Cherished by the Rancher: A Christian Cowboy Romance (Black Rock Ranch Book 1)

by Jen Peters

  Adam chuckled. “Yeah, branding days will wear you out. And I’ve been spending too much time behind a desk.”

  “Did you get all the calves done?” Maddy leaned against the counter, trying to stay relaxed. Not easy, when there was a gorgeous cowboy sitting on her sofa and loving her food.

  He shrugged. “From the first time heifers, yes. Two hundred and four. There’ll be seven or eight hundred more from the experienced mamas, but they’re not old enough yet. Then we’ll drive them up to the summer range.”

  “Sounds like fun after all the branding. Here, let me take that.” Maddy carried his bowl and spoon into the kitchen. “When do you think you’ll go up?”

  He didn’t answer.

  Maddy turned to see Adam’s eyes closed, his head drooped forward.

  She just looked for a moment. His face had softened in sleep, his rough hands relaxed on his jeans. How did he make it through the long, tough days—and nights—of ranching?

  She admired him, definitely had feelings for him. But she wasn’t sure how he could fit into her life, or her into his. And she wasn’t into flings.

  After a moment, she perched on the couch and reached her hand to touch his jeans. “Adam? You really ought to go home and sleep.”

  “Hmm?” He opened his eyes slightly. “Yeah, you’re right.” With a groan, he pushed himself upright. “I’m sorry, I don’t usually do that.”

  His face was still soft, and Maddy smiled. “You’ve earned the right to rest. And I imagine you’ve got a load of other work tomorrow.”

  Adam nodded and settled his hat on his head. “Thanks for the comfort food. And the couch.” He smiled ruefully. “Maybe next time I’ll be better company.”

  He paused, looking like he wanted to say something else. His eyes met hers, his hand started to lift toward her, then he stopped mid-gesture. He looked past her, tipped his hat, and turned to go.

  “Thanks again,” he said from the doorway.

  Maddy stood silently and watched him walk away.

  17

  Maddy looked out the window at the snowflakes falling lightly Saturday morning. She hoped it wouldn’t last—it was the end of April, after all. But the daffodils had finished and the tulips were in full bloom. Spring was definitely here.

  Mia was still sleeping, so Maddy slipped into her coat and out the door to inhale the crisp air. The mountains in one direction were blurred by opaque clouds; when she turned, the ridges opposite rose sharp against blue sky. Green pines up to the tree line, rocky above. Cattle grazing in the pasture, not concerned about any change in weather. Green grass, blooming flowers …Colorado was certainly one of God’s most beautiful creations, and she offered a quiet prayer of thanks.

  Back inside, Maddy showered and settled with a cup of coffee and a breakfast burrito. Sometimes even an Italian girl wanted something else. She clicked her phone to read the news, but the first thing she saw was a text notification. Her heart seemed to freeze mid-beat.

  You’re mine. Don’t forget it.

  Her hand shook, and she sloshed hot coffee across her fingers. Stifling a cry of pain, she put the coffee cup on the table and dashed for the sink, streaming cold water over the burn.

  The pain eased, and Maddy forced long, deep breaths into her lungs. Her body still quivered. How had Brock found her out here?

  Her breathing sped up again. The room closed in.

  Wait—it was just a text. He obviously had her phone number, but not her location.

  But how? The only one she’d given it to was Sophie, in case there was an emergency at home. Her sister would never share it, and Maddy had blocked the number from showing up on caller ID.

  Shallow, quick breaths. The police. She needed to contact the police. Surely sending a text like that was violating the restraining order.

  She snatched the phone from where she’d dropped it, began to dial 911, then stopped. If she called the police, she’d have to tell them where she was. Wasn’t that a danger in itself? Brock had friends in the Denver police, and they could easily be on the lookout for reports of her.

  She sank into a chair and rested her head in her hands, trying to calm herself. Dear God, help me know what to do. Guide me in a safe path, for Mia’s sake, if not for mine.

  Maddy stayed with her head bowed while she listened for sounds from Mia’s room. Nothing. At least she could call the cops without Mia listening in. She tapped the phone to life again.

