by Danni Roan
“Guess I’ll be earning my keep, then.”
“We’ll set the trails once your horses get here,” Kade continued. “I haven’t spoken to Phil about it yet, but I thought you might want to crash at my house. There’s plenty of room.”
Chase smiled, “I’d like that Kade, thanks.” He offered a calloused hand.
“Maybe being at the house with me will help you stay out of trouble,” Kade chortled, picking up a lead rope and fastening it to his mule’s halter.
***
“Kade said I should come speak to you about tack and horse supplies,” Chase offered, sticking his head through the office door and catching his new boss with her nose in a yellowed letter a few days later.
He’d settled in at Kade’s bachelor pad in the Ballard home by the stream, and was finding working with his friend even more fun that he expected.
“Hm?” Philomena asked, pulling her mind from the past and into the present. She smiled looking at the man in her doorframe. He could have stepped from the past with his scuffed boots as he stood hat in hand.
“Oh, tack. Yes, I have a budget and Kade has been refurbishing what he can from the items we’ve found. Apparently, he has a good working harness for Jack and Scott as well as the old wagon that will ferry people around the ranch at specific intervals.”
“That’s a good idea,” Chase said, studying the young woman as she sat on a tall stool at her computer desk. “I’ve got a list from Kade of what he thinks is still useable and what we’ll need.”
“Come on in and let me see what you need.”
Chase ambled to the computer, noting the bright layout of the ranch website. “That looks good,” he couldn’t help but comment.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll need some details from you to add to the site as well. I want our staff to be recognizable.”
Chase smiled at the no-nonsense attitude. “Makes sense,” he offered, moving closer to look over her shoulder.
Phil shivered as the cowboy’s warm breath tickled her ear and closed her eyes, relishing the feeling. The sensation of a man standing so close felt good.
“Where should we begin?” She forced herself to reply, enjoying the warm tingles she was feeling.
“There used to be a good saddle shop in Tipton,” Chase’s voice felt like a caress, making Phil tremble. “Perhaps we could start there.”
“Sounds good.” Philomena refocused her mind. She wasn’t some silly school girl to react to a man’s nearness this way, but she couldn’t help wonder what it would be like to get even closer to Chase Haven if his voice had such an effect.
“Much of the tack that Kade’s been able to salvage is old. The style is a little different than what you see in modern tack. Do you want to see if we can match it up or just mix and match?”
“I hadn’t thought of that. Do we need it to have a traditional look? I’m not really sure what we’ll need.”
“There, that’s the site for the saddlery in Tipton.” Chase said, pointing at the page she’d googled. “Let’s see what they have and go from there. I’m assuming you’ll want saddles to fit all types, probably something for youngsters as well.”
For the next hour, they browsed the site looking at saddles, bridles, bits and reins, even helmets and specialized riding gear for handicapped guests.
“I didn’t know they had so many special items,” Phil’s voice was animated with excitement. “Do you have horses that could accommodate handicapped guests? I’ll have to get with Baron and look at the logistics of it all. I wonder how many dude ranches can offer riding experiences for those who would normally not ride?”
Chase’s soft laugh reined her in and she joined in the mirth. “You have a lot of ideas,” he commented kindly.
“I do get excited. It’s one of the things my former employer liked about me. I tended to pull clients in with my enthusiasm, and that equaled plenty of jobs.”
“Sounds like you were good at what you did,” Chase mused. “Why’d you leave?”
“I’d lost my passion for it. I could draw clients, share my vision and make things happen, but what did it really accomplish? I guess you could say I wanted something more, something lasting that I could call my own.”
“I suppose most people want a chance to leave their mark in the world. Even though we’re just passing through, it’s nice to think we make a difference.” He smiled kindly, turning back to the computer screen.
Passing through. Phil pondered the words. Perhaps life was more transient than some believed; it felt good to have roots again. Her eyes zipped toward the old trunk and the stack of letters just waiting for her.
