The Heartsong Cowboy: The Cowboys of Whisper Colorado, #1

By Melissa Keir

Can two people, one horse and the power of love cure a little girl?

Angela French blames herself for her daughter's lack of voice. Determined to do anything to correct the situation, she seeks out Jake Kyncade, the owner of The Heartsong Ranch.

Jake Kyncade hides his own sorrows behind his no-nonsense demeanor. Helping children becomes one way to correct his past. Using equine therapy, he sets out to make a difference.

Can Jake help Angela's dreams come true or will Jake's past bring more heartache? Will love save them all?

This international bestselling story will tug at your heartstrings and have you grabbing for the next book!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melissa Keir
• Release date: Mar 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393128830

Book preview

The Heartsong Cowboy

Melissa Keir

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The characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, places, or events is coincidental and not intended by the author.

If you purchase this book without a cover you should be aware that this book may have been stolen property and reported as unsold and destroyed to the publisher. In such case the author has not received any payment for this stripped book.

The Heartsong Cowboy

Copyright © 2016 Melissa Keir

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All rights reserved.

5764 Woodbine Ave.

Pinckney, MI 48169

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Cover art By Shades of Rose Media

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This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission. The copying, scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions, and do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

The Heartsong Cowboy

Can two people, one horse and the power of love cure a little girl?

Angela French blames herself for her daughter’s lack of voice. Determined to do anything to correct the situation, she seeks out Jake Kyncade, the owner of The Heartsong Ranch.

Jake Kyncade hides his own sorrows behind his no-nonsense demeanor. Helping children becomes one way to correct his past. Using equine therapy, he sets out to make a difference.

Can Jake help Angela’s dreams come true or will Jake’s past bring more heartache? Will love save them all?

DEDICATION

To the man who makes my heart sing

And to all the men and women who raise a helping hand to children in need.

CHAPTER oNE

Blood dripped down Taylor’s neck, the deep red contrasting with the pale whiteness of her skin. Trapped, unable to stop the blood flow, she was helpless to prevent each drop from falling to her daughter’s lap. Whimpers escaped Taylor’s lips, and Angela bit down on her own, the taste of sharp copper washing over her tongue. The cries became louder as the evil man sliced the knife across her daughter’s throat. No!

A scream echoed through her mind, startling her from sleep. Shaking, Angela sat up in bed. It was only a dream.

Soft cries came from Taylor’s bed, and she turned toward the sound. Her daughter lay curled in her covers, holding tight to her stuffed horse.

These nightmares are getting more frequent. Both hers and mine. She pulled back the covers and crossed the small space to her. Bending over, she brushed the hair off her daughter’s face then placed a kiss on her forehead, but the distressing whimpers continued.

Usually a touch wakes her. This must be a bad one. Sitting on the edge, she pulled her daughter into her arms to cradle her tight against her heart. Shhh. I’m here. Wake up. It’s okay.

Small arms flailed, smacking Angela’s face. She held her daughter tighter and shook her gently.

Honey, it’s Mommy. Wake up. Her voice was louder, more demanding.

Her daughter’s eyes shot open. Her stare latched onto her mom’s as a silent scream formed on her lips, her body stiffening.

When will this trauma ever go away? She brushed the hair from her own eyes, her fingers swiping the wetness on her cheek. Honey, Mommy’s here. I have you. There’s no bad man here. She choked on her tears. I won’t let anything happen to you.

Her gaze focusing, Taylor relaxed, but her brow puckered in what Angela called her question face. Her small hand reached up and touched the tear trailing down her mother’s cheek.

It’s okay. I’m fine now that you’re fine. It must have been another bad dream.

***

Their family counselor, Justine, helped them through the trauma right after it happened. She’d helped Angela with her guilt and brought them closer as a family. Ever since her husband died three years ago, the weight of responsibility had fallen on her shoulders. Taylor was just three when her dad had died, and she didn’t remember him. Naturally shy around men, her attack only made things worse.

I’m proud of how far you’ve come since you started here. The counselor always began by talking about Angela’s progress. Have you had any problems with flashbacks? Fear of driving or going to the bank with your deposits after work? I realize it’s not where the original accident happened, but we know fear doesn’t stay in one location.

They’d moved to North Dakota to escape the memories and give them a fresh start. I’m better. I’ve taken your advice and make sure I don’t do the deposits alone. Still, some people frighten me. But I take a few deep breaths and try to relax. I’ve started some yoga at home, even have Taylor doing it with me. Anything to calm my mind.

I’m glad to hear that. Exercise is important for children of trauma.

Angela stared at the woman seated behind the desk. Her short, blonde hair showed off her striking face, her clothes neat and unwrinkled, and her fingernails were polished. As she looked at her own broken and chewed nails, doubts about the woman’s effectiveness crept into her mind. She looks like a model or movie star. It’s obvious she’s not been up all night worried about a child. I’ve had enough of this pleasant talk. I need to know my daughter will be fine.

When is my daughter going to speak? She’s said nothing except grunts and whimpers for the last six months. Angela tried to keep her frustration under control, but exasperation rang in her voice. And the nightmares are getting worse. Last night I could hardly wake her. Is there more we can do? What else do you recommend?

Justine tapped her pen on her notepad. "We’ve been through this before. Your daughter’s hiding from the pain.