His Wild Irish Rose: King's Hill Romance Series, #2

By S. D. Wells

Mary Ann Schaffer is recently divorced and heads to King's Hill to hide away at her cousin's house. She decides she is done with relationships and swore there would never be another. Of course no one ever said there was anything wrong with friends with benefits.

Alexander Webb (Alex) left home when he was eighteen to join the rodeo and when an injury left him jobless he took solace at his friend's ranch. There he ended up taking a job as a stable hand. After a nasty divorce he decides he is done with relationships and swore there would never be another. Of course no one ever said there was anything wrong with friends with benefits.

They meet at her cousins wedding and end up spending the night together. Their 'friendship' will experience some ups and downs. Is Mary the one to finally settle this cowboy down? Is Alex the man who will make all her dreams come to life? Can this couple look past their troubled past and find happiness? Find out in this exciting romance where an Irish beauty queen meets a rough neck cowboy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sandra Wells
• Release date: Jan 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393617013

S. D. Wells

I am married with 3 grown children. I was raised in Dallas, Texas and have always loved to read and write. I have been married since April of 2001 to my best freind. I have experince loss of my own in my past. My eldest child died in 2006. I am a Christan and am strong in my faith. To me family is important as are freinds and God.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

August 22, 2008 ~ 01:15 pm ~ Abilene, Texas

Alexander Webb, or Alex as he was best known, was a thirty three year old bull rider for the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association). He had grown up in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and was full blooded Cherokee. At the age of eight his mother, Cheyenne, had left her family for another man and his father, Dakota, had committed suicide just a little over a year after that. It was said the pressure of life got to him and he just could not handle it any more. Alex and his brother, Richard, were then raised by their only living relative, Aunt Wynona.

Being the youngest he had been ignored most of his life and when he turned nineteen he had left home to join the rodeo. For two years he worked alongside some of the best bull riders in the business and on his twenty first birthday he won his first championship. It was only a few months after that that he met Liza Crandall. They dated for almost six months before they ended up getting married in Vegas. Of course almost a year after saying ‘I do’, Alex discovered his wife had been sleeping with every cowboy in the association. The next day he filed for divorce and had sworn off relationships all together. With a groan, he stretched out his leg and winced at the pain.

Just four months prior, Alex had been injured in a bull ride gone wrong. After being thrown from the creature he had been trampled on and suffered several cracked ribs, a concussion and a torn anterior cruciate ligament. After two operations and months of therapy it was decided that it was time for him to hang up his gear. His family had been eager for him to return to Cherokee Nation but Alex was not sure he could ever face his family again. He looked out the window as he thought about his future. Where would he end up next?

Alex, do you want to go for a ride? his friend, Sam, asked as he entered the room. I’m headed into town.

Yeah, it beats sitting around here feeling sorry for myself.

You know Allison is getting married next month. I was thinking you could go for a visit and maybe talk to Hayden about a job.

Is he hiring ranch hands?

No but Allison is giving up her position to work for the veterinarian. She is going to go to college and get a degree as a vet tech.

I might look into that. Who is the unlucky bastard marrying her?

His name is Conrad Stevens and he is a deputy for the local police force.

Poor bastard, he groaned as he stood and reached for his cane.

Don’t be so cynical, Alex. Allison is good people.

I know but I just don’t trust women.

Not all women are cheaters and users.

I have not met one that wasn’t.

What am I going to do with you?

You could find me a hot looking babe to hook up with tonight?

Chuckling, Sam slapped him on the back as he nodded. Alright, my friend, we will head over to the bar tonight and see if we can pick up some chicks.

That’s more like it. The two laughed and walked out of the house together. Alex was not sure what his future held but he could at least go visit his friends in Wisconsin.

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August 31, 2008 ~ 07:24 pm (Eastern Time) ~ Boston, Massachusetts

Mary Ann Schaffer was a twenty eight year old divorcee. She had been born and raised in Dublin, Ireland and had two siblings. Her mother, Alice, had been born and raised in Chicago, Illinois but had moved to Ireland to study art history. It was there she met Sean Mahoney and the two had dated almost two years before they were married in a Catholic wedding. Fourteen months after saying ‘I do’ Ginger was born and then almost two years later Russell came along. Mary, the baby of the family, made her appearance almost three years after that and the couple had decided they had enough. They had raised their kids in a strict environment and when Mary was old enough she had moved to the states to seek her own independence.

