Bonding with the Cowboy's Daughter
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Lisa Jordan
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17,1K
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16
Chapter One
What should’ve been one of the happiest days of her life now brought Callie Morgan nothing but heartache.
Instead of exchanging vows with the man who’d promised to love and cherish her, she’d dumped the cheating jerk, cashed in the honeymoon tickets to Hawaii she’d purchased, and escaped to southwestern Colorado for a fresh start.
Needing to get away and clear her head, she’d gifted herself an early birthday present and rented a yurt at the Stone River Guest Ranch in Aspen Ridge for a week.
Maybe she’d have the serenity she needed to decide if she should reopen her grandmother’s artisan gift shop or sell the cottage that had been Callie’s sanctuary since childhood.
Instead of donning the gorgeous wedding dress she should’ve been wearing that morning, she’d pulled on a pair of faded jeans, her favorite purple T-shirt, a pair of flip-flops, and faced the day with determination despite the state of her heart.
But that resolve took a nosedive when she ended up stranded on the side of an unfamiliar Colorado road with sketchy cell service.
She turned the key in the ignition once more, but this time, the dash lights didn’t even come on.
“Now what?” Her words floated away in the light breeze that brushed across her face.
At least she was on Stone River property, if the map she’d downloaded to her phone was anything to go by.
Callie popped the hood on the ten-year-old blue VW Bug she’d inherited from her grandmother. Hand on her hip, she stared at the foreign-looking parts under the hood.
Why hadn’t she paid attention when her dad had offered to give her a basic course in car maintenance?
She pulled her cell phone out of her back pocket once again and checked for any sign of service.
Still nothing.
Early June sunshine warmed the top of her head as she turned and leaned a hip against the car’s fender. Folding her arms over her chest, she gazed at the snow-tipped mountains shouldering a sapphire sky and towering over fenced green pastures where pink, purple and yellow wildflowers swayed in the breeze. Cattle and horses in the distance lifted their heads, then returned to their grazing.
She could see for miles—or at least that was how it seemed—yet there wasn’t a person in sight. Well, standing on the side of the road wouldn’t solve her problems.
Callie slammed the hood shut, then opened the trunk. She retrieved her roller bag and her black art case. After slipping her favorite navy ball cap on her head and pulling her dark ponytail through the back, she pocketed her phone and keys. She grabbed her water bottle, locked the door and headed for the dirt road that would lead her to the tranquil retreat promised on the Stone River Ranch website.
Hopefully.
Ten minutes later, she rolled her shoulders, wiped the sweat from her forehead, then drained the rest of her water. Even though it wasn’t even noon, the sun heated her skin. She shoved the empty bottle in the top of her bulging suitcase.
As she wheeled it again in front of her, one of the corners banged against a rock. The case lurched forward, then fell sideways. Callie stumbled but caught herself from face-planting in the dirt. A small black wheel lay on its side next to her purple bag.
“Perfect.”
Heaving a sigh, Callie shoved the broken wheel in her pocket, then maneuvered the bag, pulling it behind her.
At the sound of an approaching vehicle, she moved to the edge of the road. Instead of driving past her, a black Ford Explorer pulled ahead and stopped.
Callie’s fingers tightened on the handle.
The door opened, and a tall man climbed out and strode over to her, wearing aviator sunglasses and a backwards baseball hat covering short dark brown hair. His navy T-shirt emphasized his broad chest and muscled arms. Faded jeans clung to muscular thighs. And his dusty boots weren’t for show.
She was definitely in cowboy country.
“Hey, there. You the owner of the blue Volkswagen back there?” Half turning, he jerked a thumb over his shoulder.
Pulling her suitcase in front of her, she nodded. “My car stalled out on my way to the Stone River Guest Ranch. I’m renting a yurt for the week.”
“Well, then, it looks like I came along at the right time.” He pulled off his sunglasses, revealing blue eyes, and hooked the arm over the collar of his T-shirt. He held out a calloused hand. “Wyatt Stone. My parents own this spread.”
Wyatt Stone.
Her secret crush from her early high school years.
As a teenager, she’d held on to hope he’d see her as more than Ada Morgan’s city-girl granddaughter who visited Aspen Ridge during the summer and holidays.
But he’d had eyes only for Linnea Douglas, whose parents owned the animal shelter next to Gram’s cottage.
