Montana Bred: Montana Cowboys

by Hildie McQueen

  “How long have you lived here?”

  “Only six months. Sully and I got married last week during a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii.” She fell back onto the plush cushions.

  “I moved in six months ago. We had a whirlwind, totally amazing courtship.” Elle giggled at her cliché, but her face glowed with happiness.

  “We went to Hawaii because Sully was curious about the cattle ranching there.”

  “How fun!” Jenna joined her in leaning back. “So does Sully know more about the business than Bennett?”

  “Hell no,” Elle replied, laughing. “Well, maybe a bit more. The family owns a ranching supply company. But neither of the brothers has ever ranched. I believe the last time it was ranched was back in the early nineteen hundreds.”

  “I’ve heard of Cole Ranching Supply. They’re huge.”

  “Right, so anyway, I suppose that since my husband works full time at the company, it gives him an upper hand. Especially since Bennett is more into his music business than the land.”

  Elle continued her story. “They came here to Alder Gulch every summer while growing up and, from what I understand, their uncle taught them a lot about the land here. Their parents live in Billings, but their father was always more into business ventures than ranching.”

  Jenna frowned. “Did you say music business? What part of the music industry is Bennett in?”

  Eyes rounded and mouth agape, Elle straightened and stared at Jenna. Her mouth closed and she opened it again. “Are you seriously asking me that?”

  The woman fell back laughing until tears flowed down her cheeks. “Oh my goodness. You don't have any idea who he is, do you?”

  Not waiting for the woman to stop laughing, Jenna opened her laptop and started Googling Bennett Cole. Elle watched her, still laughing.

  Her gaze skimmed the headlines, one after the other. Her heart pounded in her ears.

  Country Music Entertainer of the Year

  Country Music Male Vocalist of the Year

  Grammy Winner for Country Music Male Singer of the Year

  Billboard Music award for Country Artist of the Year

  Sold out Tours

  Top Country Single - The Woman I Lost

  Top Country Album - Montana Bred

  Top Country Artist - Three years running

  “I didn’t know.” Jenna closed the laptop and looked to Elle who frowned in return.

  Elle shook her head. “Where have you been lately, under a rock? Even if you’re not into country, you had to have heard of him.”

  Under a rock was probably the best explanation of where she’d been. After being hit by a tidal wave of events, one after another, she’d gone into not only a time of depression, but also gotten away from everything and everyone she knew. It wasn’t until four weeks ago that she’d finally gotten her shit together enough to come home and face things.

  Life had to go on regardless.

  The drama of her departure would hopefully be long forgotten by now.

  “No cable, no internet and definitely no music,” she told Elle, who continued to study her with interest. “I worked in The Gambia at a veterinary clinic that rescues dogs and cats. The vet is an amazing man who runs a catch, neuter and release program. I volunteered there at the non-profit organization helping the animals for the last couple years.”

  “Hmmm, I guess that explains it, although Bennett hit it big about four years ago. He’s been working in Nashville most of his life.” Elle’s smile was wide. “Your volunteer work sounds amazing. I love dogs, too. I bet it was fulfilling.”

  “Oh it was. As much as I was reluctant to go at first, coming back was heart wrenching. I’d become very close to the people I worked with and some of the animals.”

  “I’m surprised you didn’t bring any back.”

  Jenna closed her eyes and thought of the dog she’d left in the vet’s care. “I do have a pet I left behind that I miss horribly. I’m sending for her once I get settled. Her name is Sunny. Her disposition is amazing despite the state we found her in.”

  “Sully and Bennett are both animal lovers, as well. But since Bennett is always touring, he doesn’t have a pet.”

  The idea of someone with his status and money wanting a place to do something different made sense to her now. In Montana, he could get away from everything and all the stress that comes with fame. The fact that he loved animals was probably why he requested her to acquire dogs.

  Jenna chuckled and eyed Elle. “I saw him naked.”

  Elle’s mouth fell open. “How did that happen so soon? You tramp!”

  “Oh no, nothing like that.” Jenna continued by telling Elle what occurred at the stream.

  An immediate friendship was built over designing what would be called Montana Bred Ranch’s boarding and horse training center.

  Jenna was frightened, at first, at lacking experience with starting up such a large center. But between Elle’s experience and long conversations with her father in the evenings, she fell into a pattern and soon looked forward to the next day of work.

  With a heavy concert schedule, it would be a month before Bennett would return to Alder Gulch. He mostly communicated with her through short texts and email.

  In the morning, Usher’s singing sounded. It was Jenna’s cell phone’s tune that woke her each day. The smooth voice was just right. Not to jar her was the perfect way to start the day.

  The only thing more perfect would be an actual man speaking beside her. She let out a long breath and cleared her throat before answering. That didn’t stop her from sounding like a three-pack-a-day smoker. Damn her already husky voice. “Hello?”

  “It’s Bennett, sorry to call so early.”

  At the sound of his deep voice, Jenna sat straight up. “Oh hi.” Her mastery of the English language never ceased to amaze her.

  There was a chuckle on the other end. “I’m on the east coast and didn’t consider the time change until after you answered.” She definitely had to keep a glass of water on her nightstand after today.

