Sweet Talking Rancher Read online

  “Same way as I always have. I look at the book, total up the hours worked from the staff sign-up sheets, and write the checks.” He shrugged. “It’s not exactly complicated.”

  Faith ran a quick eye over the columns of figures that reflected exactly what her father had just told her.

  “You do all the bookkeeping yourself ?”

  “I get Derek in town to help me with my taxes each year.” He pointed at a shoebox. “I stick all my receipts in there and just hand them over when he asks for it.”

  Faith tried not to shudder at the very idea and instead concentrated on the surprisingly healthy state of the business. She supposed that because there was no competition except from Jenna in Morgan Valley, her father had something of a captive market.

  “Have you ever considered taking out a loan to improve the facilities?” Faith asked.

  “Well, I thought that should be Dave’s decision. I didn’t want to saddle him with a load of debt he didn’t ask for and had to pay off when I was gone.”

  Faith nodded. “If I did take over the practice with Dave, I would want to change quite a few things.”

  Her father nodded. “I know that, and if it’s something you and Dave both want to do, then it’s nothing to do with me.” He chuckled. “I’m not expecting any income from this place to fund my retirement, Faith. Your mom has a good pension from her teaching job, and I’ve done okay with my investments. I’m not worried about being stranded in Europe and having to call home for funds.”

  Faith smiled back at him. “I just don’t want you thinking that you’d made a mistake handing over the business if I start doing things differently.”

  “Honey, if I sign the place over to you two, trust me, I’ll skip away without a care in the world and leave you to it.”

  “Are you sure about that, Dad?” Faith leaned forward, her hands clasped together on the table. “I mean, you’ve worked here all your life and built this business into a great success.”

  “And now it’s time to pass it on to the next generation, just like my father did for me—except he stuck around and criticized everything I did, and I’m not going to be that guy.” He patted her hands. “I believe that you and Dave can make this business even better and I trust you.”

  The gruff sincerity in her father’s voice made Faith want to cry.

  “Thanks, Dad. I swear I’ll do you proud.”

  His eyes lit up. “So, is that a yes, then?”

  Faith nodded and he shot to his feet. “Wonderful! Let’s go and tell your mother to pack her bags!”

  * * *

  Faith checked her phone again the next morning. There was nothing from Danny Miller, but why would there be? She’d shut him down and what was the point in him replying to her? At least he’d had the sense to let it go. If she was staying, and, as she was currently sitting in the local lawyer’s office signing papers with her father and brother, she supposed she was, she’d find a way to talk to him soon.

  Even on the short walk from her father’s truck to the lawyer’s office on Main Street she’d noticed a few pointed stares being sent in her direction. A couple of people had said hi to her dad and Dave and completely ignored her. Dave had warned her that she might experience some backlash from the local community, but she hadn’t really taken him seriously. What had she even done? She’d left town and hadn’t returned. She was fairly certain she wasn’t the only person to run away from Morgan Valley.

  After they left the lawyer’s office her father suggested they have a celebratory lunch in town. Faith was still wondering where on earth he expected to get fed in Morgantown at lunchtime when her nose caught the scent of coffee.

  “Come on, partner.” Dave took her hand and led her along the raised wooden walkway to a shop with black and pink awnings and tables set outside. “Lunch is on Dad so we should exploit him while we can.”

  “When did this place open?” Faith stared in awe at the glass-fronted cases filled with beautiful cakes and pastries.

  “A few years ago. The coffee is good and Yvonne, the owner, bakes everything here and makes amazing wedding cakes.”

  Their father had already found a table and was chatting to the waitress.

  “Hey, Lizzie!” Dave grinned at her as he took a seat. “Have you met my sister, Faith, yet? You’re going to be seeing her around a lot more.”

  Lizzie turned to Faith, her smile dimming slightly. “Hi!” She immediately looked back at Dave. “I’ll give you guys a moment to check out the specials, and then I’ll come and take your drinks order, okay?”

