Shepherd's Surrender: Heather Valley Series, #2

By Brenda Butler

SHEPHERD'S SURRENDER: Book 2 of the Heather Valley series:

 

Welcome Back to the Heather Valley series… Rediscover the romances and friendships of this small California town.

 

Shepherd Michaels returned to the safe haven of Heather Valley, the town he grew up in, after his marriage ended.  Not only had his marriage ended, but he was deceived by his ex-wife in such a profound way, he wasn't inclined to ever risk his heart again, but when his beloved dog, Sierra, was injured, he had to put his trust into the hands of the Heather Valley's newest veterinarian, Dr. Pilar Graham.

 

Dr. Pilar Graham was new to town.  After moving around her entire life, she wanted to settle down into a small town like Heather Valley and simply focus on building her veterinary practice, especially after the terrible betrayal of her last relationship.  The last thing she expected to find at her door was a frantic man, holding a large, injured dog.  The fact this man was incredibly good looking and sexy shouldn't have mattered to her, but she was keenly aware of this stranger from the moment she locked eyes with him.

 

Caring for the injured dog forces Shepherd and Pilar to recognize a powerful attraction between them but can they admit it to each other and learn to trust their hearts again?

 

This book is approximately 375 pages in length.

 

 

Brenda Butler is the author of several contemporary romance novels, including the Shaw Brothers series: Better With Time (Book 1), Trust In Tme (Book 2), Time To Stay (Book 3) and the Heather Valley series: Kaitlyn's Promise (Book 1).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brenda Butler
• Release date: Sep 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9781636252025

Brenda Butler

Brenda Butler is the author of several contemporary romance novels, including the Shaw Brothers series and the Heather Valley series.

Book preview

Chapter One

Shepherd Michaels took one last glance at the engine of his four-cylinder 1940 Model A Ford pick-up truck, before closing the hood.  He ran his large hand over the hood of the old vehicle in tender reverence to the rounded body lines of the classic truck.  Although it was still in need of more work on both the interior and exterior, he’d been in the process of restoring the old truck for months now. For him, there was something reverent about putting this classic truck back to its former glory. Its beauty and work-horse style deserved more than the dented, rusted and neglected shape it had been left in while at a rundown farm for the last forty or more years.  Recently, he’d started to wonder if maybe he could relate to feeling neglected and the need to find some restoration for himself, even though it had been so hard to pick back up the pieces of his life since his divorce.

Shepherd was proud of what he’d done on the truck so far. It was the first classic truck he was restoring primarily on his own, without much help from his grandfather. He wanted to do right by it, both out of respect for what one day would be a fully restored classic truck, but also in tribute to the man who’d taught him so much about looking beyond the surface and seeing the potential and beauty of something worth cherishing.  He hadn’t been able to make his marriage right but fixing up this old truck gave him a certain sense of accomplishment and restoring it helped him to wrap his head around the sudden end of his marriage.

Shepherd sighed as he didn’t want to think about his own failed marriage again today, so he walked into his garage and leaned down to pet his fawn-colored dog – a beauty of a boxer by the name of Sierra. When Sierra saw him approach her, she instantly flipped onto her back and demanded a belly rub by coaxing him with her paw every time he tried to stop.  Shepherd couldn’t say no to her, so a brisk belly rub followed as Shepherd obligated the friendly boxer’s demand. 

He spoke to her as he finished the petting routine.  You’re a sweet girl, huh?  He placed one of her favorite chew toys in her waiting mouth. Give me a few more minutes and then I’ll let you off this tether and throw the ball to you.  At the mere mention of the word ‘ball,’ Sierra’s short, docked tail wagged excitedly back and forth. Shepherd never knew if she understood his words or not, but there had been plenty of times when she seemed to fully understand him, so he talked to her as if she understood him.  He never thought he’d be the type to talk to a pet like it was a human being, but here he was doing just that and he didn’t mind at all. 

Shepherd dearly loved the frisky dog he’d found almost two years ago now.  She’d been terribly abused when he discovered her. Initially, he had no intention of keeping her after her recovery. He thought at most he’d foster her until she was on her feet and fully healed and then she could be adopted by some nice family, but ironically, it turned out he needed Sierra just as much as she needed him. 

