Fire On The Farm (Second Chance Cowboy Romance)

by Betty Shreffler

  "Let's do that."

  "How's his leg?"

  "The supplements are helping, but the floating will ensure he gets more feed into him. He needs more strength. He favors it in the pasture but is getting around. I think Merlin motivates him."

  "I can see the connection between them."

  Merlin held his neck over Ransom's as if to protect him from any impending doom.

  Andrea bent Ransom's knee and he let out a breathy groan. "The wrap and supplements seem to help?"

  "Yes."

  "Good. Keep up the supplements. I'm going to prescribe you a topical ointment called surpass. It will help with his joint pain. As well as firocoxib. It will help with range of motion." She lowered Ransom's leg and removed her gloves. "I can come by Wednesday next week for the floating, if that's good for you."

  "Yeah, that will work fine."

  She smiled proudly at me. "I'm glad you brought Ransom home with you." She patted his neck and forehead. "He's got a spirit that wants to live. You saved this beautiful horse's life."

  Andrea left me with an emotion I hadn't felt in over a month—joy. I’d done something good, saved a life. I clung to that sensation as I brushed both their coats and gave them their evening feeding.

  After dinner, I returned to the horse barn. On my way, I stopped and stared at the vacant and dark brown ground where the commercial barn had once been. I walked onto the dirt and something caught my attention. A tiny purple flower had popped up from the devastation and burned earth. It was fighting to live among death and destruction. I reached down and grazed my finger over its soft petals as a tear rolled down my cheek.

  The message came across clear. I could feel Darrell as if his warms hands were holding my shoulders. The breeze swept over my skin and his lips grazed my cheek. The breeze faded, as did the warmth of his embrace. I collapsed to the ground, holding my hands over my shoulders.

  "Please stay," I whispered to the wind.

  The air around me stilled and so did my heart. I knew then Darrell would always be with me.

  The first day I put a saddle on Merlin, he startled. It had been so long since we'd gone riding, he'd lost the familiarity of it. I stroked his neck and mane and eased into the saddle. I took him on a slow walk through the pasture because Ransom insisted on following, tagging a couple strides behind. Merlin let out a confident neigh as though the feel of the ride was coming back to him. I guided him to the gate and Ransom snorted when I left him behind. His body leaned against the gate, already upset about the separation.

  "We'll be back. I promise."

  Ransom snorted again as if to say, you better. I coaxed Merlin into a trot, cantor, and then gallop. Soon after, I let him run free with the wind as I held steady in the saddle. The evening sun was lowering and I took us to the top of the hill to look over my property behind us. When we reached the top, I dismounted and laid in the grass. Merlin laid beside me and huffed. He was clearly out of shape.

  I rubbed his neck before resting on my elbows to watch the sun sink below the horizon. The memory of Darrell’s and my first date at Heartbreak Lake came back to me. I leaned up, hugging my arms around my knees. This time, I cried tears of joy as I remembered that beautiful night. It was then I realized I could have Darrell close to me in moments like these—when I appreciated the beauty the world had. He was now a part of that beauty and I wanted more than anything to appreciate these moments, just so I could have him with me.

  After the sun was gone, I took Merlin back to the barn. We reached it as the night sky had turned dark gray. Ransom snorted and nickered at us as if we'd kept him waiting too long.

  "I know, boy. It's not fun staying behind. I'll get you out. I promise."

  I led them to the barn and gave them their feed. I heard Grams entering the barn behind me.

  "I'm leaving, dear."

  "Where are you going at this hour?"

  She shook her head. "No, I'm going home. You don't need me here anymore."

  Tears welled up in my eyes and my chest ached. "Who will I eat breakfast with? Who will I talk to? I'll be alone."

  My grandmother waved her tiny, soft hand in the air. "Amy dear, as much as I want to stay, I can't. I don't want to be your crutch. It's time I go home. I have my own affairs to tend to."

  I gathered my grandmother in my arms. "Is there anything I can say to make you change your mind?"

