“Great run.”

The Texas drawl startled Montana. She recognized the cowboy she’d seen watching her from the stock pen.

“Thanks.”

He grinned from beneath his straw Stetson, gray-blue eyes studying her with interest. “I’m Luke Holden, a friend of Clint and Lacy’s.”

“Montana Brown.” His handshake was strong, and he was about as cute as they came.

“Clint said you’re here to compete in the upcoming rodeo.”

He’d been asking about her. The idea sent an unwanted thrill through Montana. “I plan to.”

He grinned. “You’ll win if that’s the case.”

Her stomach did a little electric slide at the way it lit his face up. “So, Luke Holden, what do you do in the rodeo?”

“I’m supplying the stock. Speaking of which, I need to get back to it. Nice to meet you, Montana Brown.” He tipped his hat, turned and strode toward the exit.

Many women came to Mule Hollow to find a husband, but Montana had no room for complications.

And Luke Holden was one cowboy who had complication written all over him.

Dear Reader,

I hope you enjoyed Her Rodeo Cowboy. I’m always thrilled when readers choose to spend time in Mule Hollow with me and the Mule Hollow gang.

I loved the man that Luke was in this book. He didn’t let the bad in his life determine who he became, but instead, he became the man he wanted to become—the kind of man that he’d needed in his life as a child and hadn’t been blessed to have. He became someone others could depend on. Montana needed that kind of man in her life now, and she needed the folks of Mule Hollow, too. Isn’t it wonderful how God puts just what we need into our paths, just when we need it? I pray that you’ll be just what someone needs in a time of need … or that if you are in need, that God will place just the right person in your path to help you. He has done it for me so many times.

I hope you’ll join me in the next few months for the two Mule Hollow Homecoming books. They will be Jess Holden and Colt Holden’s stories. I don’t always get to write back, but I try. Still, I love hearing from readers. You can reach me at P.O. Box 1125 Madisonville TX 77864 or debraclopton.com.

Until the next time, live, laugh and seek God with all your heart,

Her Rodeo Cowboy

Debra Clopton

www.millsandboon.co.uk

I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.

—Philippians 3:13–14

To Chuck with all my love. God is so good.

Chapter One

Her timing was going to stink. Montana Brown wasn’t one bit happy about it as she and her horse, Murdock, rounded the last barrel in the arena. They were too far away from the barrel, and it was all her fault. Poor Murdock was giving it his all and she wasn’t. Her mind—her focus simply wasn’t where it was supposed to be… .

It wasn’t on the barrels they were running, despite the awesome opportunity she’d been given to train here in this beautiful huge covered arena that belonged to her cousin Lacy Brown Matlock and her husband, Clint Matlock. It was a wonderful place on the outskirts of Mule Hollow—which just happened to be the cutest little Texas town Montana had ever seen. Honestly, she couldn’t ask for anything more perfect. But even with all these perfect conditions, instead of concentrating on barrel racing, her mind kept going where she did not want it to go … her dad.

“Focus, Montana,” she muttered, feeling her horse’s muscles bunch and gather beneath her as the powerful animal cleared the barrel. Digging her heels, knowing they needed all the speed they could gain, she urged Murdock to give it one last shot of speed as they raced toward the timer.

Forgiveness. The word snapped into her thoughts like the pounding of Murdock’s hooves. She’d been thinking about this place since she’d gotten up that morning, and her riding showed it. How do I forgive him—

“Stop,” she commanded through clenched teeth. “Focus!” Shoving all thoughts away, she tried to concentrate on moving with Murdock. No doubt about it, yes, sir, her timing was going to be as rank as a skunk on a windy day!

Crossing the time line, she pulled on the reins and leaned back with Murdock as the gray dug his hooves into the dirt and slowed. Cringing, she forced herself to look at the digital reading and her heart sank at the number, despite already knowing it wasn’t going to be good.

Some might be satisfied with the time; she wasn’t some. If she wanted to win, her time had to be better than good.

And Montana Brown was here to win.

This was her shot, and she didn’t plan on wasting it. She just had to get her head back in the game.

These last few weeks, so much of her life had been turned inside out.

When Montana quit her job and walked out of her dad’s accounting firm, she hadn’t known what she was going to do.

Uncertain and confused, she’d called her cousin, Lacy Matlock. Lacy had insisted Montana come stay with her and her husband Clint. The small town of Mule Hollow where she lived was holding a huge homecoming rodeo in a month, and Lacy wanted Montana competing in it. She’d even insisted Montana could help take care of their new baby boy, Tate, if she was worried about a job.

Montana had needed a job, but she’d been so angry when she’d quit that she hadn’t really given it much thought and taking care of a sweet baby would be wonderful while she took a chance on reviving her old dream of becoming a professional barrel racer. Believing this was the answer to prayer, Montana’d packed her bags, stored her things and headed to Mule Hollow.

She was glad to be here. Glad to have family who cared. She could practice all she wanted, and by the time the rodeo started up in three weeks she knew she could be in the running for the win. She needed that. Montana knew as well as Lacy did, that her parents’ breakup had affected her deeply.

“Stop thinking about it,” she muttered. Leaning forward, she patted Murdock’s neck. “Don’t you worry, fella, we’re going to practice hard so you won’t be embarrassed.”

As if relieved, he nodded his head and pranced a few feet. Despite their bad score, Montana chuckled. “You are the vainest horse I know and I love you.”

And she did. Poor horse had been put out to pasture the last few years as she’d gotten sidetracked with her career. Sidetracked with pleasing her dad and doing what was expected of her. But that was done now. It wasn’t an issue anymore. Forgiveness was.

“Okay, this is ridiculous. Let’s go again, Murdock. And this time I’ll give it my all, just like you are giving it yours.”

Looking up at the huge, covered arena, she closed her eyes and imagined the stands full of spectators here to watch a competitive rodeo. There was no way she was going to come out here and embarrass herself or Murdock by doing a poor job. No way! Breathing in the quietness of the place, she tried to settle her thoughts and focus. “Please, God, help me do this,” she whispered. Closing her eyes once more, she let the silence of the huge space fill her senses.

Opening her eyes, she set her lips in a firm line and her sights on the barrels.

She was going around those barrels again; but this time she was going at them like the cowgirl she used to be.

The cowgirl that she’d come back to Mule Hollow to find.

And to do that, she’d better get her head on straight, concentrate and stop letting this forgiveness issue wage war on her.

Because forgiveness just wasn’t in her heart right now.

“The cowgirl can ride.” Luke Holden propped a boot on the bottom rung of the arena fence, as he watched the horse and rider practically fly at the speed of light from one barrel to the next. The horse and rider seemed to move as one. The woman, who looked to be in her mid-twenties, was pretty in a girl-next-door sort of way. She had dark hair the color of a bay horse’s mane that glistened in the overhead lights of the arena, and it hung in a short braid from beneath her straw cowboy hat. She was focused and intent as she urged her horse on.

“Yes, she can. That’s Lacy’s cousin, Montana Brown,” Clint Matlock said without looking up from the clipboard. He was studying the list of livestock Luke would be providing for the upcoming Mule Hollow Rodeo. “She’s staying with us for a while and plans on competing in the barrels at the rodeo. Lacy says she hasn’t been riding for a few years, but ever since she got here a week ago, she’s spent hours on her horse.”

“It shows. She’s good.”

