no. She was the legacy, not me. She went to Vassar. But my grandpa, her pa, was a Harvard alum and set up an endowment for the undergrad college.”
“Wow. And that helped you get in?”
“It didn’t hurt.”
Dusty sighed, smiling. “What a wonderful education you’ve had. I’m truly impressed, Zach.”
Her praise warmed him. “Thanks.” He didn’t know what else to say.
“I always wanted to finish college,” Dusty continued. “I only went for a year.”
“Why did you quit?”
She looked away. “Circumstances.”
Okay, he wouldn’t push. “What did you study?”
“I like math. I’m good at it.” Dusty spoke quickly and with passion. Education clearly meant a lot to her. “And I love animals. I had planned a double major in math and zoology, and then I thought I’d go to vet school.”
“That’s an admirable goal,” Zach said.
“It’s only a dream, really… What did Chad study? And Dallas?”
“Dallas studied law at Yale.”
“He’s a lawyer?”
“Nah, he’s a rancher, just like I am.”
“Then why law school?”
“Same reason I studied business. There’s more to ranching than horses and cattle.”
“Well sure there is, but—”
“Besides, Chad’s the one with the brains for animals. He studied agriculture and animal science at Texas A&M. His grades weren’t as good through high school. Never serious, that one. Too many parties and too many girls. But he has a unique way with animals.”
“He said something like that to me earlier. He said dogs loved him. I teased him about it.”
“We all tease him about it.”
“But now I feel bad.” She cocked her head. “But why should I? The two of you were teasing me about the same thing!”