  “Lizzie manages the café side of the business for Yvonne,” Faith’s father said. “She’s dating Adam Miller.”

  “Oh, right.” Faith busied herself looking at the extensive menu. How could she have forgotten that Danny had five siblings who were all still around, and all aware of her past relationship with him? She reminded herself that it was a small town and that everything would blow over once she was accepted back into the fold.

  Her father insisted on ordering champagne and telling anyone who came over to their table about the wonderful news of his imminent retirement. The congratulations and good wishes he received from the townsfolk were both sincere and well meant. It was only when Faith was brought into the conversation that she could see a hint of reservation in their eyes. But Dave was still not viewed in the same way as his father was, so there was hope for her yet.

  She smiled and made conversation with anyone willing to engage with her, laughed at all the jokes and didn’t answer any leading questions. To her delight, the food was excellent, and she exited the café feeling even more optimistic than she had before. Looking around the bustling, prosperous little town, her thoughts turned to a satellite clinic on Main Street looking after people’s small domestic pets....

  “Excuse me.”

  Someone bumped her shoulder and she instinctively moved out of the way. “Sorry.” She did a double take. “Nancy?”

  “Yes?” The spiky haired woman looked her over and went still. “Faith McDonald. What are you doing back in Morgantown?”

  “I’m coming back to work with Dave as Dad is retiring.” Faith hesitated. “Look, I know things ended on a bad note between us, but it was a long time ago, and I’m sure as adults we can get along, right?”

  Nancy raised an eyebrow. “Sure, once you get around to explaining why you dumped your best friend, broke Danny Miller’s heart, and left without a word.” Her gaze swept over Faith. “On second thought I’m not sure I’ve got the time or the interest in hearing your excuses.”

  “Wow, way to bear a grudge,” Faith said. “I see you haven’t changed a bit.”

  “I’m still as honest as I ever was if that’s what you mean.” Nancy stepped around her. “Have a great day, Faith.”

  Nancy crossed the street and went into her mother’s store without a backward glance, her silver piercings glinting in the sunlight. It took Faith a few moments to gather herself and follow her brother and father to the parking lot. The faint look of dislike in Nancy’s eyes had surprised her. They’d been inseparable once, best friends even though Nancy was older than her, but Faith hadn’t dared trust her with all her secrets and had run away without explaining herself.

  Nancy liked everyone and had no compunction in telling you when you messed up, so why was Faith surprised she’d received a reprimand? And, Nancy wasn’t wrong. Faith had let her and Danny down. She stared at Maureen’s and made a decision.

  “Dave?” she called out to her brother. “I’ve just got to pop into Maureen’s, okay?”

  “Sure, Dad thinks he left his phone at Henry’s.” Dave rolled his eyes. “We’ve got to go back and pick it up before we get to the car. We’ll meet you there.”

  Faith went into Maureen’s, took off her sunglasses, and waited for her eyes to adjust to the dim interior. The front of the store was like a normal supermarket and the back was full of stuff for the ranchers like jeans, boots, Western wear, and horse paraphernalia. As a teenager,
she’d worked in the store on weekends with Nancy and had a wonderful time.

  “Faith!” Maureen, Nancy’s mother, who was sitting at the cashier’s station, put down her phone and stared at her like she was a ghost. “I’d heard you were coming back, but—”

  “Hi,” Faith said, smiling. “Is Nancy out back? I’d really like to talk to her.”

  “She went through there.” Maureen pointed to the interior of the store. “I think she said something about sorting out the jeans.”

  “Thanks.” Faith marched toward the archway. “I won’t be a moment.”

  As Faith came up behind her, Nancy was taking pairs of jeans off the shelves and muttering to herself.

  “Hey,” Faith said, and Nancy stiffened. “I know I let you down badly. It was a horrible thing to do, and I should at least have written to explain.” She paused, but there was no response. “All I can say in my defense is that back then everything was so overwhelming and frightening that I panicked. By the time things settled down I was too ashamed to write to anyone and convinced that you’d all hate me.”

