Love Struck

By Bridgitte Lesley

Emma was new in town. She hadn’t decided to settle down but wanted to get a feel for the town and residents. Her goal was to buy a property and start her stud farm. She wouldn’t deviate from her plan.

Trent was a family man. His children and ranch came first. He didn’t socialize other than going down to the pub for a night out with the family.

Things changed when Trent met Emma for the first time. After a lengthy discussion on the back of a horse they both realized their paths were meant to cross.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bridgitte Lesley
• Release date: Nov 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370241361

Bridgitte Lesley

Hello from Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa!Having survived an attempt at being murdered, I have plunged myself in to my writing. After my gruesome ordeal, I live life from day to day. Appreciating every minute and moment. Yes, I have the scars from an axe being driven in to my head repeatedly. I suffer from PTSD and OCD. But, I am here to tell the tale. And I have a lot to tell!I am currently revamping my older titles and will be adding a few. In a nutshell, you will find a mix of romance, adventure, lots of witty banter and a happy ever after. All round, expect a feel-good read.Thank you for reading and for your support!Bridgitte

Book preview

Chapter 1

Trent quietly sat in the lounge.  He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.  He had felt that way all day long.  There was something that seemed to niggle at him.  He was nervous, on edge and anxious all in one.  It was a feeling he didn’t recognize at all.  Trent kept thinking something was about to happen.  He had never been a negative or emotional person.  But this was different.  It felt is if he had been waiting for something to happen at any given moment.  He didn’t know what but it was probably something unforeseen and bad.

James walked in to the lounge and looked at Trent.  Why are you just sitting there Dad? he asked.

Just sitting for a few minutes, Trent said.

If I didn’t know better, I would think that is okay.  So.  Spit it out.  What is ailing you? James asked and Trent shook his head.

I have this strange feeling as though something is going to happen, James.  A sensation I can’t explain.  I can’t put it in to words.  I am a little anxious.  Agitated.  On edge, Trent said and James nodded and smiled.

Do you fancy going out for a beer? James asked.

Well.  We could.  Let’s wait for the others, Trent said.

Craig has arrived, James said as Craig smiled as he walked through the door.

What’s up? Craig asked as he looked from Trent to James.

You done for the day? James asked and Craig sat down and smiled.

Yep.  I met with the new vet today.  All in order.  The dipping went well without any hitches, Craig said and Trent smiled and nodded.

Trent didn’t even want to ask about the new vet.  That was something else that was worrying him.  He got up. Ready? Trent asked and James looked at Trent.

Dad what is the rush?  Lucy should be here any minute now, James said and Trent shook his head and walked out.  He had to get out of the house.  He felt caged in and needed space.  Craig looked at James who shrugged his shoulders. Don’t know.  Kind of edgy and agitated, James said.

Lucy walked in to the house Going for a drink? Lucy asked.

We are, James said.

I am coming.  Horrendous day, Lucy said and Craig chuckled and nodded.  They all walked out and climbed in to the van with Trent.

Trent was unusually quiet as he drove the family to the pub.  The family knew not to say a word.  They could see Trent was out of sorts and not his usual self.  He would say something when he was ready.  But they didn’t pester, and they didn’t nag.  The children mentioned it but gave him the space he needed.  Trent drove up to the pub, and they all climbed out of the van and walked in to the little pub.  Trent walked up to the bar counter and took a seat on a bar stool.

Hey Trent, Michael said.

Michael.  A round of drinks please.  The usual, Trent said and Michael smiled and nodded.

The new vet has arrived, Michael said and Trent nodded.

I heard, Trent said, and they looked at each other.  They exchanged meaningful looks but neither of them said a word.  Michael didn’t even need to ask what was worrying Trent.  He could see Trent was a little out of sorts.

Craig smiled as he said hello to acquaintances in the pub and walked up to Trent. Dad, the vet is gorgeous.  I thought she would be much older, Craig said and Trent looked at him.

How old is she? Trent asked.

Not old at all.  She is young.  Very young.  Possibly the same age as James.  Even younger, Craig said and Trent slowly let out a gush of air.  He could feel relief literally being released from his body.

And she goes by the name of? Trent asked.

Emma Henderson, Craig said and Trent nodded.  He let out another deep breath.  Michael smiled to himself as he listened.

She would never set foot back here, Trent.  Never.  They would not even dare, Michael said and Trent closed his eyes and nodded.

I have been on tenterhooks the entire day.  Yes I was panicking.  I thought– Trent said.

That it might be them and they are here to stake their claim, Michael said.

Yes, Trent said.

Not going to happen.  They would never.  Besides.  It isn’t up to them, now is it, Michael said.

He is my brother, Trent said and Michael nodded.

With you there.  But they don’t have any rights.  None at all.  Not anymore, Michael said and Trent nodded and shook his head.

I had this weird sensation all day long.  This strange feeling in the pit of my stomach.  As if something is about to happen.  I really was worried, Trent said.