  Jenna shoved the sheets away. “How is it going?”

  “Good. Had a sellout concert, so a second day was added here in Philly.”

  “That’s good right?”

  “Yep.”

  There followed what she thought was an awkward silence until she heard muffled conversations. It sounded like overly excited women followed by Bennett’s calmer responses. Fans, no doubt.

  “Have a good night ladies.” He sounded happy, content and she figured the life of travel and meeting fans suited him. “So Jenna, I needed to let you know, two horses will be delivered either late today or early tomorrow. Make sure you’re around just in case they get there late at night.”

  He’d given her the keys to the cabin, but she’d yet to use them in the two weeks since he’d left. “Sure. I can do that.”

  “Oh and I also need a couple of large dogs. You know, for guarding and such.”

  “Who is going to take care of the dogs?”

  “Aren’t you living at the cabin?”

  “No. I didn’t know you expected me to.”

  There was another pause. “Give me a sec.”

  Once again, the conversation of someone asking to take a picture and for his autograph took place. Why didn’t the man call her from inside his travel bus, hotel or wherever he lived while on the road?

  “I’m back.” He chuckled and swishing sounds filled her ear. “Okay, I’m in a car. Got a minute?”

  Jenna suppressed the urge to laugh. “Yes, of course.”

  “I meant to make it clear that as the manager of my ranch, I expect you to live in the cabin. When I’m in town, I will stay in the loft. If that is acceptable to you.”

  The loft was above the living area and overlooked the open space except for the far side, which had a large bedroom, bathroom and small sitting room.

  “It would be amazing. You caught me just in time. I was going to go look at apartments this afternoon.”

&nbs
p; This time at his silence, she waited, unsure of what to say. Finally, she let out a breath. “Do you have a specific breed of dog you’d like?”

  “Nah. You seemed to have more experience in that department. Rescues would be awesome, though.”

  He cleared his throat. “Thanks.”

  When they hung up, she lay back onto the bed. So hearing his voice first thing was almost as good as having an actual man there.

  “Shit...no, don’t think of him as a man.” Jenna rolled sideways and yanked the pillow over her head.

  Instead of apartment hunting, she spent the day moving her belongings into the cabin, which took three trips.

  Her mother called and she put the box she carried on a side table in the cabin to answer it. “Honey, can you call me back? I can’t find my phone.”

  “You just called me, Mama.”

  “Oh, I know. I’m calling you from my watch. Your father bought me one of those watches that acts like a phone.”

  “I think you can find your phone with it, too.” At her mother's silence, Jenna shook her head. “Never mind Hang up. I’ll call you.” Once her mother answered, she told Jenna that she was expected at dinner the following night.

  “I started a new job. I can’t be gone overnight. By the time I get away from here and arrive, it will be late. How about this weekend?”

  There was a beat of silence. “Fine. But honey, you can’t keep postponing coming home forever. We miss you here and meeting you out to eat is not enough. We want to spend time with you.”

  “I understand.” Finally, they hung up and she went to the couch and sat down. Her parents knew the why of her reluctance to return to the ranch. It had been almost two years. Sooner or later, she had to confront the reason for her leaving, the cause of so many changes in her life.

  Chapter Four

  “Hey man, the beer ain’t gonna drink itself,” Tucker, his lead guitarist, took a long swig from his own and eyed him. “Something up?”

  In actuality there was absolutely nothing wrong. The concert had gone off without a hitch. They’d just had an incredible steak meal and now he was sitting around with his best friend having a couple cold beers before calling it a night. “I don’t know man. You ever feel like you need a purpose. I mean something or someone to do all this for?”

  He extended his arms out in the plush travel bus. “I have a great life. I ain’t about to complain, but some days it feels kinda empty.”

  As soon as the words were spoken, Bennett wished they would disappear. This wasn’t the kind of convo for two guys having a beer after a long day. He lifted the beer. “Never mind, don’t say anything. Just spouting. Probably tired and need to crash.”

  Tucker laughed. “It’s all right man. I get it. Think about that myself. Never thought I’d get tired of having any woman I chose.” Tucker pretended to look around the space in alarm. “Hope no one overheard that comment.”

  They laughed. Bennett nodded and grinned. “Got myself a ranch.”

  “No shit.”

  While Bennett described his plans and the new horses he purchased, Tucker listened, adding a comment here and there. To his surprise, the guitarist was considering purchasing an expanse of land himself. “You should consider Montana. It’s great country.”

  “Not a bad idea,” Tucker replied. “But there’s nothing prettier than Tennessee.”

  “I’ll give you that. I’d say both have their own special kind of beauty.”

  Once Tucker left, Bennett sat alone in the silence and looked about the space. Not bad, indeed. He’d done it. He had reached the pinnacle of success and life was definitely good.

  A few hours later, Bennett lay in bed and watched a movie that didn’t require brainpower. As his lids became heavy, he felt the urge to call Jenna.

  To check on the status of things, of course. Admittedly, the woman’s husky voice was a turn on, but now that she worked for him, it was best not to allow thoughts to head in that direction.

