When Love's Gone Country (Sequel two of the Embracing Love Trilogy)

By Merri Hiatt

WHEN LOVE'S GONE COUNTRY (Sequel two of the Embracing Love Trilogy)A two-week trip to a working ranch has everyone excited to learn about ranchin' and wranglin'. When they arrive, the ranch is not what they expected. Meg summed it up best: "This doesn't look like the brochure." A mysterious hot springs, poisoned water, a trip to Moon Spirit Lodge and issues from Jacob's past make for a vacation to remember.

When Love's Gone Country can be read as a standalone book or after reading the Embracing Love Trilogy.

OTHER BOOKS IN THE EMBRACING LOVE TRILOGY:

WHEN LOVE'S AT WORK (Book one of the Embracing Love Trilogy)Purity, Courtney and Meg are the She Musketeers, until Alex and Bobby enter the scene. A twenty-seven day job interview, tingling kisses, and Pure's crazy ex make for a bumpy ride to Happily Ever After.

WHEN LOVE'S AT HOME (Book two of the Embracing Love Trilogy)
Meg and Bobby are in the midst of planning their wedding when two young runaway brothers cross their path and change their lives forever. When the boys' parents realize they've stumbled upon a way to get rich quick at Bob and Meg's expense, they jump at the chance. The She Musketeers band together to keep the boys safe.

WHEN LOVE'S AT PLAY (Book three of the Embracing Love Trilogy)
When Court is offered a chance to go to New York and have a gallery showing of her sculptures, she is delighted. Little does she know that leaving the She Musketeers behind will prove to be so difficult. As she spends long hours immersed in her work, other hands are busily making sure they reap the rewards of her labor.

WHEN LOVE'S ON VACATION (Sequel one of the Embracing Love Trilogy)
The She Musketeers are back! Purity, Meg and Courtney are gathering up the men they love and heading for a vacation they've dubbed "California Dreamin'." While they're enjoying fun in the sun, a sinister plan begins to unfold that finds them in harm's way at every turn. They join together to turn the tables on their attackers and even manage to spend a few days in Las Vegas.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Merri Hiatt
• Release date: May 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301594474

Merri Hiatt

Merri Hiatt grew up in a small town near Shasta Valley in Northern California. Upon moving to the Pacific Northwest in Washington state, Merri fell in love with the mountains, ocean, rain and lush greenery. Merri credits her high school creative writing teacher with giving her the nudge to pursue writing. BOOKS WRITTEN BY MERRI HIATT: PROPOSAL SERIES: Sweet Proposal, Jaded Proposal (coming soon!), Midnight Proposal (coming soon!); LOVE IN THE AIR TRILOGY: Runway Romance, Love on the Fly (Passion at 30,000 Feet coming soon); SEASONS OF LOVE SERIES: Summer Love, Autumn Love, Winter Love, Spring Love; CELEBRATING LOVE TRILOGY: 14 Love Letter Lane, 21 Romance Way, 28 Passion Boulevard; EMBRACING LOVE TRILOGY: When Love's at Work, When Love's at Home, When Love's at Play, When Love's on Vacation (Sequel one), When Love's Gone Country (Sequel two); MANGADARTH TRILOGY: Marayah's Return, City Reborn, My Mother's Eyes; Kat Burglar, a romance novella; Mama Lives in My Hair, a short story about life and death; Sarah and the Magic Beans, a short story about magic and hope; The Magical Christmas Cookies, a short story about hope; Santa Hates Seattle, a short story about hope and second chances; Puddle of Poetry (sixty-two poems from sassy to sensitive to serious); Food So Good, You'll Never Know It's Good For You, 11 Recipes and Tips; and Potato Chip Princess, a young adult short story. Visit Merri's website at http://merrihiatt.com Merri states: "I am a lover of all emotions. They swim and spin around my head with abandon. What fun to let the words these feelings bring forth play along my tongue and whisper into the still of the night. When I capture them on paper, it is a joy and one of my favorite ways to spend time."

