The Veterinarian's Sweetheart Read online

  The Veterinarian’s

  Sweetheart

  Copyright 2017 by Cheryl Wright

  Cover Artist: Black Widow Books

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book

  From the Author

  He’s been gone more than 18 years now, but I’ll never forget the rodeos my dad (and mother) took us to as kids. We looked forward to going each and every year.

  Born in the country (as we kids were), my dad was a country man through and through. His first ever job was at a rodeo. He went on to become a ranger, and a horse breaker, amongst other things. His brother looked after horses all his working life, including taking tourists on trail rides. Every now and then I managed to insinuate myself into those trips.

  I grew up with horses and the country ways of doing things. And I’m so glad I did.

  Sadly, we moved to the city down the track, but I loved (and still love) horses so much, I spent nearly all my extra money and most of my weekends going on horse rides.

  Thanks to my very dear friends (and authors), Margaret Tanner and Susan Horsnell.

  Without their encouragement, this book would not be written.

  Thanks also to Alan, my husband of over 45 years, who has been a relentless supporter of my

  writing for many years.

  And last, but by no means least, thank you to all my wonderful readers who constantly encourage me to continue writing these stories. It is such a joy to me, knowing so many of you enjoy reading my stories. I love writing them as much as you love reading them.

  Chapter One

  It had been a long night.

  Jordon Callahan had been called to a help deliver a foal. Normally it would be a simple task, and the ranch owner would handle it himself.

  But the foal was a breach, and that complicated things.

  At one stage it looked like they might lose the foal, or the mare, or both. He was determined it wouldn’t happen on his watch. As she lay on the hay in her stall, the mare kicked frantically, tossing her head from side to side, making strained noises.

  He’d managed to keep her calm early on, but as the hours rolled on, and it got into the early hours of the morning, Jordon knew he was going to have to intervene.

  He rolled up his sleeves, donned his long rubber gloves and reached inside the mare, feeling for the foal’s legs. She heaved and kicked at his intrusion, but he finally found the tiny legs, and tugged with all his might.

  He slowly but surely pulled the foal out of its mother, then gently laid him on the hay. With the rancher and his wife looking on, they all watched and waited for him to get to his feet. But he didn’t.

  Jordon grabbed a towel and began to rub the foal vigorously, hoping to get it moving. He stood the foal, watching for it to support itself.

  They all breathed a sigh of relief when the young foal gingerly stood alone. His exhausted mother nudged him with her head, and began to lick him clean from where she lay on the hay.

  He sat with mother and foal for the next hour, to ensure the foal was out of danger, sipping coffee offered by the rancher’s wife. He’d need it to drive home safely.

  “Thanks Jordon,” the rancher said as he was leaving. “I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t intervened.” He shook Jordon’s hand vigorously, ensuring the vet understood how truly grateful he was.

  * * *

  Grace Black had no idea what she was going to do.

  Out in the middle of nowhere, pulling a horse trailer behind her – complete with horse – and now she was stuck in a ditch.

  She was doing perfectly fine until she took that last turn. She must have closed her eyes only momentarily, but it was enough to send her off the road.

  She should have stayed in the motel she passed a few hours back, but didn’t want to leave her horse alone outside. Besides, she was determined to reach her destination by early morning.

  She hadn’t seen her best friend Missy Callahan for many months, long before Missy’s wedding. She was so bummed she couldn’t go to the wedding, but she was on the circuit, and needed to stay the course until it finished for the season. Missy was sad, but totally understood.

  Now the grueling season had ended, Grace decided to surprise her friend. She packed up some clothes, loaded her horse Spirit into the horse trailer, and headed for River Valley Montana.

  But now here she was. Truck in the ditch, trailer balancing precariously, and no cell reception.

  She was so exhausted after the long hours of driving that she couldn’t think straight.

  She straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath.

  First things first. Get Spirit out of that trailer in case it rolled. That would be heartbreaking, to say the least.

  As she reached for the reins, she heard a sound. Not just any sound, but an engine. She breathed a sigh of relief and then began to shake.

  Hopefully this motorist could help her out of her predicament. As he rounded the corner he slowed and looked her way. He stared at her truck down in the ditch. Then came to a sudden stop.

  “You alright?” He looked as tired as she felt.

  She stared him down. Did he really ask her that?

  “Sorry, of course you’re not alright. Your truck is down a ditch.” He rubbed his fingers across his stubbled chin, and brushed his straggly blonde hair out of his eyes. “I’ve been up all night,” he offered. “Obviously not thinking straight.” He smiled at her, and his whole appearance changed.

  She held tight onto Spirit’s reins in case he was startled by this stranger. “Thanks, I could really do with some help,” she said, walking toward the stranger, her horse trailing behind her.

  He extended his hand to her. “Jordon Callahan, local vet,” he said. She savored his big warm hand. Felt safer with him around. She was beginning to get spooked out here alone in the wilderness.

  She shook herself. “Callahan? Any relationship to Missy Callahan?” she asked, flabbergasted at this total and utter coincidence.