“Evidently, she was well on her way to the national level when she quit to concentrate on college a few years back. She could still be great.”

Watching her as she crossed the time line, Luke saw her frown at the digital reading—which he couldn’t see from his vantage, but knew had to be good. “No doubt about that. I’d never have known she hasn’t been riding.” He shot a grin at Clint. “The other competitors better be on their game.”

“No kidding,” Clint agreed, glancing up, then back to the list.

Luke decided it’d be a good thing to get his mind back on business and not the cowgirl. “Do you think that’ll do it?”

“It looks great.” Clint handed the clipboard back to him. “You have first-rate stock. These rodeos are going to be a big draw to everyone around. Including bringing back some hometown folks. It’ll be good for everyone, including helping you build a solid reputation with your rodeo stock.”

It was true. Mule Hollow was sponsoring three different rodeos over the summer to promote the town, calling them the homecoming rodeos, and he was supplying the stock for them. “I appreciate you putting in a good word for me, so I could get the contracts on all three events. I owe you.”

Clint shot him a frank look. “You don’t owe me anything. I’m glad to do it. Even after all the years you worked on the ranch with me, I’m doing this because you deserve it.”

“I learned from the best.”

Clint nodded, looking thoughtful. “Yeah, my dad knew his stuff.”

Luke had learned much from Mac Matlock, but he’d learned a lot from Clint, too. Though Clint was only a few years older than Luke, the guy had been working beside his dad since he was barely old enough to ride. He had a relationship with his dad that Luke envied. “Don’t sell yourself short. You know a few things yourself. That’s why this ranch is what it is today. Mac taught you well.”

The Matlock Ranch was one of the biggest, most successful ranches in the region. It was his legacy, something he would pass on to his son someday. Luke was aiming at building something similar, if all went as planned. These rodeos were going to help his finances and his reputation grow.

“It’s going to be a busy summer, with all of the town involved in these homecoming rodeos.”

Clint gave him a don’t-I-know-it look. “The gals are gonna drive us all crazy.”

“No doubt about that. I saw Esther Mae yesterday, and she was buzzing at a hummingbird’s pace with her plans.” Esther Mae was in her sixties and fairly excitable when it came to … well, pretty much everything.

“Lacy’s pretty excited, too. But you know her, she loves to plan all these festivals. And I have never been able to keep up with the woman.”

Luke agreed. Mule Hollow had been hosting all manner of festivals, dinner theaters—you name it, they had it. The place had been alive with activity ever since Esther Mae and her two friends came up with a plan to save their beloved town from dying. A few years ago, they’d advertised for ladies to come to town and marry all the lonesome cowboys. Lacy had arrived and supercharged their idea with her own kind of energy—falling in love with Clint in the process. To the men’s surprise, the ladies’ idea had worked above and beyond what any of them had anticipated, totally astounding all the men in town.

These rodeos were their latest idea. But this was a little different. These three rodeos, one a month stretching out across the summer, were geared to bringing home “the runaways” as Clint called them.

The good folks of Mule Hollow wanted family and friends who had moved away to come home and see how much the town had changed. They wanted some familiar faces to move back to town and, like Esther Mae, everyone seemed extra excited about the summer events. Esther Mae, Norma Sue and Adela, known as the matchmaking posse, had zeroed in on anybody they could “help out” where love was concerned. They’d tinkered with him a time or two, but probably decided he was a lost cause. Luke just wasn’t ready to look for love, and no one could change his mind about that until he was good and ready.

He wondered if Montana Brown was here looking for love. Looking to find a lonesome cowboy and make the posse’s matchmaking dreams come true. If she wasn’t, she’d sure better watch out.

“Speaking of all of this, Luke, you’ve been around from the beginning and you’re still single. What’s up with that?” Clint asked.

“Determination, that’s what.” Luke laughed.

“Maybe so,” Clint said, grinning. “Hey, I’ve got to get to Ranger and a bull show at the stock barn. Thanks for coming by with this. We’ll talk more, but in the meantime, you set up in here however you think is right. And …” He’d started to head out but paused, grinning again. “I’m wondering how much longer that determination of yours is going to hold out. The way I see it, you and those brothers of yours have been holdouts way too long. Your time is running out, my friend. Love’s a beautiful thing, you might want to try it someday.”

Luke looked over to watch Montana make another run. He had to admit that just driving into town did tend to lift his spirits. But make him want to jump on the bandwagon and find a wife?

No way.

He had a new ranch to build and grow, and a new livestock business to get up and running. He was driven to make something out of himself, and wasn’t slowing down until he did it. He’d scrimped and saved like many of his friends, and on a cowboy’s pay, that wasn’t easy. A wife and family … maybe later. And maybe not.

Right now, he had a good life. He dated some when he felt like it, but it was never ever serious.

He was focused, happy and determined to be better than his dad expected him to be. And nobody, not even the matchmaking posse, could change that.

Watching Montana round the last barrel again, he saw grit and determination in her expression. He found himself curious about what motivated her. What put that fire in her eyes that flashed as she leaned in low and thundered toward her mark?

“Great run.”

The Texas drawl startled Montana as she walked around the corner of the arena’s fence, heading toward the stall with Murdock in tow. She recognized the cowboy as one she’d seen watching her from the stock pen. She’d ignored him up till now. He’d been talking with Clint earlier, but hadn’t left when Clint did. Too bad. She’d been determined not to let him break her concentration. She’d had a horrible morning run, but then she’d found her focus and made some decent runs.

“Thanks,” she said, slowing so she wouldn’t be rude. He grinned from beneath his straw Stetson, a flash of white teeth standing out against his darkly tanned skin. He had a lean face, prominent cheekbones and a jawline that seemed chiseled from stone. He looked like a man who knew his own mind. The laugh lines around his eyes told her he knew how to smile, even if he looked like a fairly serious dude.

“You’re welcome. You sure can fly on that horse.” He tipped the brim of his hat, as intriguing brown eyes studied her with interest. “I’m Luke. Luke Holden. I’m a friend of Clint and Lacy’s.”

He held out his hand and Montana shook it briefly. “I’m Montana Brown. It’s nice to meet you.” His handshake was strong and his hand callused. From the look of him, she figured he did some kind of cowboy work. Not that she was interested. Even if he was about as cute as they came. Even if she had to admit that God hadn’t held back when he’d put Luke Holden together. The solid-as-a-redwood cowboy was impressive.

“Clint said you were Lacy’s cousin, and you’re here to compete in the upcoming rodeo.”

He had been asking about her. The idea sent an unwanted thrill through Montana. She frowned at the feeling. “I plan to. I’ve got a long way to go, though.”

He grinned. “You’ll win, if that’s the case.”

Her stomach did a little electric slide at the way his smile lit his face up. “I’ll give it my best shot,” she said, trying hard to ignore the attraction sparking between them. She patted Murdock’s neck. “I can’t let Murdock down,” she said with a wink, that just sort of slipped out on its own. “He’s working way too hard for that. Isn’t that right, ole boy?” As if understanding exactly what she was saying, the big gray nodded his head and snorted.

Luke’s smile spread slow and easy across his face, lifting his cheekbones higher and causing his eyes to spark with unmistakable teasing interest. And why not? You winked at the man.

“He’s a competitor, that’s for sure,” Luke said. “But you’ve obviously got some fight in you, too.”