  “Well, you got that part right.” Nancy set another load of denim on the floor. “But you’re also right that I’m stupid to bear a grudge.” She finally turned around to look at Faith. “We were just kids.”

  “Thank you.” Faith held her gaze. “And, even though you probably think this is a worthless apology, I really am sorry for hurting you.”

  Nancy shrugged. “It’s okay. It’s not as though I lie awake every night plotting evil schemes to bring you down—well, not for the last ten years or so—I accept your apology.”

  “Thanks.” Faith kept it simple.

  Nancy pointed at the jeans. “I have to get on. I’m due back at work at six.”

  “Where do you work now?”

  “The Red Dragon.”

  “That’s still open?” Faith pictured the run-down dive bar on the corner of Main.

  “Yeah, Jay Williams owns it. You should pop by one evening. Bring Dave.”

  “Maybe I will.” It was Faith’s turn to nod. “Okay. Dad and Dave are waiting for me in the parking lot.”

  “Are you really coming back for good?” Nancy asked.

  “Yes, we just signed the paperwork today. I’m looking forward to it.” Faith half turned to go. “Thanks for hearing me out.”

  “No problem.” Nancy was already reaching for the next stack of jeans.

  Faith let out a relieved breath and smacked right into a solid wall of someone’s chest who grabbed her arm to steady her.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there.” She raised her gaze to the man’s face and went still.

  “Oh crap.”

  “Hey.” Danny Miller looked down at her, his gray eyes full of wry amusement. “Long time no see.”

  He let go of her arm and took a step back, giving her plenty of room to escape. She even considered it before she told herself to act like an adult.

  “H—How . . . are you?” Faith stuttered.

  “Pretty good.”

  It was strange looking at him all grown up. He had the same gray eyes and facial features, but he’d filled out his frame and was now tall and lean. As the silence lengthened, she realized she’d been staring at him for way too long and that it was her turn to speak.

  “I got your text.”

  “I saw that.”

  Man, he wasn’t going to help her keep the conversation going. He’d never been much of a talker, even as a teenager.

  “I am going to stay in Morgan Valley and run the practice with Dave, so I suppose we really should get together and talk.”

  His glance shifted over her shoulder and he lowered his voice. “Probably not here.”

  “I can still hear you, Danny Miller!” Nancy called out.

  “Can I call you when things are more settled?” Faith asked.

  “Sure.”

  She pointed at the exit. “Dave and my dad are waiting for me in the parking lot.”

  “So you said.” He touched the brim of his hat and moved completely out of her way. “Nice seeing you again, Faith.”

  She ran. There was no other word for it. She skedaddled like prey that had miraculously escaped being eaten. She wasn’t proud of herself but seeing him again so unexpectedly had jumbled up her emotions and she was terrified of saying the wrong thing.

  By the time she reached the safety of her father’s truck she was regretting her flight and already anticipating what she was going to say when they met again. Next time she would come prepared with her facts all in a row and, having seen him once, she wouldn’t be so bowled over again. Just the shock of him, the reality of him after years of wondering and regretting had temporarily seized up her brain.

  * * *

  Faith rushed out the door like Danny was chasing her and he let out a low whistle. She probably thought he was stalking her, but he’d just come in to pick up a couple of new matching bandanas for Roman, Lizzie’s son, and his new puppy, Splat.

  The horror on Faith’s face when she’d looked up at him had almost made him want to laugh until the emotion trapped deep inside him had welled up, and he’d been unable to say anything at all. She was still beautiful. She’d cut her dark hair short and had her ears pierced in multiple places. Funny all the things you noticed when you were desperately trying to take everything in at once, in case someone ran out on you again.

  “Well, that was fun,” Nancy piped up. “Almost like something from a rom-com.”

  “Definitely a comedy,” Danny murmured. “She certainly hightailed it out of here fast.”

  “She followed me into the store to apologize for ignoring me for seventeen years.”

