4. Chapter Four
Chapter Four
W ill watched the tall, willowy blonde with the stunning blue eyes and the cutest little dog he’d ever met walk away.
“She’s attractive.”
He snapped his head back to face Justin. Heat flashed through his cheeks. “Well, I’d say all the women who work at the ranch are attractive.” He grinned. “And the men too.”
Justin laughed. “Well, Max will be happy to hear that.”
Will cocked his head.
“Max is the resident psychiatrist. He’s sporting a black beard these days. He thinks it makes him look less attractive. I told him women love a mystery, and a man with a beard provides just the right level of intrigue.”
“If you say so.” Will said the words on a laugh. He’d felt pretty good when arriving here—secure in the knowledge he didn’t really need a counsellor—but being here lightened him further. Being on the back of a horse would always do that for him.
Simultaneously, they dismounted.
Rainbow was there to snag the reins, but Will clutched his. “May I help?”
She grinned. “Of course.”
Justin handed his over. “I have another client.” He pivoted to Will. “We have another appointment Friday afternoon.”
“Yeah, about that—”
The counsellor held up his hand. “Humor me. Reassure your sister. It’s not a big ask.”
In passing, Will wondered if the counselling center needed the money from his appointment, but he dismissed that. Justin honestly seemed to care. Will had to respect that.
Rainbow removed Sugar’s saddle.
Will did the same for Fallon. Then he brushed her down with long, gentle strokes. “These are beautiful horses.”
His companion hummed in agreement. “Retired show horses were our first choice. They come well-trained and are used to lots of different people. We weren’t sure how they’d handle distressed people, but they’ve all proved up to the task.” She shot a look over at Tiffany, who lay curled on a dog bed. “She does most of the heavy lifting.” The woman grinned. “With the counsellors coming a close second.”
“Your staff appear remarkably competent.”
Rainbow met his gaze, and cocked an eyebrow.
“I might’ve read up about the ranch. Due diligence.”
“Good for you. And yeah, it’s great that former patients leave comments. Especially amazing if they use their own names and not pseudonyms. We never ask them to, of course.” She nuzzled Sugar’s neck. “There seems to be less stigma around getting help. Kennedy’s done a lot of work in the community to try to promote that idea.”
“You appear to love your job. Any thoughts of training to be a counsellor yourself?”
Rainbow arched her head back and laughed. “Oh my God, no. Just…so no.” She scratched behind Sugar’s ear. “I have a tough enough time dealing with the peripheral stuff that comes my way from the clients. I could never handle that kind of stress from day to day.” She laid her hand on Fallon’s muzzle. “This is what I’m meant to be doing. The rest is just a bonus.”
Will finished brushing the horse, then handed the brush to Rainbow. “I admire what you do. You’re right—that’d be more than I could handle.”
“You’re a real cowboy?”
“I am.” He chuckled. “Come to the ranch where I work in Alberta, and I’ll put you through your paces.”
Another throaty laugh. “Uh, I’m good. A bit of a homebody. So’s Kennedy. We just love our work, although I’m always harassing her to take a day off now and then.”
“Fair enough.”
“No work for a cowboy out here, I imagine.” She cocked her head. “Or am I wrong?”
“You’re right. No cattle ranches in Cedar Valley. Closest are up in the interior of British Columbia. Not exactly commuting distance.”
“Would you ever consider staying in Mission City?”
Her question hit him in a way he hadn’t expected. “I just assumed I’d be going back to Alberta.”
“Unless you find something worth staying put for.” She snagged Fallon’s reins. “Thanks for the help.”
“No, thank you. Helps ground me, you know.”
“Yeah, I know.” She gave him a last nod, then guided the horses away.
Feeling oddly bereft, Will exited the stables.
He was about to head for his pickup, but an excited yip came from the ranch house.
Rex came flying toward him and threw himself off the back porch.
Will caught the little guy easily. “Impressive, my little friend.”
“Oh, Lord, I’m so sorry.” Avery came out of the house, closed the sliding glass door, wrapped her arms around her waist, and advanced toward the two of them. The wind, which had just picked up, blew her hair about her face. She tugged it aside. “I’m so sorry.”
“So you said.” Will grinned down at the dog who gazed up at him with puppy-dog eyes. “Seems to be quite a handful.”
“Not usually.” She glared at Rex. “You don’t have to be so difficult.”
“Actually, he seems pretty easy to me.”
Will winked.
Avery’s cheeks pinkened. And likely not because of the wind.
“You’re cold. Would you like me to carry him into the house?”
“Sure. I left his leash inside. I can carry him—”
“He’s already in my arms. No big deal.”
I wish you were in my arms.
