The Cowboy Next Door

A charming cowboy moving in next door shouldn’t be bad news. But veterinarian Ally Curtis knows Cody Warren—she’d never forget the boy who left her when she needed him most. Cody is doing everything he can to show his beautiful neighbor he’s not the wild bull rider he once was, from helping her find homes for her beloved strays, to protecting her when her business is threatened. But Cody has a secret that keeps him from fully reaching out. Yet as they continue to work together to promote her shelter, he can’t keep himself from hoping that Ally might have a home for him...in her heart.

Ally put her arm around Cody’s waist. “Lean on me.”

A bum leg was worth getting this close to Ally. He slipped his arm around her shoulders. Her fruity shampoo tickled his senses along with vanilla, and that fresh hay scent that had clung to her for as long as he could remember. The smell of Ally. He’d missed it.

“We’re gonna turn around nice and slow and take you back inside. Once you’re on solid ground, I’ll go warm up the soup and bring it over.”

“That’s too much trouble.” He really should tell her he could walk just fine. Just needed his cane and to take it slow. But what he ought to do and what he wanted to do were two entirely different things.

“No, it’s not.” She helped him climb his steps. “I won’t have you hurting yourself for no reason.”

She cared and smelled good. But he couldn’t get used to leaning on Ally. Couldn’t get too close. Not until he figured out his future. If he had one.

SHANNON TAYLOR VANNATTER is a stay-at-home mom/pastor’s wife/award-winning author. She lives in a rural central-Arkansas community with a population of around one hundred, if you count a few cows. Contact her at shannonvannatter.com.

Reuniting with the Cowboy

Shannon Taylor Vannatter

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,

and He will establish your plans.

—Proverbs 16:3

To Dr. Mark Baker, DVM,

for keeping my pets healthy and for sharing his stories during our many appointments. Especially the mad mama cow episode, which inspired a fictionalized version for this book.

Acknowledgments

I appreciate former Aubrey City Hall secretary Nancy Trammel-Downes; Aubrey Main Street Committee member Deborah Goin; Aubrey librarian Kathy Ramsey; Allison Leslie; and Steve and Krys Murray, owners of Moms on Main, for all their help and support.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Fifteen dogs and twenty-one cats. The number of strays changed daily—but one thing didn’t—they all depended on Ally Curtis. This had to go well. She checked her appearance one more time, spritzed on vanilla body spray.

A clatter echoed through the house.

“Mom, you okay in there?”

“Just digging for a Pyrex lid.”

Ally hurried to the kitchen. Her two Pomeranians trailed behind, their nails clicking across the hardwood floor.

“Found it.” Mom snapped the blue lid onto a glass casserole dish on the counter. Layers of cream cheese and chocolate were visible through the sides. “I knew you’d be too tired to make anything after vaccinating all that cattle and we need to win over our new neighbor.”

“You really didn’t have to do this, but I’m glad you did.” A cramp shot through Ally’s shoulder and she massaged the aching spot. “Thanks, Mom.”

Every muscle she owned ached as if she’d spent the first day of September steer wrestling. And she pretty much had.

Vaccination day at a large ranch paid a lot of bills at her vet clinic in tiny Aubrey, Texas. But she always came home exhausted and reeking like a stockyard. The shower had removed the stench but not the twinges.

At least she had another vet in her practice and the new tech she’d hired would relieve some of their load tomorrow. But it was only Thursday night. Two more workdays until her only day off.

“You smell much better,” Mom teased.

“Definitely. Now all I have to do is lay on the charm.”

“My persuasive daughter bearing a four-layer delight. Who could resist?” Mom’s eyes widened. “What if our new neighbor is allergic to chocolate?”

“Or pecans.” Ally’s heart stammered. “Should I make something else?”

“Forget I said that.” Mom winced. “If there are allergy issues, just apologize and I’ll bake a pie or something else.”

“If there’s any more baking to be done, I’ll do it.” Ally picked up the dessert. “You’ve done enough.”

“It probably won’t be necessary. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love four-layer delight.”

“Neither have I.” It was Daddy’s favorite. And Cody had practically begged for it.

Thoughts of her father always led to Cody. It had been twelve years since her policeman dad had died in the line of duty. Twelve years since her good friend Cody’s comfort had turned into an earth-shattering kiss. A kiss that had dug an awkward gulf between them.

Since then, she’d seen him exactly twice. When their mutual friend married his brother a few years ago and when he was in rehab for an injured shoulder and knee after his recent bull wreck. Her heart had clamored both times. But his apparently hadn’t.

She sighed. By now he was probably fully recovered and back on the circuit. Even if he gave up bull riding someday, he was a nomad. A confirmed bachelor, he’d never settle in Aubrey. And she was way too independent for anything other than friendship. So stop thinking about him.

“You look pretty without the braid for a change.” Mom smoothed her hand over Ally’s hair.

“Thanks.”

“Want me to go with you?”

“Tempting.” Ally took in a sharp breath and squared her sore shoulders. “But what if the new neighbor’s not a people person? We don’t want to overwhelm. All we need is some animal-hating grouch to complain and try to shut down my rescue program.”

“We’re probably overthinking the what-ifs.” Mom patted her arm.

“I hope so.” Her shoulders slumped. “I just can’t believe somebody bought the place. I almost had the owner talked into selling me a parcel. Can you imagine how many more strays I could have housed with the extra land?”

“I’m sorry I sold our land off over the years.” Mom sighed. “It should have been yours.”

“Stop, Mom. You were a widow. You did what you had to do. We’ll just have to make the best of it. If I can get on the new owner’s good side, maybe I can eventually convince them to sell me an acre or two.”

Two canine puffballs—one orange, one gray—danced for attention at her feet. “Poor babies. I promise we’ll have a good long cuddle when I get back. But right now I have to go butter up our new neighbor.”

“Rotten babies.” Mom picked up a Pom in each arm. “You’d think they never get any attention. Despite these little distractions, I’ll be praying.”

A lot of good that would do. But she couldn’t let Mom know she felt that way.

Ally stepped out and strolled casually toward the farmhouse next door.

She’d just wanted to be a vet, not run an animal shelter. Yet after a client had brought her an injured stray, word had gotten out. And before she knew it, Ally’s Adopt-a-Pet was born.

But she was running out of room. Thank goodness the inspector had already come for the year. If the state showed up tonight, she’d get written up for being over her limit. All she could do now was sweet-talk her new neighbor. And hope whoever it was liked animals.

Trying not to let her nerves show, she unlatched the gate between the properties and stepped through.

The horse trailer by the barn had to mean something. Ally’s heart rattled. Surely their new neighbor wouldn’t mind a few dogs since he, she or they clearly liked horses. Surely.

A cacophony of barks and yips echoed from the barn behind her clinic. Her volunteers—three girls from the local youth group—strolled the property walking several of the dogs. She waved a greeting and climbed her neighbor’s porch steps.

Who was she kidding? There were way more than a few dogs, with a generous sprinkling of cats, plus the pets she boarded for her traveling clients. And if she tried to shush the menagerie, it usually only made the racket worse.

Maybe she should wait until the teens left and the dogs settled down a bit.

The door swung open.

Cody Warren—in the flesh. Tall, muscular, with hair the smoky brown shade of a Weimaraner and soothing aloe eyes.

Ally gasped. Twelve years since his kiss had changed her world. Twelve years since he’d left to follow his dream.

Twelve years of trying to forget.

The glass dish slipped from her hand.

* * *

Cody grabbed the dish, his hands closing over hers. His breath caught.

Ally. On his porch.

Same old Ally. Long waves the color of a dark bay horse’s coat, usually twined in a thick braid but loose today and spilling over her slender shoulders. Cautious coffee-colored eyes as skittish as a newborn colt.

He’d succumbed to her charms once. It had rearranged his insides and altered everything. Who would have thought one kiss would put the wariness in her eyes, build an uncomfortable wall between them and cause Ally to spend all that time since avoiding him? All because of his disobedient lips.

“Cody?” Her voice went up an octave. “You’re my new neighbor?”

“Looks like.” And now he’d gone and moved in next door to her. Maybe not the best way to keep his distance. “Let me take this.” He scooped the dish out of her hands.

“I thought you’d be back on the circuit by now.” Her gaze dropped to his shirt collar.

“I...um... I decided not to go back to the rodeo.” More like his doctor decided for him. And that little bubble in his brain had something to say about it, too. “Aubrey is home and I needed a place of my own.”

“You bought the place next to me?”