Why had she winked at the man? Crazy was what she was. Just looking at him made her cheeks flush. But there was no stopping her curiosity about the cowboy.

“So, Luke Holden, what do you do in the rodeo?” There was nothing wrong with asking that, right? The guy was cute and his grin was unhinging—but the buck stopped there.

“I’m supplying the stock. I’ve never competed myself. I was always too busy working. Speaking of which, I need to get back to it. Nice to meet you, Montana Brown.” He tipped his hat and returned her earlier wink with his own. “Ride hard and hang tight. You’re gonna blow them out of the water.” That said, he turned and strode toward the exit.

Montana watched Luke as he left, his stride strong, no hesitation and no looking back over his shoulder at her … unlike herself who stood there gawking when she should be taking care of business.

“Come on, Murdock, time to rest. Tomorrow we’re going twice as hard so we can at least make a decent showing.”

Despite her determination not to, she looked over her shoulder once more, but Luke Holden was gone.

Something about him lingered, and Montana found her thoughts continually turning back to him as she brushed Murdock down.

And that just would not do. Many women came to Mule Hollow to find a husband. But Montana had come to find herself. To do that, there was no room for complications.

And Luke Holden was one cowboy who had complication written all over him.

Chapter Two

“How’s my little Tater-poo?” Montana cooed, taking Tate from Lacy. The six-month-old was all cuddly and warm. “He’s getting to be a hunk.”

“Tell me about it.” Lacy handed over the bottle that she’d been feeding him. “He eats like his daddy, don’t cha, little man?”

“Hey, he’s a growing boy.”

“So true! You finish feeding my sugar pie while I get the rest of my grocery list made out. Guess I should tell you that we’re having a barbecue this weekend.”

“We are?” Montana settled into the rocker as Tate attacked the bottle with gusto. “Why? What’s the occasion?”

“For you, silly. I want everyone to come meet you, that’s why.”

Montana was startled by this information. “Do you have time for that? I mean, I thought you had a lot of planning to do for the rodeo?”

“Oh, we’ve got that handled,” Lacy said, brushing the thought away with the wave of her pink-tipped fingers. “The matchmaking posse’s got that under control. Things are rolling right along with the rodeo and the festival we’re going to have in conjunction that same weekend. Yep, we’ve got food vendors coming, and Cort and Lilly Wells always head up a petting zoo with their adorable donkey, Samantha. All kinds of fun stuff is getting ready to happen this summer. It’s going to be great,” she said with gusto. “But first we’re having your barbecue.”

A lump formed in Montana’s throat. She loved her cousin. That was all there was to it. She fought to steady her voice. “You know, you’ve really helped me when I needed it the most.”

Lacy’s brilliant blue eyes twinkled as they looked to Montana’s and held. “I was concerned for you. You know God loves you more than I do—though I love you like a sister, and wouldn’t give you up for anything in the world. But it’s true, He does. And I was concerned that you were forgetting that, with all this drama you’re going through. I needed to help you know that.”

That was Lacy, so strong in her faith. “I’m not going through it anymore. If my mother and my dad want to get divorced, that’s their business.” If she said it out loud, then maybe it would be true. The anger she felt over everything that had happened welled up inside of her once more. When would it end?

“You know, Montana, people let you down sometimes. That’s just the way it is. But God never does,” Lacy said, as if reading her thoughts.

Montana knew how strong Lacy’s faith was, but right now she didn’t want to hear about how wonderful God was. She was angry at everyone—including God. “I really don’t want to get into this right now. Is that okay?”

“Sure thing. That’s fine. You’re here to relax and to love my precious baby boy all you want. And to win that rodeo.”

She was ready to talk about something else and grabbed hold. “Poor Murdock is so ramped up. He can feel that we’re getting ready for something. Poor horse has missed the barrels. But he’s doing so well, it’s like he was out in the pasture practicing while I was off at school.”

Montana rubbed her face against Tate’s neck and he grabbed her hair, making her laugh as she disentangled herself from him. One day she was going to have a baby like Tate, and she wasn’t going to make him feel guilty for having dreams different from her own. She was going to love him and help him as he went after those dreams.

“This is ‘the good stuff,’ Lacy.”

“Yes, it is,” Lacy chirped. “I’m so happy, I really, really am. I wish you’d find someone like my Clint.” She grinned mischievously. “But all in God’s timing.”

Montana was happy for her cousin. She and Lacy had always been a lot alike. Neither of them really needed a man to make them happy, and yet, there was no denying that Lacy seemed more content now. “Lacy, honestly, I’m so mad at my dad right now, and his lying, that I don’t even want to think about letting a man in my life.”

“I know, and you have every right to be upset. But I’m praying you’ll get over that. All men don’t lie. Some men happen to pride themselves on being honest, and that’s the kind of man God’s going to send your way.”

Montana gave Lacy a scowl. “He better not send him anytime soon, or it won’t matter. I’m not interested in any man but this little man right here.” She cuddled Tate, burying her face in his chubby neck.

“You, my dear cuz, have good taste. By the way, I saw Luke Holden was here earlier. Did you meet him?”

The cowboy’s image whipped into her mind like a red flag. “Yes,” she said warily.

“Well, what did you think of him? I happen to think he’s a real cutie pie and a real fine man, too.”

Surely she wasn’t thinking … “Lacy, I told you I’m not interested. I’m here to win a rodeo, not a man.”

Lacy stuffed a fist to her hip, her eyes dancing. “Yep, yep, yep,” she sang. “You thought he was cute. I knew it!”

Montana gasped. “I didn’t say that.”

“Didn’t have to. Your refusal to answer my question said it all.”

“Okay, he isn’t hard on the eyes. But don’t go getting any ideas.” The fact that Lacy might be having ideas about her and Luke had Montana’s nerves rattling a bit.

“Oh, I’m not promising anything. I was just checking your pulse.” Lacy smiled mischieviously.

Montana lifted Tate into the air and looked up at his cherub face. “Tell your momma that my pulse is just fine, and you’re the only man I’m gonna be interested in for a good long while.” She shot Lacy a teasing but serious glare. “And I mean that. Got it, cuz?”

“You seen her?”

Luke was sitting at the counter in Sam’s diner, waiting on his breakfast. It was 6:00 a.m. and the crowd hadn’t bombarded the tiny diner yet—but they’d be in at any moment. Applegate Thornton and his buddy Stanley Orr were already glued to the chairs at the window table. It was their usual morning spot to spit sunflower seeds at their spittoon, play checkers and get in on the happenings and business of everyone in town. Today they were starting with him.

Applegate spit two sunflower seed shells into the old brass spittoon then repeated his question again loudly, as if Luke was the one who was hard of hearing instead of he and Stanley.

“Did you see her yet? Montana Brown. Lacy’s cousin.”

Oh, he’d seen her all right. And he’d been thinking about her since. “Yes, sir, I saw her yesterday. She was practicing the barrels out in the arena when I was there going over the stock list. Why?”

App shrugged nonchalantly, looking about as convincing as a little kid trying to sneak a cookie. “I was jest wonderin’. She’s a cute little thang. And a real good rider. We saw her the other day, too. She knows her way around a horse.”

“That’s fer shor.” Stanley paused, coughing as he studied the checkerboard. Not as chipper as usual, he scratched his balding head. The two men were in their seventies and about as hard of hearing as a tree stump. Though it was questionable whether they just had selective hearing, because they kept tabs on everyone’s business.

