She won the job...

Can he win her heart?

Hiring Amanda “AJ” McAlester as his assistant at the Big Heart Ranch isn’t foreman Travis Maxwell’s first choice—but his sisters insist she’s perfect for the job. And AJ’s determined to prove she’s just as qualified as any man. But with money on the line, AJ and her innovative ideas could put him at risk of losing everything...including his heart.

TINA RADCLIFFE has been dreaming and scribbling for years. Originally from Western New York, she left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her past careers include certified oncology RN and library cataloger. She recently moved from Denver, Colorado, to the Phoenix, Arizona, area, where she writes heartwarming and fun inspirational romance.

Also By Tina Radcliffe

Big Heart Ranch

Claiming Her Cowboy

Falling for the Cowgirl

The Rancher’s Reunion

Oklahoma Reunion

Mending the Doctor’s Heart

Stranded with the Rancher

Safe in the Fireman’s Arms

Rocky Mountain Reunion

Rocky Mountain Cowboy

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

Falling for the Cowgirl

Tina Radcliffe

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-08436-9

FALLING FOR THE COWGIRL

© 2018 Tina M. Radcliffe

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

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“Putting out fires is getting mighty old.”

“Let me put out the fires.” The words rushed from AJ’s lips before she could stop them.

“Sounds like you think you can do that.”

“Yes, sir. I can.”

Travis narrowed his eyes.

“I mean, Travis.”

He paused as if considering her words. “All right, then, let’s go find Rusty.” His eyes met hers and he smiled.

One smile and her pulse started a gallop that she fought to control.

When Travis nudged Midnight into a canter and took off toward the stables, she sat in the saddle for a moment staring at his retreating form.

For the first time, someone was giving her a chance to prove she could do the job. And it didn’t hurt that he was smiling at the time.

AJ urged Ace forward, her spirit soaring as the wind whipped past. Travis Maxwell held her future in his hands. She’d have to be very careful he didn’t hold her heart, as well.

Dear Reader,

Welcome back to Big Heart Ranch. Big Heart Ranch is located in the fictional town of Timber, Oklahoma, located near the real city of Pawhuska, Oklahoma.

In this second book you’ll meet even more of the staff and children of this ranch for orphaned, abused and neglected children, where love and the Lord reign. The ranch is owned and operated by the orphaned Maxwell siblings, Lucy, Travis and Emma.

Travis Maxwell and AJ—Amanda—Rowe have both faced devastating disappointment and heartbreak. It takes a leap of faith for these two characters to trust the path God has set before them. But stepping out in faith and partnering with each other is the only way they can achieve the fullness of what He has prepared for them.

It’s much the same for us. Faith is a walk in the dark. The first step is always the hardest.

I hope you’ll come back for more stories from Big Heart Ranch. Do drop me a note and let me know if you enjoyed this book. I can be reached through my website: www.tinaradcliffe.com.

Sincerely,

Tina Radcliffe

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

—Proverbs 3:5–6

Acknowledgments

This book came to life as the result of the prayers of the Sisters Writing Groups. Many thanks, ladies.

As with the first book in the Big Heart Ranch series, this book is dedicated to the staff and children of Big Oak Ranch. Big Oak Ranch is a Christian home, located in Alabama, for children needing a chance.

I’d like to thank Reba with the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce for taking the time to patiently answer my email and mail me information on Pawhuska.

A shout-out goes to my newsletter subscriber Jo-Ann Toth, who named Travis Maxwell’s mustang stallion, Midnight. Wonder Woman thanks goes to Rogenna Brewer (she knows what she did). Additionally, I would have starved during deadline if not for my very own hero, Tom, who gets a trophy buckle for outdoor grilling. The judges all give him an eight-point-five.

Thank you to my agent, Jessica Alvarez, for her wisdom and guidance. Thank you, as well, to my editor, Giselle Regus, who helps me grow as a writer, even when I’m certain I can’t dig any deeper.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

Dear Reader

Bible Verse

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

Extract

About the Publisher

Chapter One

“I like Zeb Turner for the assistant ranch foreman position.” Travis Maxwell looked across the conference table at his sisters, Lucy and Emma, hoping for confirmation, and then shoved another cinnamon roll into his mouth.

“Hey, you ate the last one,” Emma said, grabbing the tin for the crumbs.

“I’m a growing boy.” Travis patted his flat abdomen. He glanced at his older sister, who continued to scribble notes on a pad. “What do you say, Lucy?”

“Turner isn’t even in my top three,” she returned.

“What are you talking about? He passed the background check and the fingerprint check, and his résumé is top-notch,” Travis said.

“That’s true for all of the final candidates, Travis,” Lucy stated.

“The point is that Zeb and I go way back. I can work with this guy and get the program off the ground and file for that grant. We’d meet the ninety-day deadline for that state funding faster than a bronc out of the chute.”

Emma groaned. “Spare us the hyperbole, please.”

“I’m telling you, my gut feeling is no to Zeb,” Lucy said. “Now stop annoying me. I’m not feeling well.”

“Lucy, are you all right?” Emma asked.

“Something I ate, I imagine.”

“Excuse me, but with all due respect, Madam Ranch Director, I’m pretty sure the Fair Hiring Practices and Job Discrimination laws do not include your gut in the guidelines.”

“Perhaps they should,” Lucy shot back. “I asked you not to hire Rusty Parnell, remember?”

“I’ve written Rusty up and he is aware he’s one boot away from being let go.”

“Travis,” Lucy said, “you and Rusty have known each other since high school and he’s taking advantage of your friendship. Please, let’s not make the same mistake by hiring Turner.”

Emma clapped her hands to end the discussion. “Pardon me, but we have another candidate to interview before we proceed to decision making.”

“Leave it to the Big Heart Ranch children’s director to be the voice of reason,” Lucy said.

“AJ Rowe.” Travis glanced at his watch. “It’s bad enough Mr. Rowe went to the University of Oklahoma. He’s also late.”

“Now, Travis. Not everyone can be an OSU Cowboy,” Lucy said with a laugh. “Let’s not let our college rivalries blind us to a potential employee.”

Heads turned when Lucy’s assistant, Iris, stepped into the doorway. “Ms. Rowe is here.”

Ms. Rowe? Travis mouthed the words to his sisters as he scrambled to search the candidate’s résumé for a hint as to how he’d missed that particular bit of information.

He looked up in time to see AJ Rowe enter the room.

In a gray business suit with black heels, the woman looked every inch the professional. AJ Rowe had twisted her honey-blond hair into some sort of knot at the back of her head. She carried a black leather briefcase in her hand as she entered the conference room.

Travis did a double take. With those big blue eyes and that golden skin, the woman bore more than a passing resemblance to Travis’s former fiancée. A woman who’d left him face down in the dust and had walked over him with her boots on.

His heart continued a crazy gallop as he carefully picked his jaw up, hoping no one had heard it slam into the ground.

Nope. This was not going to work. He was looking for a combination rancher and bouncer. Someone to keep everyone in line, so he could get something done on occasion. The last thing he needed was a beautiful woman distracting him and his ranch hands.

“Ms. Rowe. We’re delighted to meet you,” Lucy said. His sister continued the introductions.

When Lucy came to him, Travis offered AJ a handshake, though he declined to meet her gaze, and he also declined to notice how soft her hand was.

“The Travis Maxwell?” the woman murmured with dawning recognition in her voice.

His head jerked up at the questioning tone and he connected with clear blue eyes.

“Have you two met?” Lucy asked.

“No. I recognize Mr. Maxwell from the cover of Tulsa Now magazine.”

Travis bit back a groan. He’d been labeled Bachelor of the Year.

Lucy’s idea, and he’d been paying for that particular bright idea in spades ever since the story ran last month. Women were still sending him emails, letters and had even showed up in person to let him know they would be happy to help him change his bachelor status to something long-term. The irony being that he had zero interest in relationships let alone matrimony. No. Been there and almost done that.

“Publicity for the ranch,” Travis mumbled. He shot Lucy a death stare.

“He’s only a part-time cover model,” Emma said with a chuckle. “The rest of the time he’s the ranch foreman.”

Travis shook his head. Laughingstock of the ranch was more like it.

Once they were all seated, Lucy began a round of the same questions she’d asked the last five applicants.

Travis fiddled with his pen, glancing outside at the redbud trees waving in the breeze of an Oklahoma spring. The deep purple buds were open in an explosion of rosy-pink blooms.