  She patted my head and then held my arms in her hands as her soft, blue eyes looked into mine. "You have a strong spirit, Amy. It's fighting to live, just like that beautiful horse behind you. Your journey isn't over yet. It's time for you to embrace what's next. You don't need me for that."

  I pulled her in for a long, tight hug. She eased out of my arms and left the barn for her car. I watched the dust clouds erupt as her car rambled down the long drive and out of sight.

  That night, I had my worst nightmare yet. Trembling and soaking wet with sweat, I ambled to the bath and ran warm water and added soap. I laid in the tub and remembered the last time Darrell and I had bathed together. He'd washed my hair and palmed water over my shoulders. He'd kissed me and touched me intimately, readying me for more between the sheets.

  I lifted his bottle of soap and washed my whole body in it, needing the scent of him close to me. Afterwards, I put on one of his flannels and his pajama pants and grabbed one of our sleeping bags from the basement. I traipsed out to the barn and curled up outside Merlin and Ransom's stalls. The sounds of their snorts and nickers distracted my mind and gave me the restful sleep I needed.

  When morning came, I woke to their eager noises, excited for food and attention. I fed them and let them out to the pasture. With sorrow in my chest, I dragged my legs up the steps and entered our bedroom. I slowly and reluctantly pulled the sheets from our bed. I placed them in the washer as tears streamed down my face. I wiped them away and forced myself to eat.

  After breakfast, I saddled Merlin and took him for a morning ride. We came along the creek where he drank water and the morning birds chirped. I took in a deep breath and listened to the water bubble over the rocks. Closing my eyes, I imagined Darrell there with me, laying kisses over my lips, cheeks, and eyelids. The sun broke through the gap in the trees, and it warmed my skin. I felt him then in that moment. His kiss came and went with the breeze.

  I brought Merlin back to the pasture and checked Ransom's leg. He didn't groan when I bent it and the scab looked like it was healing well. I gave them both a bath and re-bandaged Ransom's leg.

  That night, I opened a book and read by the bay window. I fell asleep on the window seat and woke with the moon high and bright in the sky. Looking up at it, I admired its magnificence and the bluish-gray glow it cast over the trees and ground. After gathering my shoes, I took a long walk under the moon. The warm summer breeze swept over me, giving comfort as I wished Darrell was here, walking with me.

  An owl whooed in the distance and critters scurried away in the night. I placed the blanket I carried in my arm on the ground. I laid there, looking up at the ocean of stars, wondering if Darrell was looking down on me, thinking of me, as I thought of him.

  I closed my eyes and I imagined him lying next to me, holding my hand.

  I woke to the sun warm on my face and my back stiff from the uneven ground beneath me. I hurried back to the house and showered and ate breakfast. Andrea was coming by today for the teeth floating. I'd just finished brushing their coats when she and her assistant arrived.

  The process took an hour for each horse and it would be a while for them to rouse from the anesthesia. I stroked their necks and then left them in their stalls to thank Andrea before helping both women carry their gear back to the truck.

  "I have an odd question for you, Mrs. Flanders."

  "Please, call me Amy."

  Andrea smiled. "Amy, what I'm about to ask, please don't feel obligated to say yes. If you want to say no, I'll understand."

  My brows pinched inward at my curiosity. "What is it?" I lifted a box into her tailgate.


  "There's a client of mine. His daughter and her horse got injured in a barrel racing competition. Mr. Owens has a few other horses and with the daughter always there, treatment is difficult for the horse. Mr. Owens is willing to pay if you agree. Would you be willing to let their horse be boarded here? There's a lot more room, and I'd have the freedom from his other horses and his daughter to do what I need to. I also have this gut feeling the horse would recuperate better here. You clearly have experience with training and tending to a horse's injury."

  I was flattered and wasn't sure what to say.

  "I know it's a lot to ask. I understand if you're not willing to take on the responsibility. I just had to ask, you know? For the horse and for Sarah."

  A sharp pain surged through my belly. I'd never been given the chance to have a daughter and probably never would. I was envious of this man I didn't know. I'm not sure the exact reason I agreed to help, but I felt compelled to—as though this act of kindness may bring me more peace in my lonely life.