I am sure there is nothing to worry about.  Maybe something good is about to happen, Michael said.

Hell, I hope so.  I feel better already.  Relieved.  But I can’t shake this feeling.  I don’t know what it is, Trent said as he smiled and shook his head.

Emma looked about and walked in to the pub and walked up to Michael.  Michael leaned over the bar counter as she quietly spoke. Could I please have a Coke Zero?  In the tin.  With a straw, Emma said and Michael smiled and nodded.  Trent turned and looked over at Emma.  She smiled shyly as she acknowledged him.  She felt the blush creep all the way up her neck as Trent looked at her.

Here we go, Michael said as he handed her the tin.

Thank you, Emma said and Trent watched as she counted out her change and handed it to Michael. Mighty obliged, she said as she handed it to Michael.

Trent couldn’t take his eyes off of her.  He experienced a strange sensation working its way throughout his body.  Trent was almost drawn to her.  He had taken note of every little detail.  She had a lovely voice.  Her hands were beautiful.  She didn’t wear any jewelry on her long elegant fingers.  And her fragrance was so soft and subtle.  Trent suddenly looked away and looked straight at Michael.  He smiled and looked as Emma walked out of the pub.  Trent looked at Michael. I am familiar with every face in town.  But not that one, Trent said.

That is what I was trying to tell you, Michael said.

What were you trying to tell me? Trent asked.

That is Emma.  Emma Henderson.  Our new vet, Michael said and Trent chuckled.

Why didn’t you introduce us? Trent asked.

I will when she comes in for the single shot of brandy, Michael said and grinned.

And that is going to happen? Trent asked and Michael chuckled and shook his head.

Trent stood up and walked outside.  Emma slowly climbed on to her horse and sat on her saddle and sipped at her tin of Coke Zero.  He smiled and walked over to her. Emma? Trent asked, and she smiled and nodded.  He put out his hand. I am Trent.  Trent Majors, Trent said.

She smiled and wiped her hand and leaned over and shook his hand. Nice to meet you Trent, Emma said.

Why didn’t you come inside and drink your drink? Trent asked.

Uhm. Yeah.  I, I don’t know anyone, Emma said.

Well next time you make sure you walk up to me, Trent said and Emma smiled and nodded.  She blushed slightly.  So where are you staying? Trent asked.

Yeah.  Total mix up there.  Kind of booked Pearl in to the stables.  Her booking was confirmed.  When I originally phoned they said there was room.  So– Emma said and leaned forward and whispered. Bunking with Pearl, Emma whispered and Trent bellowed with laughter.

You can’t be serious! Trent said.

Yeah.  But I will sort that out at the weekend, Emma said and Trent smiled and shook his head.

How are you getting around?  Horseback? Trent asked and Emma nodded.

I have the van and the trailer.  Parked.  Everything is still loaded.  But I find it a lot quicker and easier to get about on Pearl, Emma said and Trent smiled and nodded.

Emma you can’t sleep in a stable, Trent said.

For the week.  Yeah I can, Emma said.

No.  You come over to my place.  There are a few of us.  Myself, Lucy, Craig and James.  My children.  And myself.  There are a few spare rooms.  Or if you prefer I could put you in to one of the bunkhouses, Trent said.

Emma looked at Trent. I need to stable Pearl, Emma said.

Bring Pearl.  You can put her in to the stables.  No problem, Trent said and Emma nodded.

I can’t sleep in your house, Emma said and blushed slightly and Trent smiled as he looked at her.  He felt odd.  Trent looked at her eyes and she smiled. Because, she said.

Trent smiled. Because it isn’t professional, Trent said and Emma nodded.

Yeah.  Professional, Emma said, and she grew redder and redder as she blushed.  She looked away from Trent and whispered. Why are you looking at me like that?  You are making me blush, she said and Trent whispered.

I can’t take my eyes off of you.  I am besotted.  You are gorgeous, Trent said and Emma looked away.

Trent, Emma said, and he chuckled and stood closer.

You are doing crazy things to me, Trent said and Emma looked at him.

No Mister Majors.  I spoke to Mister Majors Junior, Emma said and waved her tin in the air as she spoke. I did a thorough check.  There was nothing to report on.  The dipping went rather well.  No complaints there, Emma said and Trent turned and smiled at the couple walking by.

Thank you Doctor Henderson, Trent said, and she nodded and leaned over and handed the empty tin to Trent.

Please pop that in the bin for me, Emma said, and he smiled and took the tin and threw it in the bin.

He whispered. Have they gone?

Just climbing in to the van.  Who are they? Emma asked.

Brats.  Their father owns one of the ranches.  The Smith family, Trent said and Emma nodded and straightened up in her saddle.  Trent smiled. Like that brassiere, he said and Emma blushed as red as a beetroot. Do the brooks match? Trent asked.

For me to know, Emma said.