“Hey, Wyatt.” She reached for his hand, then jerked hers back and wiped her grimy fingers on the leg of her jeans. “Sorry, my hand’s a bit grubby from messing under the hood.” Then she pulled off her own sunglasses. “It’s me, Callie. Ada’s granddaughter.”
“Callie Morgan. Good to see you again.” He smiled wide, deepening tiny lines bracketing his mouth, and nodded. His eyes softened. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do more than express my condolences at your grandma’s funeral.”
“No worries. There was a line out the door.” She dropped her gaze to her feet, then looked up at him again. “Good to see you too. How are you doing?”
“A little better than you, it seems. Know much about cars?” He shot her another grin.
She tightened her hands on the handle of her suitcase once again. “I can pump my own gas and check the tire pressure. That’s about it.”
“Let me give you a lift, and I’ll see what I can do.” He reached for her suitcase.
“I really appreciate it. I promise—you won’t hear a peep from me for the rest of my stay.”
“No need for that. We want everyone to feel welcomed. Once the rest of our guests arrive tomorrow, we’ll have plenty of activities for you to enjoy.”
“What I need most is solitude. I have some tough decisions to make. Gram left me the cottage that housed her gift shop. I have to decide if I’m going to keep it or sell it.”
“Ada was quite a lady. Her death left a big hole in the community She’d been friends with my family for a long time. My mom loved her stained glass classes.” Wyatt opened the lift gate and set her suitcase in the back.
She handed him the art case. “She mentioned you guys a lot.”
He closed the lift gate, then rounded the passenger side of his SUV and opened the door. “Hop in, and we’ll see what’s going on with your car.”
Callie eyed the black SUV. “Isn’t there an unwritten rule or something that cowboys are required to drive pickup trucks?”
“Nah, those are just guidelines.” He flashed her another lopsided grin. “Actually, the SUV belonged to my wife, and it’s easier for my daughter to climb in and out of. I use the ranch truck when necessary.” He nodded to the small child buckled in a car seat in the middle of the back seat. “Callie, this is my daughter, Mia. Mia, say hi to Callie. She’s Miss Ada’s granddaughter.”
“Hi.” The little girl lifted a small hand, then buried her face in the pink elephant clutched in her arms.
“Hi, Mia.” Callie slid onto the seat, then faced Wyatt’s daughter. The little girl wore pink plastic sunglasses, and her blond hair had been pulled back into two ponytails. “I like your elephant. What’s her name?”
“Ella. Today’s my birthday. I’m three.” She held up three pudgy fingers.
“Ella the Elephant. I love that. And happy birthday. Three is a fun age.”
“You know about being three?”
Callie smiled. “A long time ago.”
Wyatt slid behind the wheel and closed the door. “Three going on thirteen. Sweet as frosting and stubborn as a bull.”
Callie laughed. “You and your wife must have your hands full.”
“We... I mean, I’m...my wife passed away.” The rich timbre of his voice lowered to nearly a whisper as his neck reddened.
The look on his face had her wishing she could snatch back her words.
“Come to think of it, Gram did mention your loss. With everything happening the last few months, it slipped my mind. I’m so sorry.” She dropped her gaze to her hands and rubbed dirt off her index finger as heat warmed her cheeks.
“Thanks.” He started the engine and pulled onto the road. As they drove back to the car, her rescuer remained quiet after she’d mentioned his late wife.
The familiar-looking Bug came into view. She’d barely gotten it on the side of the road before it shut down.
Wyatt glanced at her. “Wait—is that your grandma’s car?”
“I inherited the car along with her cottage. Didn’t make sense to keep two cars, so I sold mine. Maybe I got rid of the wrong one.”
“I thought the Bug looked familiar. If so, then no need for me to look under the hood. The alternator needs to be replaced. Ada wouldn’t let me fix it for her. Stubborn. Then she got sick... So, what happened before it broke down?”
Callie lifted a shoulder. “I’d just headed through the gate when the dashboard lights came on, blinked off, then the car quit. I barely had enough power to get it to the side of the road.”
“Yep, sounds like the alternator.” Wyatt pulled alongside the pasture fence, parked, and reached for his door handle. “Let’s see if I’m right.” Then he turned to Mia. “Stay put, Peanut. I’ll be right back.”
“Okay, Daddy.”
Callie climbed out of the SUV and followed Wyatt to her car.
