Falling; Fallen

By RaeAnne Hadley

Reese's Story; Book One of the Davenport Cowboys

 

Reese held onto his bitter heart like a lifeline;

Rachel knew he was the one who got away.

Would he forgo his bruised pride and embrace love again?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stories2Life
• Release date: Mar 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393331810

Book preview

To my devoted fans, friends and followers. This is for all of the souls who dream about the one who got away.

Copyright © 2020 by RaeAnne Hadley

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, 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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Reese rubbed a hand over the front of his face in frustration. Rachel wasn’t returning his phone calls or answering her door when he knocked. He wasn’t sure what was going on but he wanted answers. They had been dating for almost a year and he thought they were on a fast-track to getting engaged but now she was acting like he wasn’t worth her time.

He dialed her cell phone again and despite his hope that she would pick up this time, his heart dropped when her voicemail came on. It had only rung three times so he knew she declined the call.

He almost threw his phone across the room in frustration but desperation for answers had him texting her; the one thing he detested about modern technology. It was so easy to ghost someone nowadays. There was no such thing as having to get your hands dirty when it came to social interactions.

Rachel pick up your phone. I need to know what’s wrong? I show up at your work with a dozen roses and you blew me off. Did I do something wrong? Please, please baby, just talk to me.

He almost put in that he loved her but something held him back. Maybe that was too much at this point. He hit send and waited for a reply. The little bubble icon popped up on his screen and he held his breath waiting to read her answer. At least she was talking to him. The bubble went away and he waited, and waited, and waited. The bubble never reappeared and he set the phone down. He wasn’t going to get any answers right now.

The sound of horses whinnying and cows mooing reminded him he was late getting started with chores. He stood up and grabbed his beat-up Stetson from the back of the couch. Stetson, his border collie with the same name as his favorite hat, leapt to his feet, eager to start the day.

Reese looked down at his dog and shook his head. Why can’t women be more like you? At least you enjoy my company.

Stetson barked and wagged his tail which made Reese chuckle.

C’mon boy. Let’s go feed the girls and get on with our day.

He closed the door behind him, the latch clicking just as his cell phone beeped with a new message.

He emptied his third beer and read the text again. The words hadn’t changed, he hadn’t misread them and he still didn’t like the answer. Every time he read her text message, the pain that shot through his heart got a little sharper. How could he have been so wrong about her; about them? Plans of their future together, the life and the family they would build together was something he thought of often.

He strode towards the trash, slamming the beer bottle into the metal can, it’s glass shattering against the other discarded bottles. Ripping open the refrigerator door and grabbing another bottle, he glared at the text message again.

Reese, I just don’t see it working between us. You are a great guy but I’m just not interested in a serious relationship. I hope you have a wonderful life. You’ll find someone who makes you happy.

"You made me happy, Rachel," he grumbled as he sat back down on the couch. It was almost midnight and he was going to pay for his indulgence in the morning but right now he didn’t care. His soul wanted more answers and the chance to plead his case to her but despite his many text messages back to her, the little bubble never showed up again.

He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. He felt a tear slip down his cheek and he angrily swiped it away. He would have to live his life without the woman who had stolen his heart and shattered it. Rachel was never coming back.

Fifteen Years Later

Reese waved goodbye to his son, Jake, as Jennifer hugged his