  He chuckled, his eyes opened wide now. “Brother in law. Missy is married to my brother.” He then looked wary. “How do you know Missy?”

  She was taken aback. Suddenly he was giving her the inquisition? She held tighter onto Spirit’s reins, wondering if she was doing the right thing telling this stranger anything.

  Of course you are! He’s Rory’s brother. She shook herself again.

  “Missy and I are friends,” she said. “We worked together at the rodeo.” She rubbed her hands down her jeans clad legs. “For a long time,” she added, as though that explained everything.

  He stepped toward her slowly, then leaned down to Spirit’s legs. “Making sure he’s okay,” Jordon told her quietly. “In case he was injured in the accident.”

  Her heart softened. Jordon was kind. He was being kind to her, and to her beautiful Chestnut. She was sure everything would be alright.

  * * *

  Jordon’s call to Rory, Missy’s husband, had a band of helpers driving out in the middle of the night, to the middle of nowhere to rescue her and Spirit.

  Her heart thumped in her chest as she saw headlights rounding the corner. The very same corner she had miscalculated.

  As the truck slowed, the passenger door quickly opened and Missy came running toward her, arms outstretched. The two women hugged for the longest time, both with tears running down their cheeks.

  “Enough with the mushy stuff,” Rory said, laughter
in his voice.

  The women separated, and Missy playfully punched Rory on the arm and moved closer to him. “This is my best friend, Grace,” she told her husband.

  Grace stepped toward Rory and immediately felt dwarfed by him, as she had by Jordon. “So happy to meet you,” she said. “I’m really sorry I couldn’t make the wedding, but I had to work – as you know.” She winked at Missy, who gave her a sly smile.

  She looked around at the devastation she had caused. Her truck was badly damaged and may even be a write-off. The horse trailer appeared to have a broken axle.

  All in all, an absolute disaster. She closed her eyes and contemplated where to go from here.

  She flinched as Missy touched her lightly on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, it will be okay. We’ll come back in the morning and assess the damage.”

  Always the optimist was Missy. After what she’d been through – being stalked by a killer – Grace had no idea how she did it.

  Missy piled her into their truck. They’d bought a horse trailer with them, following Jordon’s advice, and Spirit was safely loaded in there. Grace was certain they would both enjoy some precious sleep.

  * * *

  Morning came too soon for Grace.

  She’d only managed a few hours sleep after they’d settle Spirit into one of the stalls in Rory’s stables.

  She’d insisted on giving Spirit a rub down, to help ease his anxiety, and refused Rory’s offer of having one of his stable hands do it for her.

  Spirit was her horse, and her responsibility. He’d been with her for nearly ten years, and there was no way she would shirk her responsibility now. Not when he really needed her.

  The accident must have been really terrifying for him. One minute they’re driving along at a steady pace on a smooth road, then next she’s down a ditch and he’s on a precarious angle pushed against the side of the trailer.

  She shuddered just thinking about what could have happened. It was pure luck that her beautiful boy was not injured.

  Without warning, her eyes filled with tears. Shock? Or maybe the thought of losing her precious Spirit. They’d been through a lot together over the years. The good and the bad, mostly good.

  Grace heard a tentative knock on the door. She quickly brushed her tears away.

  “Morning!” Missy was way too bright for her liking.

  She groaned as she sat up in bed. “What time is it?” Grace asked. “It feels like I’ve had almost no sleep.” She rubbed her eyes with her fingers, and tried to block out the light coming through the door.

  “It’s almost noon,” Missy told her, as she passed over a cup of tea. “You’ve missed the best part of the day already.” She smiled as she teased her friend. “Jordon will be over after lunch. He wants to check Spirit out again to ensure he didn’t miss anything last night.”

  Grace knew he had a kind heart, and this just proved it.

  “Drink your tea, and get up when you’re ready.” Missy headed for the door. “Oh, and the shower is down the hall if you want it. Everything you need is there.” And with that, she was gone.

  Grace sipped her tea as she took in the view from her window. She couldn’t wait to get outside and check out the view of the Montana mountains in the distance.

  Missy had told her how beautiful it was, and she wanted to see for herself.

  * * *

  “There are definitely no breaks, but he flinched when I touched him this morning.” Jordon pushed his cowboy hat back on his head. “I want to eliminate any fractures.”

  Grace put her hands to her mouth. “Oh no!” She was terrified of Spirit being injured. And it was all her fault. Driving through the night when she should have stopped and slept. Her eyes filled with tears. She wiped furiously at them, trying to stave the tears away.

  Jordon moved toward her. “It’s just a precaution, I promise.” He put his arm around her shoulder and she immediately felt comforted. “It might be just bruising, but I’d rather be certain.” He smiled and she felt reassured.

  He went out to his truck and came back wearing a lead apron and carrying a portable x-ray machine. “Okay, you need to go outside the stall. Don’t want you getting radiation poisoning.” He waved her out as he set up the machine.