He lifted the hood, jiggled something, then peered at her. “Try and start it.”
Callie slid behind the wheel and turned the key. The engine caught for a second then died. She tried again, but this time, the engine didn’t even turn over.
Wyatt closed the hood and wiped his hands on his jeans. Then he rested an arm on Callie’s open, driver’s-side door. “Just as I figured, the alternator’s shot. I’ll load up the rest of your stuff and give you a lift to your yurt. Then I’ll give Gavin Copeland a call and get it towed to his garage in town.”
“I don’t want to be a bother. I can take care of it.”
“It’s no bother at all.”
She slid her sunglasses back in place. “Good thing I don’t have plans to do much more than work at the cottage or start a new painting this week. Or maybe take that trail ride.”
“Right—you’re an artist like your grandma. I’d forgotten that.”
She unlocked the trunk, and he reached for another small suitcase the same time she did. His fingers covered hers, then he jerked his hand back. “Sorry.” He shot her a grin. “So, you like to ride?”
“Like to?” She shrugged, then laughed. “I’ve spent most of my life living near cities. I’ve ridden a time or two with some assistance, but I’m certainly no pro. When I came to Aspen Ridge to care for Gram after her stroke, I didn’t have much time to leave town, let alone get on a horse. Now that I’ve moved here, I need to find a job as soon as possible so any horse riding will be limited to what the guest ranch offers this upcoming week.”
“You moved to Aspen Ridge?” He set her suitcase next to the other one in the back of his SUV, then leaned against the rear quarter panel, crossed his ankles, and folded his arms over his chest. “What kind of job are you looking for?”
She diverted her eyes from the way the T-shirt material stretched over his shoulders. “Anything that pays a decent wage. I have degrees in art history and elementary education, but I’m not looking to head back to the classroom anytime soon.”
“Have any management experience?”
She squinted against the sun reflecting off the back window and shielded her eyes. “Spent my college summers being a counselor and organizing activities for a kids’ camp. Does that count?”
“It does to me. Interested in a job?”
Her eyes widened. “Seriously?”
“My oldest sister planned to oversee our family’s guest ranch, but she just had a baby. So I took over for her as director, but I have a lot on my plate as well. I’ll supervise everything, but I’d like to have a manager to help with the day-to-day. That way, Macey can devote her time to her family. The job’s yours if you want it. Unless you’re looking for something closer to the city.”
“I moved to Aspen Ridge for a fresh start. I need open spaces and plenty of sunshine.” She cocked her head. “But why would you offer a job to someone you picked up on the side of the road? I could be a serial killer for all you know.”
He laughed, a deep sound that rumbled low in his chest. “Picked up? You’re not some kind of empty bottle someone tossed out the window.”
After her ex’s infidelity, she felt tossed aside.
“We used to hang out when we were younger, and the Callie I once knew wasn’t much of a serial killer.”
“I’m not much of anything these days. Gram’s death has been...tough.” Her throat thickened as her vision blurred. Again. Grateful for her sunglasses shielding her eyes, she rolled them upward to prevent unexpected tears from spilling out her pain. “Thanks for the offer. I’ll take it.”
“Listen. I know what it’s like to lose someone you love.” Wyatt’s voice lowered and held compassion that threatened to break the hold on her emotions. He held out his large hand. “Give me your phone, and I’ll add my number. You can relax tonight, then we can work out the details in the next day or so.”
“Sounds good.” She pulled her phone and handed it to him. “Thanks for stopping. I couldn’t get a cell signal and wasn’t sure what to do.”
“Depending on your provider, service can be spotty on the ranch. We do have Wi-Fi for guests, so you can connect to that. I have your information packet and keys at the lodge. I’ll grab those, then you can get settled.”
Settled.
She hadn’t felt that in months. Not since the call after Christmas about Gram’s stroke that landed her in the hospital, and then learning her fiancé had cheated on her while she’d taken a short leave to care for Gram.
She’d resigned from her teaching position, closed up her apartment, and left the city to start over in a newish town.
And she’d never felt more alone.
Hopefully, this was just what she needed to make the right decision about Gram’s shop. She promised to reopen, but in order to do so, the place needed some renovations. And that took money she didn’t have.
As her parents continually reminded her—God will provide.
Perhaps working for the Stone family for the summer was just what her heart needed. Then she could focus on where to go from there.