When he found Sierra, he’d just found out that his ex-wife no longer wanted to be married and he was still in great pain about the end of his marriage and trying to figure out just what the hell happened.  To this day, he didn’t like to think about how his marriage ended or even talk about it. 

Various family members and his friends had mostly given up on asking him why his marriage ended and occasionally they still tried to get him to talk about it, but he kept the reason for the end of the marriage to himself.  All they knew was that he hadn’t cheated on her because they knew without a doubt that he wasn’t that kind of man. 

Shepherd recalled one conversation he’d had with his younger brother, Noah, about six months after his ex-wife had told him she wanted a divorce.

I’m sorry your marriage didn’t work out dude, I really am, but you have to let it go.  You can’t let it eat you up inside.  There are plenty of fish in the sea. He paused when he saw Shepherd’s disbelief.  You’re a good lookin’ guy.  Noah punched him gently on the shoulder.  Not as good lookin’ as your younger brother, but the women are going to throw themselves all over you. It doesn’t need to be anything serious, just put yourself out there. After the first date with another woman, it’ll get easier.

Shepherd pulled the cover over his truck.  ‘Trying again’ was the hard part and he wasn’t inclined to try again.  Maybe eventually he would, but for now, he still struggled with his ex-wife’s deceit and betrayal, which were on a level that had hurt him in more ways than he thought possible.  The end of his marriage gutted him.  He never wanted to be divorced and had always wanted to have the same type of healthy relationships that every other married member of his family seemed to have.

Shepherd shook his head quickly to ward off more thoughts of his divorce.  He’d devoted enough time on it to last a lifetime and he was tired of repeating the same thoughts in his head over and over again.  Over the last year it finally seemed to be getting better and he no longer dwelled on it daily, so he figured some progress was being made and no good would come of thinking about it again this evening. After all, he had an impatient dog waiting to play catch with him.

Shepherd looked over at Sierra who was still happily chewing her old toy. Shepherd set out to complete his task on the Model A and started to whistle as he listened to the birds chirping in the trees that lined his backyard and the side of his house. Not everywhere could nature be a daily part of life.  A couple of the birds swooped low and called out as they went from tree to tree or soared low in the sky.  The abundance of wildlife and the ability to be outdoors was one of the things he loved most about living in Heather Valley. He was grateful that Heather Valley was his home again after the end of his marriage.

Among other family members, his stepbrother, Caleb, who was more like his actual brother, also lived here.  Caleb was married to a terrific woman, Sara, and although they’d always wanted children of their own, it never worked out for them.  That is, until last year when Sara’s sister, Kaitlyn, offered to become their surrogate, the result being that about six months ago, Kaitlyn gave birth to Sara and Caleb’s twins.  Now that the twins were born, Caleb and Sara were homebodies so they tended to have a lot of barbeques or Sunday dinners and they invited him over often, so he spent even more time with them lately and he enjoyed it.  He tried hard not to be envious of Caleb because he was genuinely happy for him, but it was sometimes hard not to see Caleb’s life with a strong marriage and a couple of kids and not feel like his own life wasn’t going in the direction he’d always wanted it to.

Trying to convince no one other than himself, he put away his tools and concluded he had a great life.  He couldn’t complain.  He liked his job, enjoyed his family and friends, engaged in fun hobbies, such as skiing and snowboarding in the winter, hiking, boating, camping, jogging along the trails with Sierra in tow and restoring the classic truck.  He had it all.  Except for maybe one thing, which he begrudgingly admitted to himself was a special woman in his life, but damn, he wasn’t inclined to risk his heart again, so he’d make the best of what he already had in his life.

Besides, there was no one he’d met to entice him to even consider a romantic relationship again. He was an adult male with normal needs and occasionally he spent time with different women for some consensual ‘friends with benefits,’ but in his gut he knew this really wasn’t his style and it seemed pretty disrespectful to the women who likely wanted more than Shepherd was willing to give, so he never pursued anything beyond that and he hadn’t sought anyone out for a while now.  His heart just wasn’t into one-night stands anymore.