And me to find out? Trent asked and Emma smiled and looked away.  She took her hat off and covered her face.  Trent gurgled with laughter. Oh I love it when you blush like that, Trent said.

You are making me blush on purpose, she said.

No.  I really do like that bra, he said and Emma chuckled and put her hat back on her head.

The stable might be a better bet, she said.

Don’t you dare! Trent said.

The sun is going down.  Where exactly am I sleeping? Emma asked.

My ranch, Trent said.

Got that bit Majors.  But where? she asked.

Trent smiled. Listen nicely, Henderson, he said and Emma giggled and looked at him. Take your foot out of that stirrup, he said.

And then? she asked, and he put his foot in to the stirrup and climbed up behind Emma. Oh now he tells me he wants my horse, Emma said and Trent chuckled and took the reins.  He smiled as he guided the horse gently and trotted down the road. 

Craig looked out of the window.  James and Lucy both turned to look.  That is Dad, Craig said and Lucy stared.

On a horse, Lucy said and Craig grinned.

Not any old horse Lucy.  That is Doctor Henderson’s horse.  I wonder why Dad is sitting on that horse while the van is parked here. Craig asked and James grinned.

Dad and a woman?  Sharing a horse, James said and Lucy grinned.

Did you see her?  She is absolutely gorgeous! Lucy said and Craig grinned.  He turned and looked at the bar counter.

Dad’s beer is still standing there, Craig said.

Ah yeah! James said, and they all chuckled.

Maybe the good doctor was showing Dad something, Craig said.

Or maybe Dad wants to show the good doctor something, James said and Craig shook his head.

I somehow doubt that.  On a horse.  Dad and his firm beliefs, Craig said and James chuckled and nodded. 

Michael smiled as he listened to the family talking and chuckling.  He had seen a little spark between Emma and Trent.  And they both thought no one had noticed.  But the looks were there and so was the interest.  He smiled and shook his head.  Trent had never chatted to a woman before.  Not in the pub.  Nowhere.  He was devoted to his little family.  There was no time for women.  There never had been.  Not in the past.

Chapter 2

Emma chuckled.  They were out of eyesight of the pub and Trent slowed the horse down.  He put his arms around Emma. So, Henderson.  Tell me all about Emma.  How old are you by the way? Trent asked.

Thirty, Emma said and Trent chuckled.

Way out there.  I thought about twenty at the most, Trent said.

Thank you for the complement, she said.

And how long are you staying? he asked.

Not so sure about that one.  If I like the place, I will stay.  If not, then I move on, she said.

And what would make you like the place? he asked.

Friendly folk, she said.

How friendly? he asked and Emma laughed.

Majors, I am not like that.  I don’t.  Uhm.  Yeah, she said and Trent smiled and nodded.

Myself.  Don’t agree with that kind of behavior.  Not before marriage, he said and Emma nodded.

Agreed, she said.

Henderson.  Thirty, he said and Emma nodded.

So James, Craig and Lucy are your children.  And where is the wife? Emma asked and Trent shook his head.

We can discuss that some other time, he said.

No.  We discuss it now Majors, she said and Trent nodded.

They aren’t mine, Trent said.

Major confusion here, Dad, Emma said and Trent chuckled and nodded.

This is confidential, Trent said.

So is my age, Emma said.

I am going to date a hard-headed thirty-year-old woman.  Nice, Trent said.

Are you? Emma asked.

I am, Trent said.

And who am I going to date then? she asked.

Trent Majors.  He is only forty five.  But I do need to tell you about him, Trent said and Emma chuckled and nodded. What is so funny?  The name or the age? he asked.

The way you are dodging.  Tell me about your children, she said.

Okay.  The three of them are my brother’s children.  My parents lived at the ranch.  My little brother Lewis, and Edie his wife, lived there too.  They got married.  They had the three children and vanished off the face of the earth.  Lucy was about a week old.  So I raised her.  Craig was a year older.  And James was six.  I don’t remember how it happened but James started calling me Dad.  Over the years I became Dad in the true sense, he said.

And what happened to Lewis and Edie? she asked.

The answer, my friend, Trent said.

Is blowing in the wind, Emma said and Trent nodded.

So, Henderson, he said.

So, Majors, she said.

I am going to get you settled in one of the little cottages.  Not the bunkhouse.  There is one that is vacant.  One of my cowboys.  Actually two of them.  Just got married.  So they moved in together, Trent said.

Nice, Emma said and Trent nodded. And you Majors.  What about your woman? she asked.

Sitting in front of me, Trent said and Emma smiled.

I mean before, she said.

Before what? he asked and Emma cleared her throat.

Before me, she said.

Never had the pleasure, Trent said.

Never? she asked.

Nope.  Now you are going to make me blush.  I am green as the grass in that department.  Never got round to it.  I don’t know if it works.  Okay, I know how it works.  But I haven’t exactly.  Uhm.  Yeah, Trent said.