He ducked his head to sneak a sideways glance at the candidate.

AJ Rowe gestured a hand. “I’ve been working ranches since I could sit in a saddle.” Her voice held a trace of sadness. “My father was the foreman for two of the biggest ranches in Oklahoma in his time and I worked by his side growing up.”

“You’ve got an impressive and lengthy work history,” Lucy commented. “I can’t help but notice that you’ve transitioned employers several times over the years.”

“That’s a nice way to address job-hopping.” AJ smiled tightly. “The reality is that most ranches hire in favor of male candidates. Code of the West.” She shrugged. “If I am hired, it’s short-term until they’re able to replace me with a man.”

Though Travis turned his head back to the window, the finger of guilt continued to poke at his conscience.

Awkwardness settled in the conference room. Finally, Lucy shifted the paperwork in front of her and looked to Emma for assistance.

“Tell us about your equestrian experience,” Emma prompted.

“I’ve done quite a bit of professional barrel racing.”

Travis glanced at the paperwork. “You didn’t mention that in your résumé.”

“An omission,” she murmured.

Omission? Barrel racing was a female-dominated sport. Travis had no doubt that she’d left it off her résumé for that reason. That, along with the gender-neutral name AJ, would ensure she got an interview at very least.

So why did that annoy him so much? Because he didn’t believe for a heartbeat that he had a bias and he didn’t like being treated as though he did.

Another gap in conversation had Emma once again breaching the silence.

“I used to barrel race, too,” his sister gushed. “Of course, I was never a professional, but I did compete locally. Are you still competing?”

“Mostly I train. I enjoy working with young girls and teaching them to appreciate the sport. Healthy competition builds self-esteem, and the fact that they’re focused on something other than boys is even better.”

Both Lucy and Emma smiled. Mention children and his sisters were on board. After all, Big Heart Ranch existed solely for the children.

“That’s wonderful,” Lucy said, confirming his thoughts. “Interaction with our kids is a large part of the job. The children of Big Heart Ranch have backgrounds of abuse, abandonment and neglect, and they are, of course, our number one priority.”

AJ offered a sympathetic nod.

“I’m sure Travis has some questions for you,” Lucy said as the toe of her boot made contact with his shin under the table.

He offered a weak smile. “What are your thoughts on cattle management, Ms. Rowe?”

“Bison.” Her full lips curved into an excited smile. “Have you considered bison?”

Travis frowned and blinked with stunned surprise. “Bison? Ah, no. Cattle is the best choice for Big Heart Ranch,” he said firmly.

“And yet bison have many advantages, including efficient feed utilization, low-fat and high-protein meat with an ever-increasing consumer demand. Lower vet bills. They’re hardy and disease-resistant and calve without assistance.”

Why was the woman still smiling?

“You’ve read the recent studies on grazing?” she continued.

“I have.” He met her gaze head-on.

“Wonderful. Perhaps we could discuss other sustainability ideas I have. I mean, at your convenience.”

“I, uh... Yeah. Sure.” He faltered and turned to his sisters. “Was there anything else?”

Lucy closed the folder in front of her and stood. “I believe that covers everything. We’re done here and, needless to say, we’re very impressed.”

AJ stood, as well. “Thank you, Ms. Maxwell.”

“Call me Lucy.”

The moment his sister clasped AJ’s hand with both of hers, Travis knew he was in trouble.

“We’re family at Big Heart Ranch,” Emma chimed in as she, too, stood.

Travis grimaced and slowly got to his feet. He offered a nod of acknowledgment without meeting AJ’s gaze.

“We’ll be in touch by the end of the week,” Lucy said.

Travis shoved his hands in his pockets and paced across the conference room as the tap-tap-tap of heels on the vinyl floor echoed down the hall, followed by the whoosh of the big glass doors as they closed behind AJ Rowe.

“I like her,” Emma said. “She’ll fit right in. The woman has great ideas, too. We could use a little shake-up around here.”

“Lucy marrying Jack Harris last year wasn’t enough of a shake-up for you?” Travis asked.

“Look where that got us.” Emma wrapped an arm around Lucy’s shoulders. “Jack has provided the impetus for the new retreat center and both Lucy and I have our very own personal assistants.”

Lucy narrowed her eyes at Travis. “I can’t see any downside to hiring AJ.”

“Maybe we should vote,” Emma suggested.

“No voting required,” Travis said. “I’m the guy who has to work with the candidate we hire. I get to make the decision.”

“Clearly you have forgotten that all three of us own Big Heart Ranch,” Lucy said.

“She omitted information from her résumé,” Travis said.

“Information that would have only made her an even more impressive candidate for the job,” Lucy returned.

“Come on, Travis,” Emma said. “She omitted the information to offset bias. I get that.”

“I don’t need an assistant who can’t do the job.”

“You don’t know she can’t do the job,” Lucy said. “Even you have to admit that her résumé is better than Zeb Turner’s.”

Emma nodded. “The woman can ride. She was raised on ranches and has the education, plus the experience, for the position.”

“But can she handle the ranch hands?” he asked.

“I think AJ Rowe can probably do anything she sets her mind to,” Emma murmured.

Travis stared his youngest sister down. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Lucy sat back down and moved the folders on the table into a neat stack. “It means we want to hire AJ.”

“I don’t think you two understand what’s on the line here. I’ve got a little less than ninety days to launch the cattle management program and submit evidence of a successfully implemented plan to the Oklahoma Ranchers and Farmers Grant Program. I can’t afford to hire the wrong person.”

“Travis, that grant is offered every year. There’s no pressing deadline. Sure, we’d like to launch the program, but everything is God’s timing.”

“Are you kidding? I’m not going to let it go now. You don’t understand how much this project means to me.”

“Oh, we understand.” Lucy’s gaze moved from Emma and then back to him.

“This isn’t like you, Trav,” Emma said. “Are you sure this is just about the grant? Or do you have another issue?”

“I don’t have any issues.”

“Terrific,” Lucy said with a nod. “Then it’s settled. You know, I think AJ Rowe is going to be a game changer around here.”

Yeah, that’s exactly what he was worried about. He liked things the way they were. He’d moved past the uncertainty of his childhood and the shattered promise of what he thought was forever love, to life at Big Heart Ranch. With the upcoming launch of the cattle program, proving himself to his sisters and everyone at the ranch was well within his reach.

The last thing he needed was a game changer who wanted to put bison on his cattle ranch.

Travis shrugged and raised his palms in surrender. “Fine. We hire her. But let the record state that Travis Maxwell, ranch foreman, is conceding under duress.” He slapped his Stetson on his head, turned on his boot heel and headed back to his steers.

A man could trust cattle.

* * *

Coffee. The aroma of good, strong coffee permeated the bunkhouse. AJ kicked the front door shut with the toe of her boot and dropped her saddle and duffel bag on the first empty twin-size bunk.

She glanced around. Giddy anticipation sparred with a still small voice issuing a warning not to get her hopes up.

There was a total of four beds. Two bunks were empty, wearing only blue-tick mattresses. The third bed was neatly made with crisp, military-looking hospital corners. A thick quilt had been folded on the end of the bed. Diamond Patch. That was the name of the pattern of rich pinks and corals. She recognized it from the many her mother used to hand stitch. An open Bible lay on top of the quilt.

The bureau next to the bed held an assortment of the owner’s personal items and a braided rug covered the nearby floor.

Home sweet home. Except it wasn’t. Not for AJ. And she needed to remember that. Home was long gone and there was nothing left for her in Timber, Oklahoma, since her mother died. Big Heart Ranch was simply another job, another city.

When her temporary wrangler position outside Bartlesville had ended, she’d packed up her few belongings, gotten in her pickup and started driving. However her Chevy’d had a mind of its own and, just like her rodeo days, the truck had found its way back to Timber.

AJ opened her duffel and pulled out her own well-worn leather Bible and a photo of her mother, in a plain silver frame. She gently rubbed a bit of dust off the glass with her thumb and placed the photo on the oak bureau next to the bed. She’d left the rest of her personal things boxed up and sitting in the passenger seat of the truck, along with her interview suit.

No need to bring everything in because, if Travis Maxwell had his way, she’d be gone tomorrow. The man’s expressive face during her interview had told her plenty. Travis was no different from any other ranch foreman she’d encountered, except the man was younger and easier on the eyes.