“This was the only land available with enough acreage to start a ranch.” Technically leasing, with an option to buy. If he decided to have surgery. And lived.

She hugged herself. “What happened to Aubrey not being big enough for you?”

“Things change.” A brain aneurysm changed lots of things. “Does your mom still live with you?”

“She does.” She bit her lip. “Okay, yeah, I still live at home. But it’s the perfect place for my vet practice-slash-shelter and Mom’s my office manager at the clinic.”

“Come on in.” He stepped aside, striving for casual, despite the drumming of his heart. “And tell me this is a pecan chocolate four-layer delight.”

“It is. Mom made it, but I didn’t come to stay.” She glanced toward her place.

“You got a passel of kids waiting for you?”

“Um, no.” Sarcasm laced her words. “Surely you know I’m not married.”

“I meant the teenage girls out there walking dogs, but it looks like they’re leaving.”

“Oh.” Pink tinged her cheeks. “They volunteer to make sure all of the animals get attention and exercise.”

“Since they’re leaving, I figure you can stay and help me eat this.” He took her by the elbow and led her into the empty kitchen. Warmth swept through him. Shouldn’t have touched her. Not even her elbow. “Come on. Humor me. Catch me up on Aubrey happenings.”

“I don’t know any.” She slid her hands in her pockets. “I pretty much stay to myself except for cattle calls and hospital visits with my dog program. I hope the Realtor told you about my small-animal shelter before you moved in.”

“Like a good Realtor, she did.” He set the dish in the middle of the kitchen island and rubbed his hands together. “Actually, she didn’t have much choice. All the critters were serenading us when we arrived.”

“Do they bother you?” She grimaced. “The noise, I mean.”

“Not at all. You know I’ve always been an animal lover. In fact, once I get settled in, I plan to come over and adopt a dog or two, maybe a cat or three for the barn.”

“Really?” Excitement filled her eyes for the first time since he’d opened the door for her.

“Sure.” Maybe the way to reclaim their easy friendship was through her animals. Ally had always had a soft spot for all four-legged creatures. He could lend a hand with the critters in her shelter. Maybe help her find homes for them. But more than anything, he could use a friend about now. He opened a drawer and remembered he hadn’t even brought his utensils in yet.

“Why don’t you have any furniture or appliances?” She strolled around the large kitchen.

“My home’s been in the living quarters of my horse trailer for several years.” Maybe he shouldn’t have kept his move secret from his family. A furnished house might improve his rep. “I never needed furniture until now.”

Over the years, his humor had pegged him as the class clown. His yearning for freedom and travel made everyone assume he had Peter Pan syndrome. His years on the circuit had only solidified his image as someone who refused to grow up, to take responsibility and settle down.

Now he was out to show everyone there was so much more to him. Maybe if he morphed into a mature adult before their eyes, they’d buy his cover. That he wanted to retire and be a rancher. Not that he was forced into retirement and might not live to tell about it.

“I’ll be right back.” He shut the drawer. “My silverware is still in the horse trailer.”

“I have a better idea. Have you eaten supper?”

“Not yet.” Why was she being so nice after making a career of avoiding him over the years? “But I can have dessert for supper.” He gave her a sly grin. “I’m an adult.”

“Jury’s still out on that.” She rolled her eyes.

Yep, he had a lot of convincing to do.

“Come on over and I’ll warm up some taco soup.” She scurried toward the door.

“You’re making my mouth water. Lead the way.” It would be hard to keep up with her with his bad leg. But he didn’t want to let on, so he followed her out. He’d made it down the steps and a few feet farther when he stepped in a hole and his knee wrenched before he caught himself.

“Whoa.” Ally grabbed his arm. “Are you okay?”

Heat crept up his neck. “My doctor warned me to be careful on uneven surfaces. I’ve got a little hitch in my get-along these days.”

“Why didn’t you tell me to slow down?”

“I sort of forgot when you mentioned taco soup.” Actually, he’d wanted to hide his weakness.

“How are you going to run a ranch when you can barely walk?”

“Easy. With a great foreman and trusty ranch hands. I’ll be the brains behind the operation.” He shot her a wink.

“Okay, change of plans.” She put her arm around his waist. “Lean on me.”

A bum leg was worth getting this close to Ally. He slipped his arm around her shoulders. Her fruity shampoo tickled his senses along with vanilla and that fresh hay scent that had clung to her for as long as he could remember. The smell of Ally. He’d missed it.

“We’re gonna turn around nice and slow and take you back inside. Once you’re on solid ground, I’ll go warm up the soup and bring it over.”

“That’s too much trouble.” He really should tell her he could walk just fine. Just needed to use his cane and take it slow. But what he ought to do and wanted to do were two entirely different things.

“No, it’s not.” She helped him climb his steps. “I won’t have you hurting yourself for no reason.”

She cared and smelled good. But he couldn’t get used to leaning on Ally. Couldn’t get too close. Not until he figured out his future. If he had one.

* * *

A waft of steam rose from the bowl of warmed soup on Cody’s granite counter. Cody’s counter. How had Ally gotten herself into this? She’d had a momentary lapse of judgment—that was how. But if the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach, maybe the way to getting him to sell land was, too.

If only Mom could have brought the soup over. But by the time Ally got back to warm it, Mom had already showered and was in her pajamas.

As long as he’d been in the hospital and then rehab, Ally hadn’t worried about him. But obviously, she hadn’t realized how banged up he was. With him living next door and unable to walk across his own yard, he was like a magnet. Seeing him again, and seeing him in pain, had brought old feelings flooding back.

Staying away from Cody was the smart thing to do. But he could barely walk, much less cook. Especially with no appliances. He needed her help.

“So where have you been since you left the rehab center?” She leaned her hip against the breakfast bar.

“I stayed with Grandpa in Medina until this morning.” He stood across the island from her, making quick work of the soup.

“Medina is almost a six-hour trip. You should be resting.” She scanned the open floor plan, just to keep from looking at those mesmerizing eyes. Large roomy kitchen with a peninsula and a big eat-in area. The former owner had installed new cabinets and tiled floors a few years back, but Cody didn’t have a stick of furniture. No pictures or personal items, nothing on the paneled walls. Not to mention necessities like a refrigerator. “Do you at least have a bed?”

“Grandpa sent one with me from his spare room until I get my own.”

“So instead of resting in your borrowed bed—” she rolled her eyes “—you try and walk to my house on uneven ground after your doctor warned you to be careful? What were you thinking?”

“Taco soup.” He grinned, deepening the cleft in his chin. “And four-layer delight.”

Her heart did a flip. He seemed a bit more serious and mature than the Cody she’d always known. Until it came to food.

He wolfed down another spoonful of soup. “Mmm.”

Gravel crunched in the drive and vehicle doors opened, then closed.

“Expecting company?”

“No one knows I’m here.”

Ally peered between the miniblind slats. “A blue pickup.”

“Oh no, they’ve found me.” Cody hung his head.

“Who?” Ally frowned.

“My folks.” His tone was filled with dread.

Why? He’d always had a great relationship with his family. Unless something had happened between them. “They didn’t bring you home?”

“One of Grandpa’s ranch hands was headed to Fort Worth to buy a bull. I hitched a ride with him.”

“Why?”

“I don’t want to be fussed over.”

Audra Warren, Cody’s mom, entered first without knocking. “Cody, what were you thinking?” She splayed her hands. “Grandpa said you came home to surprise us.”

His dad, Wayne, followed. “We were worried when you didn’t answer your cell.”

“I forgot to charge it.”

Despite Ally’s attempt to blend into the corner, Audra noticed her. “Ally? How nice to see you.”

“You, too.” She waved her fingers.

“Why all the secrecy?” Audra’s attention swung back to Cody. “We had to call the local Realtor to even find out where you were.” Her eyes were teary, a testimony to a mother’s love and worry over her recently injured son.

“I just didn’t want a bunch of fuss.” Cody hugged his mother, evidently feeling guilty now for upsetting her. “I’m pushing thirty—I don’t need a lot of fanfare. And I figured y’all would insist I stay with you. I just wanted to come home. To a place of my own.”

“We love you, Cody.” Audra sniffled. “We merely want to help you get settled. But if you’d stay with us, we could at least gather the furniture we all have in storage and get this place livable for you.”

“You should have called.” Wayne’s jaw tensed. “Your mother was worried sick.”

“Sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You don’t even have a bed.” Audra’s voice cracked. “You can’t stay here.”

“That’s the one thing I do have. I’m fine.”

