Thankful for the Maverick
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Rochelle Alers
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Chapter One
Garrett Abernathy didn’t need to set an alarm to wake up; his internal clock told him it was time to get out of bed and head out to check on the fence lines, cattle, horses and bison on the Flying A Ranch before driving to the Bronco Convention Center to meet with the manager. He’d set up an appointment with Chuck Carter to discuss adding organic bison burgers to the catering menu for the Mistletoe Rodeo scheduled for later in the week.
Last year the excitement in Bronco was akin to that of Super Bowl Sunday when Bronco’s own champion bronc rider, Geoff Burris, was the emcee and was also on the program. The rodeo had brought in crowds from all over Montana and neighboring states to watch professional as well as amateurs exhibit their skills in the three-day event. Now there was even more excitement because the organizers had announced the Hawkins Sisters were also on the card.
Earlier in the year, Garrett had attended the Bronco Summer Family Rodeo, and he had only caught a glimpse of the women during their performances. He might be an armchair spectator when it came to baseball, basketball or hockey, but for the rodeo, he had to be at the action.
However, making certain his family’s cattle ranch remained viable had become a top priority for Garrett. At the age of forty-three, the eldest of Hutch and Hannah’s five sons had returned to Bronco ten years ago, after his divorce, and thrown all his energies into what he loved most—the family business.
The small herd of bison were a new addition to the livestock. Though their father had been skeptical at first, Garrett and his four brothers were confident that the distribution of organic bison meat to restaurants was a win-win proposition. When they had purchased the bison, eleven heifers were already pregnant and this past spring new calves had increased the herd to forty-three.
It was midmorning by the time he’d completed his inspections and Garrett returned home to prepare for his meeting with Chuck.
The border collie puppy he’d adopted earlier that year from the Happy Hearts Animal Sanctuary began whining as a cleaned-up Garrett slipped his arms into the sleeves of a corduroy jacket. It was on a rare occasion that Garrett did not wear the jacket. It had become so much of a favorite garment for him that he’d purchased several in navy blue and chocolate brown. Once one wore out, he’d exchange it for a newer one. It was a favored alternative to the suits he’d worn when living and working in New York, suits that had begun to feel like straitjackets.
He shook his head at the whining pup. “Not now, Max. When I come back, we’ll go out together again.” Max either rode shotgun in the ATV or followed behind Garrett whenever he rode on horseback.
During the warmer weather, Max would either sleep in the barn or out on the porch, but now with the approach of winter, Garrett allowed him to bed down in the mudroom. Occasionally the dog would wander into the great room, stand in front the fireplace and look back at Garrett as if telling him to light a fire. And once he did, Max would lie on the floor and fall asleep.
He scratched the furry chocolate-and-white puppy behind the ears. “I’ll be back soon. Promise,” Garrett added when Max let out a low whimper.
He knew he’d spoiled the canine who had become his constant companion. It had been that way the instant he’d walked out of Happy Hearts with Max against his chest, zipped up in his jacket. Max had settled against the sheepskin lining and fallen asleep during the ride back to Garrett’s home. It had taken less than a week for man and dog to become inseparable. Turning on his heel, he walked out of the cabin to his pickup.
Once behind the wheel of the Dodge Ram 2500, he sent a text to the new office manager at Abernathy Meats to let her know he was going to the Bronco Convention Center. Seconds later, she sent him a thumbs-up and a bison emoticon that made Garrett smile. He’d never thought the company’s previous office manager, Susanna Henry, would be his sister-in-law once she married his brother Dean.
It was as if the love bug had bitten all of Hutch and Hannah’s sons. Widower Tyler was engaged to Callie Sheldrick and, once they were married, she would become a mother to his adorable little daughter Maeve. Even serial-dater Weston wasn’t exempt—he’d fallen for Everlee “Evy” Roberts and her angelic daughter Lola. Garrett didn’t want to be cynical about falling in love, but he knew from experience that it didn’t always last. His adage was “been there, done that.” However, he was happy his brothers had found someone with whom to share their lives and future.
So long as no one expected him to do the same.
He shifted the pickup into gear and drove away from the modern log cabin on the ranch that had become his sanctuary. Other than sitting on a horse, it was where he felt most comfortable and, within seconds of closing the door to the outside world, he relaxed, comfortable in the isolation to which he’d become accustomed. Garrett knew his mother was concerned that other than working with his brothers he was spending too much time alone. What Hannah Abernathy failed to understand was that he’d lost ten years of his life struggling to make someone else happy while at the same time sacrificing his own happiness.