  “And did you forgive her?” Danny asked as he wandered over to the stand covered in bandanas.

  “Kind of.” Nancy lined up a set of jeans. “I mean it was all so long ago I can barely remember it, and she sounded sincere. It’s not like we have to be best buds or anything. I can definitely deal with her being around.”

  Danny was impressed by Nancy’s ability to forgive. Weird how he remembered every painful second of his and Faith’s last few months together to this very day. But Nancy hadn’t known all of it and hopefully she never would. Faith would need friends in Morgan Valley and he certainly wasn’t going to stop anyone from coming around to her.

  “She’s really pretty,” Nancy said as she strolled over to check out his selection.

  “Yeah.” Blue was Roman’s favorite color, so Danny focused on that.

  “I like her short hair.”

  “Hmm.” Danny compared a Hawaiian-themed bandana with one with dog bones on it. “Which one do you think Roman would prefer?”

  “You’re no help, Danny,” Nancy sniffed. “You could at least gossip with me.”

  “Not happening,” he said firmly.

  Even though Faith had said she’d get back to him about meeting up, he was beginning to wonder if she meant it. If she hadn’t bothered to pick up the phone for seventeen years, why would she suddenly want to talk to him now? Why hadn’t she come back to Morgan Valley and met him face-to-face over the years? What had changed?

  Nancy was watching him way too closely. He reminded himself that she worked at the local bar and had an outstanding ability to spread gossip. He picked up the two matching bandanas and turned to the exit.

  “Thanks, Nancy. I definitely think I’ll go with the bones.”

  Chapter Three

  Danny looked up as his big brother Adam came striding into the barn where he was carefully walking Applejack. Two weeks had passed since Andy had put on the new shoe and his favorite horse was almost ready to ride again. He still hadn’t heard back from Faith, but he guessed she was busy getting up to speed with the veterinary business.

  “Bryson wants his cows back,” Adam said.

  “Yeah, I know,” Danny said. “He wanted them two weeks ago and Dad told him to come and get them himself.”

  “Evan just went by there and some of them are calving right in
our field.”

  “Shit.” Danny frowned. “That’s not a problem I want to have to deal with.”

  “Me neither. Will you help me get them back on the right side of the fence? We’ll have to take it down again to get them through, but it’s easier than taking them all by road.”

  “Sure.” Danny nodded. “Let me put Applejack away and find another horse.”

  Ten minutes later, Danny was astride his backup horse, Joe, following Adam up the slope to the topmost fields of their ranch. After the torrential spring rain, the grass was tall and green and the terrain muddy. Adam whistled to his dogs and gathered them together as they approached the last field that currently held a mixture of Miller and Bryson cows.

  “Where was the breach in the hedge?” Danny asked.

  “Between those two trees.” Adam stood in his stirrups and pointed toward the far boundary. “Evan just restrung the wire fencing so it shouldn’t be too hard to get it down again. I’ll start sorting the cows while you get on with that.”

  Danny put on his work gloves and wrestled with the fencing while Adam and the dogs worked together to separate the cows. He’d just about made a big enough gap when Adam called his name and he went over to join him.

  “Two calves down here. Both Brysons.” Adam frowned. “Do you want to call him and let him know he’ll probably need to take these two back to the barn?”

  “Sure.” Danny took off his glove and found Doug’s number as Adam started moving the pregnant cows back toward the newly created gap.

  “Bryson.”

  “Hey, Doug, two of your cows have calved in our field. We’ll drive the rest back through to your land, but you’ll need to come pick these two up.”

  “I don’t have time.”

  “Well, you can’t leave them here. We’re clearing this field and bringing our pregnant cows closer to home so we can keep an eye on them.”

  Danny waited but apart from some heavy breathing Doug didn’t appear to have anything useful to say.

  “Just push them onto my land and I’ll come by and take a look later. Thanks.”

  Danny tightened his grip on the phone. “Doug, the calves have just been born. You can’t just ignore them.”