Cowboy’s Unexpected Family: Thorne Ranch Brothers, #1

By Leslie North

Home is where the heart is…

 

Single mom and widow Amy Thorne loves her beautiful town. It's her job to market her little corner of heaven, and right now, she's promoting the town's upcoming rodeo. Everything is perfect—until rodeo star Cal Pierce arrives.

 

Astonishingly, the smoldering cowboy is the spitting image of her late husband. It all makes sense when she learns Cal is the son her mother-in-law gave up for adoption years ago. Although Cal might look like his half-brother, that's as far as the resemblance goes. He's terrified of commitment, and Amy knows she should keep her distance. If only her heart would listen…

 

Just the thought of settling down makes Cal antsy. Problem is, Amy is starting to get under his skin. And the more time he spends with her, the harder it is to leave. But he knows it's best for him to move on—and that's exactly what he does. Until he realizes his heart might not be in rodeo anymore. In fact, it might belong to someone else entirely…

 

Is it too late to come home to the one woman he can't live without?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Relay Publishing
• Release date: Jan 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201795375

Book preview

1

Just a favor for a friend. In and out.

Cal pulled into the closest parking space he could find near city hall and shut off the engine, letting out a deep sigh. Darby Crossing, Texas looked like any other rural town, complete with a western apparel and hardware store, bank, diner, and of course, a local tavern. Small town life made him itchy, restless. Fortunately, he wouldn’t be here long—just long enough to do a favor for Rafael.

He slid out of the truck, grabbed his Stetson off the front seat and put it on, tipping the brim down low. Making his way down the sidewalk toward city hall, he was somewhat surprised at how busy the area was for a midday afternoon. Cal nodded toward a couple of women as they approached. Instead of an answering friendly smile, they stopped in their tracks, silently watching him pass, their mouths hung open in a wide O. Cal frowned, wondering if there was something wrong with his hat.

He checked the Stetson over but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Typically, when people recognized him, they smiled and waved. Especially the ladies. Cal continued toward the courthouse, more than surprised when two men stopped and stared, the one nudging the other furiously and gesturing toward Cal. Discreetly, of course, but Cal still knew the object of their attention. Him.

Howdy, ma’am. Cal tipped his hat to an older woman coming out of the diner accompanied by what looked to be her grandchildren. She smiled, her mouth opening…and closing, without so much as a hello. Her expression had been one of shock but that made no sense at all. Fans typically called out a friendly greeting, even tried to approach him. They didn’t gape at him like he was a two-headed horse.

Cal tried to shrug it off as he entered the small brick building that housed city hall. It looked like it might have been a one-room schoolhouse long ago since it still had the bell on top. The space now was divided into an entryway and two offices. No one was at the reception desk and he dinged the bell that sat on a mat with the note ring for service.

Be right there, a woman’s voice called from one of the offices. The squeak of a desk chair, and the click of heels echoed on the floors before a woman appeared in the doorway.

Hello, I’m Amy Thorne, she said, dropping a load of files on the counter and turning to face him. How can I…oh— The woman’s face turned white, one hand moving to cover her heart. She began to sway, reaching for the counter to steady herself.

Cal rushed around the counter and took her arm, easing her into a nearby chair. He knelt beside her, their gazes locking. Eyes the color of Texas bluebonnets stared back him. Curly red hair framed her face in a beautiful contrast. She was about the prettiest woman he’d seen in a decade, and she was staring at him as if she’d seen a ghost.

Can I get you something? Glass of water? Cal offered, unsure of what to do. His eyes dipped to her left hand where she wore a simple gold band. Call your husband maybe?

No. Her voice was barely a whisper, and she couldn’t seem to take her eyes from his face. She smoothed her hands over her black skirt and finally took her focus off him. I’ll be fine in a minute. I…must have stood up too quickly.

That can get you sometimes, he said, happy to see the color slowly returning to her cheeks.

Are you Cal Pierce? she asked, straightening in her seat and shooting him a half-hearted smile.

At your service, ma’am. He dipped his chin in acknowledgment.

Please call me Amy. Thank you so much for coming. Let’s go into my office and talk about the promo schedule and the event, she said, her voice stilted.

The woman was setting the strictly business parameters faster than an eight-second bull ride. He knew some people didn’t like rodeo riders, perhaps that was it? He knew better than to dig into the reasons why.

Sure thing. Take it easy standing up. Cal wanted to offer his arm but held back. Amy was a mite skittish, like a newly broken horse, and he would do well to respect her boundaries.

