The Charismatic Cowboy: Firestone Falls, #1

By Keira K. Barton

Blaire Firestone is the oldest of six girls—all born to a rancher who longed for a boy. When her father dies, the ranch's long-time foreman leaves unexpectedly, and Blaire is left scrambling to hire anyone who can help her keep the ranch running smoothly—a seemingly impossible feat in the one-horse town.

Cole Reeves has gone along with everyone else's plans for his life since he was eighteen. Working for his father's business has been a blessing and a curse, and he's finally ready to see what he can do on his own. His looks and charm have always gotten him by, but he wonders if it'll be enough to win over his boss—the only woman he's ever truly wanted.

Will Blaire and Cole be able to weather the challenges they face, or will the pressures of life on the ranch be too much for the runaway-prone cowboy?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Keira K. Barton
• Release date: Jun 14, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393817161

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Copyright © 2019 by Keira K. Barton

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, including information storage and retrieval systems, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the address below.

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This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Cover design by Erin Dameron-Hill/EDH Graphics

Edited by Keith Owings

Printed in the United States of America.

First printing edition 2019.

Blaire Firestone is the oldest of six girls—all born to a rancher who longed for a boy. When her father dies, the ranch’s long-time foreman leaves unexpectedly, and Blaire is left scrambling to hire anyone who can help her keep the ranch running smoothly—a seemingly impossible feat in the one-horse town.

Cole Reeves has gone along with everyone else’s plans for his life since he was eighteen. Working for his father’s business has been a blessing and a curse, and he’s finally ready to see what he can do on his own. His looks and charm have always gotten him by, but he wonders if it’ll be enough to win over his boss—the only woman he’s ever truly wanted.

Will Blaire and Cole be able to weather the challenges they face, or will the pressures of life on the ranch be too much for the runaway-prone cowboy?

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For Jessie. I hope you always know how much I love you. You’re one of my greatest creations; one of my most precious gifts.

Chapter 1

Blaire pulled her jacket tighter around herself and crossed her arms against the chill of the morning air as she walked toward the familiar sailor-blue farmhouse. She still remembered the summer that her mother repainted it like it was yesterday, and as she approached the porch she could almost see her mom’s thin frame standing high up on a ladder, paint brush in hand, her long dark hair pulled back.

When Blaire arrived at the door to the house, she felt her heart tug knowing that her dad wouldn’t be inside. She paused and squeezed her eyes shut, and a flash of her mom’s tanned hands smeared with dried blue paint appeared in her mind. Then a flash of her dad’s goofy smile. Then a flash of the two of them holding hands in the car. Usually, recalling the memories would have made her cry, but this weekend she felt like she’d cried every tear she had left. She never imagined that by thirty-two both of her parents would be gone, and even though she wasn’t a child anymore, their absence had caused feelings of loneliness, abandonment, and inadequacy to well up in her.

Tim? she called as she walked through the old house.

In here! The man’s voice was coming from the family room next to the kitchen, and Blaire made her way down the narrow hall until she could see him hoisting himself out of one of the recliners.

Thanks for meeting me so early this morning, Blaire, he said as he pulled off his raggedy old ballcap and twisted it up in his hands like he was wringing out a wet rag. Her sister Brenda offered him a new hat emblazoned with the farm logo at least once a week, but he always refused.

Blaire studied the man who’d been part of her life since she was a little girl and almost didn’t recognize him. His face was contorted with grief and he looked conflicted. The light-hearted prankster was nowhere to be seen and Blaire’s heart squeezed at the thought that he was also mourning her father’s death. Her father and Tim had become like brothers over the last twenty-five years, and she was sure his passing wasn’t any easier for Tim just because he wasn’t related by blood.

Is everything okay? Blaire asked, trying to fill her voice with as much compassion as she could manage. She wanted Tim to know that she understood he was hurting too.

Yeah, I suppose. I’ve just been wrestling with a decision all weekend and I’m afraid that the path I’ve settled on isn’t going to make you or the other girls very happy. Tim looked down at his feet.

Blaire’s arms grew weak, and tingly. What do you mean, Tim? What’s going on?

When Tim looked up, there was pain in his eyes and Blaire could tell that whatever this was about had been eating him alive. I know the timing of this couldn’t be worse, and I’m sorry for that, but I really feel like this is what’s best for me. It’s time for me to leave Firestone Falls. I hope you understand.

Even though Blaire was devastated by her father’s passing, she’d combated those feelings with sarcasm and humor and she couldn’t help it now either. This couldn’t really be happening—not today. Wait, you’re telling me you asked me here the Monday morning after my father was laid to rest, to inform me that you’re leaving us? What kind of thanks is that to the man who grew this ranch to what it is today? The man who hired you and gave you every chance in the world for success? Real nice.

Tim put his hands over his face. Listen, I know it sounds awful, but—

Blaire shook her head. "No, Tim. It doesn’t sound awful. It is awful. How could you do this? What could possibly be worth leaving us at a time such as this?"

I’m getting married, he blurted.

You’re...what? Blaire couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She couldn’t remember how many times Tim had told her that he was never going to get married, and that there wasn’t a woman in the world who could convince him otherwise, and now he was leaving them so he could go get hitched?