At the age of nineteen she had enrolled into Harvard University to study horticulture and four and half years later she had gone to work at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University in Boston. It was there that she met an engineer named Kyle Schaffer and the couple dated almost two years before they were married in a Lutheran wedding. Almost a year after their wedding, Mary had discovered her husband was having an affair with his secretary. Immediately, she ran home with her tail between her legs only to be sent back to Boston. Her mother told her that if the man was cheating then she was obviously doing something wrong and she needed to fix it. Being the fool she was, she had returned to her husband’s side and played the doting wife. On one fateful Saturday afternoon, Mary had gone to her husband’s office to surprise him but had found the man in a compromising position with his with his secretary kneeling in front of him. That night she moved out of their two story mansion and in with her friends Susan and Darrell Buchman. Darrell, who had been an attorney, had helped Mary get her divorce. However, Kyle had not been willing to give her up and had begun stalking her. Now almost six months after all the papers were signed she feared for her life. The man had never been violent toward her but lately his persistent attitude had left her feeling uneasy. Sighing, she sat on the back porch looking up at the night sky.

How you holding up? Susan asked as she and her husband joined her.

I’m thinking it’s time for a change.

What did you have in mind? Darrell questioned.

My cousin is getting married next month and he is looking for someone to housesit while they are away on their honeymoon. I’m not sure what I’ll do after that, but at least Kyle won’t pester me there.

Will he take you in? Darrell asked. I mean your family seems pretty adamant about you going back to Kyle.

Actually, Conrad and his brothers are the only ones on my side. I called him a little while ago and he said I can take refuge there as long as I need to.

You know we stand behind whatever decisions you make, Darrell began, but are you sure this is what you want to do?

I’m sure. My cousin is a cop and he will do whatever he can to protect me. Her friends nodded their heads and for long minutes they sat in silence just staring out into the darkness.

Finally it was Darrell who spoke. When do you leave?

The wedding is September twenty seventh. I will go a few days before and get set up.

In the meantime you are free to stay here as long as you need to.

Thanks, she yawned out. I’m sorry. Maybe it’s time to turn in. After hugging her friends once more, she headed to her room for the night. She didn’t know what her future would hold for her but she was sure she was ready for a change.

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Starting today, I need to forget what’s gone, appreciate what still remains, and look forward to what’s coming next. By: Unknown Author

ONE

September 13, 2008 ~ 12:24 pm ~ King’s Hill, Wisconsin

Alex drove a 2004 Ford F150 Lariat with an extended cab, four wheel drive and fog lights. He had bought it after his last big windfall as well as the mare he owned. She was a three year old American Quarter Horse and her name was Nacoma. Although most females were untrustworthy, Alex knew that no matter what, he could always count on his best girl. Sighing, he pulled his vehicle up next to the white, single wide trailer and shut off the engine.

For the unforeseeable future this would be his home and though he didn’t know what came next in his life, he was grateful that he at least had the time to decide. As he climbed out of the vehicle he quickly looked around and smiled. To the right of the home was a large field that seemed to go on forever and to the left there was a trail that would lead him to the main house. In front of the house there was a garden that had seen better days and the driveway that led to the main road. As he walked up the porch the door swung open.

Alex! his friend squealed out as she hugged him. I’m so happy you are here.

Hello, Allison. How are you?

I’m fine. How is the knee?

I no longer have to use a cane. I’m supposed to visit the local doctor on Monday and see if he can recommend a therapist.

Conor is a great doctor. He is the best around. Saved Conrad’s life. Just then a tall man with ash brown hair stepped out on the porch and wrapped his arm around Allison. Alex, this is my hubby to be, Conrad Stevens. Honey, this is Alex Webb, one the best bull riders around.

I wouldn’t say that.

Don’t be so modest, Alex, Conrad stated as he shook his hand. I have seen you ride and as I understand it, you won the championship three years in a row.

That was just luck. How are you, Conrad? I heard you were shot.