The mirror above the bureau captured her reflection and she stared for a moment. Her face was devoid of makeup, her skin covered only with a layer of sunscreen. She’d do whatever was necessary to fade into the background so Travis Maxwell would see her as a capable employee and not judge her based on her appearance. Gathering her hair into a severe low ponytail, she fastened a tortoiseshell clip at her nape.

With another quick look around the room, AJ tucked her denim shirt into her Wranglers, picked up her saddle and hat, and pushed open the back door of the bunkhouse.

A middle-aged woman with gray curls sat on the small porch outside with a cup of coffee in her hand. When AJ’s boot hit the ground, she looked up and offered a warm smile. “You must be the new assistant foreman.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m AJ.”

The woman glanced at her watch. “You’re early. That’s a novelty Travis will appreciate.”

Confused, AJ opened her mouth and then closed it again. Apparently a response was not required. The woman kept talking.

“I’m your roommate. Rue Butterfield.”

“You’re a ranch hand?”

“I’m a physician and a retired army general. I handle the health clinic on the ranch and medical issues with the children. Immunizations and such.”

“Big Heart Ranch has a full-time staff physician living here?” AJ asked.

“Not exactly. I’m actually a volunteer and I have my own place in town.” Rue shrugged. “Often it’s easier to stay in the bunkhouse. Like last night. I was monitoring an asthmatic child over at the girls’ ranch.”

“I see.”

“Don’t worry, I’m tidy and mind my own business.” Rue winked. “Heavy emphasis on mind my own business.”

AJ couldn’t help but return the smile. “Good to know.”

“Delighted to have another woman around.”

“Thanks. Um, is this a permanent women’s bunkhouse?”

“Sure is. Why, Lucy Maxwell used to stay here all the time when things got busy. That is before she married Jack Harris and adopted triplets.”

“Triplets!” AJ blinked, attempting to wrap her head around the information.

Rue nodded. “Emma and her twins have been known to spend the night when the roads are icy between here and town.”

“And I suppose you’re going to tell me Travis has a dozen kids, too.”

Rue laughed. “Not hardly. Although our Travis does loves children, he’s highly allergic to relationships.”

AJ didn’t know what to say to that. She glanced at the road that led to the bunkhouse. “Can you point me to the stables?”

“You haven’t had the official orientation? Met with human resources and all?”

“That’s scheduled for Monday. Travis wanted me to start immediately.”

“That’s our Travis. Workaholic and then some. Even on a Saturday.”

“Not a problem. I like to stay busy. Especially on a Saturday.”

“You two will get along nicely then,” the older woman said.

Thoughts whirled at the irony of the comment but AJ held her tongue.

“Where did you park?” Rue asked.

“In front.”

Rue pointed to the black utility vehicle that was parked on the gravel. “Take the Ute. Keys are in the ignition. The main equestrian center is a quarter mile down the road, on the right. We have a smaller stable on the girls’ ranch.”

“Are you sure you want me to take the vehicle?”

“You’re staff now, and the Ute is easier to manage on some of the dirt and gravel roads on the ranch.”

“Thank you.” She looked at Rue. “I have to admit, I’m not used to such hospitality.”

“No? Well, you’re going to find that things are different at Big Heart,” Rue returned. “Love and the good Lord reign here. You’ll see.”

AJ couldn’t help but ponder Rue Butterfield’s words as she drove the Ute around the bend in the road. Was Big Heart Ranch different? The looming question was would things be different for her?

Ahead, a road sign indicated the equestrian center was to the right. She pulled the Ute into the gravel parking area and tucked the keys in her pocket.

In a small corral outside the stable doors, a group of young boys ranging from six to sixteen were being instructed by a young cowboy wearing a long-sleeved black T-shirt with the words Big Heart Ranch Staff on the back. Each youth took turns mounting a sorrel mare in the middle of the corral.

AJ tossed her saddle on the top rung of the roughly hewn fence and stood to watch for a moment. The scene lifted her spirits and brought a smile to her lips. She well remembered her first official riding lessons though it was the unofficial lessons with her father that were the most heart-tugging. Those were special times that she’d never forget.

“You found us.”

Travis Maxwell. She turned around. He wore creased black jeans and a plaid Western shirt. The Stetson on his head matched his black hair. As usual, there was a no-nonsense expression on his beard-shadowed face.

“Yes, sir,” she said, avoiding direct eye contact.

“Sir?” Travis shook his head. “Ouch.”

“Mr. Maxwell?”

“Travis is fine.” He looked around. “Got your saddle, I see. Are you boarding a horse with us?”

“No.”

“No?”

What would be the point of hauling Gus all the way here? She had zero expectation that this job would last long enough to get her horse settled in. So as much as it pained her, she’d left Gus with her stepfather where daily boarding fees continued to accrue.

Thankfully, Travis didn’t probe further and started walking in the direction of the stable entrance.

She followed, with her saddle slung over her shoulder.

“Let’s see what’s available,” he said. “Most of the animals are on the schedule for lessons. Our equestrian manager, Tripp Walker, will assign you a ranch horse later today.”

“Thank you.”

He picked up a clipboard from outside the building and flipped through the papers. “Looks like Ace is all yours this morning.”

“Ace?”

“She’s a fine animal.” Their boots echoed on the plank floors as they headed in. Despite the hour, the center was already busy. Horses whinnied and their hooves clomped on the stable floor as they were led outside. The soft crooning voices of riders grooming animals provided a white noise around them.

AJ peeked in past the gates of each stall, savoring the scent of animal and straw, pleased at the cleanliness of the premises. She inhaled deeply. Happiness did indeed have an aroma. This was it. The hay, the horses, the leather.

Travis stopped halfway down the center aisle. A chalkboard on the outside of the stall indicated this was Ace, a palomino mare with low white stockings on her forelegs. The animal’s dark velvet eyes assessed AJ with interest.

“Good morning, Ace,” she murmured.

The names Joey and Tim were also written on Ace’s chalkboard.

“What does this mean?” she asked, pointing to the names.

“All the kids have chores. Joey and Tim are Ace’s team. They do everything. Feed, groom, stall mucking and turnout. We pair up a younger child with an older one.”

He pointed to an office, whose door was shut, lights off. The sign on the door read Tripp Walker, Manager.

“Tripp’s the top of the food chain for anything to do with the horses. I’ll introduce you when he gets in. He was on call last night.”

“On call?”

“Yeah, and now that you’re here, you can be in the rotation. We take turns being the point of contact for livestock problems after hours and weekends.” Travis nodded to the right. “Here we go. Tack room.”

Once they’d tacked up their horses, AJ followed Travis back outside and into the April sunshine. His black Mustang stallion nickered and playfully bumped his muzzle into Travis’s shoulder.

“Midnight is spoiled rotten,” he murmured. Pulling a carrot from his pocket Travis fed the treat to the stallion.

AJ bit back a smile. So her boss had a soft spot, after all. She found that oddly comforting. Maybe he wasn’t all black and white.

“Let’s ride the fence line. After today the schedule is all yours. You’ll be assigning the chores, including the fences.”

“Mind if I ask how many ranch hands there are?”

“Rusty Parnell and Dutch Stevens are my only full-time wranglers. Dutch claims to be about one hundred years old and keeps reminding me he’s retiring in a year. He’s been reminding me since I hired him five years ago.”

“And Parnell?”

“Rusty is a piece of work, which is why I’m praying Dutch doesn’t really retire.”

“Two?” Her jaw sagged. “That’s all?”

“There are also a couple of college students, Big Heart Ranch graduates. They live in one of the two men’s bunkhouses and work part-time for their room and board.”

“That’s not a lot of help for a spread this size.”

“Tell me about it. Hiring will be a priority real soon. Once we get the cattle program fully launched, we’ll have our own student wranglers on board.”

“What do you mean ‘student wranglers’?”

“We’re raising sixty or so children in family environments on Big Heart. The ranch is their home, which means they get the awesome privilege of contributing to managing the place. Helps them understand the value of a strong work ethic.”

“Girls will be assigned, too?”

“Yeah.” Travis paused, his eyes steely. “Girls, too.”

Gaze unwavering, AJ refused to back down. After all, he was the one who had a problem with females, not her.

Silence stretched for a moment before Travis nodded toward the administration buildings in the distance. “Stop by HR on Monday. They’ve got a phone contact list and maps and all sorts of boring paperwork and classes for you that explain how everything works around here.”

