Faith for the Cowboy (Whispering Oaks Ranch #6)

Chapter 1

1

L awson Macklin scrunched his eyebrows, wondering if he dared to answer Riley Kennemer’s phone call. He removed his cowboy hat and wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his gloved hand, squinting as he surveyed the vast expanse of the Macklin family ranch. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the plains of Texas. It had been a long day of hard work, just like every other day on the ranch.

Not that he didn’t like what he did. He had been born into the Macklin family to be a cowboy, and he loved spending his days riding his horse and tending to the herd. But day after day, year after year of being “just one of the Macklin boys,” was wearing on him. As he approached the old red barn on his horse, he thought about his six brothers. Jenson would be in the barn, as he usually was, and Sawyer was likely in the office checking in on the business side of the ranch. Hawk was up at the horse training facility, trying out some new horses he’d bought at an auction. But Colton, Titus, and Garrett had been with Lawson most of the day herding the cattle. Any of them were likely to appear and overhear his phone conversation.

He stared at his phone knowing he couldn’t talk long, but he tapped the button.

“Hey Riley,” he said. “I just have a minute. About to be at the barn.”

“Hey Law. So what you’re saying is, you’re going to be around your brothers, and you can’t say anything about the “R” word.”

“That’s right.” Lawson’s attention turned to the secret he'd been harboring for months. He had always been content with ranch life, helping his father and brothers run the family's cattle operation. But lately, he had found something new, something that could be his own without the competition of his brothers, or the watchful eye of his parents. Now that he had been training whenever he could squeeze in the time, he was sure that he wanted to be the best rodeo cowboy he could be.

The rodeo circuit was a world away from the ranch life, and he knew his family would never understand. To them, rodeos were a reckless pursuit, a dangerous pastime that only led to disappointment and broken bones. His parents had been adamant that they didn’t want their sons participating when they were teens, but Lawson was a man now at twenty-five and could make his own choices. Still, he couldn’t stand the thought of what his family would think.

Outside the barn door, he dismounted and hoped no one would wander up to hear his phone conversation. Thunder nuzzled his shoulder affectionately, sensing his owner's unease. Lawson rubbed the horse’s neck, thankful for the connection with the animal.

Riley spoke. “Have you decided about the rodeo next weekend? You need to register if you want to compete.” Riley had been competing in rodeos for years and helped Lawson with his training.

“I don’t know,” Lawson said hesitantly.

“Come on, man. You’re ready. I know you are. But even if you’re not, you’ve got to start sometime. The only way to do it is to try. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Lawson laughed. “Plenty of things could happen.”

Riley joined him. “That’s true, but if you want to compete, it’s time to try.”

Lawson nodded as he sighed. “I know.” Right then he made a decision. “Alright. Let’s do it.”

His friend gave a triumphant laugh. “Yes! I’ll put your name on the list, but you’ll have to fill out the paperwork and sign the releases.”

“I’ll come by tomorrow and take care of it.” After a few more moments of conversation, careful to avoid saying anything out loud that would give him away, Lawson ended the call.

He turned his attention to his horse and took care of his needs. Lawson worked hard, but his horse worked hard every day too. His father taught him from when he was a young boy how important it is to take good care of the animals and treat them with respect. Lawson gave a half grin remembering that it was because he got in trouble for throwing rocks near a horse. That was a mistake he wouldn’t make again.

Lawson thought back over the last few years. After graduating from high school, some of his friends left the town of Shelby Springs for college or life outside of the small town. Lawson hadn’t looked anywhere, knowing his place was at Whispering Oaks Ranch. He had always loved it there. Sure, it was hard work, but it was rewarding and predictable. He got up at the same time every day and did the same work. Even the unexpected events like a middle of the night birth for a cow, or an injured horse always seemed to follow the same course. Now that the years stretched on, and he hit his mid-twenties without seeing much of the world beyond the fences, the day in and day out sameness was driving him crazy. That's what drove him to the rodeo training. He felt a sense of adventure when he sat on the back of a bull or a bucking bronco, and he was sure he would feel a thrill of excitement the first time he walked into the ring for a real competition.

Lawson lifted his head as his brothers began to make their way into the barn, grateful he’d finished his call before they arrived. For a moment, he felt like he might burst if he didn’t tell them. The Macklin boys were known for making everything into a competition. That was another reason he hadn’t told the family. One of his brothers would likely jump at the chance to compete against him. No, he would keep his secret a little longer. He needed something that was just for him.

“Jenson, you in for tonight?” Titus called out as he walked in leading his horse behind him.

Jenson appeared from one of the stalls. “What’s tonight?”

Titus rolled his eyes. “The game.”

Jenson put his hands on his hips and waited for more. He finally shrugged. “What game?”

Titus shook his head. “The football game? We’re watching it at Lawson’s house. Just the guys.”

“Oh man,” Jenson pulled his hat off and shook his head. “I can’t tonight. Sierra has a meeting at church, and I’m staying with the kids.”

Titus’ shoulders slumped. As one of the few single brothers left, he was free from family responsibilities.

Lawson shared his disappointment that his brothers weren’t able to hang out like they used to. He wasn’t ready to be tied down like the others. His bachelor cowboy life was simple, and he planned to keep it that way.

“Eh, don’t worry about those old geezers,” Lawson said with a wink. “You and I can have a good time watching the game without worrying about being home for bedtime.”

Jenson chuckled. “Sorry to miss out, but I won’t complain about being home. One day you’ll find out how nice it is to have a family to stay home with.”

“I never said it wasn’t nice. It’s what we had growing up. But I’m still happy to have my freedom.”

Garrett entered the barn and the conversation. “I thought the same thing, but I wouldn’t trade life with Elise for anything.”

“Alright, that’s enough of the pushing. Titus and I can make decisions about our own romantic lives.”

Hawk busted out in a laugh. “That’s what you think. Just when you think you can control it, God will throw a curve in your plans.”

Lawson tugged on his cowboy hat. “We’ll see about that. I’m off to dinner boys, see you there.”

As he walked to the main house, Lawson thought about Hawk’s words. He had been brought up to believe in God, and he still did. But more and more he wasn’t sure that God was interested in his day-to-day life. Sure, his brothers had found their happily-ever-afters, and he was happy for them. But Lawson needed his own path. Maybe God wouldn’t be that happy with him keeping a secret from his family about wanting to compete in rodeos. Maybe He didn’t care. Lawson shook his head. No, he wasn’t going to think about this now. God was great in church on Sunday and all, but that was enough for him. If it comforted his brothers, fine, but Lawson had outgrown the idea that God was always with him working His plan.

Lawson was ready to find his own way.