Learning My Fate

By Karen Ward

Painfully shy Fate Richards is venturing out on her own for the first time. She is surprising her best friend at Triple Creek Resort for a week of relaxation ... and unfortunately, work. In order to get a room, Fate had to agree to tend bar for the resort for two weeks. When she learns her friend is not at the ranch, she panics, but is stuck because she promised to tend bar.
When Chase Williams encounters the beautiful young woman in the bar for the first time, sparks fly. He accuses her of theft and the normally reticent Fate finds herself furious that this gorgeous stranger would question her integrity.
Their road to happiness is short, but littered with danger and intrigue. Will Chase be able to find Fate in time to save her from a flash flood? Will he go to prison for a murder he didn’t commit? Will they be able to save the ranch from an unscrupulous land developer?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karen Ward
• Release date: Oct 26, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311572349

Karen Ward

Karen Ward is the pen name of Glenda Hays. Glenda grew up in Texas but traveled the United States as a healthcare consultant for many years. She has over twenty years in the healthcare industry and has spent many hours on airplanes reading the stories of her favorite Romance writers.A few years ago she found herself one of the millions of Americans on the unemployment rolls and after a few months began to put some of her own stories down on paper. She loves the challenge of writing and plans to spend every spare moment sharing her love of her heroes and heroines with the world.Glenda is divorced with two grown children and three grandchildren. She lives in a small town in the DFW Metroplex.

Book preview

LEARNING

MY

FATE

Karen Ward

Copyright © 2015 Glenda Hays

Writing as Karen Ward

Distributed by Smashwords

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be used, transmitted, or reproduced in any manner, electronic or otherwise without prior written permission from the copyright holder except in cases where permitted by law.

This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual places, events, or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

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Cover images from COVERSBYRAMONA

Edited by Cindy Moore Stouff

Ebook formatting by www.ebooklaunch.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

About the Author

From the Author

CHAPTER 1

I throw my suitcase into the back luggage compartment of my jeep, and slam the lid. I take a deep breath and expel it slowly as a broad grin slides across my face. I am so excited! I still find it hard to believe I am really doing this. It is undoubtedly the bravest thing I have ever done in all of my twenty-six years. Braver even than when my Daddy left me alone for the very first time at college. Me… painfully shy, Fate Richards… is taking a road trip all by myself!

You better hit the road, Baby Girl. I don’t want you driving after dark.

I am, Daddy. I love you.

I love you, too. Now you drive carefully, and call me when you get to the ranch. I want to make sure you arrive safely.

I will, Daddy. I promise. I hug his neck and climb into the driver’s seat. I can’t stop the grin that lights up my face, as I wave to my father and back out of the driveway. I am still in a state of shock that he agreed to let me take this trip. He must be getting ready to push me out of the nest or something. Usually, he insists on going everywhere with me, and that is SO embarrassing!

With that being said, if not for my destination, I would never be brave enough to make this trip alone. I am planning to surprise one of my dearest college friends and her mother at the Triple Creek Resort, a guest ranch, outside of Austin, Texas. The last time I talked to Rachel, I told her thank you for asking, but I just couldn’t join them at the ranch, so they are going to be really surprised to see me.

I almost didn’t get to take the trip, though. I procrastinated so long trying to make up my mind before making my reservation that I had to beg the lady that answered the phone to give me a room. She told me they were booked solid and she just didn’t have any rooms. She said something about a big group of…what was it she called them… oh yes, crazy, corporate types taking over the whole ranch this week.

Then, to my surprise, she said she might be able fit me in, if I could, and would, agree to tend bar for them for two weeks. When I told her I could, she sounded so relieved. I promised her I would help out by tending bar for them at night. Since I have been tending bar at my daddy’s Roadhouse in rural Oklahoma since I turned eighteen, I am an old hand at bartending.

Before I left home, Daddy made sure I had a full tank of gas, so I won’t have to stop to buy any along the road. He even packed a couple of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and loaded a cooler with soda, so I don’t have to stop. I guess he forgot about having to use the restroom. I don’t know anybody that can go five hours without a bathroom break. I have been on the road now for over four hours and have stopped twice already.