That’s right, he said. Your father did offer me every chance at success. At least, what I thought success was, but when I turned fifty, something changed inside of me. I looked at you girls and all the love you had for your father, and how much he loved your mother, and I realized that if I didn’t act soon I was going to end up alone for the rest of my life. I’d told your father about my plans before his heart attack, but I asked him not to tell anyone until things were more certain.

Blaire remembered the fiftieth birthday party they’d thrown for Tim last October, right before her father’s first cardiac episode. Tim had seemed very somber that day. Can’t you get married and stay on the ranch? I just don’t understand why you have to leave?

Originally, that was the plan, but this woman has three children, and she can’t uproot their whole lives. I want to be a father, and this is the perfect opportunity for me to have the family I finally realized I’ve always wanted. Tim’s eyes were urging Blaire to believe him, but that wasn’t the problem. She believed him. She just had no idea what they would do without him.

Blaire nodded. I understand. So, when do you leave?

She expected Tim to breathe a sigh of relief, but instead he grimaced. Thursday.

Blaire laughed. Are you serious? she asked when Tim’s face didn’t change.

He shifted uncomfortably. Yes. I know it’s last minute, and again, I’m sorry about that, but it’s out of my control. The wedding’s on Saturday.

What do you mean it’s out of your control? Blaire could understand why Tim wanted the things he did, but she did not understand why he was insisting on doing everything the hardest way possible.

Well, the reason why I didn’t tell you I was planning this earlier, is because I went through a matchmaking service, which I disclosed to your father. Tim held his hands up defensively. I didn’t need anyone else thinking I was crazy for meeting my bride-to-be at the altar, it was hard enough to tell your dad, so I wanted to keep it a secret until I knew for sure there was going to be a wedding...which I found out on Saturday. Though, I’m sure you can see why I couldn’t have told you then.

Blaire crossed her arms. Yes, she could see why. Because that was the day they’d buried her father. Tim, I’m worried for you. Are you really saying you’re about to leave your entire life and career behind to go marry a woman you’ve never met?

Tim bowed his head, then looked her right in the eyes. Blaire, I know it sounds crazy. I do. But I trust the woman who sets everyone up. She has a one-hundred-percent success rate and she does a lot of testing before she makes these decisions. I truly believe she’s about to introduce me to the love of my life.

Blaire couldn’t help but laugh. It’s what she did whenever anything felt over-whelming or stressful or difficult. You know what Tim, I wish you good luck. I have no idea how Firestone Falls will ever make it without you, but I hope you find what you’re looking for. She knew that her tone probably sounded more sarcastic than she meant, but she couldn’t help it.

Tim walked toward her, then wrapped her up in a big bear hug like he had a thousand times before. You’ll make it because your dad left this ranch to his six capable, hard-working, intelligent daughters. You ladies will handle it. I have no doubt.

It was in that moment—when Blaire least expected them—that the tears she thought had all been shed that weekend returned. That’s what she’d miss most about Tim. When she felt like her father didn’t trust her, or she didn’t trust herself, Tim had always helped her believe that she could do anything she put her mind to. Thank you, she managed to say without her voice breaking.

She pulled the edge of her sleeve down into her hand and reached up to blot her eyes before Tim let her go. Have you told all the guys yet? she asked.

Tim’s face paled. I knew there was one more thing I needed to tell you. Worry coated his voice like tar, and Blaire’s stomach sank. They all want to come with me.

Blaire felt her face twist in confusion Why?

The woman I’m marrying is a widow with a cattle ranch in Missouri. There’s enough jobs for everyone, he said.

Blaire chuckled again. Of course, why wouldn’t I have guessed that all five of our experienced hands would be leaving with you. Fantastic.

Tim put his hand on Blaire’s shoulder. Listen, I can probably postpone the wedding another week or two if you need more time to figure this out.

Blaire shrugged his hand off and her stubborn pride kicked in. She plastered on a big, fake smile. No. Like you said, the six of us girls will be able to handle it. Don’t worry about us. We’ll figure it out.

Tim didn’t pick up on her sarcasm, and he smiled right back. Great. See, I knew you’d see this as the opportunity it is. You’ll be able to handpick your own employees, and really make this place yours.

Blaire pressed her lips together and nodded. Yep. However, what he said gave her an idea. It was time to get all of her sisters together. They had some hiring to do.

Chapter 2

I can’t believe I had to turn around and come back on a weeknight. This better be important, Brooklyn said.

Brittany was picking the chipped polish off of her nails. I’m sure it’s important or Blaire wouldn’t have asked you to drive all this way, she said.

Brooklyn crossed her legs and sat up in her chair. We’ll see.

You know, I can hear you, Brooklyn. Blaire said.

So? The youngest of the six sisters rolled her eyes.

Blaire shook her head, then walked to the front of the living room. All of her sisters had squished onto the sofa together, except for Brenda, who was sitting up perfectly straight in a chair she’d dragged in from the kitchen table.

Blaire cleared her throat to quiet down Brynn and Bridget who were being rather chatty. Once she had everyone’s attention, she folded her hands in front of her. I’m sure you’re all wondering what this is about, she started,