“Will do.”

AJ’s glance swept the buildings around the stables. “Where are the men’s bunkhouses?”

He raised a gloved hand and pointed. “Behind the equestrian center. My office is in that barn. It holds tools and equipment, as well.”

“How do I reach you? I mean, if I need to?”

Travis moved the stallion’s reins to his left hand, reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. He handed her a business card.

When their fingers touched, AJ stepped back, startled at the connection. The card fluttered to the dusty red dirt. She bent to retrieve the card at the same time as Travis. It was only his hand on her arm that prevented a full collision.

“Whoa,” he murmured.

“I...” Tongue-tied and overwhelmed with awareness, AJ froze. Travis’s dark eyes were round with intense scrutiny. She didn’t look away.

A woman working in a man’s world knew how to shut the door to a man’s assessing glance. Why did she find herself hesitant to close the door on this particular man? Heat warmed her face as she chastised herself.

“I’ve got this,” Travis said.

Her heart continued to trip wildly as she took the card he handed her, using care to avoid contact this time.

“Ready?” he asked.

AJ slid her boot into the stirrup and heaved up into the saddle. She followed Travis and Midnight through the stable yard and onto a well-worn path.

A cool spring breeze stirred the air, bringing with it the scent of Oklahoma red clay, grass and a familiar fragrance.

“Lilacs,” she murmured.

“Yeah, Lucy and Emma planted dozens of them.” He stopped Midnight and gestured to the left. “Over there by the pond.”

“Why so many?”

“Our mother loved lilacs.”

“You lost your mother? I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“We lost both of our parents. The three of us ended up in foster care. Lucy was ten, I was eight and Emma was five. That’s the reason we started the ranch.”

“I wasn’t aware.”

“They’ll give you a history lesson on Monday.” He urged Midnight ahead as if to indicate the topic was closed.

AJ did her best to keep up with Travis’s more spirited animal. “The ranch is about five hundred acres?” she asked as she caught up.

He nodded. “Yeah, most of that is grazing land.”

“How many head?”

“Fifteen. The goal is to triple that. We’re looking to be self-sustaining and hopefully take some product to market after they feed for a year. Grass-fed cattle are in demand right now.”

“Do you live on the ranch?” she asked.

“That depends on what’s going on. Nothing worse than getting home and having to turn around and come back to put out fires.” He looked at her and pushed his Stetson to the back of his head. “That’s where you come in.”

“I’m here to make your life easier,” she said.

“So they tell me.” Travis’s phone rang and he pulled it out. “Maxwell.” He released a sound of frustration as he listened and then slipped the cell into his shirt pocket. “I’ve got a missing ranch hand.”

“Missing?”

“Normally, this is Rusty’s day off, but he volunteered to lead an early morning trail ride. He’s a no-show.” With a disgusted shake of his head, Travis turned his horse around. “Putting out fires is getting mighty old.”

“Let me put out the fires.” The words rushed from her lips before she could stop them.

“Sounds like you think you can do that.”

“Yes, sir. I can.”

He narrowed his eyes.

“I mean, Travis.”

He paused as if considering her words. “All right, then, let’s go find Rusty.” His eyes met hers and he smiled.

One smile and her pulse started a gallop that she fought to control.

When Travis nudged Midnight into a canter and took off toward the stables, she sat in the saddle for a moment, staring at his retreating form.

For the first time someone was giving her a chance to prove she could do the job. And it didn’t hurt that he was smiling at the time.

AJ urged Ace forward, her spirit soaring as the wind whipped past. Travis Maxwell held her future in his hands. She’d have to be very careful he didn’t hold her heart, as well.

Chapter Two

Travis slammed through the bunkhouse and stood at the foot of Rusty’s bed. He jerked back slightly at the pungent odor that rose up to greet him. The place smelled like dirty socks and leftover pizza.

The linens had been pulled and sat in a pile on the floor. There was nothing to indicate whether or not Rusty had slept there last night or why he hadn’t bothered to show up for work today.

Dutch was gone for the weekend, so he’d get no help there. He pulled out his cell and once again punch-dialed Rusty’s number, with no results.

“Way to make me look good in front of my new assistant foreman, pal,” Travis muttered. He pushed through the back door and got back in the Ute.

“Do I smell funny?” he asked AJ.

“Excuse me?”

“That place looked and smelled worse than a locker room. Just want to make sure it didn’t follow me.”

She leaned close and gave a wary sniff. When she did, the scent of chocolate tickled his nose.

“You smell like chocolate.”

AJ’s eyes widened and she scooted away from him. “I thought this was about you,” she said.

“It is. That was just an observation.”

“You’re fine,” AJ murmured.

“Good.” He shoved the keys in the ignition, annoyed that his mouth had taken off before his good sense realized what he was doing.

“Cocoa butter,” AJ murmured.

Travis’s ears perked as he tried to catch her words. “What?”

“It’s cocoa butter. You know. Cream.” Though she turned away, he glimpsed the pink of embarrassment that touched her face.

“Ah, yeah. Right.” Travis put the Ute in gear while silently blaming Rusty for everything and anything, including the awkward exchange with his assistant foreman.

“I take it he wasn’t there?” AJ asked.

“No. Maybe we passed him. Let’s double back around and check the stables.”

Travis did a visual sweep of the stalls as AJ followed. A light was on in the office of the equestrian center manager. Though Travis rapped his knuckles on the glass, Tripp was not fazed. He took his good old time lifting his gaze from the laptop in front of him to acknowledge Travis’s presence before waving him into the office.

“Hey, Tripp, do you—”

“Nope.” Tripp returned his attention back on the screen.

“What do you mean ‘nope’? You don’t even know what the question is.”

“Rusty.”

Travis shook his head. “No pick-up from his cell. I’ve checked every hidey-hole on this ranch. If he’s not dead or near dead, he’s going to wish he was.”

Tripp shook his head. “You shouldn’t have hired him.”

“Talking to Lucy, huh?”

“Saw that one coming all by myself.”

“Great. By the way, this is the new assistant foreman.” He nodded in AJ’s direction. “AJ Rowe, meet Tripp Walker.”

Tripp slowly unfolded his lanky frame and got to his feet. The man stood at least six-five and carried a scar down the left side of his face.

“Pleased to meet you, ma’am,” Tripp said.

“I, uh, thank you,” AJ murmured.

“She’ll need a horse,” Travis said.

A slight nod was the only indication that the stable manager had heard the request. He looked to AJ. “Ace okay?”

“Yes. Absolutely.”

He nodded again.

“Thank you.”

“We’re going to head over to the girls’ ranch. Can you find someone to untack our horses?” Travis asked.

“Yep.”

“Thanks,” Travis said. He cocked his head and AJ followed him out of the stables.

“Quiet, isn’t he?”

“They call him the horse whisperer.”

“What happened to his...? The scar?”

“Doesn’t talk about that, or much of anything.”

As they headed back to the Ute, Lucy appeared from around the corner. He recognized the fire in his sister’s eyes and the determination in her stride.

This couldn’t be good.

“Good morning, AJ,” Lucy said with a smile that didn’t include him. “Great to have you with us.”

“Thanks, Lucy.”

“What are you doing here on a Saturday?” Travis asked.

“My kids have riding lessons.” Again she directed her conversation to AJ. Finally she turned to him. “We need to talk.”

“Whatever you have to say to me, you can say in front of my right-hand man—er, woman.”

“Fine. I just received a phone call from the esteemed police chief of Timber.”

“Aw, that’s nothing. In fact, it’s my fault. Sorry. I should have told you. I promised him a discount for renting the retreat center for the law enforcement ball this year.”

Lucy crossed her arms. “No, Travis. He was not calling about the ball. It was a courtesy call to inform me that one of our employees is sitting in his jail.”

“What?” Travis was all ears as he pulled the Ute keys from his pocket. “What did he do?”

“You know who I’m referring to?”

“I can make an educated guess since I can’t find Rusty. What’s the charge?”

“Disorderly conduct. Disturbing the peace.”

“I’ve known Rusty for years. Never saw him take a drink, ever.”

“Oh, he wasn’t drinking. He was, however, dumped by the love of his life. While I feel for the man, this is not the example of leadership and problem-solving skills we want our children to emulate. Plus, we have donors who will hear about his behavior. Rusty is putting everything we’ve worked hard for these last five years at risk.”