Once Shepherd finished putting the tools away, he unhooked Sierra from the long tether that had been keeping her within the confines of the garage and the front yard.  He was about to close the garage door when he heard Sierra begin to bark fiercely.  He looked to where she was barking and he saw a cat across the street.  Without warning, Sierra shot across the street and headed straight for the cat, running at full speed.  Shepherd whistled for her to come back. Although she usually responded to his commands, Sierra despised cats and she was on a mission to get to the furry critter who was in her territory.  Shepherd had just reached the end of the driveway, when he heard another sound besides Sierra’s frantic barking: tires squealing. His heart leaped to his throat and the hairs raised on his forearms. 

Sierra!  Stay!  He yelled in his firmest voice.  He wanted her to stay across the street and away from the car that was clearly approaching at a rate of speed that was traveling far too fast for a residential road.

Sierra’s ears perked at Shepherd’s voice and she must have realized she shouldn’t be chasing the cat and she needed to go back to him because she started running back toward Shepherd and not staying as she was told.

Panic filled Shepherd when he realized Sierra was returning to him because the car was very close, and he could hear the revved-up engine. Sierra, no!  Stay girl.  Shepherd held up his hands with the symbol she’d learned which meant stop, but it was too late.  The speeding car was now directly in front of her. Tires burned rubber as it tried to avoid Sierra, but it was too late. The car hit Sierra with a loud thump that instantly sickened Shepherd.  The speeding car gathered even more speed, as it left the street with tires squealing and the smell of burnt rubber in the air. Shepherd ran to Sierra as she lay in the middle of the street unmoving.

Sierra.  Shepherd went to his knees besides the downed dog. No, this can’t be happening.

Chapter Two

Dr. Pilar Graham reassured her last patient of the day that her orange tabby cat would quickly recover from its paw wound and the cone around its neck would only aid in its healing. Seven days will go by quickly and she’ll get used to it.  It’s far more important that she’s unable to lick her wound.  The now relieved client thanked Pilar and walked to the door with her cat in its carrier. 

Pilar locked the front door of the vet’s office after her patient’s exit and let out a small breath in relief, because absent an emergency, her shift was now over.  The phone rang and she glanced at the clock hanging above the empty receptionist’s desk and noted it was after hours, so she let it go to voice mail.  In her short time working at Heather Valley Vet Care, most late hour calls were usually someone wanting an appointment for the following day.  If it was an emergency, the voice mail message directed them to call the after-hours emergency number, which was the cell phone in her pocket. When her cell phone didn’t ring, Pilar checked on the two animals that were still recovering from procedures and under her care before checking to see if there was a voice mail message, but Pilar only heard a mumbled dammit from a man and then a hang up. 

Although she was on call tonight and could go home with the calls being forwarded to her phone, Pilar instead reheated her cup of coffee in the microwave, returned to her desk in the small but neat office and begin to update her patient files.  Like most offices, the paperwork was endless and working at Heather Valley Vet Care was no exception.  She’d only been living in Heather Valley for a few months now, but she was surprised at how busy the office was for being in the center of a relatively small community.  Then again, there were several farms nearby, so the large animals needed care, although that was usually the responsibility of Dr. Frank Westin, the owner of Heather Valley Vet Care.  Still, there were plenty of patients for her to see daily.  Nowadays, and justifiably so, people treated their pets as members of the family, so their vet care was just as important to them as the care of their human family members. 

Pilar lifted her head from one of the files and looked at the pictures of various animals hanging from her office wall.  There were framed photographs of some of her favorite ‘patients’ taken throughout her education and internship.  Somehow knowing she’d helped the animals in some way brought her a great deal of satisfaction.  There was a lot to be said to aid and help a small creature that was otherwise incapable of helping itself or vocalizing what it needed. 

Pilar looked at her veterinary license hanging on the same wall and she was proud of it.  Damn proud.  She’d put herself through the veterinary college program before completing an additional four years to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.  It hadn’t been easy and there had been lots of stumbling blocks along the way, including a nearly year-long relationship that ended with her having a broken heart and feeling total disillusionment about the male species.  After the way her ex-boyfriend lied to her, she wasn’t in a hurry to date again, although her friends were encouraging her to try again claiming all men weren’t like her ex.  Yet, Pilar knew it would take somebody incredibly special to break down the walls she’d built up around her heart.

