Montana Born and Bred

by Hildie McQueen

  Need your approval for the contract on the new bunkhouse if all looks good. The crew is scheduled to arrive next week.

  Hope all is going well. When are you coming to check things out?

  There was a picture attached of a tan and white dog. He didn't recognize the breed, must have been one specific to Africa.

  Why had she really gone to Africa for over a year? It seemed a strange place for a woman from Montana from a large, successful ranch.

  On a whim, he Googled the clinic she'd worked at and found it fascinating. There were pictures of the German veterinarian along with several local women who assisted in trapping dogs for care. There were several pictures of Jenna. In one, she was holding four puppies and smiling broadly. The caption mentioned that she'd caught the puppies and was successful in finding them all homes.

  There were other pictures, mostly of her holding dogs at the clinic. The most compelling photo was of Jenna holding a puppy up against her chest, her face wet with tears.

  The caption explained that after weeks of trying to help, the dog had died during the night.

  It was clear she loved animals and by the now growing herd at his ranch, she loved dogs.

  Bennett laughed when his phone dinged and a picture of the five dogs sitting in a straight line appeared. Not only was she a dog lover, but Jenna trained them as well. He let out a sigh. Maybe he'd consider staying at the ranch longer.

  Perhaps there was a way to test Jenna and find out if she was interested in him as a person or if their night together had been a result of seeing him in concert.

  For a long time, he tried to come up with a way to figure it out.

  Finally, Bennett replied. He let her know he'd be there in a couple days, as he wasn't sure if he was going to Butte first. The main reason to go to Butte was not to give in to the strong call to go to her first.

  Yeah, he was in trouble.

  "Your truck is fixed," Sully told Bennett a couple days later. "I think it looks better than before."

  He'd come straight to Sully's house, not quite ready to see Jenna. "Where is it?"

  "At your place. You need to build a garage next to the house.” Sully dug his spoon into the bowl of chili they'd been served by Regina who stood next to the kitchen counter drinking iced tea.

  "Give me your opinion of how things are going at my ranch," Bennett asked them both. "I haven't been over there yet. Wanted to know what you both thought first."

  Sully and Regina exchanged looks. Sully nodded, allowing Regina to speak first.

  "I think it's a stupid idea that you run stables and such without living here. But if anyone is going to manage it well, it's Jenna. She's doing an incredible job. Hope she doesn't meet someone and leave you because it will be hard to find someone so in tune with the land and what needs to be done."

  "I agree," Sully said. "Despite a strange idea of housing and training horses, you’ve got a good start going there. Not sure yet how you plan to make money."

  Their great uncle had split the land between them, as they'd been the only three to spend every summer there. Bennett slid a look toward Regina who snickered. "Don’t know why you’re laughing, I'm gonna make more than you with my stables."

  So far, Sully started his ranch, as just a home away from the hustle and bustle of Cole Ranching Supply, so there was no competition there. But Regina had yet to disclose what she planned to do with the land.

  After her husband had died in a rodeo accident, she'd moved to Alder Gulch with the money she'd been paid in an insurance settlement. Now that her teenage daughter was gone to college, Regina seemed to find most of her pleasure in being nosy and competing with Bennett over every little thing.

  Admittedly, he found it fun to beat her when he could.

  "I am thinking about a photography business. I've taken classes and will get Elle to help me with a website.” She grinned at Bennett. "I'm going to make money hand over fist with engagements and weddings alone. Oh, and by the way, a wedding reception hall with fountains and shit for pictures."

  "You can't do that!" Bennett exclaimed. "You'll have all kinds of strange drunk people stumbling around."

  Regina stuck out her chin. "They are going to be classy weddings."

  "Rich or poor drunks are still drunks," Sully added.

  "Exactly. Nix the wedding reception part." Bennett lifted a brow in challenge. If Regina hosted wedding receptions then that would easily overshadow his horse business.