Had God answered her prayers by allowing her car to break down?
Only one way to find out.
The anniversary of his wife’s death always hit Wyatt Stone in the gut. Three years later, it was no exception.
Maybe that was why he’d stumbled over his marital status when Callie mentioned his wife. Why was it still an issue?
Because he didn’t want to believe it was true. To be reminded of what he’d lost. He and Mia. But instead of dwelling on that, he needed to focus on what he’d gained.
His eyes shifted to the rearview mirror where his daughter sat in her car seat with Ella tucked in her tiny arms and her eyes watching Callie.
With today also being Mia’s birthday, she deserved to be celebrated even if he wanted nothing more than to forget about the date on the calendar. With everything going on, he didn’t have time to dwell on his pain.
Midmorning sunshine glinted off the silvery, snow-capped peaks of the San Juan Mountains towering over the valley of his family’s cattle ranch as he passed the horseshoe drive lined with tall, green-leafed aspens in front of his parents’ stone-and-timber ranch house.
At the fork, he took the left road and pulled into the small gravel lot next to the log-sided lodge with an evergreen metal roof.
Adirondack chairs sat on a stained wraparound deck and faced the water. A short trail took guests to the four yurts—cylindrical, tent-like structures on platforms—nestled in their private groves of aspens and pines.
After cutting the engine, he unbuckled Mia from her car seat. She scrambled down and raced for the front door, her blond ponytails bouncing against her shoulders.
“Nana! Papa! I’m here. Can we have my party now?”
Laughing softly, Wyatt rounded the front to open Callie’s door, but she beat him to it.
He jerked his head toward the lodge. “Come in and say hi to my folks. I’ll grab your paperwork then show you to your yurt.”
“Thanks, but I don’t mind waiting out here. I don’t want to intrude.”
Following Mia, he grabbed the front door before it slammed shut and held it open. “You won’t be, and they’ll want to see you.”
They stepped into the expansive room with a gleaming floor. Sunshine spilled through arched windows and highlighted the polished wood planks with darkened knots lining the walls. Three deep brown overstuffed leather couches formed a boxy U in front of a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace.
To the left, half a dozen round tables with chairs dotted the dining area. A large kitchen showed stainless appliances and a deep farmhouse-style sink. A timber-planked staircase opened into a loft that overlooked the first floor.
Soft music and quiet laughter came from the open kitchen where his parents stood at the sink on either side of Mia, who had pulled up a stool to help.
Callie removed her sunglasses, glanced at the exposed beam ceiling, then looked at him. “This is gorgeous.”
“Thanks. My brother-in-law’s crew finished it last month. The wood used on the walls and floor was planed from downed trees on Stone River property.” He nodded toward the kitchen. “Let’s say hi.”
A light breeze blew through the open window above the sink and stirred the blue-and-white striped curtains.
His dad stood with his back to them as he helped Mia wash red and yellow bell peppers under the running water.
“Hey, Dad. What’s going on?” Wyatt moved behind Mia.
Dad glanced at him. “Hey, Wy. Prepping for tomorrow night’s welcome dinner. With Mia’s party this afternoon, church tomorrow morning, and then preparing for everyone’s arrival, there won’t be much time later.”
“Hey, Mom.” Wyatt dropped a kiss on his mother’s cheek, then turned to Callie. “You guys remember Callie Morgan?”
“Hi, honey.” Mom wiped her hands on the blue dish towel hanging from the oven door and moved around him. She pulled Callie into a hug. “It’s good to see you again, Callie.”
“You too, Mrs. Stone.”
“Please call me Nora. You remember my husband, Deacon?” She handed the towel to Dad, and he dried his hands.
“Of course. Good morning.”
“Morning, Callie.” His father extended a hand, and she took it. “Heard you rented one of the yurts. How about a cup of coffee?”
Callie glanced at Wyatt.
Holding the stool as Mia climbed down, he lifted a shoulder. “Unless you’re in a hurry to get unpacked, you’re welcome to hang out for a few minutes.”
She nodded to his dad. “Okay, then. Sure, thanks.”
Wyatt pulled two coffee cups out of the oak cabinet and filled them from the full pot next to the stove. Inhaling the scent of the dark roast, he handed one to Callie.
“Thanks.” Smiling, she took it and added creamer that Dad slid closer to her.
