Page 9 of A Touch of Cowboy

“Your staff appear remarkably competent.”

Rainbow met his gaze, and cocked an eyebrow.

“I might’ve read up about the ranch. Due diligence.”

“Good for you. And yeah, it’s great that former patients leave comments. Especially amazing if they use their own names and not pseudonyms. We never ask them to, of course.” She nuzzled Sugar’s neck. “There seems to be less stigma around getting help. Kennedy’s done a lot of work in the community to try to promote that idea.”

“You appear to love your job. Any thoughts of training to be a counsellor yourself?”

Rainbow arched her head back and laughed. “Oh my God, no. Just…so no.” She scratched behind Sugar’s ear. “I have a tough enough time dealing with the peripheral stuff that comes my way from the clients. I could never handle that kind of stress from day to day.” She laid her hand on Fallon’s muzzle. “This is what I’m meant to be doing. The rest is just a bonus.”

Will finished brushing the horse, then handed the brush to Rainbow. “I admire what you do. You’re right—that’d be more than I could handle.”

“You’re a real cowboy?”

“I am.” He chuckled. “Come to the ranch where I work in Alberta, and I’ll putyouthrough your paces.”

Another throaty laugh. “Uh, I’m good. A bit of a homebody. So’s Kennedy. We just love our work, although I’m always harassing her to take a day off now and then.”

“Fair enough.”

“No work for a cowboy out here, I imagine.” She cocked her head. “Or am I wrong?”

“You’re right. No cattle ranches in Cedar Valley. Closest are up in the interior of British Columbia. Not exactly commuting distance.”

“Would you ever consider staying in Mission City?”

Her question hit him in a way he hadn’t expected. “I just assumed I’d be going back to Alberta.”

“Unless you find something worth staying put for.” She snagged Fallon’s reins. “Thanks for the help.”

“No, thank you. Helps ground me, you know.”

“Yeah, I know.” She gave him a last nod, then guided the horses away.

Feeling oddly bereft, Will exited the stables.

He was about to head for his pickup, but an excited yip came from the ranch house.

Rex came flying toward him and threw himself off the back porch.

Will caught the little guy easily. “Impressive, my little friend.”

“Oh, Lord, I’m so sorry.” Avery came out of the house, closed the sliding glass door, wrapped her arms around her waist, and advanced toward the two of them. The wind, which had just picked up, blew her hair about her face. She tugged it aside. “I’m so sorry.”

“So you said.” Will grinned down at the dog who gazed up at him with puppy-dog eyes. “Seems to be quite a handful.”

“Not usually.” She glared at Rex. “You don’t have to be so difficult.”

“Actually, he seems pretty easy to me.”

Will winked.

Avery’s cheeks pinkened. And likely not because of the wind.

“You’re cold. Would you like me to carry him into the house?”

“Sure. I left his leash inside. I can carry him—”

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