  "Yes." I nodded. "I'd be happy to help them."

  Andrea's lips pulled back into a smile. "I knew you'd say yes. Thank you, Amy. I'll make arrangements with Mr. Owens and contact you to finalize them."

  Later that day, Andrea called to check on Merlin and Ransom. Understandably, they were a bit fatigued from the dental procedure but overall doing well. She asked if it would be all right to bring Mr. Owens horse, Daisy, over tomorrow. I agreed. Andrea said she'd be there for Daisy's delivery, set up and that Mr. Owens would have a check for me.

  After the call, I took Merlin out riding and then came back and tied Ransom's lead to the saddle and let him join us on a casual stroll. I guided them down to the creek and let them drink and lay in the sun. When I returned, I talked with my parents, letting them know I was doing okay and taking on a horse that needed boarding and care. They were happy to hear from me and hoped to come over for dinner later in the week.

  Lunch came and went, Andrea and Mr. Owens arrived with Daisy in the trailer. She limped out, her front left leg wrapped in a cast. She'd suffered a broken leg and she was tender and jumpy. I soothed her with my words and stroked her face and neck. Before I guided her into the barn, I gave her one of Merlin and Ransom’s treats. She settled and slowly followed. Once in the barn, I wrapped a blanket around her and placed her several stalls away from Merlin and Ransom until her stress level went down and she could get used to them being near.

  I put out water and feed for her and returned to Andrea and Mr. Owens. The tall, middle-aged man with tan skin and soft brown eyes tipped his hat at me.

  "I appreciate what you're doing for us, Mrs. Flanders." He outstretched his hand for me to shake. His demeanor was kind and friendly, yet there were signs of fatigue under his eyes. A warm sensation filled my chest. I knew by doing this I was taking some stress off this man and his family.

  "I'm happy to help and you're welcome to check in on her anytime."

  Mr. Owens pulled a check out of his wallet and handed it to me. "This is for the boarding, care, and feed. Andrea said Daisy would need to be here for sixteen weeks. I'll bring you another check in a couple months, if that's all right?"

  I took the check from him and glanced at the amount. It was written for twenty-five hundred dollars.

  "This is enough for the whole sixteen weeks. Please, no other checks are necessary."

  I pocketed the check and Mr. Owens lips curved upward into an appreciative smile.

  "It was a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Flanders, and thank you again."

  Mr. Owens left and Andrea and I walked toward the barn. "I'll check on her to make sure she's doing all right but won't administer any treatment today. She's been through enough stress with the move. She's on antibiotics to ensure an infection doesn't form and will need to be given the antibiotic daily along with a fresh cast change and her temperature taken. I can show you how to change the cast." Andrea stopped and looked at me, worried. "Is this too much?"

  I gave her a comforting smile. "Not at all. I was raised with horses and have a bachelor's in equine management. I know a thing or two." I winked at her, hoping to ease her worry.

  Andrea smiled. "I knew I was right about you." We walked into the barn and Daisy's ears perked up as we approached. She seemed relaxed enough to lay down in her stall. Behind me, Merlin and Ransom nickered and snorted, clearly interested in the new arrival.

  "She looks comfortable. I'll come by tomorrow to show you the cast change and bring her medications."

  The next morning, I looked in the mirror, giving myself a good once-over. I'd gained weight back and my hair was fuller. I was starting to look like myself again. Andrea arrived shortly after I completed my jumps with Merlin. I put feed out for the horses and greeted her as she approached the barn.

  "How's our girl doing?"

  I took off my gloves and shoved them into my pocket. "She's good. Eating well. Seems to be in high spirits. Merlin wanted to visit her this morning, but I didn't let him. It's too soon."

  With my assistance, Andrea and I administered the antibiotics, checked her temperature, and put on a new cast.

  "I can come by and check on her tomorrow if you'd like?"

  I shook my head. "No, need. We'll be fine. Won't we, Daisy?" I stroked her muzzle and she snorted as though she were content.