Book preview

Chapter One

Seat belts on? Courtney Abrams-Thompson asked as she placed the last bag in the back of the rented van.

Everyone except Diego, Jeremy said. I don’t think his’ll fit.

Diego, sit, Courtney said.

The Saint Bernard wagged his tail in Jacob’s direction.

I’m counting on you two to keep him calm during the trip, Court said.

We will, Jacob said as he pointed down. Sit, Diego.

Diego sprawled across the boys’ laps.

That’s not exactly what I had in mind, Jacob said as Diego’s rear end settled itself in his lap.

I like it. I’ve got his head, Jeremy said with a grin.

Are we all set? Brad Thompson asked, venturing around the van, checking the tires.

That’s the third time you’ve done that. The tires are fine. The brakes are fine. The oil’s fine.

I just want to make sure we get the boys to the ranch safely. Bobby and Meg will have our hide if anything happens to them.

I know. Courtney wrapped her arms around her husband of eleven months. I love how much you care about them.

They’re family.

Yes, they are. Their lips met as time slowed and a rush of warm heat slid across their skin.

Oh, man, they’re kissing again. Maybe we should have gone with Mom and Dad. Jeremy looked at Diego. How can you stand it?

Jacob watched them in the side mirror, hoping to pick up a few pointers from Brad. There was one girl he knew from school that he thought he might like to kiss. He’d probably never do anything about it, but if he did, he wanted to know he was doing it right.

Brad had one hand in the middle of Courtney’s back. His other hand was at the base of her neck, his thumb mixing with her hair. She had both her arms around his neck. There wasn’t a speck of space between their bodies.

He had kissed her lightly at first, then he thought he saw them open their mouths. It sounded kind of gross, but everyone he’d seen doing it seemed to like it. It was stuff like that that he needed to get right or he’d seem like some kid who didn’t know what he was doing.

All right, Court said as she opened the passenger’s side door. Anyone need to pee? Last chance until we get to Alene.

How long’s that? Jeremy asked.

One hour and ten minutes, give or take.

I’m good.

Me, too, Jacob said.

Me, three, Brad said.

I’m glad to know you can hold it for an hour, honey.

Brad chuckled as he buckled his seat belt and started the engine. Double Y Ranch, here we come.

So, there’s really going to be cowboys at this ranch, right? Jeremy asked.

Absolutely. Want to see the brochure again?

The boys nodded their heads. Courtney passed back the brochures and then found the ranch’s website page on her iPad. There’s a virtual tour on here. Just tap that arrow.

The boys used Diego’s back as a table as they watched horses being groomed, cows rounded up and weathered old men eating beans around a campfire.

There is going to be something to eat besides beans, right? Jacob asked.

Probably hamburger, Brad said.

Nothin’ else? Jeremy asked.

Courtney nudged Brad’s arm. They believe you, you know.

It’ll do ‘em good to wonder for a few hours.

Jacob leaned close to Jeremy. They’re kiddin’. There’ll be all kinds of good food to eat.

How do you know? Jeremy whispered.

Do you think they’d eat beans for two weeks?

Jeremy giggled.

Hey, now, what’s goin’ on back there? Brad asked.

Nothin’, the boys said at the same time.

I’m an old cowhand from the Rio Grande, Brad sang. Courtney joined him, But my legs ain’t bowed and my skin ain’t tan.

You got a message, Court. Jacob handed the iPad toward the front seat.

It’s from Meg.

I want to talk to Mom, Jeremy said.

Bobby’s driving, so Meg’s hands are free. Let’s call her.

Court dialed Meg’s cell number.

Hey, I just sent you a message.

Yeah, the boys saw it and Jeremy wanted to talk with you.

Are you on the road?

We are, right on schedule.

I know I’m a bit over-organized, but I like having a plan.