Besides, Pilar reminded herself, she needed to focus on her career and she was excited about this new opportunity at Heather Valley Vet Care. She’d jumped at the chance for this job when Dr. Westin offered it to her.  She’d received several other offers and had considered them all carefully, but something about the job at Heather Valley Vet Care called to her.  Maybe it was the opportunity to advance or perhaps have some ownership possibility down the road as Dr. Westin implied, or maybe it was the chance to learn more about orthopedic surgery, since Dr. Westin was specializing in that area of practice? Or maybe it was removing herself away from the memories of an old flame who’d tricked her heart? 

Whatever the reason, or maybe a combination of all of them, she liked it here in Heather Valley.  A lot.  Dr. Westin’s daughter, Kaitlyn was a practicing vet tech, but she was newly married with a stepdaughter, so she was busy adjusting to her new life.  Pilar also learned that Kaitlyn had been a surrogate last year for her sister, Sara, and had given birth to twins six months ago. In light of their birth, Kaitlyn also helped out her sister, Sara, with the twins and also at Sara’s pet store in town, Perfect Paws, so the time Kaitlyn could devote to the vet practice regularly was still up in the air.  With Dr. Westin’s new focus in orthopedics, he needed another veterinarian in the office for the day-to-day patients and Dr. Pilar Graham was hired.  Initially, her only hesitation in accepting Dr. Westin’s offer was the fear of boredom from a lack of patients working in a smaller community, but Dr. Westin reassured her that there was plenty to do to keep busy and so far, she’d found that to be very true. She hadn’t experienced boredom or a lack of a challenge yet. 

Besides she’d always longed to stay in one place and grow roots.  Heather Valley seemed like the place to do just that and so far, she’d been embraced by everyone she’d met. 

Kaitlyn and Sara had both taken her under their wings, helped her find a quaint bungalow-style house to rent near the town center and had recently invited her to a family barbeque. She’d declined in order to set up her house and devote as much time as possible to getting familiar with the patients at the vet’s office, but both sisters were becoming more vocal about Pilar needing to socialize now and get to know some people from town.  Pilar couldn’t disagree with them, especially if Heather Valley was where she wanted to live and conduct business, so she decided she wouldn’t turn down Sara or Kaitlyn’s next offer to attend whatever event they suggested. 

Pilar was about to return to her work on the patient files, when suddenly there was a loud knock at the back door of the office.  Correction; not a knock but an extremely aggressive pounding.  Pilar’s heart began racing at the urgency.  If there was a medical emergency, why hadn’t she been notified by a call going to her cell?  She didn’t have time to think about it further because the pounding became more insistent and she needed to find out what was going on and quickly too, before whoever it was knocked the entire building down.

Pilar opened the back door to find a very large, muscled man holding something wrapped in a blanket.  His booted foot was angled in preparation to kick the door once again. His intense and serious blue eyes narrowed and he scowled at the woman who answered the door.  I need Doc Westin right now!  I know he’s usually here after hours.

He’s at a conference out of town.  Pilar wondered too late if maybe she shouldn’t let this seemingly angry man know that she was alone in the building.  Then she heard whimpering coming from within the blanket and she recognized the sound of the painful moans. What’s going on?

The fierce scowl never left the man’s face. In fact, the angry arch of his eyebrows lifted even more.  "Call Doc Westin and have him meet me here.  Tell him it’s Shepherd and I’ll pay him whatever it costs to get him back right now." Pilar realized the fierce scowl on the man’s face was actually panic and not anger.

With the sound of the whimpering from the blanket continuing, Pilar’s instincts as a vet took over.  She ignored the man, stepped forward and pulled the blanket back to see the big brown eyes of a beautiful boxer’s face. Its sorrowful whimpers tugged at her heartstrings.  What happened?

"She was hit by a car and she’s really bad.  I need Doc Westin here now.  The panic was clear in the man’s tone and his voice sounded like sandpaper due to his emotions.  Call him now." He was adamant if nothing else.

Pilar could tell that this man was obviously upset, but there might not be time to call Dr. Westin and get him back in town.  This stranger needed to understand that.  I’m a vet and I need to examine your dog.  Then we’ll know more about the situation and make some decisions after my examination.

Shepherd’s voice no longer sounded gravelly, but was firm instead.  You don’t know anything about my dog.  She’s seriously hurt and Doc Westin knows her history.