“I guess I should just be glad you’re well enough to be home.” Audra pushed away from him and gave Ally a quick hug. “Just like old times with you looking after Cody. Thanks for seeing to him.”

“No problem.” Act natural. She and Cody had been friends since grade school. That was all he was to her, a friend. “I brought a dessert to welcome my new neighbor, but once I saw it was Cody and he didn’t even have a microwave, I brought soup over.”

“Isn’t this some setup?” Wayne winked at Ally. “You and Cody right next door to each other. Y’all could get into all kinds of mischief.”

Like the mischief they’d gotten into twelve years ago. No way. Ally’s lips would steer clear of Cody Warren this go-round.

In fact, all of her would. “Since y’all are here, I’m gonna go.”

Cody grabbed her hand. “I wish you’d stay. We’ve still got catching up to do.”

Electricity moved up her arm. Ally pulled away. “I’ve got chores to do and a surgery in the morning. It’s good seeing y’all.” She aimed for the door and put it in high gear.

Distance. She’d have to keep lots of distance between her and Cody. Her heart couldn’t take any more teasing.

* * *

Cody scanned his cozy house, grateful to have a loving family. Even though they sometimes smothered him.

Only twenty-four hours since his parents had caught up with him and his new house was already furnished. There would have been even more fuss if he’d told his family he was leaving Grandpa’s. And if he’d accepted a ride home from his parents, he’d have likely ended up at their house. Yet because of them, he actually had a table to sit at to savor his last serving of four-layer delight.

In a day’s time, his dad and his brother, Mitch, had brought over Mitch’s old dining room set, appliances and dual recliner couch, along with Cody’s old bedroom suite from when he lived at home. He’d moved out twelve years ago and Mitch had given up his bachelor pad two years ago, but they had kept everything. His family officially ranked as hoarders.

The rich coffee aroma still permeated his house, as they’d offered him countless cups throughout the day.

If only he could have the real stuff instead of the fake. The empty maker mocked him from the counter. He’d die for a cup. Literally. He filled the carafe with water, poured it in the back, scooped decaf grounds into the filter and turned it on. It would have to do.

The doctor’s list of aneurysm triggers included intense nose blowing, vigorous exercise and strain. Since he had no allergies, he should be okay unless he got a cold.

It was a genuine wonder the aneurysm hadn’t ruptured during his physical therapy, which came to a screeching halt after his doctor found the bubble during a follow up scan after his last concussion. Hopefully, his leisurely walks on his new treadmill would help with his limp.

Anger and surprise would be easy to avoid since he was laid-back and not easily startled. But real coffee? He came from a family that joked about having caffeine in their veins instead of blood. Having his dark roast again just might be worth the surgery that could kill him or reduce him to vegetable status.

He scraped all the excess chocolate and crumbs out of the glass dish and polished off the last bite of the lip-smacking dessert. The tang of cream cheese lingered on his tongue.

Despite all the activity and furnishings, Ally had stayed away. Her mom had brought him a casserole, but he hadn’t seen hide nor hair of Ally since yesterday.

Maybe moving next door to her hadn’t been the best plan. It was the only land he’d found to lease, but it wasn’t a good way to relieve the tension between them and get their friendship back on track.

He stood and waited until the stiffness eased in his knee before shuffling to the sink, then made short work of washing the pan and poured a cup of decaf.

Since they’d grown up in the same church, hung out in youth group and been in the same class, he, Ally and his now-sister-in-law, Caitlyn, had been best friends all the way back to kindergarten.

But Ally had avoided him at Mitch and Caitlyn’s wedding. And after his bull wreck, when Ally had visited the rehab center with her dog program and had realized her patient was him, she hadn’t been able to get out of there fast enough.

She was obviously uncomfortable because of that kiss that had spun his world into a blur faster than any bull ever had.

But hadn’t affected her.

Maybe they needed to talk about the kiss. Agree to forget it. He dried the glass dish and tucked it under his arm. If he walked slow and careful and took the stupid stick, he could handle the uneven yard. He gulped the useless coffee, grabbed the cane and stepped out his back door.

Must have been after hours for her clinic. Only one other truck and a car were parked next to Ally’s—probably one of her youth group volunteers. He continued past the house to the block structure with a neon open sign in the window.

A cowbell clanged when he opened the door.

“I’ll be right with you,” Ally called from the back. “Is it an emergency?”

“It’s just me.”

Silence.

A deep woof came from behind the counter. Cody eased closer. A male German shepherd lay sprawled on the floor, his ears perked up.

“Hey, buddy, don’t worry—the vet’s nice.” He lowered his voice. “And she’s a looker, too.”

He set the dish on the counter, settled in a chair in the waiting area, picked up a livestock magazine and thumbed through it.

“You know I’m on your side, Ms. Curtis.” A man’s voice came from the back. “I love animals as much as you do. But you’re not in compliance with the cats. You’re supposed to provide eighteen square feet per cat.”

“The mama cat and two kittens just came in yesterday.” Her words came fast, desperate. “Their owners moved and abandoned them. I just couldn’t turn them away. I planned to buy some more acreage so I could expand, but someone else beat me to the property.”

He’d tied up the land she needed. Cody closed his eyes.

“I’m sorry, but I’ll have to write you up.”

A pause.

“I understand.” She sounded so broken.

And now she was in trouble.

Cody had to find a way to fix it.

Chapter Two

“Maybe you should consider revoking your no-kill policy.” Mr. Humphries wouldn’t even look at her as he flipped to the appropriate form on his clipboard.

“I can’t do that.” Ally’s heart squeezed. Kill a perfectly healthy animal just because no one wanted it?

“You know I’m against it, too. Maybe you could take some of the cats to another shelter.”

A lump lodged in her throat. “So they can put them down?”

“I’m sorry, Ms. Curtis.” The inspector strolled toward the front of her clinic.

Come on—think of some way to change his mind. Ally hurried after him.

“Excuse me.” Cody met them in the lobby, removed his cowboy hat. “I came to pick out those cats we talked about.”

Mr. Humphries’s eyes narrowed with suspicion.

Ally’s insides lit up. “How many would you like?” She held up three fingers behind Mr. Humphries’s back.

“Four.”

“Four?” Mr. Humphries echoed.

Four? Her heart warmed.

“Just moved in next door. Cody Warren.” He offered his hand and the older man shook it. “My barn is infested with mice. I’m thinking four cats should take care of the problem.”

He sounded so convincing she wanted to hug him.

Mr. Humphries examined Cody a moment longer, then turned to Ally. “You run a clean operation here.” He slid his pen into his pocket, tucked the clipboard under his arm. “I don’t want to have to shut you down. See that you stay in compliance. I doubt that your neighbor can rescue you next time.”

“Thank you, Mr. Humphries.”

“And I trust—” he gave her a stern look “—that if I come back in an hour, you’ll be down three cats.”

“Four and they’ll be in my barn.” Cody clasped his hat to his chest. “You’re welcome to come visit them.”

With a slight nod, the inspector exited the clinic.

Ally waited, held her breath. A car door shut and an engine started. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” She jumped up and down.

“Just call me Ally’s hero.” He shot her a wink that made her heart take a dive.

Her fists clenched. Now he wanted to be her hero?

“You should have told me you were over the limit. I’d have taken the cats before your inspector came.”

“It’s really weird.” She nibbled the inside of her cheek. “I’ve already been inspected for this year. Someone had to complain for Mr. Humphries to show up again.”

“Who would do that? We don’t have any other neighbors.”

“I don’t know, unless it was a client.” She twirled the end of her braid round and round her finger the way her dad used to do. “I’ve had a few new ones lately. Maybe someone didn’t like what they saw.” Not everyone liked her strays or her shelter. Some people could be so heartless.

“If that’s the case, they should find another vet instead of hassling you.” He gestured to the shepherd. “What’s he in for? Armed doggery?”

She suppressed a grin. “Hoss is just staying with me while his family is on vacation. I didn’t have time to put him in a run yet.” The dog’s tail wagged as she snapped a leash on his collar. “Why did you really stop by?”

“I brought your dish back. All washed and everything.”

“You didn’t have to do that.” She raised an eyebrow. “You walked across my rutted yard for that?”

“I took it slow with my trusty stick.” He patted his cane, cleared his throat. “I also wanted to discuss...uh...to ask you for contacts on some hands. Since you do cattle vaccinations, I figured you’d know the right people.”

Nervous? Cody Warren nervous? About asking her for ranch hand contacts? She strode over to the bulletin board.

