Maggie: 5 Oaks Ranch, #5

By Stephanie Hurt

Maggie is the youngest of the Cauthen children, watched very closely by her brothers. When they realize that she has been seeing a man that is much older than her, the brothers grow worried. Maggie resents the over protective way they manage her love life. When they confront the man, she turns on them. They are forced to realize she's no longer a child and they struggle with the relationship between the couple. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephanie Hurt
• Release date: Dec 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781519970831

Stephanie Hurt

Stephanie Hurt lives in Georgia with her husband Tommy and their son Hunter, along with two dogs, Daisy and Jake. When Stephanie is not lost in one of the worlds that she creates, she’s an accountant and children’s minister. She has been writing the stories that fill her mind since she was a teenager. The moment a story comes into her mind, she’s mesmerized and soon she’s diving into the story with a cup of hot green tea and a notebook. Before long, the story has bones and is ready for the laptop. She happily types away in the early morning and at night. You can always find her with a notebook full of stories that have yet to come to life. Follow her journey in each of her over 40 published works! Stephanie Payne Hurt loves to hear from fans and hopes that she’s helped them go to another world for at least a while! Connect with Author: Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephanieHurt4 Email: https://[e-mail] Website: www.stephaniehurtauthor.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephaniePayneHurt Sign up for my newsletter at www.stephaniehurtauthor.com to keep up with upcoming events and new releases.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Maggie, the youngest of the Cauthen siblings was the only girl. This caused many issues, especially since her older brothers were overprotective and constantly around. How could a girl have a life with big brothers looking over her shoulder? Especially when she wanted romance.

Christmas Day at the Cauthen house was lazy, but fun. This year Maggie just wasn’t feeling it. As she sat watching everyone cuddle with their better half, even Luke and Rachel were all doe eyed with love beside the Christmas tree, Maggie just had to get out of the house.

Standing up, everyone glanced over at her. Where you headed? Oakley said as she started for the door, grabbing her coat.

Out to the stables. Without a backwards glance Maggie walked down to check on Star, her newest horse. The mare was chestnut brown with a pristine white star just below her ears halfway down the nose. The air was crisp with the new fallen snow, but the inside of the barn felt good.

Maggie leaned into Star’s neck as she stroked her nose. Girl, we only have a couple of months to get you ready for Spring Competition.

She knew what needed to be done, but the finer points had to be ironed out. Maggie was a great show person, but she needed help with the training. The only person she could think to help was Dalton. They’d been working together at his ranch for a couple of weeks, somewhat in secret. She didn’t want her family to know it. They’d want to help and well; Dalton was a better choice.

Her heart raced just thinking about going to Dalton’s ranch tomorrow. There was something about him that drew her in. Maybe it was their mutual love of horses, maybe it was the fact that he was older than her or maybe it was the fact that it was hidden from her family. It was hard to have any kind of relationship when they knew about it. So far, she’d been able to keep the sessions out of their radar, but she knew they were getting curious. The fact that she left a couple of times a week with Star in the trailer was making them ask questions.

Grabbing a brush, she gently brushed the horse’s mane to a shine. It was important to keep the horse looking top shape. As she went to put the brushes up, her phone vibrated. Pulling it out of her pocket she almost fainted. It was Dalton.

Clearing her throat, Maggie tried for a nonchalant tone, Hello.

Hey Mag’s. Merry Christmas.

She almost melted when he used her nickname. Merry Christmas to you too.

Hope I’m not interrupting the family party. His voice sent chills down her spine. Not at all. I’m in the barn with Star.

Had enough of the family for the holidays? He laughed in that deep bass sound that always made Maggie smile.

You got it. I love my family, but they can be smothering.

Got any plans for the evening?

Suddenly her world spun around, making her reach out to grasp the stall door. Was he about to ask her out? No plans yet.

Why don’t you come over and check out my new addition? He knew her love of horses and this one would draw her eye, not to mention he wanted to give her a small gift. The last couple of weeks as he’d worked with her, things had changed. There had always been something between them, but lately it seemed to be more than just friendship.

What time? She could hardly form words. He was asking her over for more than just training lessons.

I’ll be here all evening.

See you in about an hour. Maggie was almost at a run heading to the door.

See you then.

When she reached the door of the barn, all she could do was lean her head against it. Was this really happening? Then realizing she had to change clothes, she ran all the way up to the main house.

Of course, as soon as she came running in the front door, Ridge ambled into the foyer. Where you off to in such a hurry kid?

I’m going out with some friends. Maggie almost tripped as she ran up the stairs, leaving Ridge staring up at her in confusion.

Standing in her closet looking from side to side she tried to figure out what to wear. When they trained together it was easy, jeans and t-shirt, but today? After much contemplation she finally decided on a long sweater and jeans. Of course, she’d wear her knee boots. Why not add a feminine touch? She wanted him to see her as a woman, not just a horse person.

She touched up her makeup and brushed her long hair. One quick check in the mirror, she grabbed her truck keys and purse, then was out the bedroom door, dashing down the stairs to meet up with Ridge leaning on the banister and Chase against the front door.

Which friends on Christmas day? Chase said as he crossed his arms across his chest, not budging from the doorway.

What Chase? You know, my friends in town, Marcy and Deb. She shrugged and started for the door; he still didn’t move.

Ridge tapped her on the shoulder, making her look up at him. Marcy is on a skiing trip with her family and Deb is in Savannah until after New Year’s. He gave her one of those, ‘we’re on to you’ looks. Who’re you meeting in such a hurry?

Guys, give me a break. I’m a grown woman, I don’t have to tell you everything I do. She crossed her arms and tapped her booted toe on the floor waiting for the Neanderthals to move.

Chase grunted, Mags you know we just want you to be careful. Just tell us where you’re headed on those snow-covered roads, and we’ll let you go.

Mr. Cauthen walked into the foyer and looked from one of his children to the other, noting the defiant stances. "Well, what’s