Travis took a deep breath at the I-told-you-so that laced his sister’s voice.

“Chief Daniels says he’s been singing mournful country-western songs since 5:00 a.m. The man is tone deaf and it’s driving everyone crazy. He’d like us to bail Rusty out immediately.”

“We’ve got this covered,” he assured Lucy. “As I have turned over fire extinguishing, along with the management of the ranch hands, to her, AJ will be letting Rusty go.”

He looked to his assistant foreman for confirmation.

AJ pasted a smile on her face and offered a firm nod of confirmation.

Lucy’s eyes rounded. “You’re good with that, AJ?”

“Absolutely. My job is to make Travis’s life easier.”

His sister’s expression remained doubtful as she looked from AJ to Travis.

“Lucy, we’ve got this. Trust me,” Travis interjected. He put his hands on his sister’s shoulders and turned her around. “Go.”

“All right, then.” Lucy hesitated. “I guess I’ll go watch my children ride horses.”

“You do that. We have everything under control.”

AJ fell into step with him as he moved in the direction of the Ute. “I’m firing Rusty?” she asked.

“Yep. Come on. We’ll take my truck.”

“Uh, Travis. What exactly did you mean by ‘management’? What will I be managing?”

“Everything that concerns the wranglers.”

“You’re okay with me hiring, too?”

He looked at her. “All part of the job, right?”

“I guess so,” she said softly.

“Don’t let me regret my decision.”

* * *

The drive into Timber was quiet. Travis was thankful that AJ kept her focus out the window, eliminating the need for conversation. She was an employee, he reminded himself. Nothing more. No need for chitchat.

When Travis pulled into town, he circled the block, looking for a parking spot.

“Why are there so many cars in town?” AJ asked.

“The Timber Diner.”

“I’ve never in all my life seen this many cars for the diner,” she said. “As I recall, their coffee could take paint off a wall.”

“New owners. Best food in Timber and it only has a seating capacity of twenty-five. Early bird gets the Denver omelet.” When his cell phone rang, he pulled the device from his back pocket and glanced at the screen. Big Heart Ranch again. He nodded to AJ.

“Do you mind if I take this call? I’ll catch up.”

“No problem.”

“I’ll drop you off at the station and circle around until I find a parking spot.”

When the truck stopped, AJ reached for the door handle.

“Check in with Chief Daniels,” he said. “But be warned. He’s going to regale you with a story about his latest fishing expedition or his grandchildren. Just nod and smile.” He paused. “Oh, and if Rusty gives you any problems—”

AJ placed a hand on his arm and he froze, his mouth wide open as her baby blues met his. “I have this,” she said. “Trust me. I have everything under control.”

She was tossing his own words right back at him.

Then she opened the passenger door of the truck and hopped down. For a moment he watched her walk down the street, hat in hand. AJ Rowe’s mettle was about to be tested. They were both about to find out if Big Heart Ranch’s new assistant foreman could do the job she’d been hired to do.

His cell rang again and he put it on speaker phone as he pulled into a parking spot. He put out a few more fires at the ranch before heading to the police station.

The door to the City of Timber police administration building swung open just as Travis placed a hand on the metal push bar. A large man wearing a black Stetson barreled out the door, his shoulder grazing Travis as he stormed past.

“Careful there, friend,” Travis said.

The man stopped and turned around, his expression thunderous.

“No. You be careful, Maxwell. Or I might have to mess up that pretty face of yours.”

Travis nearly groaned aloud. The man that stood facing him down was none other than Jace McAlester. What the cowboy lacked in height he made up for in bulk. McAlester was as huge as a double-wide and as intimidating as an angry bull just out of the chute.

He stomped through each day with a permanent attitude problem, along with a grudge against Travis that dated back to their professional rodeo days. No telling what had set him off today.

“Good to see you, too, Jace.”

“Only good thing about seeing you, Maxwell, is another opportunity to wipe that smile off your face.”

“Not today, buddy.” Travis raised his hands.

“I am not your buddy.”

“That’s too bad. No reason old competitors can’t be friends.”

“In your dreams. I hear your kiddie farm is up against us big boys for that government grant.” McAlester sneered.

“That grant is for emerging ranchers.”

“The McAlester Ranch deed was turned over to me when my father retired last summer. That means I qualify as manager and foreman of my new ranch.”

“That so? Good for you. As I recall, you and I always favored a bit of competition.”

“Only when I win, and you can be sure I will. McAlester Ranch is certain to take that grant.”

“It’s not over until the fat cow sings.” Travis chuckled, unable to resist a parting shot for the uptight cowboy.

“What did you call me?” McAlester raged as the ham-hock-size hands he held at his side curled into fists.

“It’s an expression, Jace.” Travis released a weary sigh. Lucy was going to be very unhappy if he got into a tussle, especially with this sorry excuse for a cowboy. He’d be no better than Rusty, setting a poor example for the kids of Big Heart Ranch.

So instead of drawing his fists, Travis braced himself as Jace pulled back his arm, ready to strike.

“Jace, stop!”

AJ pushed out the door of the police station with Rusty behind her. She jumped between Travis and Jace.

“What are you doing here?” Jace cocked his head, confusion all over his face.

“None of your business,” AJ said. “But if you don’t stand down and keep moving, I’m going to get Chief Daniels and then I’m calling Lem.”

“You’re defending this guy?” Jace asked. He rubbed his fist into the palm of his other hand, eyes wide with annoyance, steam practically rolling from the space between his ears.

“Mr. Maxwell is my boss.”

Jace’s eyes rounded. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Does Lem know?”

“I don’t report to Lem these days, but yes, he does know I’m back in Timber and working for Big Heart Ranch.”

“What about Gus?”

“I’ll come and get Gus when I’m able. Lem says he can stay.”

“Lem’s not in charge. I am, and Gus’s keep isn’t cheap.”

“I’ll pay you as soon as I can.”

Jace stared at her for a long moment and then shook his head. “So you’re telling me that you chose Maxwell over your own family? Over your future?”

She winced at the verbal jab, which opened a truckload of questions in Travis’s mind.

“We aren’t family, Jace, and you took my future years ago.”

At the words, Jace’s jaw tightened and he narrowed his eyes. “You think Maxwell has anything to offer but a temporary wrangler position? Wake up, Amanda Jane. No rancher with any sense is going to let a woman run his ranch. Your daddy did you no favors letting you believe that fairy tale.”

“The only mistake my daddy ever made was telling me that all cowboys are honorable men.”

The silence stretched as everyone froze.

Though AJ had paled, she stood her ground, her gaze unwavering as she looked at the big man.

Jace released a breath, his eyes steely with fury. “You’re going to regret siding with Maxwell.” The words were low and ice-cold. “Mark my words. He’s going down and you’re going to go down with him.”

“Easy there, McAlester,” Travis said as he gently moved AJ aside. “Those are pretty strong threats you’re tossing around.”

Jace McAlester looked him up and down, contempt all over his face, before he stalked off.

“You okay?” he asked AJ.

She offered a shaky nod and wrapped her arms around herself.

Travis glanced up and down the street, where several people had stopped to see what was going on. He had a hundred questions for his new assistant foreman, but he wasn’t going to ask them in the middle of the sidewalk in downtown Timber, Oklahoma.

Instead he turned to Rusty, who sported a black eye and a split lip. The man’s red hair stood on end and his wrinkled, pearl-buttoned, white Western shirt was buttoned all wrong. Drops of blood spattered the once pristine shirt and his Stetson was dusty.

Rusty’s eyes were wide and his mouth open as he stared at AJ.

Travis shook his head. “So, Rusty, I see you’ve met the new assistant foreman.”

“Uh, yeah.” He blinked and turned to AJ. “She bailed me out.”

“What do you have to say for yourself?” Travis asked.

Rusty bowed his head. “I let you down, and I apologize.”

Travis turned to AJ. “Did you—”

“She fired me.” Rusty looked at AJ and wiped his eyes. “You were right, ma’am. I’ve got to get my act together. I’m going to look into that counseling. I appreciate your concern.”

Travis’s eyes popped wide open when Rusty folded him into a bear hug. “Thanks for putting up with me for so long.”

“Ah, yeah. Sure, buddy.” He stepped back, far from Rusty’s reach. “No problem. You understand we’re between a rock and a hard place here?”