“A large ranch in the area just downsized. Lots of layoffs.” She removed a business card and pulled two stubs bearing names and numbers, then passed them to him. “The card is the ranch owner for references. The numbers are hands.” She rubbed the ache in the back of her neck.

“All your tension still lands in your neck and shoulders, huh?” Cody stuffed the contacts in his shirt pocket and limped around behind her. His warm hands grasped her shoulders, kneading her sore muscles.

She stiffened, almost pulled away. But when she began to relax, all thought of getting away left her. She had to focus on something other than the shivers he was stirring up. “I won’t hold you to four cats. If you’ll just take three, I’ll be under limit.”

“I want four. I was thinking I’d take the ones who’ve been here longest. But it would be a shame to separate the mama and her kittens, so I’ll take those three plus one of the veterans.”

Such a sweetheart. Not many men thought that way. If he ever grew up and settled down, he’d make someone a great husband. “That would be Bruno. His past shouldn’t be a problem.”

“You know his story?” His thumbs soothed away her aches.

What was she talking about? Oh yes, Bruno. “He killed his former neighbor’s pet rabbit and chickens. We don’t have any of either near here and he won’t be wandering far from home anymore since I neutered him.”

“Hear that, Hoss.” The German shepherd’s ears pricked. “You better stay on her good side.”

“I need to get him in his run.” She stiffened again, pulled away and dug four collapsed cardboard carriers from under the counter. “And we better go get the cats before Mr. Humphries decides to come back.”

And before she melted into a pool of butter at Cody’s feet.

* * *

Mama cat supervised her orange tom and gray female as they clambered and pounced on hay bales, while Bruno checked out the loft.

“You don’t think they’ll run away?” Cody still couldn’t muster up the courage to discuss their past, so he kept coming up with inane subject matter.

“You fed them.” She scratched the mama calico along her cheek. “So they should stay close here.”

Cody settled on a hay bale. Would his leg ever stop aching?

A breeze wafted through the barn, stirring strands that had strayed from her braid around her face. Absolutely beautiful. Why hadn’t some man snapped her up? Was it because of all the homeless pets she kept? Cody loved animals as much as she did, but not everyone felt the same way.

If she’d found some critter-loving man and were living happily ever after, would it make whatever was left of his life easier or harder? “How come you never married?”

“Excuse me?” She propped her hands on her hips.

“Just curious.” He shrugged. “Back when we were in high school, you dreamed right along with Caitlyn about getting married.”

“I did, didn’t I?” Her voice went soft and she settled on a hay bale facing him, elbows propped on her knees. “My parents married right out of high school and Mom never worked outside the home. She didn’t have a clue about how to get a job, balance the checkbook or pay the bills.”

She picked up the gray kitten and cuddled it. “Dad had done everything for her. For a while after he died, I thought I’d have to give up college and stay home to take care of her. It made me realize I never want to need anyone that much.”

“Everybody needs somebody.”

“Look who’s talking.” She caught his gaze. “Mr. I’m-Never-Getting-Married-so-I-Can-Travel-and-Do-What-I-Want.”

“I guess it got old.” But it really hadn’t. Not until he’d seen her again. Only one thing was certain. Being close to her drove it home. If he didn’t have a bubble in his head, he’d go after way more than friendship with Ally.

He had to stop thinking about things he couldn’t pursue. “I could build you a few extra pens above the ones you already have to solve your cat problem.”

“I’d always planned to do that, just haven’t had time.” She bit her lip. “That would be great, but if you really want to help me, there is something else you can do.”

“Just ask.”

“Would you sell me a few acres? I had my eye on five, but one would get me out of a bind.”

He’d have loved to. But the problem with that was that he was only leasing. Yet he needed his family to believe he was willingly retiring to become a rancher. Otherwise, they’d get curious and if they learned about his health situation, they’d hover and he’d have no peace while he decided what to do.

He couldn’t burden her with his secret.

“Well?”

“Ally?” A man’s voice called out, cutting off any response he might have given her.

“Over in the neighbor’s barn,” she yelled.

Footfalls crunched across the gravel and a shadow fell over the doorway.

A gray-haired man wearing scrubs stepped inside. “Everything go okay with the mastiff?”

“She’ll be fine.” She nodded. “The car just grazed her. Lacerations and contusions, but no internal injuries or broken bones. Most of her damage came from the highway.”

“Ouch.” The man winced. “Poor girl. I finished the vaccinations. Derek filled out all the records and he’s putting the ranch file in the office. Just thought I’d check in before I go.”

Ally gestured to the man. “This is Dr. Lance Bridges, the other vet here at my clinic. Cody is our new neighbor. He took Bruno and the three strays I got in yesterday, just in the knick of time. I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.”

“Nice meeting you.” Cody clasped hands with Lance.

“Likewise.”

“You go on home. I’m sure Erin has your supper ready.”

“See you tomorrow.” As Dr. Bridges turned away, a younger man approached. Blond, midtwenties.

“Some first day, huh, Derek?”

“I loved every minute of it.” The younger man smiled, scratched the kitten Ally held under its chin. His hand dangerously close to hers.

Huh? Was he flirting with Ally?

Was this guy an assistant? Or working on being her boyfriend?

Ally pushed stray strands of hair away from her face. “You tell that sweet wife of yours I’ll try not to keep you this late on a daily basis.”

Whew. Thankfully the guy was married.

But what should it matter? Ally’s love life was none of Cody’s concern. It couldn’t be.

“Don’t worry. Brandy understands my work.” The guy turned to the door.

“Where are my manners?” Ally stood, brushed the hay off the seat of her jeans. “This is Cody Warren. We were friends all through school, and now he lives next door. Derek Tatum is my new veterinary technician.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I’ll see you tomorrow, Ally.”

“Make that Tuesday. Have a nice, long Labor Day weekend. With so many ranches in Aubrey, we have more cattle vacs scheduled as usual. But maybe there won’t be any emergencies.”

“But you’re working tomorrow and Monday. If it’s all the same to you, I’d just as soon do the same.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I am.” With a wave, Derek left them alone.

Ally set the kitten down and it curled around her ankle. “So what about the land?”

He’d hoped she’d forget about the issue. “I can’t sell you any of it.”

“Why not?” Her shoulders slumped. “Just an acre? A half an acre?”

His only option was to be as honest as he could. “I’m only leasing it.” What were the odds of her talking to his parents about his land anyway?

“But yesterday you said you bought it.”

“No, you said I bought it. I decided to test the ranching thing out before doing anything permanent.” Great. He’d just reinforced her notion that he had commitment issues.

“Oh.” The corners of her mouth tipped down and she stood. “I’m really tired and I can’t wait to get cleaned up. Do you want me to walk you across the yard?”

It was tempting to lean on her. But not advisable.

“I’ll be fine. I’ll go nice and slow.” He opened the door for her.

She exited and he followed. By the time he’d made five steps, she’d already reached her back door. Not sparing him another glance, she slipped inside and closed it.

So much for talking about the kiss. It seemed as if without saying a word, they both agreed to forget it. At least things weren’t quite as strained between them. Though maybe that would’ve been preferable.

Ally was his friend. And that was all she could be. So why did he have to keep reminding himself of that?

* * *

Ally stepped into the mudroom, where excited yips greeted her. “Hey, Foxy. Hey, Wolf.” The two puffballs danced for her attention. “Did y’all miss me today?”

Peering through the blinds, she watched Cody slowly hobble to his house. He’d saved her from a written reprimand. But he wouldn’t sell her any land, because he was only leasing. Which meant he probably wasn’t staying.

He frustrated the daylights out of her. So she wouldn’t coddle him. He was an adult. If he was goofy enough to insist on living alone and walking on his bad leg without any help, that was his problem. She didn’t have the time or energy to babysit him while he played rancher next door. On the land he’d leased right out from under her.

She pulled off her manure-caked boots and picked a Pom up in each arm, snuggling them close. They stilled, except for their noses.

“Busted. Mama traitored—petting countless other dogs and cats again.” The sniffing stopped and kisses took over. With both cheeks sufficiently licked, she set them down.

“Mom?”

“In the living room. Did the emergency surgery go okay?”

“Yep, she’ll be fine. Derek was a great help to Lance with the vaccinations.” She strolled into the living room. Home. She loved this house. The worn plank flooring and walls, beams across the ceilings, and ancient windows. Comfortable, unpretentious and cozy.

“Did Dr. Bridges leave already?” Mom was in her jammies, curled up on the couch with a book.

