Dearest Cowboys Box Set

by Mia Brown

  “Really?”

  “Really. Just because I walk around with this stupid grin on my face doesn’t mean I’m always happy. I’m still living with my parents. Imagine how that feels to me.”

  “Yeah but that’s only because you’re still working on the ranch. You need to be here. And you’re getting that cottage built for you soon. That’s going to be an amazing change for you.”

  He nodded. “Absolutely. I completely agree and I’m fine with it all now. But I just wanted you to know that you’re not the only one who doesn’t know what to do sometimes. Nobody really has it all figured out. Some people are just better at hiding it than others. That’s all.”

  “Well, I appreciate you saying that to me. I wish you had told me sooner though. I always thought your life was perfect.””

  “Perfect? What’s that? But listen, you need to go back to your original dream, and you need to be the sort of lawyer you are proud of. And when it comes to Dallas and Steve, you need to make a choice about who you want and what is more important to you.”

  I sighed. “Okay, you’re right.”

  “Now, let’s put all this aside and go for a ride. I’m tired of being so serious. It really doesn’t suit us. Let’s hop on a horse. I think we need it now.”

  I nodded. “I think so too. Good talk, bro. Can we go back to teasing one another now?”

  He laughed. “Yes please.”

  Twenty-Nine

  Dallas

  I was on my way to work that morning when I bumped into an old school friend who I hadn’t seen in years. Teri and I had gotten on well in school but we’d lost touch after she moved to London. Seeing her again brought back a rush of warm memories. She had meant a lot to me at school and I wished we had kept in touch.

  “Teri, wow, it’s so good to see you again,” I said as I enveloped her for an embrace. Other than losing her tan, she looked almost the same as she had all those year ago. In fact, she looked happier.

  “I was actually on my way to your office. I did a bit of snooping around and found out where you worked. You’re very popular around here. It’s so good to see you again. You look incredible.”

  I laughed. “I look old. You look amazing though.” I had always thought that Teri was the most beautiful girl in school. She had this natural beauty that didn’t require much effort and nothing had changed. She had a few lines around her eyes now but that only added to her appeal.

  “I look pale,” she said.

  I laughed. “Well, that’s okay, I bet you fit in well in London. Anyway, it suits you. Not everyone can pull that off and you can. Want to grab a bite to eat?” I said.

  “I’d love to but aren’t you headed off to work?”

  “That’s okay. I don’t have any clients booked today so it was mostly an admin day. It’s quite unusual to have no clients and that will more than likely change soon, so let’s make the most of it. I would love to catch up with you. This is so unexpected. I fear we may never stop talking. Also, I’m starving.”

  “Me too. Oh, please tell me Roxy’s is still open,” she said.

  I chuckled. “It is. And they’re still serving the same food they did when we were still in school. Actually, I haven’t been there in ages.”

  “Brilliant,” she said.

  Roxy’s was just around the corner so we were there in no time and when we got in she gasped as she looked at her surroundings. I couldn’t blame her. Roxy was the same as it had been all those years ago, and even though it had gotten a fresh set of paint over the years, they had managed to retain the same look. I was glad that they hadn’t redone the place to fit in with the more upmarket restaurants. Roxy’s was a part of the town of Raindrop.

  “You’re right. It hasn’t changed. It’s like I’ve entered a time warp or something. Oh, it’s so cool to be here again. I’m going to order the biggest breakfast on the menu. I’m on holiday and being on holiday means you can eat whatever you like. I’m always so damn healthy every day. I told myself that it was okay if I put on a bit of weight while I was here. Ooh, this breakfast looks incredible,” she said as she pointed to a huge breakfast on the menu that looked like it could serve two people.

  I laughed at her enthusiasm. “Make that two. I’m not on holiday but I’ll pretend. I mean, I can’t let you eat alone. Wow, Teri, this is such a surprise. So, you said you were on holiday. I thought maybe you were back for good?” The thought of having Teri back into my life was very pleasing. Seeing her made me realize how few friends I had. I spent far too much time working and very little time doing much else. It probably wasn’t very healthy but it had happened so naturally over the years that I hadn’t even noticed.

  “Just on holiday. Can you believe this is my first time coming back? I always said I would return every year but I guess life just got in the way. I almost didn’t come this year either but I’m so glad that I have. I think now that I’ve come back once I will try to do it more often.”

  “Oh, I’m glad to hear it. You’re welcome to come and stay with me next time too. What are you doing now? Tell me you’re a photographer,” I said when I remembered how much this had been her dream. When we were only fifteen she had saved up all her money from the odd jobs she did around town to buy a camera. It was a cheap little thing but she carried that thing around like it was her baby.

  She grinned. “I am. I work for a magazine and it’s amazing. It wasn’t too easy when I first arrived. I really struggled to find work. I tried to make it on my own but I failed. I almost gave up, and then this magazine called me to say that they liked one of my photos I had submitted for a competition and asked if would consider working for them. Just like that my whole world changed. It really has been quite an adventure and I’ve never been happier.”