“Oh, yeah. Absolutely. AJ explained that I was endangering the ranch and the kids.”

“She did?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Stop by the office on Monday and you can pick up your last check and your personal stuff.”

“I’ll do that.”

“Uh, Rusty, I’ll need your keys and your gate security badge.”

Rusty dug into the pockets of his baggy Wranglers and pulled them out along with a pair of pliers, a barbed wire stretcher–cable puller and a roll of electrical tape. “Here you go.”

Travis blinked at the sight. “How did you get all that in your pockets?”

“I don’t know. I was fixing fences when my girlfriend called yesterday. I shoved everything in my pockets and headed to town.” He shrugged and turned to leave. “Thanks again.”

“Ah, yeah.” Travis stared in stunned silence as Rusty moved down the sidewalk. When the wrangler was out of earshot, he turned to AJ. “Nice job.”

“Thanks.” She cleared her throat. “So I passed the test?”

“First one,” he said without meeting her gaze.

“Mind if I ask how you know Jace?” she asked.

“Rodeo. Seems like a long time ago.” He cocked his head in question. “What’s going on between you two?”

“Going on? Nothing. Jace McAlester is my stepbrother.”

Travis blinked, digesting the words. “I did not see that one coming,” he murmured. “Jace McAlester is your...”

She nodded.

He shook his head. His new assistant foreman was kin to the man who considered Travis his arch enemy. Oh, yeah. This day just kept getting better.

* * *

“Where are you going?” AJ asked as she double-timed her steps to keep up with Travis. She dodged people and pots of geraniums, trying to keep up with the man’s long strides down Cedar Avenue and around the corner to Main.

“Back to the ranch. I had to park around down by the library.”

Suddenly he stopped and she rammed right into him. “Oomph.”

Travis turned and grabbed her arm, steadying her. “You okay?”

Dazed, AJ met his dark eyes and nodded. Yes, she’d be fine once her heart slowed down and breathing commenced. “Why did you stop?”

He pointed to the sign in the office window of the Timber Independence on Main Street. “Timber Rodeo. We can sign up here at the newspaper office.”

“‘We’?”

“One of the things the grant committee looks at is our community involvement.”

“You run a ranch for kids. Isn’t that overkill?”

“That’s our job. They want extra stuff, like volunteering for activities that support the citizens of Timber and participating in local events.”

“Are you and your sisters signing up?”

“Guess you hadn’t heard. Lucy’s pregnant.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful,” AJ said.

“Sure it is. But no rodeo for her. The really exciting news is that she’ll have four kids soon. My sister will be too busy with kids to mess with me.” He smiled.

“And Emma?”

“Her twin babies are almost two. They’re into everything. She’s doing well to maintain her sanity.” He reviewed the ad on the window listing the categories. “We’ll sign you up for barrel racing.”

AJ held up a hand. “Whoa, stop right there. I don’t have a barrel racing horse.”

“Emma does.”

“You can’t volunteer your sister’s horse.”

“Sure I can. Besides, she’ll be thrilled.” He gestured toward the door. “Come on. Let’s sign up.”

AJ moved back two steps. “I don’t have the entry fee on me.”

“Big Heart Ranch will sponsor you.”

Her mind began a frantic scramble for a way out of the situation. There was no way she was going to volunteer to make a fool of herself in public and in front of her new boss, too.

“Look, Travis,” she said, her voice low as she glanced up and down the sidewalk. “I haven’t raced since college.”

“Relax. The grant aside, the rodeo is for charity. The idea is to make a showing for the ranch.”

Travis pulled open the door to the newspaper office. “Hey, there.” He offered a greeting to the young clerk at the reception desk.

Her eyes rounded and she released a small gasp of surprise. “It’s you.”

Travis glanced around, praying she was talking to someone else. “Me?”

“You’re the guy on the cover of Tulsa Now.” The perky brunette reached for the magazine on the corner of her desk.

“You’re new.” He frowned with obvious annoyance.

“Yes. Avery Barnes, aspiring journalist. I’m an intern here for the semester.”

“Travis Maxwell and this is AJ Rowe.”

AJ smiled, but the young woman had eyes only for Travis. AJ could have walked in tarred and feathered and Avery Barnes, aspiring journalist, wouldn’t have noticed.

“Sooner or Cowboy?” Travis asked.

“Neither. University of Tulsa. May I have your autograph?”

“I guess so.” The words rode on a long-suffering sigh.

She handed him a marker and he scrawled his name on the cover of the magazine.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Maxwell,” Avery gushed.

“Now, may I please have a couple of applications to the Timber Rodeo?”

“You’re participating?” Her eyes lit up.

“Yeah. So is my assistant foreman here.”

“There are some really nice sponsor prizes this year,” she said as she collected the paperwork.

“We’re here to support the event. If we win, we’ll donate the funds back to the community.”

“May I quote you?” Avery asked.

“This isn’t an interview.”

“It could be.” Her eyes rounded with hope. “The paper hasn’t gone to press this week yet. This would look great on the front page with your picture.”

“The ranch director could help you out with that. In fact, she could give you a tour of the ranch. That would make for a nice feature article.”

“But you’re the Bachelor of the Year.”

“That’s old news,” Travis said.

“But—”

“Here’s my card. That’s the ranch number on there. Call and ask for Lucy Maxwell Harris.” He glanced around. “The paperwork for the rodeo?”

“Right here.” She handed him two packets. “Turn everything back in by the end of the week.”

“Will do. Thank you.”

AJ followed him out the door.

“Was it just me or was that girl plain irritating?” he asked AJ.

“She was crushing on you.”

Travis groaned. “I blame Lucy,” he said as he strode toward the truck.

“How is that Lucy’s fault?”

“Trust me, it is, but, generally, even if it isn’t her fault I blame Lucy. That’s how it works. You blame your big sister.”

“I don’t have a big sister,” she murmured.

“Brother?”

AJ shook her head.

“You’re the oldest?”

“I’m an only child.”

“Well, I’m sorry to hear that. My sisters do come in handy at times.” He grinned.

Travis got in and closed his door. He stared at the newspaper office and shook his head. “That just rubs me raw.”

“That I don’t have siblings?”

“No. I’m talking about the clerk in the newspaper office. You know, the way some folks act like it’s all about the package. What’s on the outside and not on the inside. Judge me by my merit, not my face on some magazine.” He paused and turned toward her. “Know what I mean?”

AJ met his gaze without blinking. You have no idea, cowboy. The words nearly escaped before she bit them back. “I think I might,” she said instead.

Travis stared for a moment before his eyes widened. Then he lowered his head and focused on putting the key in the ignition. “Yeah. I guess you do,” he murmured.

Silence filled the cab as he backed up and headed back to the ranch.

“Did I mention that you did a nice job with Rusty?” Travis said minutes later.

“Pardon me?” She turned to look at him.

“Rusty. Nice job. Did I say that?”

“Yes, you did. Thank you.”

They drove in awkward silence until Travis glanced over at her, a question on his face.

“What is it?” she finally asked.

“You’re an only child and Lemuel McAlester is your stepfather?”

“Yes. When I was in college, my mother married Lem and they renamed my father’s ranch. Lem is a good man, but he never really knew what to do with a grown stepdaughter. He takes care of Gus for me and I try to stop by or call when I can. Not as often once Jace left the rodeo circuit and moved to the ranch.”

“Lem turned the spread over to Jace?”

She nodded. “Jace is his only child. Our parents married after we both had left home. Me for college and Jace for the rodeo circuit.”

Travis shook his head. “Bet that was a surprise. Finding out Jace was your family.”

“It wasn’t so bad when my mother was alive. She provided a buffer. Once I lost her, my entire world was turned upside down. Jace made it clear everything would be his when Lem retired, so I never looked back.”

“I’m sorry, AJ.” His dark eyes were warm with concern.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

“I don’t understand why Lem didn’t step in. After all, that ranch was yours, as well.”

“My stepfather is no different than most of the old-timers in Oklahoma. He believes a woman’s place is in the kitchen.” She shook her head. “He forgets that, besides cooking, I can also mend fences, rope and brand cattle.”

Travis offered a solemn nod. “How long ago since you left?”

“Nearly ten years, though it turned out the joke was on Jace. His father didn’t trust him enough to retire until this year.”

Travis rolled down the window. “You mind?”

“Not at all.”