“Yup,” he continued. “She rode that horse of hers out into that arena like greased lighting. I ain’t never seen a gal ride—” He suddenly paused and jumped his red checker over App’s. “Gotcha, ya old coot.”

App’s frown deepened, making his thin face droop into a ripple of expanding wrinkles. “I was wonderin’ when you was gonna make that move. I wasn’t payin’ attention when I made that thar mistake.”

“Ha, you’re jest gettin’ whupped. As usual.”

App snorted, “I don’t always lose, and you know it.” Ignoring his turn to move, he kept his attention on Luke. “I heard Lacy was throwing a barbecue this weekend in honor of her cousin. You goin’?”

Lacy had called him last night and invited him and any of his brothers who might happen to be in town. She’d sounded excited about the party. He had to admit that he was looking forward to it himself. “Yeah, I’m going. It’ll be nice to help her get to know all of us.”

“You oughtta ask her out,” App continued. “You know, make her feel welcomed and all.”

“That’d shor be nice of ya.” Stanley coughed again, glaring at App. “Times a wastin’, I’m gonna be dead before you start playin’ this here game.”

Taking that as his clue to close the conversation, Luke spun his stool back toward the counter. Sam came out of the back in that moment. His short bowlegs were moving as he hustled through the swinging café doors from the kitchen. He slapped Luke’s plate in front of him. “Eat up, Luke. Yor gonna need yor strength.”

“Why’s that?” he asked, hoping App and Stanley had decided to play checkers instead of delve further into his love life. He’d already been thinking about asking Montana out, but he didn’t need anybody’s help where that was concerned.

Sam gave him a weathered grin. “‘Cause my Adela and the gals are countin’ on them animals of yours to be in tip-top shape. They want them bull riders comin’ in droves fer all the rodeos.” It went unsaid that bull riders and bull riding drew women. That was what “the gals” wanted. The gals being the matchmakers of Mule Hollow, Esther Mae Wilcox, Norma Sue Jenkins and Sam’s wife, Adela Ledbetter Green.

There was no need for them to worry. “I’ve got Thunderclap entered, and his reputation attracts riders. They always do wherever he happens to be.”

“That’s good. Norma Sue and Esther Mae are about ta drive me pure crazy with their planning and carrying on. Adela’s even having trouble keepin’ them corralled. Why, they’re strategizin’ about every kin folk they can think of who might be comin’ fer the rodeos. I’m telling y’all, that little gal Montana Brown’s got a number on her back—and it ain’t her barrel racin’ number, either. So, jest a word of warnin’, in case you ain’t figured that out already. If you ask that one out, you might have a big ole bull’s-eye show up on yor back, too.”

The back of Luke’s neck began to itch. “They’ve tried that a time or two with me, and realized I’m not interested in anything long-term… . You know I’m honest with everyone I go out with about that.”

Not saying anything, Sam poured him another cup of coffee and started to go tend to his other customers. Mornings were busy, and he usually worked them alone, till his help came in around eight. But as busy as he was, he held his position, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Luke.

“It’s true. Ever’body knows you’re a straight shooter on that topic. But—” he grimaced “—from what I hear, that ain’t makin’ at least one person too all-fired happy.”

Luke had a bad feeling he knew where Sam was heading. “What do you mean?”

Sam leaned in close. “I heard tell that thar artist you went out with a time or two ain’t happy at all.”

Erica. He’d been honest with her from the beginning, and had only gone out with her twice. On their second date, she’d started talking about looking for Mr. Right. He shook his head. “Sam, I broke it off with her the instant I realized she was looking for Mr. Right. I don’t do forever. I’d told her I wasn’t looking to be anybody’s Mr. Right. She got all upset anyway, and I didn’t know what to do.” The woman had actually thrown dishes at him for “dropping her,” as she put it. He’d tried to keep his mouth shut, but that hadn’t stopped her from giving him the stink eye whenever she saw him. To keep peace, he’d been trying to steer clear of her, and hoped that soon her anger would blow over.

One thing was certain, they weren’t compatible, and he was more than glad of it. He didn’t like all the drama that came with a woman like that. He’d just missed the signs.

“If you were honest, then you ain’t got nothin’ ta hold yor head down about. Some women are jest plain high-strung. Now, women like my Adela, well, that’s a prize. You jest keep bein’ honest. It’d be a shame fer you ta miss out on love. The posse might jest have ta fix that fer you.”

“Sorry, Sam. Like I said, I know my own mind and if I decide to ask Montana out, everything will be just fine. Don’t you worry about me. Or her. She’ll know right off the bat that I’m not looking for anything serious.”

Sam’s eyes crinkled at the edges. “One of these days, one of them dates is going ta wrap her finger around yor heart, and then you won’t be so cocky about how good you are at walkin’ away.”

Luke took a bite of biscuits and gravy. He wasn’t being cocky. He was being honest. He had plans. Goals. Nothing was getting in his way.

Sam hiked a busy brow. “Yup, that cockiness is gonna be yor downfall. Mark my words, son. Yor time’s a comin’.”

Chapter Three

“Well, well, hello, Luke Holden. How’s life treatin’ ya?”

Luke grinned at Montana’s perky, playful greeting. They were standing near a fragrant rose bush at Lacy’s. The shadows from the oil lantern cast a soft glow on Montana’s skin—she looked beautiful. “I’m fine, Montana. Life’s fine. I can’t complain. How about you? Enjoying the party?” He’d arrived at the barbecue at the Matlocks’ a little while earlier, and mingled while Montana made the rounds talking with groups of people Lacy had introduced her to. He’d caught her looking at him a few times across the crowd. Something about her drew him, and he got the feeling she was just as curious about him.

She took a sip of sweet tea, watching him with steady blue-green eyes. “The party—it’s good.”

“I agree.” He caught that she didn’t say anything about how life was treating her and he wondered about that. “How’s your riding going?”

“Okay. Murdock’s a little happier with me today. He wants to win, and he knows the problem is me.” “You always this hard on yourself?” “Always.”

Thoughtful eyes held his. He smiled at her. “Seriously, you need to relax.” Man, did she ever. “I saw you laughing a few minutes ago, so I know you can do it.”

She laughed then. “Hey, I do laugh now and then, but I’m dead serious when I say I’m always hard on myself. I expect a lot of me.” She paused and her eyes drilled into him. “I bet you expect a lot of yourself, too.”

“And what gives you that idea?” He liked the way she seemed sure of herself. Sure of her impression of him. He wondered if she was that sure of everything in her life.

“Well, you just do. From what I understand, you have a ranch and cattle and livestock. Plus, you have Thunderclap, your prized rodeo bull. You, Mr. Holden, are a busy man who reeks of expectations.”

Had she been asking about him? “I like to keep busy and yes, you’re right, I expect a lot of myself. If I don’t, then who will?”

“Right. Then again, if your dad was anything like mine, he expected plenty from you.”

He gave a derisive grunt. “I can tell you our dads were nothing alike. Mine expected little of me.”

Her eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

Luke didn’t talk about his dad much, and he wasn’t sure why he’d done so now. He’d given her a glimpse into his past that he didn’t like thinking about, much less discussing. “Little, as in nothing. My dad didn’t push me to be anything but a failure.”