In the course of her education, Pilar had been taught a number of ways in which to deal with distraught pet owners and she’d used various techniques before, but with this particular man, she suspected only one option would work.  Bluntness.  Your dog might not make it until Dr. Westin can get here.  If I don’t examine her right now, every second we waste risks losing her life.

The large man’s intense eyes narrowed at Pilar’s blunt statement, but then he looked lovingly at his dog as she whimpered in his arms once again.  Where do you want her? 

Follow me.  There’s a large examination table back here.  Shepherd entered the building, kicked the back door closed with his foot and followed Pilar to the examination room.  He laid Sierra down on the table as instructed and Pilar gently removed the blanket.  Pilar placed her hands upon the dog to see if there was the appearance of any broken bones and in response to her touch, sadly the dog sighed in fear, pain or both. 

Shepherd moved closer to the table.  What are you doing to her? 

Pilar let out a controlled breath and faced him. Mr. Shepherd, I need to examine your dog and I’ll be as gentle as possible, but unfortunately she’s badly injured and anything I do will probably hurt. Once I examine her briefly, I’ll get her something for the pain. Then I’ll be able to check her more thoroughly.  Please step out into the lobby and I’ll come and get you as soon as I know something more.

Shepherd shook his head in defiance.  I’m not leaving her, so you better get used to me being right here when you do whatever it is you need to do.  He stroked his dog’s head and his voice cracked.  Her name is Sierra and do whatever you have to do to keep her alive.  He touched Sierra’s snout with his large hands and spoke to the dog instead of to Pilar.  You don’t deserve this girl.  You’ve already been through so much.  Hang in there, sweet girl.

Pilar softened when she heard his sweet endearment.  She looked up and met Mr. Shepherd’s bright blue eyes that were no longer scowling or angry.  His concern about Sierra was clearly reflected in his eyes.  Pilar’s voice was soft when she spoke. I’ll give her something to ease her pain as quickly as I can and I’ll do everything I can to help her, but please stand back and let me examine her.  Shepherd complied and moved to the other side of the examination table so that Pilar could begin the process of examining the injured dog, all while speaking to the dog in soft, reassuring tones.

An hour later and after administering pain medication and doing a thorough examination, including x-rays which Pilar just viewed, she walked back into the examination room to see the large man leaning over Sierra on the table.  He was stroking her beautiful golden, tan fur and he spoke softly to Sierra in words Pilar couldn’t hear.  He’d been so demanding when he first arrived, albeit understandable under the circumstances, and his angry scowls were almost frightening, but Pilar came to realize that he was just deeply worried about his dog, and who wouldn’t be after their beloved pet was hit by a speeding car.  The beautiful boxer with the big brown eyes was seriously injured and her owner was fully aware of the terrible situation.

Standing by the door at the entrance of the exam room, Pilar had a moment to look at Mr. Shepherd as he comforted Sierra. He was handsome. Actually, that was an understatement.  He was incredibly good looking. He was a muscular man and well over six feet tall.  His broad shoulders and strong arms had carried his large dog effortlessly. Yet when he’d laid Sierra down on the examination table, he was as careful as if he was laying down a newborn baby.  Mr. Shepherd’s thick, wavy, jet-black hair and eyelashes of the same dark color as his hair, set off his incredibly intense blue eyes.  His skin was tanned, but due to his muscular frame, she suspected it was related to athletics and being outdoors versus ethnicity.  Pilar must have made some sound as she approached, because Mr. Shepherd lifted his eyes from the dog, then he stood up slowly and faced Pilar. 

What did your examination and the x-rays show, doc? His question was laced with dread.

Let me show you.  Pilar brought the x-rays up on the computer screen and turned it toward him.  She had his full attention.  When Sierra was hit, her pelvic bone took the impact, which is why she couldn’t get up or walk. Her pelvis is fractured, but fortunately, her back isn’t broken.

Shepherd let out a sigh.  It’s a good thing her back isn’t broken, right?

Pilar spoke softly. Yes, it’s a very good thing.  Shepherd started to ask her something else and she turned her attention back to the computer screen and pointed to it.  See how irregularly shaped these bones are near her pelvis?  Shepherd nodded and she continued.  There are a tremendous amount of muscles and tendons that surround them.  These factors make it very difficult to approach the bones to contour a bone plate to fit it. 

I told you to do whatever it takes to make her better.  You can do that can’t you?