  “Wow, what a story. That’s fantastic. You were born to be a photographer. You’ve just got an eye for it.”

  “Thank you. I’m very happy. I’ll be honest, it was scary when I moved from here. I loved this place and I still do. But something was calling me and now I know what it was.”

  “I’m glad. I think some people need to leave. I don’t think I’ll ever go but that’s because of the animals. I feel like I owe them something now. And I do love it here.”

  “Oh, this place will always have a special place in my heart. I’m actually going to take some photos while I’m here so that I can blow up and put on my wall at home. I think it will be a nice reminder for me to never forget this place. And you’re a vet just as you wanted to be. I’m so happy for you, Dallas. I think it’s quite rare that people know what they want when they’re still in school, so you and I were very lucky. How’s it going? Is it everything you hoped it would be? It must be challenging.”

  “It’s hugely challenging but also by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I’m happy. I specialize in horses. That’s a bit different from my school dream. I sort of fell into it by accident but the moment I started working on horses I knew that it was where my calling was. They’re the most magnificent creatures.”

  She grinned. “They sure are. I’m hoping to get a ride or two in while I’m here. I’ve done some horse riding in London but it’s not the same as here. I don’t know what it is about this backdrop but it’s perfect for horse riding.”

  I grinned. “I must agree. I’ve never thought of that before. Well, I’ll happily let you know of a few places where you can do some riding here. I have lots of clients with horses.”

  “Well you’re in the right town for that. I think there are more horses than people here.”

  I laughed. “Definitely more horses than men.”

  “Oh dear. Small town syndrome, huh? But come on, there must be some handsome men around here. And you’re so gorgeous, I bet you they’re all lining up for you. I actually saw quite a few when I was walking around yesterday. I forgot how handsome the men were around here.”

  I chuckled. “There are, but I haven’t had much time for men. You know what it’s like.”

  “Well I ca
n imagine that your work must be quite demanding,” she said. “Oh hey, speaking of men, what ever happened to Will? That guy had such a crush on you at school. I remember how he used to stare at you all the time. We used to tell you but you never believed us.”

  “Actually, I see him quite often. He is doing so well. He has his own ranch and all his own horses. I go there regularly to check up on them.”

  “Oh, that’s so nice. I always remember him as being just the sweetest kid. Is he a sweet adult too?” she asked.

  “He is. Very much so. He’s pretty much the same as he was in school.”

  “Yet nothing happened between the two of you?” she asked.

  “No. There’s no chemistry there. He’s a great guy but I don’t like him in that way. I remember you all teasing me in school but I just didn’t see it. He was just a shy kid.”

  “Is he with anyone now?”

  “No. Uh, he sort of asked me out the other day, but I said no.”

  “Oh wow. Only took him a few years to find the courage, poor guy.”

  “Yeah, I felt bad, but at the same time I didn’t want to lead him on. He’s great, but not my type.

  “So, who do you like?” she asked.

  “Uh, my horses,” I said even though my mind was screaming the name Blaze. I couldn’t believe how quickly my mind turned to him and I wasn’t sure how that made me feel.

  She laughed. “Fair enough.”

  “How about you?”

  “Actually,” she held up her finger. “I’m engaged.”

  “Oh, Teri, that’s wonderful news. Who is the lucky man?”

  “A Londoner born and bred. The nicest man in the world. I met him on a photo shoot.”

  “Was he the model?”

  She chuckled. “No, he was just of the crew. We hit it off immediately. I tell you something, Dallas, I spent most of my time focusing on my career and not paying any attention to finding a man. I honestly thought it wasn’t important. Now that I have him I realize how much I was missing out on. I know you’re busy, but don’t forget to make time for love.”

  I smiled. “I know. I promise I will. And what sort of a guy should I go for?” I asked.

  “The type that makes you heart beat fast,” she said which was reminiscent of what Madison had said to me. “The type you simply cannot get out of your head no matter how hard you try.”

  I would’ve liked to have stayed longer talking to Teri but Madison called me in a panic and asked me to come right over. She wasn’t being very coherent so I couldn’t get any information out of her. I told Teri that I had to go, made plans to meet up with her soon, and hurried over to the office. I figured something horrible must’ve happened to Madison and hoped it wasn’t too serious. But then I got to work and realized this had nothing to do with her. The front window of the office had been smashed I and a large brick lay inside. Madison was pacing up and down, swearing to herself and she looked so grateful to see me. She rushed over the moment I walked in.

  “What happened?” I asked her.

  “I don’t know. I came into work and this had already happened. I’ve been looking around to see if anyone got taken but everything is still here, and the door was locked when I came in. So someone must’ve thrown this rock and then rushed off. Do you think it’s that little boy from before?” she asked.

  I looked at the rock and shook my head. “No, I don’t think so. He was far too small to be able to throw this rock all the way here. It’s an adult. Definitely an adult. Oh my god, it just missed one of the computers. And I was just thinking last night that I must remember to back my work up today. This is horrible.”

  “Yeah, this could’ve been so much worse but it’s still terrible. Who the hell would do this to us? I mean, we’re here to help animals. We’re not doing anything wrong.”