  A short time later, Spirit was given the all-clear. “It’s only bruising, no breaks or fractures. I’m going to rub some liniment into his leg and I’ll check on him again tomorrow.”

  After he cleaned himself up, and packed his equipment away, they headed for the kitchen, where Missy had prepared an early afternoon tea. Blueberry muffins and hot beverages.

  “Since when were you domesticated,” Grace asked, a big grin on her face. Try as she might, she couldn’t stop herself.

  Missy and Rory locked eyes. “Since she became a country lady,” Rory answered. There’s nothing for miles around, an hour’s drive to the nearest main town, so you have to do for yourself.” He chuckled and Missy punched his shoulder.

  “Not that he’d admit it, but Rory was my teacher. He can whip a meal or muffins up in a flash. Cakes too.”

  Grace took a bite out of a muffin. “Yuummy!” she said. “You’ll have to teach me.”

  Missy’s look was questioning. “How long are you staying? I mean, you can stay as long as you want, but what about work?” She stared at Grace, daring her not to answer.

  Grace fidgeted in her seat. “I quit,” she said quietly.

  “No!” Missy jumped up from her seat. “You never!”

  “I sure did,” Grace told her. “For good this time.” She looked down into her lap. “There’s no going back this time.”

  As she sat back down, a thought came to Missy. “Did you win?” she asked, her voice just above a whisper.

  “Sure did. A cool mil.” Her smile was endless. The two women stood and ran toward each other, arms opened, tears flowing.

  The two men looked confused.

  “So what are you going to do now?” Missy asked. “There’s no work around here.”

  “Sure there’s work,” Rory interjected. “There’s lots of work, particularly seasonal work.”

  Missy turned to Rory. “You have no idea what you’re talking about,” she said sarcastically. “There is no work for female bull riders around here.”

  Both men looked at each other, then at the two women, their mouths open in shock.

  “Bull rider?” They said in unison.

  Jordon stared into Grace’s eyes. “Really? You’re a bad-ass bull rider?” The laughter in his voice was priceless.

  “I was,” she answered. “But I’m not anymore.”

  * * *

  Three days had passed, and Spirit seemed to be back to normal.

  On advice from Jordon, Grace was walking him slowly around the paddocks, to keep him moving, and check for any signs of being lame.

  So far so good.

  They were on their third go around the pasture when Jordon arrived. He sat on the top of the fence waiting for their return.

  “Howdy Ma’am,” he called, as he dipped his hat.

  She grinned that beautiful big grin he’d come to love.

  “Howdy yourself,” she shouted back, then headed toward him. He followed her to the stables, where she began to give Spirit a vigorous rub-down.

  The horse was loving every minute of it. Jordon was sure he’d enjoy a rub-down from Grace as well.

  He shook his head. Where the heck had that come from? He’d only known her a few days, and he was having unwanted erotic thoughts about her?

  He closed his eyes trying to chase the image out of his head, but all he managed to do was inhale her vanilla perfume more intensely.

  “Damn it!” He hadn’t meant to say it out loud.

  “You okay, cowboy?” she asked, confused.

  He laughed. No one around here called him a cowboy. That was reserved for Rory. And Kody, another of his brothers.

  “Yeah,” he said. “I had a bit of a brain fart,” he said, and she laughed her tinkling laugh tha
t he loved to hear.

  Jordon shook himself. He was a professed loner and wanted to keep it that way. Between his hands-on veterinarian work, and the mountains of paperwork he had to process, he just didn’t have the time for a relationship.

  Hang on! Who mentioned a relationship? You’ve only just met the woman a few days ago.

  As much as he was coming to like Grace, he definitely wasn’t interested in a relationship. Especially one that was long-term.

  She stopped brushing Spirit and looked up at him. A coy little smile crossed her lips.

  Oh Lordy. This was heading in a direction he simply didn’t want to go.

  “Come to dinner with me?” he asked, then winced. What happened to not wanting a relationship?

  “I, I’m not sure,” she said, her face suddenly serious. “I’m on the rebound.” She looked down at the ground and spoke quietly. “Actually, that’s a no. A rebound relationship would not be fair on you.”

  This was good. He didn’t want a relationship anyway, right? So why did he feel so darned bad?

  “Forget I ever mentioned it,” he said, disappointment clearly in his voice. And with that, he walked toward his truck and left for home.

  Chapter Two

  Grace lay in bed contemplating her day.

  Over the years she’d invested all her bull riding prize money, and along with her latest win, she now she had a nice little nest egg.

  It was beyond time to put down roots, and she wanted to be near her closest friend.

  She’d met Missy when she first joined the rodeo many years ago. She was the only person to befriend Grace for quite a long time.

  They were both loners but they clicked. As horse lovers, they had that in common, and often went for long slow rides in the countryside.

  Their closeness was often the one thing that kept them going. Succeeding in what was predominately a man’s world was not an easy task.

  She suddenly jumped out of bed. Enough of this slacking around, and freeloading off her friend.