Page 5 of Falling For Her Cowboy
She smiled and waved him off, eating her food. He’d leave her alone for now so she could enjoy it. He was sure she had a busy day ahead of her.
Andy and Buck talked about the plan for the day and what was needed. Ridge half listened. He had his own day ahead of him that he needed to get together. Once he was done here, he’d stop by the clinic, grab his schedule, and pick up Heath, his tech, and they’d head out and start doing the ranch and farm calls.
“The new hands are working out pretty good,” Buck said.
Ridge reached for his coffee and took a sip. The Silver Creek Ranch was a healing ranch for military veterans who needed help getting on their feet. His father had purchased the property when Ridge was a few years old. It was all he’d known growing up. His father had poured his blood, sweat, and tears into itto make it what it was today. Not only was it a thriving cattle ranch, but it had helped so many men and women.
“How many just started?” Ridge had cleared his plate, and according to his watch he had a couple more minutes until he had to leave.
“There’s four who started about two weeks ago.” Andy gave a nod toward Buck. “I’d have to agree. This group came to work. Not to say that others don’t, but this group is certainly special. They have all jumped right into everything we offer here.”
“That’s good.” Ridge certainly appreciated everything the ranch had to offer.
He and Draven had spent much time working alongside the men and women who came to Silver Creek. When he’d come of age, his father had escorted him down to the recruitment office. Andy hadn’t voiced any objection that neither of his boys had followed behind him and gone into the Army.
Ridge had never once regretted entering the Navy. It was there he had met some of his longtime friends and comrades. He hadn’t planned to stay long, just for a while then further his education. When he was a youngster, he’d dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Lots of children alwaysvoiced it, but Ridge knew alongside serving his country that he wanted to help animals.
His time in the Navy hadn’t been easy. He’d trained hard and went on multiple deployments. What he’d seen during his time abroad had changed something in him. His eyes had been opened to the way of the world. He’d come home a changed man. Once he’d got his papers, he’d enrolled into veterinary school and went on with his life.
The scars from his past were still there, but thanks to plenty of counseling and therapy, he’d learned to live life to the fullest.
He glanced around at the table and felt the love amongst everyone here. Little did they know they each had a role in making him the man he was today. They were what grounded him, helped him see there were good people worth loving and fighting for.
“If you have a chance, I want you to come check out the new bull we’re getting. He should be here today,” Andy said.
“Sure. Just text me when he arrives. I’ll look him over before you let him out to the ladies.” Ridge chuckled.
Andy always wanted a second opinion on the bulls they chose to stud the heifers. Not that Ridge expected to find anything different than what wasshared with them about the bull, but it never hurt to give his approval to his father. Andy respected Ridge’s opinion when it came to the animals.
Ridge glanced at his watch and saw the time. He pushed back and grabbed his dishes. “I better go. Ms. Bee, breakfast was amazing. Someone is going to make an honest woman out of you some day.”
Andy coughed, choking on his sip of coffee. He gave a few more coughs before taking a long drag from his mug. That was all Ridge needed as confirmation that something was brewing between Andy and Bee. Ridge grinned and winked at her.
“Boy, hush up.” Bee smiled bashfully. Her gaze flicked to Andy first before she lowered it to her plate. She picked at the remaining food and muttered something he couldn’t catch.
“I’m just saying.” Ridge couldn’t help but tease her and his father indirectly. He moved over to the sink and rinsed off his plate and mug.
“Just leave the dishes in the sink. I’ll load the dishwasher.” Bee had a way about everything when it came to her kitchen. He’d tried to help once and loaded the dishwasher—and according to Bee, he’d done it wrong. The woman had taken everything out and reloaded it her way.
“Yes, ma’am.” He placed them in the sink thenwent and grabbed a travel mug and filled it with coffee to take it with him. He had a feeling he was going to need plenty of caffeine for today. Once he was done, he gave them a wave and left the house.
He got into his truck and shut the door. He pulled his cellphone out of his pocket and saw all of the missed messages from the office. Today was going to be a long day. He started the engine, turned the vehicle around, and drove down the main road. More house calls had been added last minute, and they were all deemed urgent.
Ridge tightened his grip on the steering wheel. He loved what he did and wouldn’t change anything about it. He was needed in another sense. His days of serving his country may be over, but now he served in another way. Helping his community and the animals who depended on him.
Chapter Three
“Daisy, how are you doing tonight?” Melah leaned against the stall door and stared at her faithful horse. She had been worried about her gorgeous American Paint when she’d realized Daisy hadn’t been eating her normal amount of food and she appeared to have a limp. Daisy’s ears flickered as she stood off in the corner of her stall.
Daisy’s brown and white colors were what had first captured Melah’s attention. She had been in the market for a horse a few years ago. There had been a farm close to Melah’s father’s home that was looking on adopting out their horses. The owners were getting up in age and wanted to downsize on the number of animals they looked after. Melah had justhappened to be home visiting when she’d heard. She and Daisy had hit it off immediately. It was love at first sight.
Her father, Vernon, had helped find a local family who would be able to board Daisy while Melah was gone. It had worked out perfectly for her over the years.
And now that Melah was out of the service, she’d need to start working on a forever home for her and Daisy. It was a bonus that she was able to bring Daisy with her to the Silver Creek Ranch. Daisy had been thriving there until recently.
Daisy turned and took a step toward her with a more pronounced limp.
“No,” Melah whispered. She opened the door and flew inside. She bit her lip to keep her emotions from overtaking her. She didn’t know what she’d do if she lost Daisy. She made her way to her and ran a hand along her neck. “Tell me you’re going to be okay.”