Okay, where had that thought come from? Will could be a sucker for a lovely woman, but he never acted on the attraction. He’d engaged in a few flings before Darla had come along, but he’d been faithful to her their entire marriage. Hell, he’d continued to be faithful to her, even after her death.
Avery regarded him, her blue eyes sparkling, despite the setting sun. “Sure. I think Kennedy wanted to speak to you anyway.”
Dumbfounded, Will followed Avery back into the house.
He gently placed Rex on the ground, but the dog merely wound himself around his new friend.
“Careful not to trip over him.” Kennedy smiled as she approached. “I’ve never seen him so…taken…with a stranger before.”
“I’m flattered?” Will removed his hat. As he should have before.
Kennedy waved toward said hat. “We don’t stand on ceremony here.”
“Well, ma’am, I appreciate that. Especially with my hat head.”
As he’d hoped, she laughed. “I’d never comment.”
“That’s appreciated.” He put the hat back on. “Avery said you wanted to speak to me?”
Avery who appeared very busy doing something in the kitchen. Within hearing range.
“Yes.” Kennedy advanced.
The woman’s height impressed. So did Rainbow and Avery’s. Darla had been…petite. Tiny, really. He’d always worried he might hurt her with his enormous size and powerful strength.
She’d said she wasn’t scared. And had proved that over and over.
Still, a woman like Avery’d be better equipped.
And where did that come from? He’d encountered three beautiful women today—and none wore wedding rings—but Avery was the one who’d caught his notice.
Kennedy cleared her throat.
Will flushed, realizing he’d been caught staring at Avery.
“I wanted to invite you to our Christmas party.”
“Oh, I’m new—”
“All current and former clients are welcome. We’ve got the space to accommodate a large crowd.” She pointed to the main room which was, indeed, large.
Unbidden, he glanced over at Avery.
“All the staff are attending.”
He pivoted his attention back to Kennedy, feeling heat creep into his cheeks at her words.
“And dogs,” Avery added. “Rex will be thrilled to see you.” She nodded to Kennedy. “We need to get going.”
“Of course.” Kennedy crouched, holding out her hand to Rex.
He barrelled over, sniffed, and gave her a lopsided grin. Then a gentle kiss.
She scratched behind his ears. “You’re a good boy.”
Will would’ve sworn the dog preened.
“He has his moments.” Avery’s comment might’ve been a little dry.
“I think he’s adorable.” Kennedy grinned.
Will met the counsellor’s gaze. “You’re lucky. We have a sheepdog on the ranch, but she’s not mine. And it wouldn’t be fair for me to have a dog of my own. Since I work so much.”
She offered him a shy smile, her blue eyes turning gentle. “Well, you can spend as much time with Rex as you like.” She gazed at her pooch. “I suspect he’s going to be sticking like glue to you tomorrow. Which means you’re going to have kids hanging around you as well.”
A quick pang zinged through Will. “That’s totally cool. My sister, MaryAnn, has a daughter and son. I love my niece and nephew and don’t see them nearly enough. That’s on me,” he quickly added.
“They’re in Mission City?”
Kennedy met his gaze.
“Uh, yeah. I should’ve spent more time here, but there’s always work on the ranch, you know. And believe it or not, rustlers are a thing. Have to keep an eye on the cattle.”
Avery chuckled. “Okay, that’s a sentence I never thought I’d hear uttered. Well, you’re here now. If you want to bring them—”
Will held up his hands. “Thanks. They’re…a little too much to handle.”
“We’ve got plenty of adults.” Kennedy smiled. “Might give your sister a break.”
For just an instant, Will reconsidered. But no, Susie and Richie were just too much to handle. He’d give MaryAnn and Barry a night off before he went home. Just not tomorrow. “Thanks, anyway—although very kind of you to offer. I should be going.”
“Oh, Avery can walk you out.” Kennedy glanced down at Rex. “A chance to say goodbye.”
“Until tomorrow,” Avery added.
“Yeah. Until tomorrow.” Until that moment, Will hadn’t been absolutely certain he’d go. One look at the anticipation shining in Avery’s eyes made him realize he’d never really been considering not going. A chance to see these wonderful people? And in a social setting? Yeah, he was in.
“Let me grab my coat and bag.”
Avery hustled back to where Will assumed her office was.
“She’s a good woman.”
He swung back to face Kennedy. “Yeah, she seems very genuine.”
“And could easily have her heart broken.”
Tipping his head, he regarded her carefully. “Yes, ma’am. I know I’m only here for a short time.”
“Nothing wrong with having fun while you’re here.”
“I’m ready to go.” Avery emerged wearing a pale-blue wool trench coat and carrying a messenger bag.
Rex yipped.
Will met Kennedy’s gaze. Is she warning me off or giving me permission?
He just didn’t know.