“A few minutes ago.” Ally couldn’t wait to soak in the bathtub for an hour. Except for Mom’s weekly book club meetings, they both were usually in for the evening by six o’clock. Such exciting lives they led. Probably should get out more.

Maybe she’d have more oomph at the end of the day with Derek around. Most applicants would have waited until Tuesday to start work, but she was thankful for his eagerness.

Today’s ranch vaccinations had been so much easier with help, and when she’d gotten the emergency call, Derek had been able to stay with Lance and finish. Best of all, she didn’t ache quite as much with an extra set of hands at work.

Wolf and Foxy pranced circles around her, offering unconditional love—even though she’d been with other critters all day.

“Y’all don’t care who I play with, do ya?” Her high-pitched tone sent the tiny bundles of energy into excited jitters and she settled on the floor, leaning against the couch. The Poms fought for lap space, then stilled as she stroked their soft coats. “You’ll never guess who showed up after you left, though.”

“I saw you with Cody after I got out of the shower.”

“He arrived just as the state inspector was about to write me up for having too many cats. Cody took Bruno and the three I got in yesterday and saved the day.” And rubbed her shoulders. She could still feel his touch.

“I wonder why the inspector came again. Good thing Cody was there to be your hero.”

“Until I asked him to sell me an acre and he admitted he’s only leasing the land.” She picked up Foxy and rubbed noses with her. “What’s up with that, Foxy?”

The only problem with furry friends—they never answered back.

Wolf let out a yip.

Not in people language, anyway.

“Maybe once his lease is up, you can buy the acreage. It’ll work out.” Mom gave her an encouraging smile. “Just have faith.”

Mom’s words stung. Faith was exactly what she didn’t have.

Why couldn’t her new neighbor have been someone else? A single woman living alone, or a family with a mom who needed adult companionship. Someone who could have at least sold her an acre or two. And who didn’t stir such confusing feelings in her. Even some animal-hating grouch. Anyone other than landlocking Cody.

Though he probably wouldn’t even stay put. Which, as her mom had pointed out, could be good for her. He wouldn’t even be here if not for his injuries and she was sure he’d head back to the circuit just as soon as he could hobble there.

If Cody moved on, she’d get another chance to convince the owner to sell her a parcel of the land. But that meant Cody would run out on her like before. When she’d needed him most. She had to stay away from him in order to survive this go-round.

For as long as she could remember, Cody had gone from one obsession to the next, never sticking with anything for long. Baseball, basketball, fishing, hunting, soccer, football, racquetball and finally rodeo. He’d pursued rodeo far longer than anything else.

Wolf was hanging off her lap and Ally shifted her legs into a crisscross position to give the dogs more room. Closing her eyes, she twirled the end of her braid around her finger.

Sometimes she could still imagine it was her dad doing it. Even after twelve years, she longed for his presence, his sound counsel. He’d have known what to do about her shelter. But he wasn’t here.

“Ally?”

She looked up. Mom had clearly asked her something. “What?”

“Are you ready for supper?”

“You can go ahead. I need a bath.”

Her only hope was to buy the land once Cody got bored with playing rancher and his lease was done. And that would be best for her wayward heart, too.

A hot bath and a bowl of soup later, she crawled in bed thinking about her predicament.

And Cody. She wouldn’t be his new short-term diversion.

Stop thinking about him.

She closed her eyes and snuggled under the covers—exhaustion fogging her brain.

Dogs barking. Ally opened her eyes. Lots of yapping. And they were close. How long had she slept—minutes or hours? It was still dark outside. She was used to the sound. In fact, she usually woke up only when they weren’t barking. But this frenzied chorus seemed to come from right under her window.

She rolled over, squinted at the green digital numbers on her clock. Four twenty-three. Why were the dogs stirred up in the wee hours of the morning? And why did they sound so near? She threw the covers back, jumped up and hurried to the window.

Three dogs surrounded the live oak in her yard. Barks, yips and growls filled the early-morning air. As her eyes adjusted to the moonlight, she spotted a cat clinging to a gnarled, twisted limb high in the tree. In the distance, the lights were on in the barn.

What were they doing loose? Her heart lodged in her throat. She flipped her lamp on, tugged a warm-up suit over her pajamas and darted down the hall.

“Mom.” Ally knocked on her bedroom door. “The animals are loose.” Flashlight in hand, she bolted through the house and jerked the front door open. A light blinded her as she barreled into something solid.

Someone solid.

She screamed.

Chapter Three

“It’s me.” Cody’s strong arms steadied her. The soft flannel of his shirt warmed her against the chill of the night air as his familiar spicy scent surrounded her.

Ally pulled away from him. “Are you all right? I didn’t hurt your knee, did I?”

“No.” He lowered the beam of his flashlight and she got a glimpse of his denim clad legs. “Why are the animals out?”

“I have no idea.”

“I’ll help you corral them.”

“You can’t.” She stepped around him. “It’s dark and you’ll step in a hole or something and hurt your knee. If you want to help, though, go to the barn. I’ll catch the dogs and bring them to you. Just put them in pens and I’ll sort out who goes where later. Once I get all the dogs, then I’ll be able to lure the cats back.”

“I’m on it.” He limped toward the barn.

She ran to the clinic. The door stood wide open. Odd. She grabbed several collars with leashes and a handful of treats, then scurried back out to the gathering under the tree.

“Here, Spot.” The splotched mutt ignored her as he jumped, his front paws running up the tree with each lunge as he growled at the terrified cat. “I’ve got treats.” She dug a biscuit out of her pocket and held it just out of the dog’s reach. Spot’s nose twitched and he lost interest in the cat long enough for her to clasp a collar around his neck. “Gotcha.”

She stood on his leash while she went through the same routine with the Border collie mix and the terrier mix. With all three dogs leashed, she tugged them with all her might toward the barn.

A flashlight beam shone from the house. “What can I do?” Mom hollered.

“Catch dogs. Then we’ll worry about the cats.”

“I called Lance—I mean Dr. Bridges—to help.”

A truck turned into her drive. Lance? No, he couldn’t have gotten here from Denton so quickly. Who could it be? Please not an emergency. Pressure mounted in her chest.

The engine died and doors slammed. “Hey, it’s Raquel. Cody called us to help.”

Ally could have cheered. “Y’all are awesome.” The Walkers were her closest neighbors other than Cody. Ally usually handled the health needs of their four-legged menagerie.

“How many are accounted for?” Slade, Raquel’s husband, hurried to take the three unruly dogs from Ally.

“I’m not even sure.” Ally scanned the area with her flashlight. “These are the only ones I’ve caught. I didn’t want Cody hobbling around in the dark, so he’s in the barn waiting to put them away as I catch them.”

“Hunter, you help Mom catch dogs.” Slade roughed up the young boy’s already tousled hair with his free hand. Although the dogs fought against the leashes, he didn’t budge. “I’ll haul this rowdy handful to Cody and then Ally can see who’s missing. I’ll be right back to help.”

“I’m so grateful y’all came.” Ally surveyed the threesome clad in wrinkled jeans and jackets.

“This is gonna be fun.” Seven-year-old Hunter darted around the back of the house.

“Watch for snakes,” Raquel called.

“Probably too cool for them and I don’t usually have any in the yard.” Ally jogged to the barn, opened the door for Slade and took a quick inventory.

Some of the missing were boarders. She had to find them and keep this incident quiet. Strays roaming free could jeopardize her shelter. But if word got out that people’s pets had gotten loose, her clients would lose trust in her.

As she stepped outside, another truck pulled in the drive. The door opened and shut. “How many are loose?” Lance’s flashlight bobbed his approach.

“Thirteen dogs, nineteen cats—some strays and some boarders. Not all of them at least. I’m sorry to drag you out this time of night all the way from Denton.”

“It’s only fifteen minutes and we’re in this together.”

Over the next couple of hours, Hunter caught two dogs, while Slade rounded up three. Raquel manhandled a smaller breed and Lance nabbed another, while Ally wrangled an elusive wienie dog boarder who seemed intent on playing hide-and-seek.

“I heard some barking in the woods behind the barn.” Slade headed back out. “Raquel, Hunter, y’all stay here—might be dangerous.”

“Be careful.” Raquel shuddered.

“I’ll go with you.” Lance followed.

Hunter and Raquel helped soothe the dogs, and as the sun began to rise, Slade and Lance returned with the last two Lab mixes.

“What about the cats?” Hunter helped her get the last two in their pens.

