by Vivian Arend
He stepped back and eyed her. “Here’s something else I think. Go spend some time with your sisters.”
“Now?”
Her father shrugged. “Why not? You’ve never taken any holidays, and when you start the program in October, you’re not going to get any then. Not for a long while. Go to Heart Falls. Spend the summer. It’ll give you a chance to spend time with Julia while she’s around.”
The next hug was impulsive and perfect, building a more positive connection between them than ever before. “That sounds like a fantastic idea. Thanks, Dad.”
Suggestion turned into action.
The next week was a whirlwind as she talked to all her sisters about the incredible plan. Karen lined up some work to do in the Heart Falls area because she couldn’t imagine having four months without doing anything. She arranged to board her horse with Josiah and she packed up things that would be in the way for her father if she left them at Whiskey Creek.
The hardest part to organize was a space to live.
She didn’t want to bunk at Silver Stone, and Lisa had just moved in with Josiah. No way was she harshing that buzz.
Julia offered for Karen to join her, but she was in a bachelor suite near the fire hall and that was a little too intense of a “get to know you” situation.
The next offer that came through was too tempting to resist.
Josiah and Lisa got her on speakerphone to tell her the details.
“It’s a little cabin behind the main house. It was an in-law suite until recently, but the property has new owners. They plan on renovating everything, starting with the house. The cabin isn’t that big, but the owners would appreciate having somebody in it,” Josiah said. “The price is right and I can vouch for them.”
“I think you’re supposed to vouch for me,” Karen teased.
“That too. Should I tell them you’ll take it?”
She’d jumped on the opportunity and only three days later, she was settling in and looking forward to her upcoming adventure.
It was only four months. That was all the time she had before she’d be moving on, but a short stop in Heart Falls was exactly what she needed before getting started on her new life.
The house was perfect—fully furnished. All Karen had to do was drive up and bring in her suitcase.
The place was small but cozy and as she tucked her things away in the bedroom and came back into the kitchen, it was with a brand-new sensation wrapping around her like a ribbon and a bow.
When had she ever had a place to herself?
Exactly never. Somewhat pathetic for a thirty-three-year-old woman, yet her dad had been right. She’d always worked for family. Always lived at Whiskey Creek ranch.
It was time to do something new.
She meandered for a while, picking up things and putting them down just because she could. With a squeal of happiness, she threw herself on the couch and stared at the ceiling.
Time off. Time with her sisters. Time alone. God, this was going to be glorious.
A solid knock sounded on the door and Karen bounced to her feet happily. She peeked through the side glass window to see a tall masculine figure wearing a cowboy hat, looking back over his shoulder as if examining the land.
Probably Josiah. He’d said he’d come to check up on her and make sure she’d settled in okay.
She swung open the door. “Hey, what’s up?”
The next second her heart leapt into her throat and adrenaline flooded her system because it wasn’t Josiah or one of the Stone brothers. It was a memory from her past.
Finn Marlette, larger-than-life. His muscular frame was covered head to toe in brand-new black denim, a cowboy hat on his head, and a familiar serious expression on his face. Same chiseled jaw, same bright eyes.
Same tempting, oh-so-kissable lips.
He had a bouquet of her favourite wild flowers that he extended toward her. “Welcome to Heart Falls.”
Karen stepped back and slammed the door in his face.
I hope you enjoyed Lisa and Josiah’s story. I’m excited to get to Karen and Finn’s love story next. There’s something so satisfying about reuniting two hearts that belong together. Add in the bonus of more time for the Whiskey Creek girls—this is going to be fun! Get ready for The Cowgirl’s Secret Love.
* * *
In the meantime, have you read all the Heart Falls books? Start with A Rancher’s Heart and discover how Tamara Coleman ended up falling in love with rancher Caleb Stone.
About the Author
With over 2 million books sold, Vivian Arend is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 50 contemporary and paranormal romance books, including the Six Pack Ranch and Granite Lake Wolves.
Her books are all standalone reads with no cliffhangers. They’re humorous yet emotional, with sexy-times and happily-ever-afters. Vivian pretty much thinks she’s got the best job in the world, and she’s looking forward to giving readers more HEAs. She lives in B.C. Canada with her husband of many years and a fluffy attack Shih-tzu named Luna who ignores everyone except when treats are deployed.
www.vivianarend.com
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
The Cowgirl’s Forever Love
Copyright © 2019 by Arend Publishing Inc.
ISBN: 9781941456989
Edited by Anne Scott
Cover Design © Damonza
Proofed by Angie Ramey, Linda Levy, & Manuela Velasco
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations.
First electronic publication: May 2019
www.vivianarend.com