  After ten weeks of working with Daisy, Mr. Owens and Andrea stopped by for one of their usual visits to check on her progress. They were impressed to see her standing on all four legs out in the pasture.

  Mr. Owens, who I'd learned was named Mark, owned a ranch with cattle and horses. He leaned his arms over the fence. "She's looking fine, Amy. You think she'd be willing to see Sarah? Sarah asks about her on nearly a daily basis. We keep her away so Daisy can heal."

  "She's not quite ready. A few more weeks and then we'll start with some easy trust exercises."

  I'd been spending my time gardening, working with the horses and studying up on my horse training and therapy. The time was well-spent. Ransom was now used to being saddled and could take longer, easy rides, Merlin was jumping on higher jumps with confidence, and Daisy had lost her jittery nervousness and was gaining strength in her leg. Her fracture was healing well and Andrea expected her to make a full recovery. After Mark left, Andrea lingered.

  "You ever think about doing this for a living, running a horse therapy ranch? Mr. Owens isn't the only client with a horse that needs medical care or training."

  I gnawed on a piece of straw grass. The cooler breeze of the oncoming winter sent a chill over my shoulders. It was a thought that had crossed my mind, but I hadn't entertained it too much.

  Merlin came to the fence and nuzzled my shoulder as I scratched behind his jaw. I pulled the grass from my mouth.

  "If I bring in more horses, I'll need to hire an extra hand or two," I said aloud, more to myself. "Go ahead and give them my name and number. I'll see what I can do."

  Five weeks later, two new horses and two employees joined my crew. Jared was a college student at the local community college. He was eager to learn and already had skills working with horses. My second hire was one of Darrell's old employees, Rick. He heard I was looking for an extra hand with the horses and stopped by in person to let me know he was interested in working with me. I remembered him being a good employee for Darrell and hired him on the spot.

  Jared helped clean stalls, bathe and brush the horses, and worked with leading and training. Rick helped with medical care, training, and night shifts. We made a good team and with their help, I was able to focus on rebuilding Sarah and Daisy's bond.

  Sarah arrived with a small, mobile black boot. It took coaxing and many trust exercises, but the day Daisy let Sarah up on her back to ride across the pasture was a tear-filled one at the Flanders Ranch.

  That's what I decided to name it. I did the official paperwork and opened for business. I offered boarding, training, and horse therapy. I named it after the incredible man who'd made it all possible for me.

>   Two Years Later…

  Grams washed the fresh-picked blackberries as I stirred the fried potatoes, and Mom set the dining table. The summer breeze lifted the kitchen curtains, bringing with it the scent of horse and hay.

  "Why is it you haven't tried to date?"

  The laughter rolled up from my belly and out of my mouth. "Grams, you know why. I'm married to this ranch. I don't have time to date."

  She clicked her tongue against her cheek. "Nonsense. You're a beautiful, successful young woman." She gave me a pointed look. "Make time to date."

  I grabbed four plates and divvied up the potatoes and meatloaf. Dad came in just as we were setting the plates on the table.

  "The ranch is full and looking good, Amy. You've done well."

  My father was right. My horse therapy ranch had become well-known across the state and into the surrounding ones. I had gained something of a horse whisperer reputation and hadn't had an unhappy client or horse we couldn't work with. Jared had graduated from college and chose to continue working at the ranch full-time. He'd become an asset with training. His calm demeanor earned him easy trust with the horses. Rick had turned out to be a great employee and we'd become good friends over the last couple of years.

  With the ranch doing well, I was even able to offer health benefits for all of us. Jared and Rick were still my only employees. I'd chosen to place a limit on the number of horses we'd take in at a time to avoid overcrowding and to ensure each horse got the best care they could.

  After dinner, my parents helped me care for the six horses I had boarding or under therapy. We returned to find Grams asleep in the chair with a book in her lap. Mom and Dad took Grams up to the second guest room and then settled themselves in for the night. I started upstairs and then an itch to go back outside to enjoy the cool night motivated my feet the opposite direction. I walked toward the barn and heard Merlin and the other horses snorting and whinnying. I shined my flashlight around the outside of the barn.