Page 72 of Saddles and Snowstorms
The world seemed to tilt beneath my feet. Rowan had turned down the job. He was staying in Sagebrush.
“I don’t understand,” I muttered, more to myself than to the lawyer.
Alice watched me carefully. “Dr. Walsh suspected you might be confused. He asked me to give you this as well.” She pulled an envelope from her briefcase and handed it to me.
I took it with unsteady hands, recognizing Rowan’s neat handwriting immediately. My name was written across the front in his precise script.
“I’ll give you a moment,” Alice said tactfully, moving toward the barn door. “I’ll wait by my car when you’re ready to discuss the partnership details.” She paused for a moment before looking back. “Off the record though… this is the most generous offer I’ve ever seen in all my years of practice. This Dr. Walsh… clearly, he trusts you.”
I nodded, barely registering her as she walked away. My fingers fumbled with the envelope, tearing it open with none of the care it deserved. Inside was a single page, filled with Rowan’s handwriting.
Brooks,
You’re a fucking idiot.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, I know what you’re thinking. You’re wondering why I would stay in Sagebrush when Austin offered me everything I thought I wanted. The answer is simple, even if it took me too long to see it.
Austin isn’t home anymore. Sagebrush is. You are.
Love,
Rowan
I stared at the piece of paper, reading it over and over again until the words blurred together. My chest felt tight, like someone had wrapped a rope around it and was pulling hard.
You are.
Two simple words that changed everything. I folded the letter carefully and slipped it into my shirt pocket, right over my heart.
Outside, Alice was leaning against her SUV, typing something on her phone. She looked up as I approached, studying my face.
“Ready to discuss the details?” she asked, professional but kind.
I cleared my throat. “Not yet. There’s something I need to do first.” I glanced toward my truck. “Is Dr. Walsh at his office now?”
A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “I believe he is. Shall I tell him you’re on your way?”
“No,” I said, already heading for my truck. “I’d rather surprise him.”
“Mr. Callahan,” she called after me. “The partnership papers?—”
“I’ll sign ‘em,” I said over my shoulder. “But business comes second today.”
In a rush I jumped into my truck, turned the engine over, and sprayed gravel as I tore down the long driveway. I had to get to town, now, before Rowan decided he really was done with me. I wasn’t going to lose this chance, not again.
Chapter 26
Brooks
Istood outside Rowan’s clinic, panting as if I’d run there on my own two feet. My heart was pounding in my chest, feeling like it was about to burst out at any moment. I could barely breathe. Did Rowan really mean it? Was he really gonna stay? Did he really want to partner with me and my ranch to expand his veterinary practice? Or was this all some cruel joke? It felt too good to be true, but that didn’t stop me from wanting it, from hoping it could be real.
But why would he give up everything to stay here of all places? The offer his boss had made him… it was incredible, life changing even. He could have wealth and freedom, as much as he could handle. So why would he give that all up to stay in Sagebrush? I couldn’t believe it was just for me. Not even I would’ve given up all that for me.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. For the first time in years, I was actually letting myself hope for something. Someone. Rowan had waltzed into Sagebrush with his city ways and veterinary degree, all sharp edges and wary smiles, and somehow managed to wedge himself right into the center of my world.
I wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans and pushed open the clinic door. The little bell jingled overhead, announcing my arrival. The waiting room, like I’d hoped, wasn’t empty. There were four people waiting, each of them with a different pet at their feet or in their laps.They all looked up at me, some of them surprised to see my face in town at all.
“Be right there!” Rowan’s voice called from the back room.