“They won’t come out unless it’s quiet and calm.” Ally hugged Raquel. “Thanks so much for coming. I’d still be at it if y’all hadn’t.”

“We were glad to help. Hunter had a blast.” Raquel tousled his hair. “You can tell all your friends about your dog-wrangling skills.”

“Um...about that.” Ally bit her lip. “Would y’all mind keeping this incident quiet? I don’t want the people who board their pets here to lose confidence in my services.”

“Good point.” Slade gripped Hunter’s shoulder. “Hear that? We’re keeping this a secret.” Hunter nodded and Slade turned to his wife. “We better go so Ally can tend to her cats.”

The threesome waved goodbye as Ally thanked them again.

“Go home, Lance. Get some rest. I can handle things here today.”

“Not happening. Saturday’s always our busiest. If your mom will ply me with coffee, I’ll be good to go.”

“Great idea.” Mom covered her yawn and the two strolled toward the house.

Leaving only Cody. “You should get some sleep. All I have to do is call the cats.”

“I’ll stick around.” He scanned the pens lining each side of the long barn. “I doubt any of the dogs are in the pens they’re supposed to be in. Once you retrieve the cats, I’ll help you sort it out. Besides, I need to talk to you.”

“Okay.” About what? “Can it wait?”

“Go call your cats. It’ll keep.”

“I’ll be back as quick as I can.” She dug a stack of collapsed cardboard carriers from the storage closet, tucked them under her arm. “And thanks for all your help.”

“My pleasure.”

Ally stepped out. Cody seemed so serious. Had he talked to the owner? Would he sell her the land after all?

* * *

“Here, kitty, kitty, kitty.” Ally’s call was a gentle singsong as Cody watched from the barn window.

It took several minutes, but the cats started coming. From trees, from the roof, from the loft and from the woods. Soon she had them in cardboard kennels, and she pulled her truck near to load them.

Cody couldn’t stand watching her do all the work. It had nearly killed him to let Slade and Lance play dogcatcher while he stayed in the barn. It was daylight now—easier to watch for holes. He limped out to help.

“What are you doing out here?”

“At least let me load them for you, save you a little work.” He made his way to the truck bed.

“Fine.” She picked up a kennel. “Stack them in twos and make sure they’re stable. I don’t want them tumbling around and scarring their delicate sensibilities for life.”

“Cats have sensibilities?” He grinned.

“They most certainly do. Very delicate ones.”

“I guess if anybody knows about it, it would be you.” Cody loaded a kennel she handed him. “You looked like the Pied Piper out there gathering them all up.”

“Just call me the crazy cat lady.”

“You must be exhausted.”

“You, too.” She adjusted a stack of kennels. “I can’t believe the Walkers came over to help so early. How do you even know them?”

“Raquel’s first husband was a Texas Ranger and Mitch’s partner. A few years after he died, Mitch tried to fix us up, but neither of us was interested and she eventually met Slade.”

He slid another kennel in place. “Slade used to be a chaplain on the rodeo circuit, so I’d seen him around. They’re good folk. Since Raquel’s the school nurse and it’s Saturday, and Slade’s a preacher and it isn’t Sunday, I knew they could come without messing up the rest of their day.”

“I couldn’t even think of any of that. I was in panic mode.”

“Speaking of panic, I don’t mean to scare you—” A cat yowled at him as he hoisted its kennel on top of another “—but you don’t have any enemies, do you?”

“Not that I know of.” She stopped, caught his gaze. “Why?”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” Cody’s heart thudded. He really didn’t want to frighten her, but she seemed so oblivious. “Somebody had to have let them out.”

“But why would they?” She hugged herself. “I must have left a couple of the pens open.”

“Have you ever done that before?”

“No. But I’ve been distracted.”

True. The almost reprimand from the inspector. The land Cody couldn’t sell her. “Even if you left a couple of pens open, that doesn’t explain how thirteen dogs and nineteen cats got out. You don’t really think one of each got out, then nosed all the other locks until they opened like it happens in the movies?”

“Of course not.” She huffed out a sigh, shoved another pet carrier at him. “But I don’t know why anyone would let them out.”

“Maybe somebody wants to shut you down.” He settled the last cat in place, striving for casual, trying not to let her see how worried he was. “Think about it—you said your state inspector must have gotten a complaint to show up when he did, and now your critters are loose in the middle of the night.”

“But no one lives anywhere near here.” She spread her hands wide, gesturing to miles of endless woods and pastures surrounding their properties. “Just you and me. Who would want to shut me down?”

“What about Lance?”

“No. I’ve known him a couple of years. He’s a nice man, a member of our church.”

“Maybe he wants to buy you out?”

“He had his own clinic in Denton and sold it to work toward retirement.”

“What do you really know about Derek?”

“He’s a great guy. I can’t tell you how much it helped to have another set of hands on duty yesterday.”

“You’re sure he’s okay?”

“Positive.” She shook her head. “He has no reason to want to shut me down.”

“Maybe he wants his own practice.”

“No. He’s a tech. The only way he can do anything is under the supervision of a licensed vet.”

But Cody wasn’t so sure. Maybe he needed his Texas Ranger brother to do a background check on Derek. And Lance. Ally’s safety was too important to risk.

She was way too important to him. Way more important than he should allow her to be.

* * *

It felt good to attend the church Cody had grown up in. How many years had it been since he’d been here? When he’d visited home for the holidays while on the circuit, he’d often gone with his sister in Dallas, with his brother when he’d lived in Garland or with Grandpa in Medina. Over the years, he’d only attended his home church a handful of times.

As morning class dismissed, he caught up with Mitch. “Can we talk a minute?”

“Sure.”

Metal chairs scraped the tiled floor and multiple conversations started up.

Cody waited until the classroom emptied. “Can you run a background check on Derek Tatum for me?”

“Why?”

“I think somebody’s trying to shut Ally’s shelter down.”

“What gives you that idea?”

“This has to stay quiet.” She’d tan his hide if she knew what he was up to. “Ally’s worried it’ll hurt her shelter’s reputation.”

“My lips are sealed.”

“Someone turned several of her animals loose the other night,” Cody whispered, even though they were alone.

“You’re sure it wasn’t a faulty latch?”

“Thirty or so faulty latches? How about Lance Bridges—know anything about him?”

“Isn’t he the other vet at her clinic?”

“Can you run a check on him, too?”

“I need probable cause, little brother.” Mitch folded his arms across his chest—his stubborn stance. “I can’t just run a check on random citizens because you want me to.”

“How much probable cause did you have when you ran a check on each of your wife’s employees?”

“What makes you think I did that?”

“I know you.”

Mitch’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “Touché.”

Cody sighed. “I’m worried about Ally’s safety.”

“I’ll see what I can find.”

“Thanks.”

The brothers exited the classroom, strolled into the sanctuary and claimed their seats on each side of Mitch’s wife Caitlyn. Old-fashioned pews lined the church with traditional hymnals in the book racks, and prisms of multicolored light radiated through the stained-glass windows.

Even after his years away, it was still home. New preacher, new Sunday-school teacher, new pianist, even a new song leader, but the same timeless hymns. He still knew most of the congregation, and a lot of the new faces he’d seen on the circuit over the years. But the most important member—to him—was nowhere in sight.

“Where’s Ally?” Cody elbowed Caitlyn, trying for casual.

“She doesn’t come anymore.” Caitlyn grabbed a hymnal from the book rack. “Not since her dad died.”

“Really?” Why would Ally turn away from God after her dad died? That was when she’d needed Him most.

“You two are neighbors now. Haven’t you seen her?”

“Well, yeah. But we didn’t talk about church.”

The pianist played louder as a deacon approached the pulpit to begin announcements. “Welcome. We hope you enjoy our services today. All of the announcements are in your bulletin, but we have one pressing need. Our volunteer couple who’d signed up to supply animals and oversee the petting zoo at our annual church carnival had a family emergency out of town.” He checked his notes.

“Looks like they had most of the plans for the petting zoo in place, but with the carnival this weekend, we’ll need volunteers ASAP. We have several gentle horses, but we still need a few more small animals and two volunteers to oversee both. If interested, see our director after services.” The deacon turned the service over to the song director.

Ally could provide dogs and cats, and she’d probably know where to find more animals. Maybe he could talk her into volunteering to supply the petting zoo and help him oversee it. It would help the church, she might find homes for some of her strays, and it could get her back in church.

But how should he go about convincing her to agree?

* * *

At least the week started off quiet. Routine appointments. No emergencies. No state inspectors. No loose animals.

