Chapter Two
CHAPTER TWO
Cade McLean was saddling a horse for a trail ride when his phone rang. Looking at the screen and seeing Andy Baker’s name he broke into a smile and quickly accepted the call.
“Hey, Andy, it’s been a while. How are you? And how’s that famous sister of yours?”
“As sassy as she ever was,” Andy replied with a chuckle. “But that’s one of the reasons I adore her. She’s just about to head out on a short tour. Brody’s goin’ with her so guess who’s takin’ care of their horses?”
“How many?”
“Four. We expanded the barn so there’s room and I’m happy to do it. How are you?”
“Great. I just picked up the same number of rescues myself,” he replied, looking out the window at his new charges grazing in the paddock closest to the house. “They just need kind hands and some good grub for a while, then I’ll find out what they know.”
“What you do is fantastic,” Andy remarked with a sigh. “If I had the time I’d pick up a couple myself.”
“It’s a win/win. I rescue horses from the shelters and feed lots, fix their brains and their bodies, then sell them on to good people. I make a decent livin’ and the horses get forever homes.”
“Are you still teachin?”
“Sure. Still plenty of kids, but recently a few of their mothers wanted to give it a try. Everyone will be excited to see this new bunch.”
“How would you feel about another one?”
“Horse or human? Though it doesn’t matter, there’s always room for one more.”
“Human. She’s a friend of Helen’s. Apparently her father owns race horses, or invests in them. Maybe both, but regardless, she’s been around them most of her life. She’s just never actually climbed into a saddle and she wants to learn. She’s comin’ in today, though I should warn you, she might not be easy. From what Helen told me her family has crazy money.”
“Ah, got it. But why would she want to come out here? There are plenty of high-end trainin’ facilities in Dallas. I assume that’s where she’s from.”
“Yep, she lives in Highland Park, but why she’s plannin’ on stayin’ in this neck of the woods for a while I have no idea. She’ll be arrivin’ today and livin’ in Helen’s cottage on her parent’s estate.”
“Old man Thompson’s former home,” Cade murmured. “I sure miss him. He was a real character.”
“He sure was. If he’s gazin’ down at his farm he must be shakin’ his head. The place doesn’t look anything like it once did. And speakin’ of old man Thompson, I found Ranger in a shelter.”
“You’re kiddin’!”
“He’s with me now.”
“Thank the Lord!”
“He’s a blessin’. And Helen has a little mutt called Molly. But I’d better get back to work. I’ll be hittin’ the road for a three-day clinic in Oklahoma tomorrow and I still have a bunch of stuff left to do. When Helen’s friend arrives can I send her over?”
“Sure, any time. What’s her name?”
“Good question. Karen Harper. ”
“I look forward to meetin’ her. Stay safe on that trip.”
“Thanks, Cade, and good luck with Karen. If she’s anything like Helen you’ll need it.”
Ending the call with a grin, Cade ambled across to the fence and looked at his new charges. There was a paint, two chestnuts and a grey. Though he was still trying to think of names for the paint and chestnuts, he’d decided on Moon for the grey. Doc Jones, the local vet, was due to arrive any moment to check them over, and hearing a vehicle rolling up the drive he assumed it was the man himself. Striding away and turning past the barn he saw the familiar van rolling to a stop.
* * *
During her drive out of Dallas Karen had been a nervous wreck. Several times she thought she was being followed and exited the freeway, only to discover it had been her imagination. But as she left the busy interstate for the last time and headed towards the small town, she began to breathe easier and loosened her grip on the steering wheel. The navigator led her to a turnoff, and she soon found herself on a two-lane road with woods on one side and spacious fields and homes on the other. When the navigator told her the destination was approaching, she slowed down, then smiled as she turned into the driveway.
Directly ahead was a barn on the right, and paddocks on the left where horses were happily grazing. At the back of the property, rising like a protective barrier between the homestead and mountains was Smoky Hill. Helen had told her all about riding up through the thick mist and coming out into bright sunshine at the top, the romantic place where Andy had proposed.
But Karen’s thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a large dog running up to her car barking a loud welcome. It resembled a German Shepherd, but appeared to be leaner and looked bigger. Behind it was a smaller dog, also yapping and hilariously jumping up and down on the spot.
Suddenly all her troubles in Dallas seemed far away.
But as Helen approached the car Karen caught her breath. The man beside her was everything she’d ever imagined a country cowboy to be. Rugged good looks, muscled arms and carrying himself with a confident swagger.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Helen exclaimed as Karen lowered her window. “This is Andy.”
“Not nearly as glad I am. Hi, Andy, it’s great to meet you,” Karen declared, hoping the man who would be teaching her would be just as handsome. “Is it safe to get out? That big dog looks like he wants to eat me for lunch.”
“He’s super friendly, but he’s inherently a guard dog. That’s why he’s carryin’ on like that. Ranger, back off. She’s on our side.”
The dog immediately stopped making a ruckus, sat down and began panting happily.
“I hope you’ll have a good time while you’re here,” Helen said as Karen climbed from the car. “You’re so athletic I’m sure you’ll be riding like a pro in no time. But come in for some coffee, then I’ll take you over to the estate. You’ll love my cottage. Mom and dad are in New York right now, but it’s totally private anyway.”
“Helen, I know I’ve only just arrived, but it’s so peaceful and beautiful out here I might not ever leave.”