Garrett tapped a button on the steering wheel and “Blue Ain’t Your Color” filled the interior of the pickup. He increased the volume as he sang along with one of his favorite country singers. After spending a decade in New York, his taste in music now alternated between country, rap and hip-hop. Beyond music, the city had exposed him to a way of life other than the one he’d known growing up on a Montana cattle ranch. One with a faster pace. Riding the bus, being packed in a subway car like a sardine, or attempting to navigate sidewalks teeming with more people in ten square blocks than in all of Bronco, was something he wouldn’t ever miss. Once he’d returned to his hometown, Garrett realized the time he’d spent in New York City wasn’t what he’d thought of as living. He’d only been existing in a world in which he’d never felt comfortable.
It was different with his ex-wife. Faith had taken to city life like a duck to water. She’d loved eating at different restaurants, visiting museums and art galleries, and hanging out at clubs with her new friends, while he’d preferred spending nights in their Brooklyn Heights apartment watching television.
While he hadn’t begrudged Faith’s newfound social life, both had known their relationship was falling apart with each passing year. One day, he’d told Faith he was going back to Bronco. She hadn’t argued with him or even attempted to convince him to stay. And now, when he looked back, Garrett realized she’d been relieved. The divorce was quick and amicable, and when finalized, he’d come home. This time to stay.
All too soon, the drive ended as he maneuvered into the newly remodeled convention center’s parking lot.
He found the manager’s office and knocked lightly on the door.
Chuck Carter swiveled in his chair and beckoned to him. “Come in, Abernathy. You’re right on time. Please sit down.” He motioned to the chair in front of the ornately carved mahogany desk. “I know you wanted to talk to me and the catering manager, but he’s running late, so right now it’s just you and me.”
Removing his Stetson, Garrett folded his body onto the cushioned chair. “I don’t know if you’re aware that Abernathy Meats is now selling bison meat.”
Chuck nodded. “There are very few things that remain a secret in Bronco.”
“We’ve received orders from a couple of restaurants in Colorado, but I’d like to make Bronco a priority.” He quickly outlined that he wanted Chuck to consider adding the burgers to the catering menu for the upcoming Mistletoe Rodeo.
“I like...” Chuck’s voice trailed off when the public address system blared an announcement that the Hawkins Sisters were practicing in the arena. He stood. “You can finish telling me what you want while I go say hello to the Hawkinses.”
Garrett also rose and put on his hat. He knew the convention manager had a full schedule and his assistant had penciled Garrett in between meetings. He continued his presentation as they walked along a hallway that led to the arena floor.
“I like what you’re offering, Abernathy,” Chuck said. “Do you think you can give me something in writing, like yesterday, that I can pass along to the catering manager? I have your number, so can he call you if he has a question.”
“Of course.” As soon as he returned to the ranch, Garrett would go over and fine-tune the proposal he’d drawn up and then have his office manager email it to the convention manager. He’d also drafted a preliminary contract between Abernathy Meats and the Bronco Convention Center just in case.
Chuck shook his head. “I’m sorry I can’t give you more time, but I promised the Hawkins Sisters I would meet with them as soon as they arrived. Having them and the Burris Brothers perform in the Mistletoe Rodeo is guaranteed to put lots of butts in the seats. We’re close to a sellout.”
Garrett smiled and nodded. The three-day event was certain to generate a great deal of revenue for the city.
“Have you ever met them?” Chuck asked him.
“Who?” Garrett asked.
“The Hawkins Sisters.”
“No.” Garrett had only watched them from the stands at the Bronco Summer Family Rodeo.
“If you have time, want an introduction?”
Garrett nodded. “I’d like that.” The rodeo exploits of the Hawkins Sisters were legendary and meeting them in person was something he could brag about to his brothers.
They continued walking down a long hallway and entered a door that led directly to an area less than a hundred feet from the dirt-covered arena floor. Garrett sucked in a lungful of breath as he stared at the slim rider taking a horse through its paces around three barrels. He couldn’t pull his gaze from the long dark-brown curls falling to the middle of her back and moving as if they’d taken on a life of their own as she steered the horse within inches of each barrel without tipping them over. It was as if the woman and animal were one, as if each was aware of the other’s thoughts. It was only when he felt the constriction in his chest that Garrett was forced to exhale. If he’d felt most comfortable on horseback, then this woman had been born to sit a horse.
“She’s magnificent.”
“The horse or the woman?” Chuck asked, smiling.
He gave the man a sidelong glance. “The woman.”
“That she is. That’s Brynn Hawkins.”
“What do you know about her?”