  "No way. I am not going to nix my project. I'm having a beautiful, rustic wedding hall set up. Oh, and by the way, you can't use it." She pointed at him.

  She lifted her glass and eyed him over the rim. "Gotcha."

  More than anything, Bennett loved a challenge. He'd be damned if Regina would beat him at making more money through their inheritance of the land. "I'll breed purebreds."

  The wheels turning, Regina narrowed her eyes. "You don't know the first thing about that, you idiot. No one will trust you to breed anything. As a matter of fact, you'd have to find a way to acquire a winning racehorse or a breed that's in high demand."

  Even though she was right, Bennett huffed. "If anyone can do it, I can."

  "You're both crazy," Sully said while laughing. "I think the photography is a good idea. I bet you'll do great."

  It was time to head to his ranch and contemplate how to beat Regina. Their entire relationship since childhood had been competitive. Most of the time, his cousin won. Once Regina set her mind to something, she would do whatever was necessary to reach a goal.

  The sun was just lowering beyond the horizon. The evening rays made the trees look black as the sun shined behind them. In the distance, horses grazed, their tails swishing from side to side. The stables were impressive. They'd been constructed of a dark red brick and dark pinewood. The huge archway in the center was open straight through to the back. It would allow a good flow of fresh air when the weather was pleasant. Once it became cooler, there were sliding doors that could be closed.

  Scanning the distance from the stables, past the corrals and on to the house, he didn't see either Jenna or the herd of dogs.

  Bennett continued on to the stables where a ranch hand gave him a curious look for an instant before brightening. "Mr. Cole. I wondered how long before you came by.” The man, Troy Young, who he remembered from a video interview, was tall, lithe and seemed cheerful.

  "Hello, Troy. How are things?"

  Troy proceeded to brief him on how the stables were being managed, which horses were housed where and then guided him to the back of the building.

  In a training corral, Jenna rode his horse. She took him through the different obstacles and Bennett was shocked to see Harvey completing jumps and coming to a stop when commanded. Obedient as ever, the damned traitor horse seemed to be enjoying himself.

  The dogs wandered about. Hera watched their mistress, a couple slept in the sun, while Penny and Snickers raced towards him.

  Jenna was in her element. She'd not noticed him as yet, so intent on the horse. She leaned over and rubbed its mane while whispering words of encouragement.

  "She's been working with your horse for weeks. Said she's practicing so that she can be ready for those brought here in the future. We've yet to find a good trainer."

  Troy left, whistling and followed by the two dogs leaving Bennett unsure what to do next. He neared the corral and leaned against it.

  Jenna finally noticed him and waved. Bringing Harvey closer, she smiled broadly. "Welcome home."

  Her gaze skimmed over him and she looked away quickly. A soft blush fell on her cheeks.

  Bennett wasn't sure if his reaction of a flip in his belly was caused by her gaze or by the naughty pout on Jenna's lips. Either way, he was in deep over the woman.

  Then he remembered.

  The test.

  Twenty-Five

  Jenna couldn’t breathe. Bennett was bringing a woman to stay there for a week. He’d met someone and, in less than a month, had decided to bring her the
re for a visit. Jenna tried to remain calm at the announcement despite her dry throat. She couldn’t believe how difficult it was to get a full breath.

  "Will she be staying here?”

  If the woman came there, then Jenna would stay elsewhere. No matter if he considered their assignation a one-night stand, there was no way in hell she'd remain under the same roof as him and some other woman.

  "I'm not sure. But she’ll probably stay over at Regina's. I think that would be better. This is your home after all."

  "You own it all. You can do as you wish.” Jenna was proud of how stable her voice remained.

  He walked to the kitchen, giving her a moment to calm down. Unfortunately, her stupid eyes went straight to his butt and memories of how she'd dug her nails into it became vivid. When her knees buckled, she sank into the couch.

  Chimes sounded and he answered his cell phone. His deep laughter made her want to cry. "I told you woman, no way would I let you win. Yes, okay. I do love you, but that has nothing to do with me winning.” Once again, he laughed and ended the call.