The closer I get to the ranch, the more nervous I become. A knot of uncertainty has settled in my stomach just below my breastbone, and I am starting to have serious doubts that I can actually go through with this. I shake my head and lecture myself with determination. Stop it, Fate! Rachel and her mother are going to be at the ranch, too. You will be fine! Now relax and have fun!

By the time I turn through the rustic-looking gates onto the ranch property, the knot in my stomach is twisted so tight it is physically painful. I feel nauseous, too, but that could be because I haven’t eaten anything since early this morning, and it is past time for lunch. My nerves are strung so tight, I was afraid to eat the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I didn’t want to throw up.

Oh, wow! This ranch must be huge! I have been driving for almost ten minutes and I don’t see anything but pastures… no sign anywhere of any type of building. The landscape is composed of rolling hills and in the distance is what must be a lake, because occasionally I can see what looks like small sailboats on the horizon.

As I round a sharp corner and reach the top of a tall hill, a huge red barn comes into view. Horses are grazing in a smaller pasture next to the barn, and I see several cowboys working around the area. I keep following the road past the barn toward a copse of tall trees. Set among the trees are what appears to be dozens of small cabins with people coming and going from one to another. Then, as I round another curve in the road, I see a huge log home. To the right is a large swimming pool that is full of people splashing and playing in the water or just enjoying the sun on floating rafts. Beside the pool are tennis courts, packed with players and I see more people down by the lake. A motorboat is pulling water skiers, and others are splashing in the water near the shore. In the distance, I realize that what I thought were sailboats, are actually windsurfers taking advantage of the strong breeze.

When I glance back toward the house, I see a group people relaxing in rocking chairs on the covered front porch of the huge home with ceiling fans above, stirring the air. The scene is rustic, but relaxing. I pull my jeep to a stop in one of the marked parking spaces in front of the home. That knot in my stomach twists a little tighter, and I rub my hand across it, trying to relieve the pain. I take a deep breath and slowly release it. Okay, Fate, this is it. Go inside and register; then you can call Rachel to let her know you’re here.

I slowly climb down from my jeep and grab my bag from the luggage compartment. My knees are literally knocking together, as I climb the front steps up to the porch. Even though the wind is blowing, I feel hot and sticky in the Texas heat, and sweat is trickling down my back. I take a deep breath and lecture myself once again. Rachel and her mother are going to be at the ranch, too. You will be fine!

As I walk toward the front door, I hear a long, low wolf whistle, so I duck my head in embarrassment and feel my face turn bright red. That guy must be blind! No one ever takes a second look at me. I’ve never even had a real boyfriend in all of my twenty-six years.

Stop it Fate! Don’t forget the forty pounds you lost. Your daddy is always telling you how pretty you are now. Even the regulars at the Roadhouse compliment you on your appearance. Yeah, Rachel is going to be so surprised! I haven’t seen her since college five years ago, and now my hair is long, and I am finally skinny!

When I step through the heavy front door, I have to stop for a minute to let my eyes adjust to the dim interior. I take another deep breath as I approach the registration desk. A grizzly-looking old man in worn jeans and a bright, green western shirt looks up at me questioningly as he hangs up the telephone.

Um… hi, I’m Fate Richards. I was told to ask for Thelma Williams.

Sure, little lady, I’ll get her for you. You just wait right here. He looks me over from head to toe, and a broad grin slides across his face as he turns to leave. How strange!

He hobbles off, leaving me standing in the spacious room alone. I glance around and take in the warm, comfortable feel of the room. A huge, stone fireplace is at one end with leather sofas and chairs grouped around it. A multi-colored, braided rug covers the wood plank floor that is polished to a high sheen. In one corner is a big screen television. Just to the left of the fireplace, I see an arched doorway that opens into a large dining room with long, wooden plank tables with bench seats. On the other side is an arched doorway with swinging doors. A sign above indicates it is the Long Branch Saloon. That must be the bar where I’ll be working.

I feel the air conditioner kick on, so I lift my heavy mop of hair to let the cool air blow on the back of my neck. I’ve got to put my hair up in a ponytail. The heat down here is almost unbearable!

I hear someone approaching and turn to see an attractive, older woman with graying brown hair, wearing red cowboy boots, black jeans, and a bright red western shirt, with a broad smile covering her face, approaching me from the back of the room. She extends her hand to me, Fate? I’m Thelma Williams. Welcome! You are a godsend to us! I wasn’t sure what we were going to do for a bartender this next two weeks. Thank you so much for coming!