  “I have no idea. Have you called the police?”

  “No, sorry. I called you and then I sort of went blank.”

  “It’s okay. I’ll call them now,” I said.

  The police arrived moments later and did a quick investigation of the place. The two men who had arrived looked friendly enough but seemed slightly annoyed that we had called them over just for this. This, in turn, annoyed me, because surely they should be there to help no matter what the situation is. This might not be a huge deal at the moment but if one of us was sitting here when the rock came through it could’ve been another story.

  “Do you have any security cameras here? I assume you do. Although probably nothing that faces outside I’m assuming.”

  “Uh, actually, I don’t have any. I honestly didn’t think we would ever need something like that.”

  “Better to be safe than sorry,” the man said. “We’re terribly sorry that this has happened but right now I’m not sure we can do anything to help you. This could’ve been anyone. It could’ve been some drunk person coming home from a club who thought it would be funny. Unfortunately, these things happen. The best thing we can do now is to just be vigilant and if you hear anything else you can let us know.”

  “Are you sure there’s nothing else you can do?” I asked them. I felt desperate for someone to take charge but I could tell that this wasn’t a big enough case for them.

  “Sorry, not at the moment. Hopefully it was just a one time event and it won’t happen again. In the meantime, keep your eyes and your ears peeled and we’ll do the same,” the man said.

  “Well, okay, thank you,” I said as I let them out.

  “Fat load of help they were,” Madison said once the cops were gone.

  “Yeah, that was a waste of our time. Oh, Madison, you’re shaking. Don’t worry. It’s okay. It could’ve been worse. Nobody is hurt.”

  “Yeah but what if we were here when it happened. Worse, what if we had an animal with us when it happened. I hate to think what damage could’ve been done. One straight shot to the head and we would’ve been a goner.”

  “I know, but nothing happened to us and nobody got injured. We should be happy about that. I’m assuming this person did this in the night because he didn’t actually want to hurt us. He probably just wanted to scare us. Or, like the officer said, maybe it was just some random drunk guy.”

  “I just find it funny that you find that kid trying to throw a stone and then not too long later someone throws a rock.”

  “That is actually a bit bizarre. Anyway, let me phone around and see if we can get someone to repair this window today. I’m also going to install some security cameras. One facing outside and one facing inside. If this person tries to do this again, I’m going to catch them.”

  Madison seemed a bit better after I said that. She went to fetch the broom to collect all the glass while I went to see who had just knocked on the front door. I thought it might be one of police officers who had discovered something for us, but instead it was the delivery man with yet another bunch of flowers for me. He gasped when he saw the broken glass.

  “What happened?”

  “We’re not sure. Came to work to find this. Horrible way to start the day,” I said.

  “Oh that’s terrible. What’s wrong with people? Why do they feel the need to do this?” he said. “Well, I’m here with good news. I hope this cheers you up,” he said. “They’re still anonymous. So whoever keeps sending you these definitely wants to make sure you know they like you.”

  I smiled at the flowers. They were so beautiful, and they were a welcome change from the horrible broken glass. They confused me though. I figured the flowers had been from Will but after I had turned him down I didn’t think I’d get any more. Did that mean he was trying again? Or did it mean that they had never been from him in the first place?

  Thirty

  Blaze

  I was thinking of my mother’s offer to build a cottage for me at the ranch and wondered if it was a good idea or not. I was scared that they were only doing that so that I came back to ranch work but the thought of being close to them again was very appealing. I could imagine early morning rides on M
arty before heading off to work and that really did make me happy. I could still keep my office but give up my house. It was certainly something to think about although I wouldn’t say anything just yet. I didn’t want to get my mother’s hopes up and right now I still didn’t really know what I wanted. I was alone in the office today which was nice. I liked working in silence. I had a receptionist who only worked mornings and a guy who came in to use my spare office space every now and again. Today though, it was just me and I reveled in it.

  I jumped at the knock on the door and smiled when I saw who it was. Dallas was standing there looking irate and exceptionally cute with her pink cheeks. I wondered what I had done to piss her off now.

  “Dallas, this is a nice surprise,” I said. “Are you here to demand that I take you out to eat again?” I teased. If that was what she wanted I would give it to her right away without any questions asked. It was already the evening and I was getting hungry.

  She stormed in and flopped onto the sofa. She was like a whirlwind and nothing at all like the quiet and serene woman from my date the other day.

  “What happened?” I asked her.

  “Someone smashed my window with a rock,” she said.

  “What? Your car? Are you okay?”

  “Not my car. My office. They narrowly missed my computer and nobody was hurt. I assume they did it in the night but it’s still scary to think that either Madison or myself might’ve been there when it happened.”

  “That’s crazy. Do you have any idea who it was? Who would want to do that to you? You guys are helping animals. It’s not like you’re doing anything wrong.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I said too. I have no idea who it is. I’m assuming it’s some angry ranchers who aren’t happy that I wasn’t able to save their horse from the virus, but I can’t be sure. I do know that some of them were very irate with me so there’s a possibility.”