“I’ll head in to Tipton after the horses arrive tomorrow and pick up what we need. You mentioned you ride, do you have your own rig?” He waited, studying her features.
Phil almost blushed, thinking of her earlier comment. “Well no, I used to ride as a child, but it’s been years,” she admitted. “When I was very small my parents brought me here to the ranch and I rode the horses here.” She looked up and smiled. “Later I did some riding in college, but I haven’t had the time since then.”
“Good to know,” Chase answered sensibly. “I look forward to taking you for a spin sometime soon,” he grinned, his blue eyes bright with the idea.
“I’ll hold you to that,” Phil agreed.
“See you later,” Chase finally ended, turning and heading back to the barn with a wave of his hand. He was feeling even more confident about this job as he got to know his new boss better.
Chapter 5
Phil stood on the front porch, a cup of coffee in her hand amidst the cool fog of morning, and watched two large semi-trucks pull shimmering trailers into the dusty yard.
Over the past weeks there had been many developments and even more deliveries to the ranch, giving it a new lease on life, but somehow this one was different; this was the heartbeat of a ranch.
Sipping her dark brew, Philomena watched Kade and Chase double-time it out of the barn to the side of the trailers. The sound of soft whinnies and nickers punctuated the day as the doors creaked open and with the drivers help, horses began moving down the ramp on the side of the rig.
One by one, Phil watched as bays and buckskins, palominos and chestnuts moved wide-eyed down the ramp. A little thrill ran through her as she watched the equines side-step or meander into the barn, held confidently on their lead by Chase, whose warm voice soothed jangled nerves.
The clatter and clang of hooves on metal brought another mount out of the big rig. The lean, dark bay mare lifted her head and gazed around her, crowding up on Chase with flared nostrils.
Phil couldn’t help but admire the horse’s clean lines and beauty as she noted the animal’s two white socks and wide blaze, as well as the random white splotch on her shoulder. Drawn by the horse, Phil stepped out into the barnyard, reaching up to stroke a hand along the horse’s neck behind its bright purple halter.
“She’s beautiful,” she said, letting the horse snuffle her hand.
“This is Amy,” Chase said, patting the horse affectionately, “she’s a real sweetheart.”
“You have some beautiful mounts,” Phil commented, stepping back while Kade led a jittery gray toward the barn.
“You want me to get the old man?” Kade cast over his shoulder over the soft clip-clop of hooves.
“No, I’ll get him,” Chase called back, handing the purple lead line to Phil. “Would you mind?” he asked politely. “First stall on the right.”
Clicking softly, Phil took the lead and moved Amy toward the barn, settling her into a spacious stall and returning to the trucks as Chase moved slowly down the ramp with a shaggy mahogany bay stallion on a lead.
Phil blinked at the swayed-back, old horse with the nobbled knees and long, white whiskery muzzle. Why would the man bring such a dilapidated old nag to her ranch? Surely the animal was no good for anything anymore.
“This is Butch,” Chase said, coming to a stop on solid ground, a wide grin brigh
t on his handsome face as affection shone from his eyes.
“He’s rather old, isn’t he?” Phil asked, still bewildered.
A dark light flashed in Chase’s eyes but was gone in an instant, even as his smile evaporated. “Kade said I could bring my whole herd back together,” he said softly. “Butch was the keystone of my family’s herd. He’s old, true, but he makes mighty pretty babies.”
Phil watched as a gleam entered the dark blue eyes and the smile returned.
“Amy’s one of his get.”
Phil examined the old horse again with new eyes, then gently stroked his dark face. “Welcome to the Broken J, Butch,” she finally said, stepping aside and allowing the wrangler to lead the old horse into his new home.
“You’ve made him a happy man,” Kade said, stepping to her side and draping an arm over her shoulders, making her feel like a stunted bush next to a mighty oak. “It’s been a long time since he could do anything but just keep these nags fed.”