  Call your lawyer, came the thought.

  Of course. Mr. Wilkins would keep things confidential; her location wouldn’t have to show up on a police report.

  She brought up his cell number and dialed. He wouldn’t care that it was Saturday.

  Fifteen minutes later, she sighed in relief. The attorney now had a screenshot of the text, he would alert the authorities, and she would get a new burner phone. He had also given her strict instructions not to mention this to anyone except Samuel, who already knew. Without knowing how Brock had gotten her phone number, he wanted everything kept super tight.

  Holding back wouldn’t be a problem for Maddy—she’d never want to lay her problems out for the world to see. She set her phone down, grateful also for the way Mr. Wilkins’s steady voice had calmed her churning emotions. Thank you, Lord, for sending me to the right person. Thank you so much.

  “Mama?” Mia appeared with bleary eyes and a rumpled Moana nightgown, reaching her arms to be pulled into her mother’s lap.

  “Good morning, sleepyhead.” Maddy cuddled her close, breathing in her little girl scent. This child was her life, and Maddy would do whatever it took to keep her safe. To stay safe herself.

  Maddy jumped at the knock on the door a few minutes later, her trembles coming back despite herself. She put Mia on her chair, motioning shh as she went to the door. “Who is it?” she said, just loudly enough to penetrate the thick wood.

  “It’s Adam. You said you wanted to come out to feed sometime.”

  Maddy swiftly unlocked the deadbolt and opened the door. “Yes, we’d love to.” Dang, she still sounded shaky. She turned to Mia, taking the chance to catch her breath and calm her nerves again. “Go get dressed, honey. Don’t forget to brush your teeth.”

  When she turned back around, Adam was leaning against the doorway, looking as handsome as ever. He might not be as tall as his brothers, but he was solid muscle. Muscle that could protect her if Brock ever did find her.

  She forced the thought away. She was too well hidden—under an assumed name, she could be anywhere in the state. Or out of the state. She’d get a new phone number and be safe.

  Besides, Adam craved honesty. He’d either hate her for lying, despite her lawyer’s instructions, or he’d become over-controlling to protect her. She didn’t want either of those or to become an object of pity to everyone around. When this was all over, she’d find the right time and tell him the whole story, but not now.

  Brock’s stalking left her on edge, despite her prayer and the attorney’s calming tones. Mia bounced with excitement as they headed for the equipment barn, but Maddy couldn’t manage to keep any enthusiasm in her voice. Better to stay silent than make it obvious she was nervous.

  Once more, she gazed at the mountains around her, at the ranch she was learning to call home. She knew she was safe; she knew Brock couldn’t actually find her.

  Adam led the way past the hay barn. He smiled at Mia, skipping alongside, holding her mother’s hand. The girl was so full of joy and anticipation that it even made Adam look forward to this everyday task.

  He glanced at Maddy, who was quieter than normal. Actually, her face looked rather somber. “You have a lot on your mind this morning?”

  “Me? No, not at all. Just thinking about…being out here. Will it keep snowing, do you think?”

  “I hope not—it’s supposed to be spring! The weather app says just an inch or so, but we know how accurate that is.” Adam smiled at the thought of a southern California gal getting comfortable in snow.

  They turne
d behind the barn, to where the tractor had one round bale loaded and another ready to go on its tines. Maddy stopped cold.

  “What is that?” She pointed, her mouth staying slightly open.

  “It’s a hay spooler.” Adam chuckled. “An un-spooler, actually, but we don’t call it that. It lets the bale unroll and gives the cows a nice long line of alfalfa to eat.”

  Maddy, still holding Mia’s hand, walked all the way around the large tractor. “You’re not taking us on that, are you? There’s no place to sit!”

  “Sure there is. Up here with me!” Sure, the tractor cab wasn’t meant for two people, let alone three, but the seat was wide and Adam had put a blanket in the cargo space for Mia to sit on.

  “I guess,” Maddy said slowly. “As long as we’re not perched on that giant hay bale. Or hanging onto the back of the tractor.”