  The coffee machine gurgled and the aroma reached her nose. Tempting as it was to have a cup, she didn't want to risk being near him.

  "Would you like a cup?” He looked over his shoulder at her.

  "Ah-sure, yes, thank you."

  A cup in each hand, he walked toward her. "Why don't we sit out back and talk? I have questions regarding the upcoming build."

  Jenna wanted to tell him she quit, but after the way she'd handled the situation with Ryan, this time it was best to think things through. They settled into rockers. Bennett seemed relaxed, a soft smile to his lips.

  "Will you be here the day after tomorrow when Elle meets with the construction foreman?"

  He nodded. "I think that works. I'm having an event in Butte next week, but it's not until later in the week."

  An event she was obviously not only not invited to attend, but also not even privy to what it was about.

  "I'm sure you won't have to miss it.” Across from them, the corrals were empty now. The horses were taken in to spend the cooling evenings in the stables. Only Harvey remained outside in the smaller corral, as the horse disliked being cloistered.

  Bennett leaned forward and picked up one of the smaller dogs. "Why did you go to Africa?"

  The unexpected question made her choke on the coffee. She cleared her throat. "I went to help at the veterinary clinic that I'd followed online for months."

  "Seems rather drastic. Sending money was not enough?"

  It was best to tell the truth, as much as she dared anyway. "The timing was perfect for me, actually. I'd had a couple of bad things happen. I'm surprised you didn't hear about the fire at my parents' stables. A friend I'd met in college needed a job, I asked my parents to hire him even though he didn't have the proper experience. He started a fire that burned all the stables down and injured a horse."

  Jenna let out a breath waiting for Bennett's response.

  He shrugged. "That was an accident, you shouldn't feel responsible."

  "I did. It was horrible. The animals were so frightened. Then a week or so later something else happened and I didn't handle it well. Instead of staying and making another mistake, I decided to leave."

  "I can definitely relate to that," Bennett chuckled. "First time I went to Nashville was after a broken heart."

  Interesting, it seemed they had that in common. "Unexpected turns of events can sometimes work in a person's favor." Jenna sipped her coffee and changed the subject.

  "I received six applications for horses needing to be boarded. I think your name being connected to this ranch is helping bring in business. Although they don't know you own it, the connection is there."

  "What do you think I can do to bring in more income to the ranch?"

  Somehow, it seemed crazy for him to want to take on more. "The boarding and training will bring a healthy income. Should be enough to maintain the ranch and pay for four salaries."

  He pondered it for a bit. "What do you think about photography?"

  "Not much, but your cousin is great. Have you seen her latest stuff? I encouraged her to do it for a living. She'll make a killing."

  A frown formed and he leaned forward. "Can we do something like weddings here?"

  Was he already thinking of marrying the new woman? "This woman you're interested in, are you already considering marriage?"

  "If this woman turns out to be what I am hoping for, then it's a possibility."

  Her chest constricted. It was few moments before she realized her mouth was open. "Oh, I see."

  "I just have to be sure she's with me for the right reasons." A curve to his lips, he brought the coffee to them.

  Jenna swallowed and her stupid remark the day after spending the night came back to haunt her. "There is more to you than what you do. You are a good man. People who know you tell me how honorable you are. Sully says you have always been a hard worker and driven. I know you help out family and friends when they need it. All of those things tell what a good guy you are."

  "Sometimes, people only see the fame and fortune. It's one of the things I didn't count on or even consider. How hard it would be to make true friends and date women who wanted more than to be seen with me."

  "I can understand how that would be hard. However, when love enters the picture, it's only the hearts involved that matter.” It was all Jenna could say. Trying to keep from making a fool of herself, she stood. "Come on, guys!” she called and the dogs raced toward her. "Time for night-night."