“The horses mean that much to him?”
“They’re all that’s left of his heritage,” Kade said, removing his arm as his cousin sagged a little under the weight.
“A few months ago, I don’t think I would have understood that,” she started. “Your stories and those old letters I’ve been reading have made me feel connected to this piece of earth.”
“I can’t say I understand,” Kade admitted. “I’ve never know anything but the Broken J.”
Phil reached for her cousin’s hand. She knew he’d been hurt by the actions of his uncle, even as they had given her an opportunity to step out on her own.
“I guess anything with family is complicated,” she commented, thinking of her own parents.
Kade squeezed Phil’s hand. “I’m glad you’re here, cuz,” he offered with a grin. “Now I’ve got hungry horses to see to,” he added, disappearing into the dark interior of the barn.
“Philomena!” Mrs. Wade’s voice chimed out in the morning air. “Breakfast is ready, and you tell them men to come along, too.” The screen door banged shut, punctuating the woman’s words and Phil giggled. If anyone could keep the household working properly, Mrs. Wade could.
“Kade, Chase,” Phil called, stepping into the barn and smiling as equine heads peeked over stall doors. The smell of horse and hay suddenly seemed to fill the space and she breathed it in, the scent of childhood and happier days.
“Yes.” Both men stuck their head out of various locations.
“Mrs. Wade says come for breakfast.” Phil smiled again at the fact that three adults would jump when called.
“I already ate,” Kade said, falling into step with his cousin as they headed to the house.
“Me too,” Chase added, “but a second breakfast won’t hurt my feelings.”
“You took your sweet time,” Mrs. Wage grumbled as the trio entered the kitchen. “Wash up and sit down. I’m not serving cold breakfast.” Her dark eyes flashed at each of them. “And don’t tell me you already ate,” she continued, “a bowl of Peanut Butter Cap’n Crunch cereal is not a fit breakfast for men like you.”
Kade spluttered as Chase guffawed. “How’d she know?” he asked, lifting a hand towel and heading for the table.
The clatter of dishes on one of the long dining tables had them all scurrying to their seats.
“I want your opinion on this dish,” Mrs. Wade said, watching as they filled their plates. “It’s a breakfast casserole and I can modify it to meet a variety of tastes and dietary needs.”
“It smells good,” Kade offered, bowing his head.
Phil lifted her fork then froze as she watched both men bow their heads in a silent blessing. She felt her lips tug toward a smile as she reminded herself she was in the country.
As both men looked up, she turned her attention to her egg dish, bright with peppers, onions and tomatoes.
She mm’ed as the flavors melted on her mouth. “This is delicious,” Phil said.
“Good,” Mrs. Wade said. “I’ll expect you here for meals over the next few days as we work on new dishes and establishing a menu.” With that, she turned and headed for the big sink and her soaking pots and pans.
“You know she’ll run over you rough shod if you let her,” Chase offered with a grin, shoveling food into his mouth.
“As the lead cook at our high school, she ran a tight ship,” Kade agreed.
“Why do you think I hired her when she applied?” Phil offered quietly. “If she can manage to feed a passel of hungry teenagers and keep a school kitchen on budget without riots, she must be efficient.”
Both men chuckled, reaching for seconds.
“So, what’s on for today?” Kade finally asked as Mrs. Wade brought him more coffee.
“I’ll get the horses settled, then head into town to see about tack,” Chase replied.
“I have the website up and running and have already received several bookings for June. July is starting to fill up as well,” Phil offered. “I’ve asked my friend from college to update some of the graphics and create the brochures. She does graphic design.”
“Sounds good,” Kade nodded.
“I’d better go in to town as well and see Baron. He’s working on the legal agreements for guests who wish to ride or do other outdoor activities.”
“I’ll give you a lift if you want,” Chase offered. “I’m going anyway,” he added with a shrug.