  Although the bus was now his home for most of the year, he’d begun missing the comfort of a house on stable land. He had a condo next to the one Sully owned in Billings and another small place in Nashville. And yet neither of them ever made him hurry back.

  He picked up the cell phone and looked at the time display. It was still early in Montana. He looked up at the ceiling and smiled as an idea hit. He could ask Jenna to set up the loft for his eventual return. Bedding for the bedroom and towels and toiletries for the bathroom area.

  Her voice was light and there were barks in the background and voices. “I was about to call you.”

  “Sure. Are you getting dogs?”

  She laughed. “You have perfect timing. I was about to do some sort of video call with you so you can help choose the dogs.”

  “Where are you?”

  He hoped she wasn’t at some sort of fancy puppy mill. For the life of him he couldn’t remember if he’d specified he preferred rescues.

  “I’m at the Humane Society. In Missoula.” She began making baby noises and urging a dog to come to her. “This one is so cute,” Jenna exclaimed. She let out a breath. “Can I call you via video?”

  “Yeah, that would be great.” He raked his hand through his hair and resisted the idea of looking in the mirror. Instead, he prompted pillows behind his head and waited.

  Her face came into view and Bennett couldn’t help but smile. Next to her squished cheek was a furry face. The black lab more interested in licking her face than being in the picture wiggled back and forth.

  “This is Snickers. Isn’t he great?” Her face was aglow with happiness. The woman must love dogs if being around them made her so happy. “He’s choice number one.”

  “He’s a good size for a farm. Don’t want to worry about a tiny thing that will get trampled by a horse.” Bennett waited as she moved to another kennel.

  She turned the phone to her face. “I’m going to have a hard time getting just two. In The Gambia, I had six dogs. I found great homes for all but one.”

  The Gambia? Bennett tried to remember why she’d been in Africa for two years and recalled in her resume she’d listed working with a veterinarian in an animal clinic.

  Once again she brightened up. “Look at her. I just love her personality. This is Hera. I believe she’s mixed with Newfoundland.” Bennett was noncommittal as she showed him dog after dog, nine in total. The longer he waited to make a decision, the more she would talk and the more he’d learn about her.

  “So those are the dogs here. I want to recommend we take Snickers. She’s on the put down list.”

  He agreed. “So which other one? Since you’re there, you are probably a better judge of temperament and such.”

  “I can’t.” She frowned and looked back to the kennels. “It’s so hard. Please choose one.”

  After he chose the second dog, a blue tick hound named Penny, Jenna reappeared on the phone. Once again her face was framed. “I’m so happy these two will have a good home. I need to talk to you about my dog. She’s coming next month. Is it okay if I keep her at the ranch with me?”

  Bennett would adopt a herd of dogs if she’d smile at him again like she did at this moment. “I love dogs. Since I’ll only be around every once in a while, it’s not a big deal. If you want to hire someone part time to help around the place just send me the details.”

  “Can we talk tomorrow then?” Her question lifted his spirits.

  “Yeah. Tomorrow’s concert is at night, so it will have to be about ten at night your time. I have band practice and a couple appearances during the day, so that’s the only time.”

  “I can wait until the day after.”

  “Nah, I prefer tomorrow. My concert tour dates are up to date on my social media pages so you can keep up. I'll let you know of any changes.”

  There was a moment of silence and from the dimming of dog barks, it was obvious she’d moved away from the kennels. “Why didn’t you tell me who you were? Elle told me that unless I’ve been under a rock
I should know who you are.”

  “What kind of music do you listen to?” He diverted from answering.

  “Different kinds. My favorite singers are Usher and Adam Levine.”

  “There you go. My music is probably never going to play on any R&B or Pop stations. However, I have done a collaboration with Usher, great guy.”

  Jenna chuckled. “Now that I’m back in the U.S., I hear your name everywhere. So it’s not a matter of music choice. Anyway, it was a shock to find out. It’s very cool. I can say I know a famous person.”

  He didn’t bother reminding her she’d signed a confidentiality agreement. As she’d mentioned it in an earlier conversation, it was obvious she knew about it.

  “Have a good day, Jenna.”

  “I’ll send you a picture of the dogs once we get home.”

  As he was falling asleep, Bennett pictured the cabin’s interior. Two dogs lying by the hearth.

  Home.

  The next weeks were filled with activity. Between travel, interviews, practices and concerts, it was an exhausting schedule. Although Bennett corresponded with Jenna over email and text, they’d rarely spoken in days. Each day that passed, he grew more anxious to return to Montana to see the progress at the ranch.

  His spirits lifted at approving the graphic designs for the stables with accompanying fenced walkways to corrals. Everything would be state of the art.

  “Hey.” Tucker rushed into the sitting area of his tour bus. “You approving the additional tour dates?”

  It was time to sit with the band and manager to discuss upcoming tour stops. As much as he hated the idea of prolonging the tour, not going was leaving money on the table. Several venues across the country and one in Canada were promising sold out crowds.

  “What do you think?” He always bounced ideas off of his guitarist. Although Tucker was single, he was close to his family in Tennessee and lived near them.

  “I don’t know. Kinda ready for a few days home.”

  Bennett agreed. “So what do you think?” he repeated.