  He was a bit disappointed that there wasn’t a gleam in her eye at the thought of sitting close with him, but he’d take what he could get.

  They squeezed in, and the old tractor finally started. Adam didn’t know if it needed some of Micah’s TLC, or if his nerves had messed something up. He hadn’t had a woman sitting next to him like this since, well, longer ago than he could count.

  They chugged to the first gate, and Maddy climbed down to open it. He watched her move—fluid and graceful, totally unlike the ranch women he knew. Was that her Italian heritage? Or had she had ballet lessons, one of the perks of city living? He knew she’d be just as graceful dancing in his arms, and he wondered when he could invite her into town for an evening.

  Back in the cab, she nestled against him without being quite so stiff. He put an arm around her soft shoulder, and she glanced quickly up at him. “Gotta help you stay on the seat,” he said. But she didn’t seem to mind and he reveled in her closeness.

  A hundred acres on, the cows and calves began to follow them. Adam pushed a few levers, and the bale lowered and began unrolling behind them. Mia giggled and stood up in the back to watch the cattle gather. “The babies are so cute!” she shouted.

  “Quiet voice, Mia,” her mother reminded her.

  Mia clapped a hand over her mouth, and Adam smiled. He hadn’t been around kids much, but Mia was teaching him that patience worked wonders with a child who wanted to please.

  “They’re not really tame,” Adam said. “I don’t think they’ll stand still for you to pet them.”

  Mia’s face fell, then her eyes lit up again. “Do they have names?”

  The bale ran out. Adam stopped the tractor and switched the tines to the extra bale, then held out a hand to help Maddy down. No matter that she’d climbed down by herself earlier. She took his hand with a soft smile, and he felt the thrill through his whole body.

  Mia jumped into his arms, and it surprised him how comfortable he felt holding her. “Do they have names?” she repeated.

  “No, but do you see those tags in their ears? They have numbers on them, and if we need to get a particular cow or calf, that’s what we use to make sure we have the right one.”

  “Not as easy to tell apart as Mister and Diablo, huh?” Those were Maddy’s first words to him in fifteen minutes.

  “No,” he said, “but if a herd of horses is all sorrels, you’ll have a hard time telling them apart, too. Unless you know a particular one personally.” Adam remembered being twelve and going out to get his mother’s sorrel mare, whose only white marking was a small star. He hadn’t realized that the other three sorrels were solid except for small stars, too. He got teased for a long time, not just for bringing in the wrong horse, but bringing in a gelding instead.

  He chuckled and shook his head, but Maddy didn’t respond.

  Mia did, though. “Can I name them?”

  “Name what?”

  “The baby cows!”

  Oh. There were probably a hundred calves right here. “Um, sure, if you want to. And if you can tell them apart,” he added.

  Mia clapped her hands and jumped until Maddy put a hand on the child’s shoulder. “That one is Barbie, that one is Skipper, that one is Tiger ‘cause he has a sort of striped tail, that one is Maui, that one is Moana…”

  She was still naming them after he’d taken the wrap off the bale. Adam couldn’t remember when he’d been so charmed by someone so young. And so impressed that she could find joy in such little things. “She’s great, isn’t she?” he said quietly.

  Maddy started. “What? Oh, yes. She is.”

  Adam watched her for a moment. “Is everything okay, Maddy?”

  “Of course!” she said immediately. “Why wouldn’t it be? Everything is fine!”

  Except he could tell it wasn’t. She seemed brittle and wary, not to mention distracted.

  “If you ever need to talk to someone…”

  She shook her head. “I don’t. I won’t.”

  “…it’s kind of isolated out here. I just want you to know I’d keep anything you say confidential.”

  Maddy blinked at him. “Thanks,” she finally said. “But it’s under control. Oh, look, Mia got one to let her pet him!”

  Adam almost swore. He hadn’t even noticed the girl walking away. No wonder she’d been able to slip into the bull pasture so easily.

  This was okay, though. Their moodiest, most protective cows weren’t in this group, and if a calf stepped on Mia’s foot…well, she’d learn the way any kid on a ranch did.