“Callie, how about if Mia and I give you a tour of the lodge?” Mom reached for Mia’s hand.
“Mind if I bring my coffee?” Callie lifted her cup.
“Not at all.”
Once they were out of earshot, Wyatt palmed his mug and moved next to his dad. “I had a talk with my in-laws this morning when I picked up Mia.”
“Yeah? What’s going on? Everything okay with Ray and Irene?” Dad unrolled the sleeves on his red plaid Western shirt, then snapped the cuffs closed. “Let’s head outside and get the wood split for tomorrow night’s campfire.”
Wyatt dropped his gaze to his mug, swirled the black coffee to break up his reflection, then drained his cup. He set it on the counter, then followed his dad out the back door. “I heard a rumor their horse rescue was in danger of being shut down due to lack of funds. I offered to partner with them to keep it going.”
“I hadn’t heard that about the horse rescue.” Rounding the back of the lodge, his dad pulled keys from his front pocket and unlocked a small work shed. He threw both doors open, turned on the lights, and nodded to the black-and-yellow machine against the wall. “Give me a hand, will you?”
They wheeled the portable wood splitter outside next to a pile of cut-up logs. Dad pulled the cord, and the machine rumbled to life.
Wyatt grabbed two pairs of work gloves off one of the shelves and tossed a pair to his dad, who caught them in one hand. He set a log on the tray.
Dad moved the lever forward as the blade divided the wood in two. “You’ve mentioned wanting to take it over should it become too much for Ray to do on his own.”
“I asked them about it. Ray was his usual crusty self and said I had no business listening to rumors. But Irene confirmed it was true. Ray resists the idea of monthly sponsors. Their donors haven’t been as giving as in the past.” Wyatt stacked the split wood on a low pile by the shed and added another log to the tray. “She said if something doesn’t change soon, they may have to sell. Today’s hard enough with the anniversary of Linnea’s death. I don’t want them stressing about this too.”
“Their ranch has been in the Douglas family for as long as Stone River’s been a part of ours.” Dad added another log to the tray and split it. “What can we do to help?”
That was so like Dad—quick to step in and lend a hand.
“Talk to Ray. He listens to you. Show him how a partnership with Stone River—if you’d be willing—could benefit all of us. Linnea always wanted to turn the rescue into a horse sanctuary. With Mia being their only granddaughter, I don’t want her to lose her mother’s legacy.”
“We don’t want that either.” Dad cut the power and leveled Wyatt with a compassionate look. “You doing okay today? We loved Linnea too, you know.”
Despite the sudden thickening in his throat and pressure behind his eyes, Wyatt blinked several times and nodded. “I have to be. No time for anything else.”
“No one would blame you if you weren’t.”
“Thanks. I’m good.” Wyatt stacked the remaining wood on the pile.
“You sure taking on the horse rescue won’t be too much? You just took over the guest ranch. Between that, helping Bear and me with chores, leading the single fathers support group and caring for Mia, you don’t want to spread yourself too thin.”
Yeah, that had crossed his mind too, but he didn’t dare voice it. He didn’t need his parents or anyone else worrying about him needlessly.
“I’ll handle it. I won’t let any of you down. I promise.”
Dad dropped a hand on Wyatt’s shoulder and squeezed. “You’re not alone, son. We’re all here to help. Ray’s always been like a brother to me. I’ll talk to him and see what he thinks about a partnership with us.”
“Thanks, Dad. I appreciate it. I don’t want to add more work for you or Bear, especially since he’s trying to get his rehabilitation ranch up and running. If we do partner with the rescue, then we could consider using the horses for the riding program we’ve been wanting to start. I can use some of Linnea’s life insurance money to buy into the rescue.”
Dad pulled off his gloves and slapped them against his thigh. “You know Ray won’t go for that. It’s earmarked for Mia’s future.”
“And turning the rescue into a sanctuary would be part of that future. I know it’s what Linnea would want.”
Dad lifted the end of the splitter and pulled it back into the shed. “If we use the horses for the riding program, they’ll need to be retrained first. Many of them have been abandoned or abused and have serious trust issues.”
Wyatt removed his gloves, then wiped his sweaty face with the hem of his T-shirt. He followed his dad inside the shed and grabbed a rake off the wall. “Yes, but they’ll also be protected from future kill lots and have a renewed purpose again.”