Her voice was soft. I can’t, Mr. Shepherd.

Shepherd’s eyes grew round.  Then tell me who can.

For the first time that evening, Pilar gave him the smallest of smiles.  Fortunately, Mr. Shepherd, we have an excellent orthopedic surgeon right here in Dr. Westin.

A hopeful spark reflected in Shepherd’s eyes and he sat up straighter.  Doc Westin can repair it?  He didn’t wait for an answer.  Call him to schedule the surgery.  Then he looked at the now sleeping Sierra and seemed to ponder something before turning his attention back to Pilar.  Is she strong enough to survive the surgery or are there other injuries you haven’t told me about yet?  Worry crossed his face.

Fortunately, she doesn’t have any internal injuries.  After surgery, she’ll need a great deal of care during her recovery period, but I can’t see any reason why Dr. Westin won’t be able to repair her pelvic bone.

Shepherd then did what Pilar would have never expected from the intense man.  He stood up, grabbed her, lifted her off her feet and twirled her in a circle as he held her in his arms. She almost objected but two things stopped her. One was the sheer joy that was etched on his face after he heard the news and the second reason was that it felt incredibly good to be held by him.  Way too good. To feel his strength as he securely held her and be fully embraced by him, well it was just too nice to resist. 

After he stopped turning her in circles, he set Pilar back down on her feet, but kept her in his arms for just the briefest of moments. Pilar had the ridiculous feeling he was going to kiss her, but she saw something flit across his eyes that triggered him to change his mind. Either that or she likely misread his body language.  Thanks for all you’ve done, doc.  Then realization hit him.  I don’t even know your name.

Pilar. Pilar Graham.  Pilar took in a low breath to ease away the feeling that she wanted his arms around her again which surprised her. She must be filled with adrenaline at the prospect of Sierra’s good news.  She cleared her throat.  I already called Dr. Westin and let him know about Sierra’s condition and her need for surgery.  I emailed him a digital copy of the x-rays and he agrees with the diagnosis and the need for surgery.  He’ll make flight arrangements and arrive here sometime in the morning.  As soon as I have an ETA from him, I’ll let you know.

Shepherd asked a dozen more questions and when he finally seemed satisfied about the procedures and upcoming surgery, relief showed on his face, along with the weariness that was more pronounced. Thanks, Doc Graham.

One step in gaining the trust of her patients in Heather Valley was to let them know she was approachable and they could trust her with their beloved pets. Being friendly was one way.  Pilar, just call me Pilar.

And it’s ‘Shepherd’. Shepherd Michaels. He grinned slightly. You keep referring to me as Mister Shepherd.  She held out her hand to shake it.  It wasn’t like being in his arms, but there was still a warmth that spread through her hand at his touch.  She removed her hand from his.  I’ll keep a close eye on Sierra tonight.  You should go home now and get some rest. I’m sure you’re exhausted.

I’m not leaving her. Although grateful only moments ago, the determined man who first entered the building had returned.

Pilar took in a deep breath, met Shepherd’s eyes and forcefully explained to him that Sierra would be medicated and sleeping the rest of the night and he needed to get his sleep as she was going to require a great deal of care after her surgery.  Shepherd finally, but very reluctantly agreed after Pilar reassured him that she’d stay with Sierra the rest of the night. She promised to be in the building and near Sierra the entire night, which seemed to alleviate some of his concerns.

I won’t leave here until Dr. Westin arrives.  She’s in good hands.  Pilar turned away and sat at the computer to add some notes to the file while Shepherd whispered into the dog’s ears.  A moment later, a sound caught her attention and she turned toward Shepherd who was standing near Sierra with his shirt off and he was only wearing his low-slung jeans and boots.  Her eyes grew round at the sight of this half-naked man in her exam room. Good God, but a dead woman couldn’t help but notice he had rock hard abs that rippled across his stomach. His abs held a six-pack of muscles that travelled from his torso to the button of his low-slung jeans.  She tried to look away, she honestly did—well, maybe not—but she couldn’t stop herself from letting her eyes travel down the length of him. She forced herself to stop looking when she got to the button on his jeans. She swallowed. She watched as he folded his t-shirt and gently put it under Sierra’s head, before putting his outer flannel shirt back on.  His eyes met Pilar’s.  "I want my scent near her