“I’m so sorry,” she said sympathetically.

“Hey, low expectations drive some harder than high expectations.” He gave her a teasing smile to throw off the seriousness of his words. “So, what about you? Your dad expect you to be the best barrel racer in the country?”

“Hardly. He expected me to be valuable to the human race, and that had nothing to do with racing around barrels on a horse.”

He grimaced. “Rough. From watching you ride, all I can say is you must have been one rebellious child.”

That made her choke on her tea. He moved toward her and patted her on the back. “Didn’t mean to choke you up.”

“I’m fine,” she said after a second. “But let’s just say neither one of us is doing very well on reading each other’s background.”

“So you weren’t rebellious? I’m shocked.”

That made her eyes twinkle. “I wish. Hardheaded, but not rebellious.” She frowned, crinkling her eyebrows in a cute way. “I can’t say there haven’t been many days that I have deeply regretted my lack of rebelliousness.”

He wasn’t sure if she was teasing or serious.

She winked at him. “But I’m making up for it now.”

That had him even more curious than ever about what was going on behind her pretty eyes. Before he could dig a little deeper, Esther Mae came walking over. The redhead wore a bright green shirt and matching pants that ended just above her ankles.

“Yoo-hoo! I’m so glad y’all are getting to visit. I told Norma Sue and Adela y’all looked so cute standing over here together that I hated to disturb y’all, but one of the kids said the horses in the stall barn were making all kinds of noise. I thought you might want to go check on your horse, Montana.”

Montana was instantly alert. “I appreciate the heads-up.” She dropped her paper cup in a trash can and was walking down the steps before Luke had time to react.

“Well, don’t just stand there, Luke. Go help her.”

Luke’s eyes narrowed, and he caught the flash of mischief in Esther Mae’s spunky green eyes. Instantly, he shot her friends a glance where they were all huddled up on the lawn. Oh, brother, they were all watching, Lacy included. She grinned and waved, then laughed in delight. So much for subtlety.

He gave Esther Mae a look that said he knew exactly what she was up to, then hurried after Montana. She was already halfway across the yard that separated the main house from the arena and horse stalls. Clint didn’t keep all of his horses in the arena; instead, he kept them in the barn that was on the back side.

The cowgirl obviously didn’t have a clue that she’d just been hoodwinked. Her boots scraped on the gravel as she quickstepped toward the barn. He wondered what her reaction would be to know she’d just been set up. He’d already decided, before the matchmaking effort, that he was going to see if she’d like to go to dinner. Now would be a good time to ask.

The barn was quiet. No sounds of restless horses or anything else for that matter. The arena was a huge covered building with stadium seating on both sides, and a concession stand area and an announcer’s box at the front. There were stock pens both front and back, and an area on the outside connecting them. Murdock was stabled at the front, behind the stock pens and announcer’s box. The huge building was quiet and lonesome in the late evening. Ahead of him, Montana reached Murdock, put her hand to her hip, looking left then right. Murdock gave her a contented snort as she slowly turned on her heel and stared at Luke. Her eyes flashed like glass in the muted overhead lighting. Her eyes narrowed.

“First of all, this area is way too off the beaten path for the kids to have heard any ruckus—unless they’d been back here causing it. Second, I don’t see any signs that Murdock’s been the least bit distressed recently.”

He couldn’t help the grin that tugged at his mouth.

“I’d—”

“I’d say,” she broke in before he could begin, “that there’s something fishy in the air.”

“And I’d say you catch on slow,” he drawled, teasing, “but at least you catch on.”

“Oh, so you’ve had it figured out all along, have you?”

“Pretty much. Of course, you were already halfway across the lawn before Esther Mae stopped talking. I got the benefit of spotting Lacy, Adela and Norma Sue along with the little crowd gathered around them, watching us like we were the drive-in movie of the week.”

“That is so not good. I’m going to get my cousin! I love her, but I’m gonna get her good.”

He got the feeling she wouldn’t like it, but the woman was cute, all hot as a firecracker. Looking near to blowing up, she turned in her frustration and began petting the star between Murdock’s eyes—as if the action would calm her nerves.

“Actually, I’d planned on seeing if you’d like to go to dinner Saturday night.” The moment the words were out of his mouth, it hit him that it might not be the best time to ask her out.

Montana’s hand stilled and her gaze shot to his. “No, thanks. It’s nothing personal, but I’m not dating right now.”

She was turning him down. So his timing hadn’t been good, but he knew when a woman was interested. He’d felt the chemistry between them. “It’s not dating. It’s just one date—dinner.”

Montana studied him with unsympathetic eyes. “I’ll tell it to you straight. You and I both know that one date will stir up those ladies out there. I’m not up for that. I’m here to get my head on straight, win a rodeo and help with the baby. Nothing more. I don’t need a bunch of sweet, matchmaking ladies fixing me up with a cowboy … who just happens to be you. Sorry. But no.”

He felt slightly insulted. “They know I’m not looking for anything long-term. I’ve made that clear to them. And every woman I go out with,” he clarified, thinking she’d like that better.

Her eyebrows rose slightly. “Lots of them, huh?”

That eyebrow didn’t bode well. “What?” he asked warily. “Oh, lots of dates?”

“Lots of women.”

“Um, a few.”

She crossed her arms and tilted her head slightly, silently assessing him. He felt like a science project.

“I’m sure that knowledge helps you get lots of dates.”

He was confused with where she was going with this conversation. “It doesn’t hurt. I mean, for someone like you I’m not a risk. I’m just a date. Conversation, company. You know, no strings attached.” That didn’t sound good, even to him. What was wrong with him? He scrubbed his jaw, thinking suddenly that crawling under a hay bale might be in order, judging from the appalled expression on her face.

“And it works out well for you? All these different women who don’t want any strings attached.”

Was she teasing him—or was she really irritated by the whole idea? He wasn’t sure anymore. “Yeah, it works out great.”

She grinned sarcastically. “Good for you,” she gushed. “I’ll stick to not jumping into that.” She gave him a pat on the arm, rolled her eyes and headed toward the exit.

He stood there, not sure about what had just happened. “Hey, whoa. Wait up.”

She rounded the corner out of sight, her voice rang out singsong, “I don’t think so.”

The sound echoed in the hall, drawing him. He chuckled and jogged to catch up to her. She was already out in the open and heading up the hill toward the house. Laughter could be heard drifting on the barbecue-scented night air. As if in a hurry to get away from him, she strode with purpose, her boots crunching the gravel as she went, her braid swinging in time to the fast pace.

“What’s your hurry?” he asked, skidding on the gravel, coming up beside her.

She slid him a glance. “I don’t want to give anyone the idea that you and I lingered in the barn for romantic reasons. That wouldn’t be good.”

He grinned. The woman tickled him. She was so blunt about things. “No, I guess that wouldn’t be good. Might get rumors started, and boy, we wouldn’t want that, now, would we?”

“No way.” She didn’t smile, but he thought she was teasing. “I certainly wouldn’t want anyone thinking I was joining your string of random dates.”

What did women expect from a guy these days? Just because he wasn’t interested in marriage didn’t mean he wasn’t interested in women. “There’s nothing wrong with not settling down. Not being ready for forever.” He shifted from one boot to the other.

She hiked a brow. “It’s random and cheap.”

