Chapter One The tall cowboy kicked his boot heels together, trying to knock some of the dust off of them before stepping into the small-town veterinarian’s office. He headed over to the smiling receptionist’s desk. “Howdy, Miss Becky!” “Jake! I thought they were sending that new kid down. I’ve got your order, but the Doc said she needed to see you for a few minutes if you stopped by.” “Really? I’m kind of in a hurry.” “Sh...

Chapter Six Mama grizzly watched her cubs splashing in the water, making noise and scaring the fish. She was trying to teach them how to catch the fish, but they were still too young to learn much just yet, having been born the past winter in her den. She caught a whiff of horses … and humans. She looked and saw them as they slowly came into view across the meadow. She recognized the horses and wasn’t concerned, but the h...

Chapter Ten “Jake?” Jamie whispered. He woke up, startled. He felt a warm body pressing against him, but his mind quickly jumped to what needed to be done. Get up, go get Daisy from the vet, grab some food along the way, get back to the ranch. Hurry up! We’re probably late! He looked at the luminous hands of his watch dial and started to get up when he read … 2:45? “What’s wrong?” he asked of Jamie’s dark silhouette. “Are...

Chapter Fifteen “What’re you doin’ here, Jake?” Marcy Gilroy was covering the gift shop while the usual gal took a break. Ain’t it your day off? And why are you such a mess?” “I know, I know, I’m tryin’ to be quick so nobody sees me. You got any candles? Like, little ones?” Marcy gave Jake a sly smile. “Well, in fact, we do sell a set of sandalwood-scented tea lights. They come in a pack of twenty, though.” “I’ll take two...

Chapter Nineteen Tuesday, a couple of weeks later … Jake leaned on the fence as he stared out across the horses in the corral. Lost in thought, he didn't even hear Clint Gilroy’s footsteps approaching him from behind. Clint clamped his hand down on Jake's shoulder, which startled him back to reality. “Jesus, Clint. Scare an old man, why don't ya?” “You were gathering enough wool to make a sweater, my friend. What in the h...

Chapter 22 Meanwhile, back at the ranch … “I'm really sorry about all this,” Jake said to Clint as they both rode on horseback. “I know I'm leaving you in a big lurch. I had no idea it would take this much time. Things have changed in Hollywood in the last twenty-five years.” “Ah … don't flatter yourself. Nobody here really likes you much anyway,” Clint said with a wink and a smile. Jake rolled his eyes at his old friend....