“Sounds like a plan,” Phil agreed. “Just let me know when you’re ready.” She finished her breakfast and headed back to her office. The Broken J was feeling more like a ranch every day.
The sound of the phone in her office had Phil scurrying to find Fred sitting on her desk, examining the offending mechanism.
“Hello,” she answered, giving Fred a conciliatory scratch.
“Phil?” Michelle’s voice zinged over the line. “I’ve sent you some mock ups of the flyers and brochures. I hope you like them.”
“I’m sure I will,” Phil said. “Fred’s not very happy with you though, I think you interrupted his nap.”
“Which one?” the voice of her friend bubbled over the line.
“Oh, only his fourth or fifth today.” Together the old friends laughed as Fred sauntered off disgustedly.
“How’s he adjusting to the ranch?” Michelle asked.
“He’s good, he’s been over every inch of this house, but isn’t interested in going outside at all.”
“And you?” Michelle’s voice was serious.
Michelle had been Phil’s roommate and best friend in college, helping her through some hard times. She could always tell when something was up with her friend, even from nearly two thousand miles away.
“I’m good,” Phil chuckled. “Busy, but good. You can’t imagine all the work that goes into getting a place like this ready.”
“Is it terribly boring being stuck out there all by yourself?”
“I’m not by myself,” Phil protested.
“Yes, but in the city, you could go out, have fun, meet new people.”
“Soon enough I’ll be meeting more new people than I care to think about. Besides, the new wrangler has arrived and the horses were just delivered today.”
“That must be exciting,” Michelle practically bubbled. “The new wrangler huh?”
Phil rolled her eyes. “It is exciting. I think I might even get to start riding soon.”
A heavy clomping on the front steps had Phil looking out the window as her construction boss stepped onto the front porch.
“Work calls,” she spoke into the phone. “I’ll look at the designs and call you back tonight.”
“Uh huh,” Michelle chirped. “Have fun.”
Chapter 6
Kissimmee Florida, 1892
Dear Katie,
I can’t believe I’m finally here. I’m actually in Florida where Clayton is from. It is the strangest place I have ever seen, and has the most unusual plants and animals. Today we took a boat ride through the swamps and I saw an alligator. It w
as both thrilling and frightening.
Did you know that some of the horses the men use here, horses like the Duke, actually live wild in these dangerous areas? Last night one of Clay’s friends told me a tale about a wild stallion attacking an alligator to protect a foal. I’m still not sure I believe it, but Clay says it can happen.
Tomorrow we are going on a cattle round-up. It’s so different here than on the Broken J. They call it cow hunting and use dogs and whips to drive the cows. I’ve been informed that the dogs’ first job is to find the cows in all of the palm trees and scrub oaks.
The Bronsons have been wonderful hosts. They are dedicated to preserving the cracker way of whip and dog for raising cows and horses that are true to traditional Florida stock.
I’m pleased we were able to visit in the winter when the citrus fruit is being harvested. I promise we’ll bring oranges and lemons home with us, I’m sure.
How is father? I hope he’s keeping close to home this time of year. Please give my love to Fiona, Lexi and Bella. I miss you all but am enjoying my time here in this semi-tropical world.
Kiss Mary,
Phil was so engrossed in the letter she didn’t hear Chase as he stepped through the front door and stuck his head over her threshold.
“Ms. Allen, Ms. Allen.” His deep voice finally pulled her back from her imaginings of days gone by.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she offered, rising from her sling chair, dislodging Fred from her lap. “Are you ready?”
“Yep, already to roll,” Chase grinned, bending to scratch Fred’s ears as he wound around his boots. “Who’s this?”
“That’s Fred,” Phil replied, grabbing her heavy sling bag from the desk. “He’s been my constant companion for the past two years. He’s rather fickle, but he loves me.” She smiled teasingly as the cat stalked away, tail high.
“So, you’re an animal lover,” Chase offered, escorting her to his old truck and pushing spurs and leather strapping under the seat.