Her attitude irritated him suddenly. He wasn’t doing anything wrong. Hadn’t done anything wrong, he reiterated to himself strongly, as she started walking off again.

He followed her, not real happy about the situation but not certain what he wanted to do about it.

The party was in full swing when they reached the backyard. Montana clomped up the deck steps. Distracted by his irritation, he was intent on following her just as he caught movement out of the corner of his eye.

“Luke,” Erica said, nothing nice dripping from her words.

“Erica. Um, hi.” She didn’t look happy. Nope, matter of fact, she looked really unhappy—throw things unhappy. He hadn’t expected to see her. But he should have known Lacy wouldn’t have left her out of the party.

Montana turned back toward him and met his gaze before connecting with Erica’s.

“What are you looking at?” Erica snapped at Montana, right before throwing her soda at him!

Yup, throw things unhappy was about right. One minute he was standing there irritated and confused by Montana’s attitude. Now, he was drenched with the contents from Erica’s tall glass of Texas sweet tea!

“What?” he gasped, blinking through the tea dripping from his eyelashes.

“You two-timing jerk!” Erica huffed, then strode past him, shooting a glare over her shoulder—as if he hadn’t already gotten the message.

“Two-timing …” he stuttered. He was well aware that everyone within earshot had heard and witnessed the scene. “We just went on two dates. Just dates,” he said, looking at Montana.

A twitch of her lips told him she was fighting off laughter. “Yeah,” she managed. “Looks like all that dating is working out well for you, huh?” She winked at him, then strode into the house, leaving him dripping on the deck.

“Everybody’s a comedian,” he muttered. It was time to have a serious—and he meant serious—talk with Erica. He was not the marrying type. Never was and most likely never would be.

Chapter Four

Norma Sue Jenkins efficiently blocked Luke’s way when he headed toward Erica. A robust ranch woman, Norma Sue was hard to avoid when she wanted your attention. She handed him a dishtowel. “I tried telling Erica you and her wouldn’t match up.” She looked worried. “This isn’t good, Luke.”

He glanced past Norma Sue and saw Erica tear out in her small compact car. Wiping the sticky tea from his face he shook his head. “No, Norma Sue, it isn’t. I wasn’t trying to hurt anyone. I told her straight up that I was just dating. I wasn’t looking for forever, and she seemed okay with that. Until the second date, and then she started in on all that Mr. Right stuff.”

She patted him on the back. “I know. I know. I told her you weren’t looking for love, just companionship. I knew she had her sights set on forever, and I told her you weren’t the one to count on for that—”

“I think I’m supposed to say thanks to that.”

“It doesn’t sound good to me, either, but we both know, up till now, that’s where you stand. Erica thought she could change your mind and lied to you about her intentions.” Norma Sue frowned, her pink cheeks drooping. “All I’ve got to say is, you may be in for it. I don’t know if you noticed, but Erica is a bit high-strung. She doesn’t take rejection too kindly.”

The woman had just tossed tea on him. He was standing there drenched. “Yeah, Norma Sue, I get the picture loud and clear.”

“I figured you did. Why don’t you give her some time to cool off, then I suggest you go see her and try real hard to smooth this out. We aren’t used to this kind of trouble going on in Mule Hollow.”

“Tell me about it. I’m not used to this kind of trouble, either.”

He spent the next hour getting ribbed and teased about the incident. Cowboys loved teasing and giving each other a hard time, so, thanks to Erica, he was probably going to be the brunt of jokes for the rest of the year. The talk at the diner alone was going to drive him crazy. And if Erica thought her actions were going to help her find “Mr. Right” anytime soon in Mule Hollow, she was about to be up a creek without a paddle. Getting a date might have just gotten a whole lot harder for her.

Then he thought about Montana—getting a date might have just gotten harder for him, too. The idea didn’t sit well. As he drove home, he figured he had some digging out to do. He didn’t like having Erica so angry at him, so he was going to have to smooth that out somehow. Didn’t change his feelings though.

Norma Sue had been right on the money about them not being compatible—there were just some things that couldn’t be changed. He didn’t figure you could fall in love with someone you weren’t attracted to, but he’d seen plenty of times when people who were in love fell out of love. Or one of the two killed the love that had been shared. Luke had seen that plenty. He’d seen it up close and personal where his parents were concerned—yeah, love could be killed. But there was no way it could be forced. Erica was barking up the wrong tree if she figured he was the one for her. He’d get that straight and he’d get it soon. Surely she would understand where he was coming from.

He wasn’t going to feel bad about the situation. He had done nothing but be honest in all of this. Montana might hold it all against him, especially after witnessing the sweet tea scene, but in all honesty, he couldn’t figure out why.

Then again, maybe he was missing something… .

It was a beautiful day, the morning after the infamous barbecue.

“Come on in,” Esther Mae called out as Montana walked into Lacy’s Heavenly Inspirations hair salon carrying Tate. Instantly, she was bombarded by the spunky redhead. “Oh, there’s our baby boy!” Esther Mae cooed, reaching to take Tate.

“We’re glad you came,” Norma Sue said, moving to give Tate a hug.

Lacy had Adela in the chair and was snipping away at the dainty lady’s short, white hair. “He looks so happy!” Lacy said, smiling in his direction. “You are so good with him, Montana. Thank you so much. He’s always in such a good mood with you.”

“Ha! It’s not me. The little fella likes everyone. Although, we did have a great morning. He loves the playpen we fixed up next to the office.” The building that housed Lacy and Clint’s arena was one of the nicest she’d been in. She was blessed to have it for her own use. “He played happily all morning while I practiced.” Montana could still get her barrel racing practice in while watching Tate in the playpen.

“He’s content around you.” Adela smiled, her electric-blue eyes warm. “Babies know good people when they’re around them.”

Esther Mae looked up from where she had sat with Tate in the dryer chair. “Little darling bellows every time Hank comes around. It hurts Hank’s feelings something fierce.”

“Roy Don was the same way.” Norma Sue chuckled. “He started to get a complex about it, until one day Tate took to him—” she snapped her fingers “—like the snap of a finger.”

“Men, they get their feelings hurt too doggone easy,” Esther Mae said while rubbing noses with Tate. “You aren’t gonna do that, are you, my sweet potato pie man?”

Norma Sue grunted. “That Luke should have gotten his feelings hurt last night.” She looked at Montana. “He needs a woman in his life, and he has no clue how many women want to be ‘that’ woman. Why, most every woman who goes out with him is secretly hoping he’ll notice them, despite knowing he’s not planning to get married. They all find out he’s more interested in work and building up that ranch than in building a relationship, and they move on. Who knows, maybe Erica’s little hissy fit might have been just what he needed to make him think about taking a woman seriously. About taking his life seriously.”

“That’s right,” Esther Mae interrupted. “Life’s too short to only think about building things here on earth. He needs a family to leave that ranch to.”

Montana started getting uncomfortable with the conversation.

“It’s going to take the right woman to help him see that God has more out there for him than work,” she chimed in.

“And how about you?” Norma Sue suddenly turned her attention to Montana. “Don’t you think he’s one handsome cowboy?”

“I’ve already had this conversation with Lacy.” She met her cousin’s mischievous eyes in the mirror. “Yes, he’s handsome. But I’m not interested.”

“What about living in Mule Hollow?” Norma Sue probed. “Are you interested in maybe making this your home?”