  The dogs went to their respective kennels and she doled out chew hides. Then, with two pieces for the smaller dogs, she looked to Bennett who watched her with an amused grin. "Have a good night. I have an early morning, so I'll see you around."

  Without stopping for her usual glass of water from the kitchen, she raced to the bedroom, barely making it before the tears began falling.

  "What is wrong with you today?" Regina aimed the camera at her face and snapped a couple pictures. "You cried last night."

  Jenna shook her head. "I didn't sleep well that's all."

  "Did that dummy do something stupid?” By the flare of her nostrils, it was clear Regina relished any excuse to yell at Bennett.

  "Nothing like that. It's me. I let my emotions bet on a losing horse.” Jenna laughed. "Whatever the hell that means." Outside the window, she spotted several of the dogs chasing a rabbit.

  The clunk of the camera being set down was followed by fast footsteps moving closer. "Please don't tell me you fell for him. Oh. My. God. This is too good to be true."

  "What are you talking about? He's bringing a woman here. Told me they would stay here with you. It’s serious. He’s talking marriage and everything."

  Arms in the air, Regina wiggled her hips. "I knew it. By the way you both tried not to look at each other. Bennett has had the hots for you since he first laid eyes on you. He said something to Sully about you, but they stopped talking when I walked in."

  "No, you don’t understand. This has nothing to do with me. I said something stupid after the concert that made him think I was star struck and I think it hurt his feelings."

  They both looked out toward Bennett's land. Regina's house was on higher ground and, from her living space, she had a bird's eye view of both Sully and Bennett's homes. "I doubt he'll bring anyone here. I bet he just said it to get a rise out of you, to see how you'd react."

  "It doesn't matter. It just annoys me that I allowed myself to fall for him."

  "If you're interested in him, fight for the dork. You have the upper hand. Both of you in the same house and all."

  Jenna bit her bottom lip. "I don't want to seduce him. I want to get to know him, umm, I don't know, somehow let him know how I feel. Convince him it has nothing to do with his fame and such."

  "How much are you willing to wager?"

  "I don't know what you mean," Jenna replied, intrigued.

  "If you're going for the prize, you have to bring
something to the table. Unfortunately, if you lose, it's gonna cost you."

  She knew the price well. Unfortunately, this time her heart would probably not heal.

  Twenty-Six

  Sitting across the table from each other, Bennett tried to concentrate on the paperwork Jenna had spread out on the surface. Between the delicious breakfast burrito and the alluring woman dressed in a simple t-shirt and tight jeans, he could barely keep his gaze away from the low collar.

  "What do you think about this?” Jenna motioned with a pen to a drawing of what would be a bunkhouse, overnight accommodations for people who drove long distances to bring horses. "A door here goes out to a patio. It faces away from the house, but gives them a clear view of the pasture."

  She was intelligent and definitely knew what it took to make things perfect. Her insight, along with his sister-in-law's amazing architectural drawings, made a great combination.

  "I like the idea."

  She lifted her cup of coffee, drank from it and carefully placed it on the chair beside her. "I'm too clumsy to put it on the table. Can't tell you how many times I've ruined personal paperwork by spilling my drink."

  "Do you think we should hire someone to help you? It seems Troy has a good handle on the stables. But I'm worried the addition of the bunkhouse and horse training will require more than just two additional ranch hands."

  Jenna bit her bottom lip. "In addition to the horse trainer, we need to hire two additional people. Actually, I would like to bring in a couple candidates to train under me. One will end up handling bookings and one will replace me. I plan to leave once the bunkhouse is done."

  For a moment, his mind stopped. Then all kinds of things to say raced through his mind. "What is bringing you to consider leaving? Is it the pay?"

  Her pink fingernails rapped on the tabletop and she looked directly into his eyes. "I can't stay here and see you with someone else.” When her eyes misted, she looked away. "It's not your fault, of course. But I am feeling more than I should for you and now I can't let it go. I've tried.” Jenna let out a breath. "There I put it all out there."