A tiny golden Chihuahua mix shivered in the corner of her crate. From nerves, not temperature. Ally fished her out.

“Poor baby Buttercup.” Ally snuggled the tiny shaking body against her chest. “My poor little runt. Your brother and sister found families, but don’t give up. You’ll get your forever home. I promise.”

“There you are.” Cody’s voice echoed through the long barn.

Ally’s heart sped as yips, barks and howls started up. She stepped out of the pen into the alley between the kennels.

“What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing.” Cody limped toward her, leaning on his cane. “It’s Labor Day. Don’t you believe in taking a day off?”

“Staying open was convenient for my clients who were off work today.”

“Well, since you like staying busy—” he stopped beside her, too close “—I have a proposal for you.”

Her breathing sputtered. Not that kind of proposal. And she wouldn’t fall for it if it was.

“Who’s this little guy?” Cody scratched the quivering puppy between her ears.

“She. Her name is Buttercup. She and two littermates were found in the baseball park this past spring. Her brother and sister were adopted, but she’s the runt. No one has picked her yet.”

“My sister, Tara, loves Chihuahuas and hers died a few months ago.” He lifted the puppy out of her arms and tenderly held the quivering body against his heart. “Maybe she’ll take this little darling.”

“She’s not all Chihuahua and that’s probably why she got dumped.”

“Tara’s not a breed snob. Who could dump a sweetie like this?” Cody baby-talked the puppy as she buried her nose in his neck.

“I don’t have a clue.” Ally’s frustration came out in her tone. “At least there was a ball game that night. One of the moms found them and brought them to me.”

“So which of these dogs and cats are homeless?” The chorus of barks had settled as the dogs got used to him in their midst.

“I keep the first twenty kennels on the left for boarding. Their people are gone on vacation or out of town for work reasons.”

“Their people?” Cody grinned.

“I don’t call them owners. We think of animals as our pets, so I figure the pets think of us as their people.”

“Why is she shaking? It’s not cold in here.”

“Chihuahuas have an abundance of energy. She needs a walk. I was just about to take her for one.” The Border collie–spaniel mix stuck his white-and-black muzzle through his fence and whimpered. “I know, baby. You want some attention, too.” She rubbed his snout.

“Can I take him for a walk?”

“Probably not a good idea with your leg. But you can sit with him if you want.”

“I’d love that. In fact, point out the ones who need some attention and I’ll take care of it while you’re gone.”

He certainly wasn’t making her heart grow any less fond of him by being so sweet and concerned over her strays. “You sure?”

“It’s not like I have anything else to do.”

“Okay, hit this side.” She gestured to the pens on the right. “Love on as many as you can or want to.”

“Will do.” He headed for the first pen, then snapped his fingers and turned back toward her. “I almost forgot my proposal. I went to our old church yesterday and signed you up to supply the pets and oversee the petting zoo for the carnival this weekend.”

Her neck heated. Was that steam blowing out her ears? “Without asking me?”

“It was a spur-of-the-moment thing and they needed volunteers fast or the whole thing was threatening to fall apart.” He shrugged. “They’d already advertised the petting zoo, so they have to supply it. And just think, it might be a chance to get some of your strays adopted out.”

“But I don’t go to church there anymore.” She propped her hands on her hips.

“I know. Caitlyn told me.”

“So did you ever stop to think maybe I’m tied up with my church this weekend? Or with work? Or with life?” Not that she had one, really, but he didn’t need to know that.

“Your church? You still go?”

“Of course I go.” She was a glorified pew warmer, just going through the motions, but she wouldn’t mention that. “There are other churches, you know.”

“I just assumed. Caitlyn said you hadn’t been since...”

Her dad died. Her eyes stung. “I haven’t. Mom and I switched to one in Denton.”

“Did something happen at our church?”

“No.” She sat down on a hay bale. “It was just overwhelming. Everybody was so sympathetic and sad for us. The sympathy almost smothered us. We wanted to go somewhere where nobody knew us. Where nobody knew Dad.” Her voice wobbled. “Where they didn’t feel sorry for us.” Where Ally could pretend she was still leaning on God.

The hay bale gave with his weight as he sat beside her. “They were sad for you because they care.”

“I know.” She swiped at her eyes. “It was just too much.”

He put an arm around her shoulders.

Ally’s pulse thrummed at his nearness. In fact, he could probably hear it. More than anything, she wanted to snuggle close, accept his comfort.

For a breath of a second, she let her head rest against his shoulder. But if she stayed, she might lose her heart. And he’d realize how she felt. But she couldn’t feel that way about him or any other man. Self-sufficient Ally didn’t need anyone. Wouldn’t allow herself to. She pulled away from him and stood.

“I’ll make a few calls, see if I can rustle up animals for the petting zoo.”

“And think about overseeing it? It starts after school lets out Friday and ends at seven. Then ten till three on Saturday.”

“Sorry, those are my work hours.” She scooped the puppy away from Cody, touching him as little as possible. “I need to walk Buttercup. You start dog-sitting while I go.” She grabbed a leash off the wall and strode toward the exit.

“Hey, Ally.”

“Hmm.” She stopped but didn’t turn around.

“Are you mad at me?”

Yes. I’m mad at you for leasing my land. For that stupid kiss and leaving me behind all those years ago. But she couldn’t tell him that. And that wasn’t what he meant anyway.

Her shoulders slumped. “No. But in the future, don’t sign me up for anything without asking me first.”

“I meant about the kiss.”

Chapter Four

Great. Cody held his breath. Maybe she’d think that break in his voice came from the awkward subject.

“What kiss?” Ally kept her back to him.

She didn’t remember? Had it meant so little to her? Could the same kiss that turned Cody’s world upside down be forgettable for her? Oh, how he wished he hadn’t brought it up. Especially since his emotions had betrayed him. But he had and he couldn’t let it drop.

“After your dad—I got carried away with comforting you. I was a kid and you were so close to me. You smelled good and I just wanted to make you feel better.” You smelled good? Just shut up, Warren. Before you say something else stupid and make it even worse.

“It didn’t mean anything.” Her response was little more than a whisper.

“I know.” To her, anyway. His heart crashed on the concrete between his boots. “I just want you to know—you’re safe from me. So if you ever need a shoulder, I’m not a kid anymore. I can do just comfort.”

“Good to know.” She latched the leash on Buttercup’s collar and vaulted out of the barn.

Cody stood and looked skyward. “You’re safe from me?” he muttered and ran a hand through his hair. It sounded dumb, and with everything in him, he wanted to take it back.

But at least maybe things would be easier between them now. He’d help her with her animals and, if she agreed, the carnival so her strays might be adopted. And deep down, so he could spend time with her.

On top of everything else, he’d lied to her. He hadn’t signed her up for the petting zoo. But telling her he had was the only way he could think of to convince her to participate. But, Lord, it’s for Your good. It’ll help the church. And maybe some of Ally’s strays will find a home. So yes, I lied and I’m doing it for the wrong reasons, but You can take my selfish intentions and work them for good.

The Border collie whimpered.

“Hey, guy. What’s your name?” Cody read the plate by the gate. “Oreo.” He unlatched the pen and stepped inside. In the corner, he sat on a chair and the dog reared up on his knees. “A fitting name.”

Ally was the kind of woman who named each stray. The kind of woman he could spend the rest of his life with. But how much life did he have left?

He had to be satisfied with being her friend. Only her friend.

Oreo settled his chin on Cody’s knee. “You wanna come home with me, don’t you, boy?” The dog’s ears perked up. “I think I’ll tell Ally to hold you for me until I get a bit more steady on my feet.”

His phone rang and he dug it out of his pocket. Mitch. “Hello?”

“Those persons of interest we discussed. No record. Upstanding citizens.”

“You’re sure?”

“We’re talking Boy Scouts. Literally. Any more trouble?”

“No.” Cody scratched between the dog’s ears. “Maybe I’m barking up the wrong tree—pun intended.”

“I hope so. You let me know if there are any more incidents.”

“I will. Thanks.” Cody ended the call.

Maybe the other night had been an accident. Kids playing a prank or taking a dare. Doubtful, but maybe. Or maybe it was just a onetime thing. Just in case, he had to stick close to Ally. To make sure she stayed safe.

But how could he keep his heart in check while he protected her?

* * *

Her mom and the volunteers from the youth group traipsed the property with various dogs while Ally walked the Border collie spaniel.

The kiss discussion was a whole day ago, but her heartbeat hadn’t gotten back to normal yet.