I didn’t say anything.

I know you’re thinking it, though.

Courtney laughed. Here’s Jeremy.

Hi, Mom!

Hi, honey. How are you doing?

We’re good. Diego’s got his butt in Jacob’s face.

I’m sure he likes that.

Jeremy laughed. I got the good end.

Lucky you. You guys are on your best behavior, right?

Of course, Mom. It’s Court and Brad. They know how we are.

Still, treat them like you would Dad and me.

Okay.

Love you, sweetie. Let me talk to Jacob for a minute.

She wants to talk to you. Jeremy handed Jacob the phone.

Hey, Mom, what’s up?

Everything okay?

Yeah. We’ve only been gone five seconds, how could anything be wrong?

Just checking. If you need us for anything, just call.

I know Mom. We’re fine.

I love you, honey.

I love you, too.

Here. Jacob handed Courtney the phone. She’s already worried about us.

It’s her job, she’s the mom.

She ought to know we’re safe with you guys.

Remember California? She has reason to worry. It scared her. It scared us all. We never want anything like that to ever happen again, Court said.

It won’t, Jacob said. He put his hand in his jacket pocket and felt the cool metal beneath his fingers. It’ll never happen again.

I’m just glad they’re all behind bars and we can put it all where it belongs, in the past, Brad said.

Can we stop for a snack? Jeremy asked.

We just had breakfast, Courtney said.

I’m a growing boy.

Court burst out laughing. Nice try. You can have a snack in Alene. Unless something drastic happens, this van ain’t stoppin’ until we get there.

Jeremy shrugged his shoulders and he and Jacob went back to surfing the internet on the iPad.

Do you have the map? Brad asked.

Are you kidding? Meg practically sent me two inches of information about the ranch. I’ve got directions, history and profiles of the staff. I mean, I know she likes to be informed and organized, but she could work for the CIA.

So, do you have the map?

Yes, I have the map. Here.

It’s highlighted and color coded.

It’s Meg, did you expect anything less?

You got another message, Court, Jacob said. It’s from Purity.

Thanks. Courtney tapped on the message, but didn’t say anything as she read it.

Everything okay? Brad asked.

They’re getting a late start. Morning sickness. The timing of this vacation couldn’t have been worse for Pure.

I don’t know. Maybe all the fresh air will do her good. Do the baby good, too.

That’s a nice thought.

I’ve always thought it would be great to live on a ranch: milking cows, gathering eggs, fixing fence posts—

Swimming in the pond, sitting around the fire and having a real brick oven that you cook everything in.

Exactly.

Well, we’re about to find out if the dream is as much fun in real life as it is in our imagination.

Chapter Two

The boys are gonna kill us, you know? Meg said as she pulled her hair through a thick dark green scrunchie and pulled it tight.

They wanted to go with Court and Brad.

Meg giggled. Only because you didn’t tell them you were renting a convertible.

They didn’t ask.

Meg nudged Bobby with her arm. You’re incorrigible.

You complaining about spending time alone with me? His hands slid around her waist and he pulled her close, placing soft kisses along her neck.

Me, complain? Never.

I figure since we’re leading the pack, we might take a little scenic detour.

Really? Meg tilted her head, enjoying the feeling of her husband’s lips on her skin. What’d you have in mind?

The Grand Tetons.

We’re not going anywhere near Wyoming.

And the deep caverns.

Where are there… oh. Oh. Hmm… this trip is taking an interesting little twist already.

We should get going, so we’ll have time to explore. Bobby raised his eyebrows as a mischievous glint brewed in his eyes.

Bobby Zyetta! You are so bad.

Don’t even try to feign that good girl stance with me. I know better. He lowered his hands until he had a firm grip on her butt, then squeezed hard.

Using my own ass as a weapon against me. Why I oughta—

Bobby’s mouth stopped her words as she returned his fervent kiss. Meg felt her shoulders go limp and her back arch as the heat intensified.