I…I’m glad to help. The knot in my stomach eases a little. Maybe this won’t be so bad, after all.

Here, let me get you signed into a room. I saved you one on the second floor at the end of the hall. It’s yours for as long as you’re willing to stay and help us around here. Here’s your key. Do you need help with your bags?

No, Ma’am. I can get it.

Good, here is the key to the Long Branch. Once you get settled in your room, take a look around, and familiarize yourself with how everything is set up. When you are comfortable, just open the double doors, and let the customers in. We close the bar at midnight. I’ll come by in a little while with the employment papers for you to sign, and to make sure you are okay. Let me know if you need anything.

Um, thank you. She seems really nice. See, Fate, everything is going to be fine!

*****

After carrying my bag up to my room, I take a minute to let Daddy know that I arrived safely. Then, I take a quick shower and dress in a fresh pair of jeans and a scoop neck, light blue blouse that emphasizes my somewhat well-endowed chest. I pull my golden blonde hair back into a pony tail, apply a little blush and mascara, then I sit down on my bed to call my friend, Rachel.

Hey Rachel, guess what! My heart is pounding with excitement. I haven’t seen Rachel since college.

Fate? You sound excited, what’s up?

I’m here!

Here? What do you mean, here?

At the ranch! I came down to Austin to surprise you! Where are you? A sinking feeling settles in my stomach.

Um… the ranch… like in the Triple Creek Resort?

Yes, what’s wrong?

Oh, Fate! I am so sorry! I should have called you. We postponed our trip. Since you weren’t planning to go with us, I never even thought to call you. We’re not scheduled to be at the ranch until late next month.

Wh… what do you mean you’re not coming down till next month? The text you sent me said May 25th. This is May 25th. Please, tell me I am not here on the wrong date!

Well, no, it’s not exactly the wrong date. That is the date I texted to you. It’s just that we changed the date, and I didn’t think to tell you. I am so sorry.

Oh, God! What am I going to do? I don’t know anybody here! My body immediately breaks out into a cold sweat, and my anxiety level skyrockets.

Fate, you didn’t know me when you got to college, either. You’ll be fine. You’ll make new friends. Relax and have fun!

But… but… you were easy to make friends with… you’re so friendly and outgoing. I’m so shy I’ll never be able to strike up a conversation with anybody!

You’ll do fine! You just have to believe. Now, call me later and let me know how it’s going, okay?

Um… okay. Bye, Rachel.

After hanging up the phone, I sit and stare out the window. Oh, God, what am I going to do? I can’t leave… I promised to tend bar for two weeks. When I look at the clock on the bedside table, it is after three. I guess I better try to find something to eat, before I open the bar. I’ll try to decide what to do later.

CHAPTER 2

I am a nervous wreck as I walk into the dining room. Sweat trickles down my back and my hands feel cold and clammy. I see a few people lined up on either side of a wooden plank table laughing and talking as they enjoy a late lunch. It appears that the meal is being served buffet style, so I fill my plate with the delicious smelling food, and take a seat at the end of one of the tables, away from the other patrons. That knot in my stomach has returned, and my appetite seems to have vanished.

I have only nibbled on about half my dinner, when I am approached by a big, older man with white hair and a broad grin on his face, Hey, pretty lady, mind if I sit here?

I look up into his friendly face and shrug my shoulders. I’m almost finished, but you are welcome to sit down.

He slides onto the bench across from me. I’m Bill. You’re new here, aren’t you? He is quite overweight, but seems nice enough.

Yes, I just got here a little while ago. How about you?

Me? I work here, in the kitchen. I cooked most of what you have on your plate. I hope the amount of food still on your plate doesn’t mean you don’t like the food? What’s your name, anyway?

Um… no, the food is good… I’m just not very hungry. My name is Fate. So you’re the chef?

He laughs, No, I’m not a chef. I just know how to fix large quantities of edible food. I’ve been doing it for years, you know, in the military. Fate, that’s an unusual name, but somehow it fits you. If you are here alone, be careful of these guys around here. They can be very forward, if you know what I mean.

Oh, I doubt I need to worry about that. Men don’t usually notice me at all.

I see a surprised look pass over his face, before he responds, Honey, I’m not sure where you are from, but they must be blind. You are very attractive.