She smelled good. Cody thought she smelled good. Back in high school, anyway.

Now she smelled like...horse sweat, manure and worse.

But twelve years ago, had Cody been attracted to her?

No, she’d just been sad and he’d wanted to make her feel better. She knew it then and she knew it now. Why couldn’t her heart catch on?

If he’d felt anything for her, he wouldn’t have left for the rodeo, wouldn’t have stayed gone so long.

And besides, she did not need a man in her life. Not Cody. Or anyone else. She had to stop thinking about him and concentrate on finding homes for her strays.

Gravel crunched in her drive.

Past her regular hours, clients with emergencies tended to make frantic calls first, and her usual volunteers had already arrived and were walking dogs.

“Let’s go see who it is, Oreo.” She turned the dog back toward the clinic.

As she rounded the building Cody headed toward the barn.

With a woman.

Her heart stammered. His girlfriend? Fiancée?

She couldn’t do this. Meet the woman in Cody’s life. Not with her hair more out of her braid than in. Not with manure on her boots. She turned away and tried to hurry Oreo out of their sight.

“Ally, there you are,” Cody called.

Ally’s shoulders fell. Out of all the horse ranches in Aubrey, why had the one next to her stayed vacant until Cody Warren decided to play ranch?

“Ally, over here.”

Straightening her shoulders, she pasted a smile on her face and turned around.

“Hey.” Feet forward, one step at a time.

Way too fast, the gap between them closed. The woman looked familiar.

“This is my dog.” Cody bent to scratch Oreo. “Or he will be when I get a bit more recovered.”

For you or for your girlfriend?

“We bonded last night, didn’t we, boy? I’d take him now if it wasn’t for my knee, but Ally’s holding him for me.” Cody looked up at her. “You remember my sister, Tara?”

His sister. Ally looked past the blond hair, recognized the familiar green eyes and smile. “Of course.” A fit of relieved laughter clogged in her throat. Did she sound as giddy as she felt?

“It’s great to see you.” Tara hugged her.

“You, too. I didn’t recognize you at first.”

“Well, what can I say?” Tara patted her locks. “I’m a hairdresser. When I get bored, I change my color. So, where is she?” Tara rubbed her hands together much the same way Cody did when anticipating food.

“She who?”

“Remember?” Cody winked at her. “I told you to hold Buttercup until I could check with Tara?”

The wink rattled her already-shaky heart. “Oh. Of course. You’d like to see her.”

“Actually, I want to take her home.”

“Without meeting her first? She’s not full-blood.”

“I know and I was reluctant at first, but not because of her breeding.” Tara’s eyes misted and she pressed a hand to her chest. “I’ve still got footprints on my heart from Ginger and I initially said no. But Cody told me how sweet Buttercup is and showed me a picture. I couldn’t resist, so here I am.”

“That’s wonderful.” Ally transferred Oreo’s leash from one hand to the other as the dog grew restless. “I know you’ll provide a good home for her. But there are a few things to consider before you see her. Didn’t you get married?”

“Yes. We live in Dallas.”

“Does your husband like dogs?”

“Oh, yes. Jared is a major animal lover.” Tara’s smile turned dreamy. “I wouldn’t have married him if he wasn’t.”

“What about children?”

“Not yet, but definitely planned in the future.”

“Chihuahuas aren’t the best breed with small children.” Oreo persisted in wrapping his leash around Ally’s legs. “They can be protective of their people and aggressive, so they’ve been known to nip toddlers for simply climbing into Mommy’s lap.”

“I didn’t realize.” Tara’s eyes widened.

“But she’s not all Chihuahua. So it may not be an issue and if it is, if properly trained or kept separate until the child is older, there shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Oh, good.”

“Now, what about where you live?” Ally stepped out of the corkscrew Oreo had created. “Apartment? House? Do you have a yard?”

“We’re in a subdivision, a house with a fenced-in yard.” Tara knelt to scratch behind Oreo’s ears. “We kept Ginger in the mudroom with a doggy door while we were gone. Whoever got home first romped with her in the backyard and sometimes we’d take her for a walk in the evening. When we were home, she had the run of the house.”

Ally offered her hand. “You pass. Buttercup is yours if you want her.”

“I do. Let’s go get her.” Tara stood and rubbed her hands together again.

“Let me walk him back.” Cody took Oreo’s leash, his hand grazing Ally’s. Electricity shot all the way to her toes.

While it took food to excite Cody, and Buttercup got Tara animated, it seemed Cody was Ally’s source of excitement. His nearness propelled her right over the edge of her sanity.

Which was why she’d held off on agreeing to volunteer for the carnival. Spending a day and a half with him certainly wouldn’t help her keep her right mind. But time at the church with her other two dozen or so four-legged friends who still needed forever homes would be good advertisement.

More than anything, she wanted to help the abandoned pets in her care. But could she survive working side by side with Cody?

* * *

It had taken Tara forever to finalize her purchases—a crate, a leash, a chew toy, along with tick-and-flea preventative—before she’d taken Buttercup and been on her way.

Cody loved his sister, but he was dying to spend time with Ally alone.

“So, you’re holding Oreo for me, right?”

“I told you I would.” Ally pointed to the boarding side of the kennels. “See, I moved him over to the boarder side last night. He belongs to someone.”

“Do I need to pay you for boarding him?”

“No. He’s fine until you can take him home.”

“I wish I could right now.” Cody sat on a hay bale and scratched the dog’s head. “Let me at least provide his food.”

“I’m just glad he has a home. Whenever you’re well enough, he’s yours.”

“You hear that, buddy?” The pup’s ears perked up at the enthusiasm in Cody’s voice. He already loved the dog.

“And now that you’re in the longhorn business, Oreo is great with cattle.”

“So you know his history?”

“His former owner brought him here because Oreo insisted on herding her horses.”

“His former owner? Not his person?”

“She obviously was never Oreo’s person.” Ally harrumphed. “I guess I should be glad she brought him here instead of dumping him. Thanks for finding Buttercup a home.”

“I thought you weren’t going to let Tara have her for a minute there.”

“I was just being cautious.” Ally raked hay out of a kennel and replaced it with a fresh batch. “I know Tara would never dump a dog, but a lot of the reason there are so many strays is because people aren’t prepared to have a pet. Some breeds have more issues than others, so I make sure my potential adoptive families understand what they’re getting into.”

“I’m glad she passed. She’d already fallen in love with Buttercup.”

“Actually, Tara got the brief version since she’s owned a Chihuahua before. If she hadn’t, I’d have gone into the chewing-on-the-couch issues.” The barking around them reached a crescendo as the last of the volunteers exited. “If the potential adoptive family has thought through all aspects of having a pet, there’s more of a chance that both the pet and their person will be happy.”

“So why didn’t you grill me about Oreo before you agreed to let me be his person?”

“Because I know you. I remember how much you loved Duke. How patient you were with him. Even as a kid. And I know you’ll love Oreo and take care of him.”

Memories of his first dog warmed Cody’s insides. That Ally remembered did funny things in his chest.

“You’ll take care of him no matter where you end up.”

No matter where he ended up? Apparently he hadn’t convinced her he was settling in Aubrey yet. Even though his longhorns arrived yesterday and she was vaccinating them tomorrow. Maybe he should’ve had a little faith and bought the ranch instead of leasing it.

The phone rang and she hurried past the kennels to the desk. “Ally’s Vet Clinic and Adopt-a-Pet. May I help you?”

Cody scratched Oreo’s ears and cooed at him. How did animals reduce full-grown men to baby talk? Probably the same way babies did. Michaela, his niece courtesy of Mitch and Caitlyn, had him making silly faces and doing whatever it took just to get a grin out of her these days.

And made him think about having his own kids someday. If he lived long enough for it.

Ally let out a little whoop, whirled around and came running toward him.

“What?” He stood.

“You’re so awesome!” She hugged him.

His arms slid around her waist, sending his pulse into orbit. “I’ve been trying to convince everyone of that for years.”

“That was a friend of Tara’s. She said you told her all about my shelter. She’s coming tomorrow to get three cats and a dog, maybe even two dogs, for her kids.”

“That’s wonderful.” But not nearly as wonderful as holding her.

She pressed her cheek against his chest, probably hearing his erratic heartbeat. Way too soon, she pushed away from him and their gazes locked. Her face neared his as she rose on tiptoe.

Was she going to kiss him? He closed his eyes in anticipation but her lips brushed his cheek. And then she was gone.

By the time he found enough courage to open his eyes, she was grabbing a leash off the wall.

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