The ring of Meg’s cell phone brought them both back to reality with a harsh bump.

Let it ring.

It could be the boys.

They’re with Brad and Court, they’re fine.

I better check.

Bobby released his hold and Meg stepped away from his embrace, her legs feeling a bit like a fawn taking its first steps. He held her hand to keep her steady.

It’s Courtney. Meg answered the call.

Sorry to bother you, but Jeremy wants to talk with you.

Put him on. Meg looked at Bobby and mouthed Jeremy.

Bobby closed the distance between them so he could hear the conversation.

Hey, Mom. Jacob says since Diego has been sitting with his butt in his face for fifteen minutes, we should make him switch. That’s not fair. I didn’t tell Diego to put his butt in Jacob’s face, he just wanted to.

Isn’t there room for Diego to sit without his butt being in anyone’s face?

Maybe. Mom says to make room for Diego to sit in the seat.

Jacob tried to move the dog by pushing on his rear end. He was greeted with a head turn and a disinterested look. Diego didn’t move an inch.

Ask Brad to help you. Diego obeys him.

Brad, Mom says you need to get Diego to move.

Consider it done, Brad said.

He says he’ll do it.

Good. Anything else?

Nope, that’s it.

We’ll see you in about an hour in Alene. If you need anything, call.

I will. Did you know this ranch brands their cows?

I think that’s pretty standard.

How come?

So, if one strays off and is found on another ranchers property, they know who it belongs to. Some people also steal cattle. If they’re branded, everyone knows if the person who has them are thieves or not.

What would you do with a bunch of cows?

Sell them and get money.

Oh. I see. It’s always about the money, isn’t it?

Pretty much.

What do you think a cow’s worth?

I really don’t know, honey. That would be a great question to ask at the ranch when we get there.

I better write it down or I’ll forget.

Good idea.

Is it lonely without us?

Of course. It’s like part of us is missing.

I think so, too, except Court let us get ice cream. You’d never do that in the morning.

Don’t be telling tales on me! Courtney yelled loud enough for Meg to hear.

I’m not getting her in trouble am I?

No. I trust Court and Brad completely.

Me, too.

I’ll talk to you soon.

Okay. Bye, Mom.

Bye.

So what was the crisis? Bob asked.

Diego’s butt.

Now there’s a butt I don’t have any desire to see or feel. You, on the other hand—

Hold that thought. We really need to get going. They’re already ahead of us. If we plan to do any scenic exploration, we need to double time it to Alene.

Spoilsport!

Hey, I’m doing you the favor here, buddy. This was your idea.

All right, let’s get going, but let the record show I’ve been ready for half an hour. It’s you who’s been dilly-dallying.

Dilly-dallying? We’re going to be gone for two weeks and I need to make sure we have everything we’re going to need.

We can pick-up whatever we don’t have.

You say that now, but wait until your favorite robe comes up missing, then you’ll be singing a different tune and wishing I’d taken five minutes to make sure it was packed.

That reminds me, did you pack my hunting socks?

Are those the ones with the bright orange bands around the top?

Yeah.

Yes, I did.

And the long-sleeved t-shirts? I don’t want to get ticks while we’re there.

Packed ‘em.

And the—

Packed it.

You don’t even know what I was going to say.

Bobby, I packed the whole damn house. Look around. The drawers are practically empty and there’s nothing on the counters. Why do you think Pure and Alex are carrying that trailer behind the pick-up?

I didn’t really think about it.

It’s mostly our stuff. Court and Brad filled four suitcases between them and at least one was full of art supplies, probably two, knowing Courtney.

I think this makes reason number eight hundred and fifty-two why I love you.

Because I’m neurotic?

Because you love everyone so much and want them to have all their belongings at their fingertips.

Bobby placed his hands on opposite sides of Meg’s face. I love you more than anything else in the whole world.

"I love you, too. You’ve made me happier