His fingers tapped out a beat on the steering wheel in time to the country-western song on the radio.

“Funny our paths haven’t crossed before now,” he finally said.

“How long have you been in Timber?”

“A little over five years.”

“How did you end up here with the ranch?” AJ asked.

“After we were fished out of foster care, by a cousin of our mother’s, we lived in Pawhuska. My sisters and I didn’t even know about the land in Timber until she passed on and left it to us.”

AJ nodded and watched the tall prairie grass out the truck window.

“So what’s your plan?” Travis asked.

“My plan?” She looked at him.

“Yeah. I’m guessing you aren’t here for the long haul.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Big Heart Ranch obviously is not the last stop on your trail.”

AJ stared at him, suddenly bone-weary. If only he knew how much she longed to be in it for the long haul, as he put it. She took a deep breath, shoving back the emotion burning behind her eyes. The emotion she could never reveal because every time she did, she was disappointed. Again.

“I’ll stop when I know that I’m where God wants me to be. Then it will be time to put down roots.”

“What’s if that’s Big Heart Ranch?”

“I’m not ruling it out.”

Silence hung in the air as AJ considered his words. Her plan? God’s plan? She’d take either at the moment, praying one of those plans included an end to her drifting, and finding a place where she was actually wanted. Needed.

“Mind if I ask a personal question?” he finally said.

“I won’t know if I mind until you ask.”

“Fair enough.” A small smile lifted his lips. “Who’s Gus?”

“My horse. A gift from my mother.”

“Why don’t you move him over to Big Heart?”

“It’s complicated.”

“I understand complicated. Why don’t you try me?”

“Look, I’d rather not move Gus and have to move him back if this job doesn’t work out. Besides, Gus had a pretty big vet bill a while back and I’m still paying Lem for that.”

“This is your call, but I’m happy to help.”

“I’d rather do things my way.”

“Understood.” Travis cleared his throat. “Any idea how Jace knows that we’re applying for the grant?”

“What?” Her head jerked up at the quietly spoken question and she met Travis’s gaze.

“How does—”

“I have no idea.” She paused, struggling to read between the lines of his question. “You don’t think I told him, do you?”

“Just asking.” Travis took a deep breath.

“‘Just asking’ sounds an awful lot like an accusation to me.”

“Whoa.” He raised a hand. “I’m just doing the math.”

“You can subtract me from your equation.”

“I apologize,” Travis said.

AJ was silent, uncertain if he was sincere.

“Look,” Travis said. “You don’t know me and I really don’t know you. All I’m doing is trying to figure things out.”

Trying to figure things out. She turned to look out the window without answering. What was there to figure out? In truth, she and Travis were alike in many ways. Maybe too many ways. The thought was far from comforting and it wouldn’t secure her position at Big Heart Ranch. Not if her boss didn’t trust her.

“We sure have our work cut out for us,” Travis mused aloud minutes later. “Take tomorrow off to study the grant material. On Monday we hit the ground running. You’ll go to Tulsa with me to look at starter calves. There’s a special sale going on at an auction house near Sapulpa and then we can pick up the supplies I ordered in Pawhuska on the way back.”

“What about hiring? And who will do Rusty’s work in the meantime?”

“I have confidence you’ll figure it out. That’s what days off are for.”

“You just said—”

“Welcome to my world. You’ll be juggling saddles from this point on. And remember, that grant is my number one priority. We’re competing against Jace McAlester and he’s going to do everything he can to see that he wins.”

Juggling saddles she could handle, but why did she feel like she was caught in the middle of a tornado and the chance she’d make it out untouched was slim to nothing? She was a woman of her word, though, and was willing to pledge her heart and soul to Big Heart Ranch for the next ninety days with the hope she wouldn’t regret the decision. Once the grant was behind them, she’d reevaluate her position on the ranch. That was unless she didn’t last ninety days.

Chapter Three

AJ stood on the porch of the bunkhouse, looking out at the ranch while sipping a cup of coffee. Dark clouds covered the sky, shrouding everything in black and gray, even as the sun struggled to wake the land at 6:30 a.m. The month of April brought the heaviest amounts of precipitation to this part of Oklahoma. Today was about to give evidence to that.

Her first Sunday at Big Heart Ranch. Despite the weather, there was a peace to the land that reminded her of days on Red River Ranch, her daddy’s spread. What would her life be like if her parents hadn’t died? AJ pushed the thought aside.

The only thing she carried from the past was the promise she’d made to herself when she’d buried her mother. Someday she’d be a permanent part of a ranch that needed her. Wanted her. And she intended to keep that promise.

Something moved to her left and AJ switched on the porch light. A roadrunner dashed across the yard, his long, slender legs kicking up red dust.

Sunrise would arrive within the hour. Her plan was to be well on her way to checking the fences by then. She’d be done and could shower and catch the late service at the Timber Community Church if all went well.

Stepping back into the bunkhouse she rinsed out her cup and tidied up, leaving everything the way she’d found it. Nothing out of place. Rue Butterfield had left last night and now AJ had the bunkhouse to herself. She remained unsettled and a bit afraid to hope that she might have a future here. Lucy and Emma Maxwell were her biggest supporters. Now all she had to do was to continue to prove to Travis she could do the job.

Rue’s King James Bible was still on her bed and AJ peeked at the open page as she walked by. A verse had been underlined with a red pen. Proverbs 3:5–6. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

AJ put a hand to her heart and swallowed. That was pretty much the story of her life. She said a silent prayer as she tucked a disposable rain slicker into the pocket of her denim jacket, grabbed her hat and carefully closed the bunkhouse door behind her.

The air was ripe with the scent of rain and, despite her prayer, an undefinable dread followed her as she headed to the Ute. Shivers danced down her arms all the way to the equestrian center. Why the ominous feeling? She’d checked spread fences dozens of times before. She could do this job.

AJ parked the Ute and hurried her steps. The stable door creaked with the effort of sliding open the latch to reveal the glowing amber of floor track lights.

Her hand searched the wall, finally locating the switches and turning on half the overhead lights. She walked down to Ace’s stall and called a soft greeting.

The horse nickered in acknowledgment. AJ dug in her pocket for the apple she’d brought and pulled out her pocketknife to cut it. She smiled as Ace inched closer, sniffing and snorting with anticipation.

This was the same routine she and Gus had each day.

She missed her horse. Gus was a gift from her mother. The blue roan ranch horse wasn’t getting younger, either. Lem had promised her he’d look after Gus when she’d left, and she prayed he’d kept that promise. Mostly she tried not to think about the situation, because if she did she’d get all teary-eyed. There was no room in her life for sentiment.

Once Ace finished chomping the apple, AJ grabbed a brush from the tack room and found her saddle and a blanket. She entered the stall and gave Ace a gentle nose-rub before brushing the animal’s coat and examining her legs.

“Morning, AJ.”

AJ jumped at Travis’s voice and the brush tumbled from her hand to the ground.

“Sorry,” he said.

“I was thinking, and didn’t hear you,” AJ murmured. Picking up the brush, she faced him. As usual Travis’s eyes did the talking. Today they spoke of his surprise at seeing her in the stables this early and maybe a hint of respect.

She turned back to Ace and, for moments, the only sound was the rhythmic strokes of the brush, along with horse’s nickering.

AJ focused on the job at hand, trying to block out the man. The rapid tripping of her heart when he was near confused her. Once again her mind scrambled to understand. Why this man? Why now? In her line of work she couldn’t afford romantic notions about cowboys she worked with.

Bitter memories crowded in. Hadn’t she learned anything at her last position? The range boss had taken a liking to her and though she’d kept him at a distance, rumors had persisted. Enough so that the other ranch hands had made her life impossible. She’d been forced to walk away after giving that spread two years of her life.

It took all her concentration to tack up Ace while Travis stood by with his arms looped over the top of the stall.

Settling the blanket on Ace’s back, she hefted the saddle into position before turning to Travis again. “Are you planning to observe for the duration?”

“I’m trying to figure you out. I thought I told you to take the day off. It’s Sunday. I’ll be in big trouble if my sisters think I kept you from church.”

“You juggle saddles, too, as I recall.” She smiled. “And I plan to attend the late service.”

“I’m going to have to watch my words. This is the second time I’ve had them dangled in my face.”

AJ adjusted the cinch, tucking her head away so as not to laugh.

“You’re going to check fences, aren’t you?”