Something he’d desperately been searching for himself since losing the love of his life.
“Troy Branson, one of the guys in my single fathers’ group, is a horse trainer looking to expand his business. We could send some work his way.” Wyatt headed outside and raked a small pile of shavings toward the woodpile.
“Pray about it, son. See where God’s leading you. Taking on the rescue is a big responsibility, but we’ll back you up. You know that. Let’s head back inside the lodge. I need to finish cutting the peppers for tomorrow night’s welcome dinner.”
Yes, he knew he had his family behind him. Having their support was the only way he could’ve left the Marine Corps after losing his wife tragically during childbirth. The way they’d stepped in to help care for Mia when he could barely care for himself had put him in their debt.
One he hoped to repay someday.
“Thanks, Dad. I appreciate it.” Wyatt followed him back up the deck and into the lodge kitchen.
The front door opened, sending a stream of sunshine across the floor along with female laughter.
Mom, Callie and Mia stepped inside followed by his older sister, Macey, who slid her sunglasses to the top of her head as she snuggled her newborn son against her chest. Wrapped in a receiving blanket covered in horseshoes, the baby was barely visible. Wyatt could see only his nephew’s dark hair.
Wyatt washed his hands, then left the kitchen and crossed the room. He reached for the newborn. “Come see your favorite uncle, little guy.” He glanced at his sister as he cradled the baby against his chest. “My first day on the job and you’re already checking up on me?”
Macey laughed and gave him a playful shove. “Hardly. I’m heading into town to meet up with Cole. He took Lexi to the doctor for a checkup. Then we’re meeting Piper and Everly for lunch. I wanted to double-check with Mom to see if things had changed and she could join us.” She glanced at Callie. “Cole’s my husband, Piper is Bear’s wife, and Everly is our baby sister.”
Callie nodded.
Their mother chimed in. “Wish I could, honey, but I promised your Aunt Lynetta I’d help at the diner this afternoon. One of her servers quit last week, and she hasn’t found someone to replace her yet.”
Callie moved next to him, smelling of fresh air and sunshine. She pulled back the blanket and caressed the baby’s cheek. “He’s precious. What’s his name?”
His sister’s eyes softened. “Thanks. We adore him. Deacon Cole, or DC as his papa started calling him.” She shot a look at Dad. “He’s only a couple of weeks old.”
Callie glanced at Wyatt. “Mind if I hold him?”
“Not at all.” He released his nephew into her arms.
She embraced the baby and swayed gently from side to side.
Macey nudged Wyatt’s shoulder. “Callie said you hired her to manage the guest ranch.”
He glanced at Callie, who shifted Baby Deacon to her shoulder and rubbed his back. “She needed a job, and I needed an assistant, so it seemed like a good idea. Plus, it saves me the hassle of finding people to interview.”
Wyatt looked at Callie. “Sorry. I meant for this to be a quick stop.”
She grinned. “Don’t worry about me. Holding this baby is the most fun I’ve had in a while.”
Wyatt cleared his throat. “If you’d like, I can give you a tour and talk about our expectations for the guest ranch.”
“The tour sounds good too, but I don’t want to keep you from your family, especially since today is Mia’s birthday.” She rubbed her cheek over the baby’s head.
“You took a lot off my plate by agreeing to be the manager for the summer. By the way, Mia will be going with us as well.”
“Sounds good. She’s adorable.” She returned the baby back to Macey, then jerked her head toward the front door. “If you direct me to where I’ll be staying, I’ll change into something more suitable for walking.”
Callie looked so natural with his nephew in her arms. She’d make a great mom someday.
Wyatt’s chest tightened as he ran his thumb over the back of his platinum wedding band. He and Linnea had wanted a handful of kids, but her sudden death had wrecked that dream.
He wouldn’t find another woman like her, so why bother looking?
He couldn’t change things, no matter how much he wanted to. So he’d power through the day as he’d been doing every day for the past three years.
Besides, when would he have time for romance with his busy schedule? Someday, maybe, he’d change his mind about falling in love again. But that was doubtful. He couldn’t risk losing someone else he loved. He didn’t know if he could recover a second time.
For now, he’d focus on making the summer season at the guest ranch a success. He hoped hiring Callie was the first of many good decisions. Only time would tell, but he had a feeling this was going to be a memorable summer. For all of them.