“It’s a great place,” Lacy said, pausing her cutting the wispy hair around Adela’s face. “I’m trying to convince her of that, too. Y’all help me.”

Adela smiled understandingly. “That would be lovely, dear. If you moved here, you would have all the time you need to sort out whatever it is that’s bothering you.”

“And then you could appreciate Luke for the man that he is.” Norma Sue looked as if she’d just come up with the best idea of the century.

“Aren’t y’all supposed to be having a meeting about the fair on the opening day of the rodeo?” Montana reminded them of the reason she’d come to town. She wanted the conversation to move away from her. And Luke.

Lacy took the cape off of Adela, shaking the loose hair from it. “You’re a free woman, Adela,” she said, smiling. “We’re heading over to the diner now. I just needed to finish Adela’s cut first.”

“By the way, how’s Sheri doing?” Esther Mae called from the dryer chair. “Is she and Pace having fun in Australia, training horses?”

“Yes, they are.” Sheri was the nail tech and Lacy’s partner in the salon. She’d come to Mule Hollow with Lacy when she’d loaded up her 1958 pink Caddy and drove from Dallas to open her new business. “She said that she was thinking of moving there full-time.”

“What?” All the matchmakers gasped.

“Whoa!” Lacy waved her hands to hold off any more outbursts. “I was only teasing. She said she’s enjoying Australia but will be back home in Mule Hollow in time for the rodeos. Pace is going to ride broncs.”

“Whew, that’s a relief,” Esther Mae said. “Plus, I need a manicure something terrible.”

Adela agreed. “It certainly is. We’d miss her and her frank honesty and dry sense of humor.”

“Boy, are you right about that.” Norma Sue wagged her kinky gray head. “Talk about a hard one to match up. We didn’t think the right cowboy was ever going to come along for that little gal.”

“But God always sends the right cowboy for the right woman. In the right time.” Adela hugged Lacy. “Thanks for making my hair look so wonderful! We are so glad God also sends hairdressers to the right towns, too.”

Lacy looked pleased. “Oh, He did that.” She held her hands out for little Tate. He immediately lifted his arms for his momma. Taking him into her arms, Lacy snuggled his neck with her nose and held him close. “God knew this hairdresser needed to be right here in Mule Hollow, so I could meet Clint. So this sweet baby boy could be born.”

Montana’s heart tugged with emotion watching them.

“Okay, let’s go, gals,” Norma Sue said, moving to the door and holding it open. “Let’s get over to Sam’s. I’m sure we have a big group waiting for us over there.”

Montana followed the chattering, excited group, but she couldn’t stop thinking about them matching her up with Luke. Montana knew they all meant well. After all, it was easy to see that all their hard work was producing lots of happy couples. And families to fill up the town.

Still, she wasn’t buying in.

That’s right. It was going to take more than the goodwill of the matchmaking posse to make her see things differently. She knew she would feel that way for a long time.

If they thought Sheri Gentry had been a tough cookie to match up, they were in for a surprise because they hadn’t seen nothin’ yet.

Luke almost turned around and went back to his truck when he walked into Sam’s and saw the crowd. The place was packed! Spotting Montana—and no Erica—he decided to stay. He’d dropped by Erica’s apartment that morning to see if he could talk to her, but she hadn’t been home. He still couldn’t get over the fact that she was so angry with him.

He hadn’t made it to the counter to grab a seat on a cowhide stool before Esther Mae called out his name.

“Don’t sit over there,” she called. “We’re discussing the rodeo and festival. We need your input.”

Sam grinned from behind the counter. “You came in at the wrong time. Even App and Stanley hightailed it outta here the minute they all came marching in.”

Luke looked around the room and realized it was all ladies sitting in the booths on one side of the diner, and the other side was empty. “Looks like I missed the memo.”

“Yup. You did that. But yor here now, so you might as well dig in and bear it. I’ll brang you a nice, tall glass of sweet tea. You want a burger ta go with that?”

“Funny, Sam. Real funny. A burger’s fine.” He crossed to the table next to the one Montana was sitting at. She didn’t look too thrilled to see him.

“Hey, Montana, how are you?” he asked. She might not have a high opinion of him, but that wasn’t stopping him. After all, he wasn’t a bad guy, and maybe if she’d go out with him she’d see that. At least, maybe she’d see that he hadn’t deserved a glass of tea in the face.

“Hi, how’s it going,” she said, looking uncomfortable.

“Good.” He tipped his hat. “Hello, ladies.” He pulled a chair from a table, and was very aware of all their eyes on him. As they acknowledged him with hellos, he spoke to most of them individually. Many of them were around his age, and moved here in the last two years and married his friends.

Montana took all the interaction in, and he wondered what she was thinking. These ladies knew he wasn’t a horrible person. Maybe this was a good thing.

“How’s your morning going?” he asked her, leaning across the space toward her. “Did you get your riding done this morning?”

“I did. Tate watched me from the play area while I took a few runs. He likes watching me and Murdock round the barrels.”

Lacy held the little fella, who was standing up in his mother’s lap, looking pleased with himself.

He started to ask how old Tate was, when Norma Sue began talking about all the things that were going on the opening day of the rodeo. He settled in, gave a sideways glance at Montana, who was particularly intent on everything Lacy and Norma Sue were saying. Luke hadn’t known they were having so many vendors coming in. The dunking booth, pie throwing, cow chip toss, three legged race; the list went on and on. He also didn’t know a small carnival was coming to town and setting up in one of the pastures.

“A carnival is coming?” Montana asked, perking up in her seat.

“Yes! Isn’t it exciting?” Lacy said. “I wanted to tell everyone today as a surprise. I just found out this morning. It’s not a big outfit. Just a few rides.”

“I hope there’s a Ferris wheel,” Esther Mae said. “I just love those things.”

“Yes, that’s one of the rides, and then there’s one of those octopus rides.”

Esther Mae gasped. “I love that, too. This is going to be sooo much fun.”

Montana nodded and he caught her lips twitch. He decided then and there that he was riding the rides with her. That might be a bigger challenge than getting her to go out to dinner with him.

Meanwhile, Montana kept ignoring him, no matter that he sat just two feet away from her.

Frustrated more than he liked to admit, he got up, made his goodbyes to all the ladies and headed down to pick up some supplies at Pete’s Feed and Seed. He was walking back to his truck a little while later when Montana drove past him in one of the Matlock Ranch trucks. She didn’t even glance his way.

He almost followed her. After all, he needed to stop by Clint’s, and it might as well be now. He finally talked sense into himself and turned his truck toward his place instead. What was wrong with him?

Montana didn’t think very highly of him. Following her around certainly wouldn’t help matters. Her opinion of him wasn’t looking any brighter than Erica’s. But truth be told, Montana’s opinion had him lying awake long after he’d fed his horses and Rover, his lab.

Yup, Montana Brown had him stumped, and he wasn’t at all sure what he was going to do about it.

Chapter Five

On Sunday, Montana let her hair hang loose, put on a red dress and went to church with Lacy. It was quite an experience as she entered the quaint, white wooden church with the tall steeple.

Chance Turner was the pastor of the Mule Hollow Church of Faith, and she’d met him briefly at the barbecue. He was around thirty, handsome and a total cowboy. Instead of a suit, he wore starched jeans, Western belt, starched shirt and cowboy boots. When he greeted her outside, he had on a cream-colored Stetson that he wore low over his eyes. It looked completely at home on his head, as did the rest of the Western attire he wore. She wondered what he would say if she told him about the anger that was rolling around in her gut. The anger toward her father that she couldn’t seem to shake. He seemed like he would offer some good advice. As she was leaving the service, the need to talk to someone tugged at her.