I feel a deep, red flush spreading up my neck, so I look down at my plate, Oh, well, thank you. I… I guess I better go. I am tending bar tonight.

Wait! So you’re the new bartender Thelma was talking about. She was very excited that you were coming. I sink back down on the bench.

Really? Why is that?

I think she was really worried about how they would manage after Ed, the usual bartender, had to fly home to Denver for a while. The group of guests that is scheduled for the next two weeks is usually fairly hard to handle.

Hard to handle?

Yeah, you know, very demanding. Well, have fun, and let me know if you need anything. Don’t forget what I said about the men. This group is especially obnoxious. As I start to leave, he adds, Um, Fate? I turn back toward him, and he continues, Steer clear of Chase, too. He’ll break your heart.

Thanks, Bill, I’ll remember. I set my plate on a tray with other dirty dishes, and glance over my shoulder, as I exit the dining room. Bill is staring at me, and I feel my face turning red, again. As I head toward the bar, I wonder who Chase might be, and why Bill felt it necessary to warn me about him.

*****

I unlock the door to the Long Branch Saloon and let myself in. Then, I close and lock the door behind me. First, I take a look at the cash register to make sure I know how to work it. Good, it appears to be the same program we use at the Roadhouse. I look in the cooler and see what brands of bottled beer they have, and where each brand is located inside the cooler, as well as what other chilled libations they stock. I am behind the bar checking out the supply of liquor, and learning where everything is located, when someone behind me yells,

Just what the hell do you think you’re doing? Get out from behind that bar!

His yell scares me so badly I nearly jump out of my skin. I feel my face turn bright red as I glance over my shoulder to see who is yelling at me. I feel my eyes round in surprise, as my eyes lock with his. He is without a doubt the most gorgeous man I have ever seen. He is very tall, well over six feet, muscular, with longish, dark brown hair just brushing his collar. His bright green eyes are shooting daggers at me. My heart is pounding and I can’t seem to draw air into my lungs. I am not sure if it is because he scared me or because he is such a beautiful man.

How did you get in here anyway?

Um… I… I’m just trying to learn where everything is in here.

He is glaring at me, obviously very angry. My heart speeds up another notch. Why? Are you planning to rob the place?

Insulted, I feel my embarrassment turning to anger and retort, No! How am I supposed to tend bar, if I don’t know where you keep everything?

A surprised look rolls across his beautiful face, Tend bar? Damn, my mother! With that, he turns and storms out the door. Once he leaves, I feel my heart rate and breathing return to normal. Wow! I wonder who that guy is. He sure didn’t seem happy to see me in here. I shrug my shoulders and go back to learning where everything is located.

He is not gone but just a minute, when Mrs. Williams comes through the door with him right behind. I hear him yell, again. Mother, I’m talking to you!

I know you are, Chase, Dear, but I need to get Fate’s signature on these papers, and make sure she has everything she needs, so she can open the bar for business.

So that gorgeous hunk is Chase. No wonder Bill warned me about him. I’m sure he breaks plenty of hearts.

I was going to take care of that, Mom.

I know you were, Dear, but you work so hard keeping everything else going, I am taking care of this. Now you go and get your dinner, so Fate and I can open the bar.

Mother, that girl, what did you call her, Faith?

No, Fate, F A T E… that is why I know she is meant to be here. It’s fate! She looks over at me, winks, and giggles like a young girl. I notice him roll his eyes in exasperation.

Mother, that girl doesn’t look old enough to even be in a bar, much less old enough to serve alcohol! Look at her, she can barely even see over the bar!

Both turn and look at me. I am standing behind the bar with my mouth hanging open. I can’t believe they are arguing about my being here right in front of me. When they turn and look at me, I stand up as straight as I can, and cross my arms beneath my ample bosom,

I’m twenty six! And I have been tending bar at my daddy’s Roadhouse in Oklahoma since I turned eighteen!

I see a stunned look cross Chase’s gorgeous face. He really didn’t think I was old enough to be in here!

Reviews for Learning My Fate

[mum26 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I, I, I, it got very annoying after a while. Not a lot of depth to the characters, and the wording used was quite simple. The preview said how shy the female character was - but she was never like that. Not a great story, but an OK read! Sorry.