“I am.” She nodded. “I looked at the schedule. Rusty was on for this morning. I’m his supervisor, so it’s my responsibility.”

“Two days in and you’ve exceeded expectations. I’ll give you points for that alone.”

She met his gaze, unable to hide her surprise. “Is that a compliment?”

Travis shrugged. “I guess it is.”

“Maybe you should have raised your expectations before now.”

His lips curved into a begrudging smile. “Maybe.”

AJ opened the stall and led Ace to the center of the stable.

“I’ll meet you outside,” Travis said.

“You’re joining us?”

“Don’t want my new assistant foreman to get lost out there.”

“I’m actually very good with directions.”

“I haven’t given you any directions.”

“You said to check the fences.”

“Good to have company the first time,” he said as he headed to Midnight’s stall.

AJ shook her head. Was the man determined to be contrary? The odd thing was that she’d never once had company doing anything on any other ranch. No, everyone had steered clear of her, careful not to divide their allegiance, because they all knew she was only a place-holder. They were happy to spread rumors but silent when it came to admitting she was always one of the hardest-working ranch hands on duty.

Now she had a handsome cowboy following her around and, while any other woman would be glad, it raised red flags for AJ. Travis Maxwell was the boss. Her father had taught her long ago that fraternizing with someone you worked with was like walking through a minefield.

The simple truth was, the job aside, she hadn’t found a man she could trust since her father died. She’d trusted her last boss and he’d failed to defend her when the rumors swirled.

The only long-term relationship in her life was Gus. Gus never lied and never let her down.

Spits of rain landed on her as she settled into the saddle. AJ shifted and picked up the reins, urging Ace forward. She didn’t have all day and, by the looks of things, the sky was getting ready to burst wide open. Travis would have to catch up.

And he did. Minutes later the thunder of hooves indicated Travis and Midnight were at her side.

“What? You couldn’t wait?”

Annoyance marred his face and AJ struggled not to laugh. Travis Maxwell did not like to be bested.

“The clocking is ticking. It’s about to pour and I still haven’t made it to see that cattle of yours.”

“Northwest pasture. See that big oak tree out there?”

“Yes.”

“That’s your landmark. Veer right.”

It took her a moment to realize why he was giving her directions. By then he and Midnight were racing toward the tree, leaving her and Ace literally in the dust.

“That was a false start if ever there was one,” she called after him.

Travis’s laughter rode on the wind, only encouraging AJ to lean forward in the saddle and spur Ace into the gray dawn. Rounding the massive oak tree, she closed the gap between them. Straight ahead in the distance, on a small grassy knoll, the silhouette of the cattle came into view.

“You’re not too bad in the saddle,” he observed when she caught up. His face was without expression as he narrowed his eyes in assessment.

“I told you in the interview. I was raised on a horse.”

“People say a lot of things in interviews. Ask Rusty.”

AJ jerked back slightly at the comment and pinned him with her gaze, but he had tipped his hat back to look at the sky.

“Uh-oh,” Travis murmured. “Here it comes.”

He was right. Fat drops turned into sheets of rain in a heartbeat. AJ pulled the folded square of clear slicker from her pocket, shook it out and slipped the plastic over her head.

“Got another one of those in your pocket?”

“No. Sorry. I didn’t think—”

“That’s okay. I won’t melt, but just to be sure, let’s duck under the oak tree. That canopy will help some.”

She turned Ace around and followed Travis beneath the stretching arms of the massive tree. For moments they sat in silence as water fell in constant beats onto the hard red clay. The greedy ground drank until full, then the water began to overflow, running downhill in winding rivulets around the horses’ hooves and over the roots of the oak.

Her father called sudden downpours like this “toad stranglers.”

“What’s that sound?” Travis asked moments later. He inched Midnight forward and peered through the curtain of rain.

“Thunder?”

“No. Sounds like a truck bouncing over the ground.” He continued to search the landscape. “But there’s no road out here.”

“Travis, look. Over there. You’re right. It is a truck, coming up on the other side of your steers from the woods.”

“Sure is. A truck and a trailer.” He released a breath. “Cattle rustlers. Must have cut the fence and come around the lodge.”

“You have fifteen head. Why would anyone take a risk for so few cattle?”

“They’re worth a bit over a thousand dollars each at market, that’s why.” He pulled up the collar of his jacket and lifted the reins. “Whoever those rustlers are, they surely know we’re easy pickings out here.”

“Are your calves tagged or hot branded?”

“Tagged. And, yeah, I know that doesn’t stop rustlers. They remove the tag. I was hoping we wouldn’t have to hot brand.”

“No cameras out here?”

“Cameras are in the budget for this year. Add that to your list.”

“My list?”

“Yeah, of all the things I’ve let slide because I haven’t had reliable help.”

“What are we going to do right now?”

Travis pushed his hat low on his ears. “The only thing we can do. Save the stock.”

“What if they’re armed?”

“I can’t let them walk onto our land and take my cattle, can I?”

“You can call the Timber police.”

“Chief Daniels and his two-man police posse? Seriously? It’s Sunday. If I call now, I’ll get dispatch and she’ll tell me that they’ll be out here to take a report later.” He shook his head. “No one is going to miss church for my little herd. If I want to save the cattle program that we haven’t even launched yet, I have to act.”

Overhead the clouds crashed, punctuating his words. The sound was followed by a crooked fork of yellow and pink light that flashed across the sky, illuminating everything for a brief moment. Midnight balked at the sound and Ace reared up, side-stepping in distress.

“Easy, Ace,” AJ crooned, doing her best to soothe the animal.

“Can it get any better than this?” Travis muttered. “We’re under a tree, in a lightning storm, while my cattle are being stolen.”

Once again, thunder was chased by a shock of electricity that split the sky. Ace kicked her hind legs, offering a loud, agitated whinny before she bucked and took off.

“Whoa!” AJ reached for the saddle horn, holding tight and fighting for control as the mare stampeded in a path straight toward the rustlers.

One more crash of noise had Ace spinning around and changing direction in a mad frenzy. AJ slid helplessly to the ground and landed with a thud and a splash right in a puddle.

“AJ,” Travis yelled, concern lacing his voice. He jumped from Midnight and was by her side in an instant.

Disgusted, AJ waved a muddy hand in gesture. “I’m fine. I slid and landed on my backside. Go get your rustlers.”

Travis laughed. “You scared them away. They backed up, circled around and disappeared through the trees and out the same way they got in.”

“Did you get a look at the truck pulling that trailer?” she asked.

“Dark-colored pickup, maybe black or brown.”

“Or burgundy?”

“Hard to tell. Raining too hard.” The sky flickered with lightning as she spoke.

“Was it a Ford?”

“I told you it was raining too hard. The only thing I know for certain is that the truck is covered in mud.” He swiped at the water on his face and looked at her. “You recognize the vehicle?”

AJ hesitated. Was it Jace’s burgundy pickup truck? Surely her stepbrother wasn’t that reckless. She couldn’t be sure and she wasn’t going to point the finger without more proof.

“It’s raining too hard to be sure,” AJ answered. She positioned her palms on the ground and tried to gain traction; instead she slipped on the slick mud.

Travis put his arm around her. “Let me help you.”

“I’ve got it.” She moved from his touch, struggling to a standing position. “Where’s Ace?”

“That horse is way smarter than we are. She’ll be back at the stables before we arrive, I imagine.”

“How am I going to get back?”

“You’ll have to ride with me.”

“No way. I’m covered with mud.” She eyed him. And no way was she sharing a saddle with Travis. Her peace of mind couldn’t handle being that close to the man.

Scooping up the stallion’s reins with one hand and the saddle horn with the other, Travis mounted Midnight. Reaching down to AJ, he held out a hand. “Come on. We’ll grab the Ute and fix that fence. Then we’re going to have to move the cattle closer to the barn until I can get someone to work night shift.”

“You don’t have enough wranglers to work day shift.”

“Thanks for pointing out the obvious.”

“Aren’t you at least going to report this when we get back?”

“I’m not calling Chief Daniels out to the ranch on a Sunday to tell him that we almost got rustled and that we can’t identify the vehicle much less the thieves.”

“You’re embarrassed?”

“Yeah, I am. I’ll stop by and file a report on Monday.” He glanced at the sky. “Looks like most of the fireworks in the sky have died down.” Again he offered a hand.

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