She hesitated as she shook hands with him. “It was a great sermon,” was all she could bring herself to say.

“Yes, it was,” Lacy agreed. “Chance always has a way of looking into hearts and touching on things we need to hear. I’m going to run and get Tate from the nursery. I’ll be right back.”

She saw a flicker in the pastor’s eyes when he looked back at her, as if he knew something was going on in her head—or her heart. Did he realize that she was fighting a war inside?

“I’m glad you enjoyed the service,” he said, his smile fading to a more serious one. “Is there anything I can do for you, Montana?”

Her stomach went bottomless. “N … no. I’m fine.” Liar, liar pants on fire—the childhood chant rang in her ears.

His eyes narrowed slightly, digging, as if he’d heard through her denial. He smiled encouragingly. “I’m sure you are. But if you change your mind, I’m easy to find and I’m always ready to listen.”

“Thank you, Pastor Turner.”

“We’re pretty laid-back here. Call me Chance. Did you get to meet my wife, Lynn?”

“I did, and your boys, too.”

He smiled. “You have to watch out for those two.”

“They’re boys. It was nice to meet you.” She turned to leave.

“Remember, if you need to talk, the door is always open. Lynn helps out up here, too, and she’s here if you wanted to talk to her.”

“I’ll remember that. Bye.” She couldn’t get away quick enough. Her heart was reeling with the heaviness and confusion she was carrying inside of it. What to do?

She was almost running to find Lacy as she rounded the corner, getting away from Chance’s knowing gaze. She very nearly ran over Luke in the process.

“Whoa! You running barrels without your horse?” he asked, dodging her, jumping off the sidewalk.

“Um, yes. I mean no.” There was nowhere for her to go, though she would have liked to avoid the cowboy. Small towns made avoiding a person hard. But it really didn’t matter, she told herself. After all, she’d made her position on dating clear. She hadn’t seen him during the service, though she’d been looking around for him—there was no denying that she’d been looking for his handsome face in the crowd.

“You look like you’re in a hurry. Is everything all right?”

“Yes. I was going to look for Lacy and then head out. I’m planning on riding this afternoon.” Why was she explaining herself? What was it about the man that made her so defensive. Then again, maybe it was the entire morning that made her defensive. Attending church when she’d rather have stayed home and ridden Murdock around endless barrels.

“You have a good day, then,” he said, and headed for the parking lot.

She watched him go, startled that he hadn’t tried to talk longer.

Startled more because she wished he had… .

Luke went straight home after church. His younger brother, Jess, was arriving with a new load of cattle from Fort Worth. It was a good excuse to keep him from thinking about how pretty Montana had looked that morning. She’d had on a red dress that looked great on her—but he thought she’d look fantastic in anything. What was it about the woman that had his head spinning?

Jess pulled into the lot about the time it took Luke to change clothes and get to the stock pens. He watched his brother back the big bull wagon cattle trailer up to the chute—bumping the chute in one try. Luke smiled every time he watched Jess do it, remembering the first time his little brother had made it without having to pull forward and back the big trailer up to the chute a second or third time.

Taller and leaner than Luke, Jess stood at about six-four. Luke and Colt had always called him “the little big brother,” because he surpassed them in height before they’d reached high school. Colt was smaller, more compact at five-ten, and built like the bull rider he was. All three brothers were close because they’d banded together in defense of their drunken father’s treatment. Watching Jess climb down from the truck, Luke felt a sense of brotherly pride. He was proud to call both Colt and Jess brother.

“Hey, honey, I’m home,” Jess teased, walking up and clapping him on the back. It was a joke they all passed between themselves since all three had issues with settling down.

Luke chuckled. “I missed you, too.”

“Yeah, that’s a lie. From what I hear through the grapevine you’ve been fairly busy juggling women to have missed your ole brother.”

“I should have known you would hear about the tea. You probably almost had a wreck laughing about that one.”

Jess gave him a sly sideways glance and nodded.

“That I did.”

They walked to the back of the hauler. No telling who Jess had heard the story from, but he was sure he’d learn the answer eventually, so he didn’t bother to ask.

“You should have known that woman wouldn’t take kindly to being dumped.”

“I didn’t dump anyone. I took her to dinner twice.

That’s it.”

“I saw marriage-hunter written all over her the moment I saw her. Why do you think I didn’t ask her out?”

Luke shook his head and grunted. “She seemed nice, and she told me she wasn’t looking for anything but a date.”

Jess hiked a brow. “And I’m ready to settle down yesterday.”

“I know that’s a lie.”

Jess chuckled as he slid back the trailer latch and they pulled the gate open.

“Erica’s just aggravated her plans didn’t work out. She tossed that tea on you because she thought she’d have you wrapped around her finger by the second date, and y’all would be on your way to the altar by the third date.”

Surely she hadn’t thought that.

“You gotta watch out for some of these gals. They can be conniving when it comes to getting what they want. At first they can put on a show, but down the line they start showing you who they really are. I’m just sayin’ you need to watch a little closer, bro, or you might wake up married to—”

“Okay, okay, I get the picture, Jess.”

Jess propped a boot on the corral and gave him a skeptical glance.

There was one thing the Holden brothers understood loud and clear—marriage didn’t always mean happy or better. Luke was beginning to worry if Jess had backed off completely from the idea of marriage.

“They look good,” Luke said, changing the subject back to the yearling heifers moving from the trailer.

“They should, for the price we paid.” Jess grinned.

“But they’re worth it.”

“How was Okeechobee?”

“Still deep in the heart of Florida, and one long drive home.”

Luke laughed. “You’re the one who likes to drive.”

“Uh-huh. That I do. Gives a man breathing room. So tell me about this Montana Brown I’ve heard about.”

“Are you sure you’ve been gone? Not hiding out in the back of my truck?”

Jess cocked a brow and gave a dog-faced grin. “Hey, man, I’ve got my sources. Sooo? You like her?”

“She’s interesting,” Luke said.

“I hear you’ve drawn the attention of the posse.” Jess stopped smiling. “You might be in trouble if you aren’t careful.”

Luke closed the trailer and slapped the lock lever down with a clank. “I’m not worried about those three.”

“Maybe you should be. Maybe you need to back off before they latch on tighter.”

“They have this rodeo and festival to occupy their time. They won’t be concentrating on me for about two weeks. There’ll be so much going on then that they’ll forget all about me.”

Jess laughed as he strode to the freight liner and climbed up into the seat. “Yeah, you go on and keep that lazy attitude. I figure you’ll be married by fall.”

“Hardly.” Luke scowled as he headed toward his own truck. Montana intrigued him, it was true. But being pushed into marriage by the loveable matchmakers wasn’t happening, and his brother good-and-well knew it.

Chapter Six

Luke dropped off some extra panels they’d need to hold the excess stock. Montana was in the barn racing like lightning when Luke went by the arena. Her braid slapped against her back as she and Murdock raced by. She wore a blue-green T-shirt that matched her eyes. Eyes that were completely focused on the barrels. It was not something that had to be done immediately, but it was a good excuse to stop.

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