Page 2 of Come Home to the Cowboys

“Just a moment and let me transfer you to Mr. Alley,” the woman replied as Kalie’s heart continued to hammer.

How had she never known about these people?

A few seconds later, a deep male voice came on the line. “Miss Parker?”

“Yes,” she said. “I received your letter regarding the Sweet B Ranch. Can you tell me more about this land I’m inheriting? I knew nothing about the land or my grandparents.”

There was a deep sigh. “I’m sorry to hear that. Your grandparents were lovely people. The Parkers were kind and helped so many people here in town. It’s a shame they were no longer speaking to their only son. I always hoped for everyone’s sake they would reconcile. Is your father still alive?”

“No, he died three years ago. Do you know what happened between my father and his parents?”

“No,” he said. “When they came in and changed their wills several years ago, they told me they wanted you to inherit their ranch, but because they had never seen you, they asked that you come and stay for a couple weeks on the property.”

That was odd. Why would they do that?

“Is there a house to stay in?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said. “It’s one of the nicest ranches in our area. And believe me, the leaches are already sending me requests to buy the property. So you’ll have no trouble selling it after your two weeks here are up.”

Sitting there listening to the city noise, the thought of being in rural Texas for two weeks sounded heavenly. She could get away from the mass population and just enjoy the peace and quiet of the country before she sold out.

“What do you think the property is worth?” she asked curious as to what she was inheriting.

The man gave a chuckle. “Ma’am, I’m no real estate agent, but already you’re receiving offers of two million dollars. The mineral rights have never been touched because your grandfather refused to let them drill on his land. Plus, I have a local developer who is wanting to put a housing subdivision there. If you sell, you’ll be set for life.”

A gasp escaped her. Speechless, she stared out the window and knew she had to go to Texas. Millions, not hundreds of thousands. She would never have to work again if she sold the ranch.

“I’ll book a flight and get out there as soon as possible,” she said, flipping back her long dark hair. “Where should I fly into?”

“San Antonio, ma’am. We’re about two hours west of the city. When you get here, call my office,” he said. “Oh, and you’ll probably need to stock up on some groceries in town before you head to the ranch. I think the maid threw out most of the food except for what was in the freezer. We have a small grocer in town where you can get fresh produce, milk, and eggs.”

“Thanks,” she said. “I guess I’ll see you soon.”

Hanging up, she glanced around her tiny apartment that cost her a mint. Why had her father kept this information to himself? Why hadn’t she ever had the opportunity to meet her grandparents or visit the land and see where he came from?

Now they were all gone, but it sounded like they had given her a wonderful gift of owning a ranch. Sitting there, a myriad of tasks she had to do before she got on a plane filled her head.

Picking up the phone, she called her friend back, staring out the window and into the homes of strangers in the building across the street. At least they had the shades down in case they were strolling around naked again. The lights across the bay glittered like dying stars.

“I’m headed to Texas,” she said. “Seems I’ve inherited a ranch.”

“Ohhh, I’m so excited for you,” Stacy said. “Maybe you’ll meet a real-life cowboy. Maybe he’ll rock your world.”

The thought was tempting. She had not thought to ask if anyone was living at the ranch.

“Maybe,” she said. “Couldn’t be any worse than these Wall Street executive losers.”

“What are you going to do with the ranch?”

She sat there a moment, pondering. “Sell it probably and then buy a nicer apartment.”

Her friend sighed. “Or find a cowboy, have fantastic sex, settle down, and raise a couple of cowboys of your own.”

That wasn’t possible.

“I may work from home here, but my job wouldn’t be happy with me living thousands of miles away from the office. That’s doubtful.”

“But hopeful,” Stacy said. “I’d give anything to get out of the city.”

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