Page 1 of Nate

Chapter One

Nate stood patiently, observing the horse in her stall. She had been in labor for nearly three-quarters of an hour now, so he had called the vet. Despite being only ten years old, she seemed to be having difficulties.

“How’s it going, Nate?” his boss, Beau McCallister, asked him.

“Not great. She’s been in labor for about forty-five minutes now. I called Dr. Garrett’s office.”

“I wasn’t thrilled about her getting pregnant again, but it wasn’t my decision. Mom wanted to have her bred one last time.”

Nate nodded understandingly. He had worked for Beau for a long time and considered him not only a great boss, but also a good friend.

“You know you can’t argue with your mother.” Nate chuckled.

“I wouldn’t even try.” Beau laughed along with him.

Nate glanced over his shoulder as he heard a car pull up outside.

“Sounds like Doc Mac is here,” he stated, using the nickname that everyone in Clifton used for Dr. Tessa Garrett.

“I have to head out anyway. Brenna and I are going out to lunch with her parents, but if there are any issues, let me know.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’ll send Tess in.” Beau gave a nod before leaving the barn.

As Nate stood there watching the mare, he felt someone approach him and turned expecting to see Dr. Garrett but instead saw a stunning blonde woman with warm brown eyes. His heart hit his stomach looking at her.

“Who are you?” he asked curiously.

“I’m Dr. Russell. I came to check on the mare.”

“Where’s Doc Mac?”

“She’s currently in surgery, so I came out instead.”

“I didn’t realize she had hired another veterinarian. I’m Nate Jefferson, the manager here.” Nate extended his hand toward her, and she shook it politely.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Jefferson. Would it be alright if I go into the stall?”

“Of course, ma’am. Let me open the gate for you.”

“Thank you.”

He touched his hat as she entered the stall and couldn’t help but catch a whiff of her light perfume, making him want to press his face against her neck and breathe it in. But he quickly pushed those thoughts away. She was probably married, engaged, or in a relationship with someone. Glancing at her left hand, he saw no rings.

He leaned against the gate and watched as she went about examining the mare.

“How long have you been working with Tess?” he asked curiously.

She glanced up at him briefly before focusing on the horse once again.

“Just about three months now. She’s amazing.”

“That she is. And so is her husband.”

“I had the pleasure of meeting Sheriff Garrett shortly after I started. Has this mare given birth before?”

“Yes, ma’am. This is her third foal. She’s never had any issues.”

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