  He’d wondered what the ranch would be like with children, if Micah could ever bring Jacob out here. All he had to do was look at Mia to see. He liked having her there, something he never thought he’d feel.

  And then there was the way he felt when he looked at Maddy. Even with something troubling her, or perhaps especially with troubles, her presence made Adam smile. She brought out all his protective instincts—Lacey would say he was going all caveman—and a curl of warmth spiraled up inside him.

  This ranch needed children, a new generation. It needed Mia and Maddy. He needed Mia and Maddy.

  The thought caught him by surprise. He hadn’t needed anyone in a long time. He really liked Maddy, though. There was a connection growing between them, and it felt right and good.

  So what was he going to do about it?

  Nothing now, other than be the kind of man that Maddy could share her troubles with. That, and spend as much time together as possible.

  “C’mon, you two. We’ve got another bale to spread.”

  18

  “What’s it like seeing one born?” Maddy had asked on their way back from feeding the cows.

  Now, at midnight, she was about to find out.

  She’d taken Mia all the way into Grand Junction that afternoon, buying summer clothes for her growing girl, as well as a new cell phone, and going to a movie. She’d wanted to mail a postcard to her mother while she was far away from a Beaver Falls postmark, but Mr. Wilkins’s cautions echoed in her mind.

  Adam had knocked on her door while she was still reading before bed. “We’ve brought the last cow into the calving shed. I thought you might want to come.”

  Maddy checked on the peacefully sleeping Mia. Could she leave? There was nothing in the cabin to start a fire, and Jesse and Wes were in nearby cabins, anyway. Not that she was truly worried, just still a bit on edge. She slipped into her coat and pulled a knit cap down over her hair. “I thought the cows had their calves right out in the pasture.”

  He shrugged. “Mostly. If we have time, we’ll pull in a cow that’s having problems. If it happens again, we’ll sell her on. But this one has produced several champion bulls, so she’s worth the extra effort.”

  Maddy followed Adam out the door. They stepped around the worst muddy spots as they walked companionably through the cold night, close but not touching. And Maddy wished they were.

  Adam made her feel safe, but he also made her heart thrill. And she had a feeling he just might feel the same way. Then she scolded herself. Brock’s text had shown that her life was still too unsettled for a romance, no matter how enticing
the cowboy. Especially one who prided himself on his honesty.

  She thought once again about telling him that Brock had contacted her. As much as her fear of Brock was well-founded, logic said that her worry of him finding her out here was ridiculous. Still, she could at least tell him she was using a false name.

  Maddy was still figuring out how to word it when they reached the calving shed. It was spotless; the cement floor had been hosed down and straw spread thick for the cow to lie on. Except she wasn’t lying down; she was on her feet and looking extremely uncomfortable. And Wes wasn’t home in his cabin, he was sitting on an overturned bucket in the corner.

  So much for telling Adam.

  “Any change?” Adam asked, leaning on a rail.

  Wes shook his head. “She’s got a ways to go, I’d say.”

  Half an hour later, Maddy was shivering in the night air, but the cow had started to groan occasionally, and Maddy could tell she was pushing.

  “Do cow labors take long? Anything like the thirty-six hours I had with Mia?” she asked.

  Adam looked sympathetic. “If they did, they’d probably be dead. It’s usually only an hour or so from when we notice it. But who knows how long they’re having contractions before then.” He turned to Wes. “She is in some distress, though. Let’s check the calf.”

  They pushed and prodded until the cow had moved to a metal contraption that held her head. Adam pulled on a clear plastic glove that reached almost to his shoulder, while Wes moved the cow’s tail out of the way. Maddy watched in amazement as Adam reached in.

  He felt around for a moment, then frowned. “It’s got one leg bent back at the knee, and the other back at the shoulder. Gonna need some help here.”

  Wes jerked his head at Maddy. “If you feel like helping, you could stand by her head and just talk to her. She’s not super tame, but your voice will calm her.”

  Maddy went around the headlock thing and stared at the cow. Her red and white hair was a little curly, with white whiskers around her mouth and nose. Her eyes seemed dull. “Does she have a name?”