I’m being well cared for, the man stated as he winked at his lady love. Allison here takes good care of me and as she said we have a great doctor.

Have you returned to work?

No, I’ll go back after the honeymoon. Alex nodded and once again looked around.

Well come in and let me show you around.

I can manage. Why don’t you two love birds head on out.

Are you sure? We can help you unload your truck.

I don’t have much to begin with. I’ll be fine.

"Okay. There are some casseroles in the freezer. I know you don’t cook so I figured between me and Hailey we will keep your freezer full. The furniture was all here when I moved in and the microwave and coffee maker are new.

Thanks. Now why don’t you two head out so I can get some work done. Allison hugged him once more before walking off with her husband to be. For long minutes after they left, Alex just stared up into the sky as he took in the aroma of the country life. Horse manure, hay and rain were all mixed together to bring back memories of his childhood. Memories of things, both good and bad, that eventually caused him to join the rodeo. With one last look around Alex went inside to inspect his new home before going to unload his truck. Besides Nacoma and his truck he didn’t own many valuables and had always believed in living light. It made it easy for him to leave when he felt the need to travel. He didn’t know where he would end up next but for now he was happy to help out an old friend.

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September 22, 2008 ~ 07:25 pm

Mary pulled her minivan into her cousin’s drive and quickly shut off the engine. It was a silver 2005 Honda Odyssey with front wheel drive, and cruise control. Nervously, she looked around before climbing out of the van. Almost a week after deciding to come to King’s Hill someone had broken into the house when she was alone and beat her. Although she couldn’t prove it, she was sure Kyle was behind it. Had he paid someone to scare her or had he done the deed himself? Of course the allegations were unfounded because one, she couldn’t prove it was him and two, he had an alibi. After a few days in the hospital it was decided she would be safer in King’s Hill. With tears in her eyes, she quickly made her way up the porch and knocked. She was a few days early and she only hoped her cousin would not turn her away.

Mary? someone called out. She turned and when she saw her cousin she finally let the tears fall. He engulfed her in a big hug and for long minutes he just held her. What’s going on? he finally asked. You are a few days early.

I’m..... I’m sorry. I can go to a hotel if....

Nonsense, come in. She just nodded and followed the man into the house. What the hell happened to you?

Kyle or someone he paid off broke into the house and beat me.

That rat bastard. Did you press charges?

I couldn’t prove it was him and he had an alibi.

Where were Susan and Darrell when this happened?

At a dinner party for his law firm. I was invited but I just didn’t feel up to going out.

I should go over there and kick his ass myself.

I think Jeff is planning on paying him a visit after the wedding. Something about a law enforcement conference.

I heard about that, he chuckled. I was originally chosen to go but because of the wedding and our honeymoon, Dillon decided to send Craig instead. She just smiled and looked around.

Where is Allison?

Out with her friends. Last minute wedding stuff. Once again she just nodded as she sat in a black leather recliner. Why don’t I put your vehicle in the garage? We can then unload your things.

Okay, was all she said as she handed him the key. Once he was gone she looked around the room and smiled. To her left was a black leather sofa and to her right was an entertainment center. On it was a forty five inch plasma TV, a DVD player and two shelves of movies. There was also a stereo with a shelf full of CDs and speakers on either side. Across from her, hung a picture of Conrad with his bride to be. The love in their eyes was visible and a small part of her wondered if she would ever have that kind of love. Shaking her head, she quickly pushed those thoughts out of her head. She had given her heart, soul and body to Kyle only to have her heart broken. There had been others, of course, but none of them ever stuck around once they found out she was broken. It made her cynical about love, marriage and the whole happily ever after crap. Since her separation with Kyle she had completely sworn off relationships.

The van is in the garage. Do you want to go ahead and unload it or do you want to wait?

No, I want to go ahead and unload it. I’m tired and want nothing more than to crawl into bed.

We can wait until the morning if you like. Allison is good at organizing.

Thanks but I would rather just do it myself. I’m a bit OCD myself. Chuckling, her cousin just nodded. It took them almost a half an hour to unload the van and once she was locked away in her room, she quickly showered before changing into her night clothes. It had taken her almost twenty four hours to travel from Boston to King’s Hill and all she wanted to do was sleep for the