“All I know is that she’s totally committed to her career. There was talk that the Hawkinses were thinking about establishing Bronco as their permanent residency while they tour, but you know rodeo folks can’t stay in one place too long. It’s always the next town, big adventure, trophy and prize money. My grandfather used to say the same thing about traveling circuses back in the day.” Chuck pointed to four women standing along the fence a short distance away. “That’s Brynn’s mother, Josie. She’s their manager. The others are Brynn’s sisters, Corinne, Remi and Audrey. Just watching them perform is indeed a remarkable sight.”
Garrett knew all about Audrey. She and Geoff Burris’s brother Jack had competed head-to-head in the Bronco Summer Family Rodeo. The media had gone gaga over Jack Burris and Audrey Hawkins, calling them rodeo sweethearts, and there were rumors about the possibility of a movie based on their engagement. “It seems as if Audrey’s put Bronco on the map with Hollywood folks following her and Jack’s every move.”
Chuck ran a hand across the back of his neck. “I’ve heard a few complaints that having a lot of media around is spoiling our quality of life, but I don’t agree with them. Having hometown heroes like the Burris Brothers and the Hawkins Sisters here in Bronco spells success for everyone. Whenever they perform, they bring in out-of-town folks that are willing to patronize our local businesses.”
“I agree.”
The two words had just slipped off Garrett’s tongue when Brynn dismounted, handed the reins to a young man and walked to where he and Chuck were standing. The other Hawkinses followed her. Seeing her this close made him aware that not only was she breathtakingly beautiful, she was also a lot younger than he’d thought. Maybe her early twenties and much too young for a man in his forties. However, that didn’t stop him from staring at the light sprinkling of freckles on the pert nose and cheeks of her café au lait complexion. But it was her full lips and delightful chin with just a hint of a dimple that held him in a soporific spell from which he didn’t want to escape.
Chuck smiled. “Brynn, Josie, Audrey, Corinne and Remi, I would like you to meet a fan of yours. Ladies, this is Garrett Abernathy.”
“Are you here to take more photos of us?” Remi asked, prompting her mother to give her a slight nudge.
Garrett touched the brim of his hat. “Pleasure to meet you, ladies. I can assure you that I’m not a part of the media. I only wanted to meet you because I saw you perform this summer, and I thought you were spectacular.”
Josie smiled. “I’m really proud of my daughters.”
“You should be,” Chuck said, “because it’s an honor that they’re going to be here for what is now our annual Mistletoe Rodeo.”
“Are you involved in the rodeo?” Remi asked Garrett.
“No. I’m a rancher. My family owns Abernathy Meats and the Flying A Ranch.”
“So, you’re one of those Abernathys,” Brynn said, speaking for the first time while meeting his eyes.
Garrett’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “Should I assume you’ve heard of us?” There was teasing tone in his query.
A hint of a smile tilted the corners of Brynn’s mouth. “One would have to live on another planet not to recognize the name. I’m of the belief that every Montanan knows about Abernathy Meats. In fact, I visited your booth during the Fourth of July barbecue.”
“You must have come by when I wasn’t manning the booth, and if that’s the case, then you would’ve seen my brothers. By the way, do you eat meat or are you a vegetarian?”
Her smile grew wider. “I eat meat. I love a good rib eye, though I’m partial to a salad on occasion.”
Corinne grunted under her breath. “Is it ribeye or is it bison burgers, Brynn?”
Garrett didn’t miss the disapproving glance Brynn gave her sister. “It’s both.”
“The Abernathys are now selling bison meat,” Chuck whispered as if revealing a family secret.
“You’re kidding?” Audrey asked. “That’s all Brynn will eat now since she had a bison burger at a restaurant in Billings last year.”
Garrett angled his head. “That sounds serious.”
“It is,” Brynn confirmed. “The first time I ordered one, I was hooked. And then when I compared the nutritional profile of bison to beef, I decided it was worth the higher price.”
“There’s nothing wrong with beef,” Garrett said, smiling.
Remi laughed. “Spoken like a true cattle rancher.”
Garrett smiled for the first time since their introduction and Brynn noticed the attractive lines around his eyes. He should smile more often, she thought. The expression had replaced the sadness she’d peeked at behind his eyes, and she wondered what had happened in his life to put it there.
However, something about the rancher connected with her; something Brynn found hard to explain. To say he was handsome was an understatement. Brynn had encountered scores of men when touring the rodeo circuit and, while some flirted with her, Garrett Abernathy appeared slightly aloof. Her sisters had accused her of being overly maternal, and that was what she was feeling at the moment. Something about the rancher made her want to reach out to him.
“How would you and your family like to be our guests for the Mistletoe Rodeo?” The invitation had come out unbidden, and Brynn wondered where that had come from. “My family gets a block of premium seats we can use as we see fit.”
Garrett blinked slowly. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, she’s sure,” Josie said, smiling. “We’re doing the same for Geoff Burris’s family.”
Brynn knew she’d shocked Garrett with the offer. “You really would be doing us a favor because empty seats aren’t a good look for the front rows.”
He smiled again. “I accept your generous offer on behalf of my family. I don’t know if you’re aware of it, but there’re a lot of Abernathys in Bronco.”
Brynn’s smile matched his. “The more, the merrier. I’ll let the box office know to put them aside in your family’s name. They’ll just have to show some ID and that’s it.”
Garrett touched the brim of his Stetson again. “Thank you again, and it’s been my pleasure to meet all of you. I’ll see you at the event.” He nodded to Chuck, turned on his heel and walked away.
“Wow!” Audrey whispered in Brynn’s ear once Garrett was out of sight.
“What are you wowing about?” she asked Audrey.
“Garrett Abernathy. He’s absolutely gorgeous.”
Brynn nodded. “He is rather handsome.”
Audrey draped an arm over Brynn’s shoulders and pulled her out of earshot of the others. “He’s beyond handsome, big sister, and what are you going to do about it?”
Brynn shrugged off the arm. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Open your eyes, Brynn. Didn’t you see how he was staring at you?”
“No. He was looking at all of us.”
“Yeah right,” Audrey drawled.
Corinne came over to join Brynn and Audrey. “Just because she’s booed up, she expects everyone to fall in love and live happily ever after,” she said facetiously.
Brynn rounded on her youngest sister. Corinne had been a funk since she and Geoff’s brother had stopped talking to each other. “Just because you broke up with Mike Burris, there’s no need to take your bad mood out on everyone.”
“When are you going to stop acting like my mother?” Corinne said from between clenched teeth.
“When you decide to grow up and act like an adult,” Brynn replied angrily. Closing her eyes, she counted slowly to ten as Corinne stomped across the floor of the arena toward an exit. Brynn couldn’t help it. Whenever Josie didn’t tour with them, Brynn felt she was responsible for her three younger sisters.
Audrey reached for Brynn’s hand, lacing their fingers together. “You can’t let her get to you, Brynn. Corinne is very emotional right now.”
“Emotional I can deal with. Nasty is something I refuse to accept.” She let out a sigh and pulled her hand away from Audrey’s. “We’re a family and we depend on one another for everything. And I mean everything. We’re the Hawkins Sisters and that means all for one and one for all. I’m sorry that Corinne and Mike aren’t speaking to each other, but she has to learn to separate her personal feelings from the professional. She must be in the right frame of mind when we compete in the Mistletoe Rodeo.”
“Don’t worry, Brynn. I’ll talk to her. It helps that we’re both involved with Burris brothers.”
“Thanks.” She hoped Audrey could talk to Corinne and help her deal with her on-again, off-again relationship with Mike Burris. After all, they were both involved with men who were in rodeo—a situation with which Brynn was remarkably familiar.
It had been almost two years since her last relationship, and she should’ve known it wouldn’t end well because it had been her second meaningful relationship with a rodeo cowboy. One was fraught with jealousy and competition; the second shrouded in secrecy. There were constant arguments as to who’d earned more prize money, trophies and received the most press coverage. Brynn had vowed never again. Never again would she get involved with someone in her profession.
She was happy when Audrey and Jack Burris were able to work through their differences; they were full-time rodeo superstars and were now engaged to marry. It was different with Corinne and Mike. He was involved with the rodeo but had recently put the sport on hold to start attending medical school—something Corinne had to understand. Rodeo, for him, was only temporary.
Brynn herself wasn’t certain how long she would continue to perform, but she did have a plan B. And that plan had nothing to do with her competing while astride a horse. She knew her time for competing was ending, and she had even mentioned this to her mother. As a professional rider, she’d been lucky not to have sustained any serious injuries, but the thrill of traveling from city to city and state to state was beginning to lose its allure, and she knew she had to decide in the coming year whether she could continue to compete with her sisters, or sit out some of the bookings.
She’d begun competing at the age of three in the mutton bustin’ competition and then, in the junior rodeos at fifteen, winning first place in goat tying, and she’d just celebrated her sixteenth birthday when she’d begun to compete as a barrel racer. Brynn had spent most of her life as a rodeo rider and now she wondered if it was time for her to pursue another vocation—one that did not involve competing with anyone other than herself.