I’m fine. Really. If you’ll follow me. She rose and led the way into her office where she gestured for him to take a seat. Can I get you a cup of coffee?

No, but I appreciate the offer. He appreciated the way her skirt skimmed her figure, too, and the flex of her calf as she walked. Somehow, she wasn’t what he expected from a mayor’s assistant in a small town. They’d emailed and spoken on the phone to make his travel arrangements, so he’d known that she’d be intelligent and friendly. He just hadn’t expected her to be so appealing.

Amy sat at her desk and reached for a glass of water. The liquid shook as her hand trembled, and she set it back down without so much as a sip. Well, first, let me thank you again for agreeing to be part of our rodeo. Her tone still crisp and professional, not at all like the woman he’d spoken on the phone with previously. The town is grateful for your help and I can assure you that the proceeds are going to a good cause.

The town had a funny way of showing it. No friendly welcomes, just polite stares and shock. Rafael said a fire destroyed your community center.

Yes, a few months ago. Her eyes clouded over as if to fight back against the unpleasant memory.

Or was it him she objected to? Or both. Cal wasn’t entirely sure given the strange behavior of the people in town and her initial reaction to him. So what’s the plan to fix it?

Unfortunately, the building was a total loss, but we hope to rebuild quickly. And a rodeo seemed like an effective way to raise interest in the project and collect the needed funds. Rafael speaks highly of you.

He’s a good man and I’m happy to help, Cal said.

It’s rather generous of you and much appreciated.

Her tone and expression softened, and he was once again drawn to her. Then he remembered the ring. She was somebody else’s wife, and he’d never been that kind of man. Just tell what you need from me.

"I’ve worked out a schedule with what I’m told is the usual sort of promo for a rodeo if you’d like to take a look., she said, handing him the paper with her notes.

Cal studied the list and didn’t see anything on the list he objected to as promotional tours were nothing new. Looks good to me. He glanced at her as he slid the paper across the desk and caught her watching him. She cleared her throat and looked away, but not before he noticed the haunted look again.

He thought about letting it drop, pretending that everything was normal—but he was going to be here for a solid month, and that was a long time to ignore an elephant in the room. Amy, I sure wish you’d tell me what’s wrong. I sense you don’t want me here. Sensing, however, was a long way from understanding. It’s not like they had ever met, so he was at loss for her reaction to him. Maybe it was as simple as Amy had wanted someone else for the rodeo.

Of course, Darby Crossing wants you, she said, forcing a smile. You’ll be a huge draw for the rodeo, and we’ll be rebuilding in no time.

Maybe you just don’t like us rodeo types, he suggested, trying to understand her personal objection to his presence.

She sighed and sat back in her seat, the forced cheerfulness fading. It’s not that either. It’s nothing to do with you or the rodeo at all, truly. I’m sorry if my behavior or the town’s isn’t welcoming.

I didn’t say that, Cal said cautiously. You just seem uncomfortable with me.

She glanced toward the only window in her office and seemed to focus on the pine tree outside it. Silence hung in the air until she spoke in a low tone. It’s just that you look so much like my husband. He died in a car accident four years ago. It was a shock seeing you. He was well-liked around town, so the people you saw earlier probably had a similar reaction. That’s all. Nothing personal.

I’m sorry to hear about your husband. And he was. Cal didn’t like the idea of her suffering, and the man’s death had clearly affected her deeply. Don’t feel bad, you aren’t the only one in town that seems to take issue with my sudden appearance. They say everyone has a twin in the world who looks like them, maybe your husband is mine. Perhaps it would be better if I left town so as not to stir up unpleasant memories for people. I’ve got plenty of connections in the rodeo world to find a replacement rider for you.

No, no. She straightened. You’re a great choice for us. Her smile returned. It was still a little uncertain, but brighter than it had been. Such a strange coincidence though, isn’t it? The kind of thing that only happens in movies. My late husband, Luke, was a popular man in town, so people’s reactions are to be expected.

I guess so. Cal shrugged.

After agreeing to meet for a welcome-to-town dinner, Cal made his way to the bed and breakfast where he would be staying. The owner escorted him to a suite that was a little old-fashioned but was still bigger and nicer than many of the places Cal had stayed.

Once alone, he sank down on the couch, going over the strange afternoon in his head. Call it curiosity, or plain need-to-know, Cal typed in Luke Thorne’s name into the internet search bar on his phone. A young twenty-something man popped up on the screen. Cal did a double take, the uncanny resemblance a shock. Apparently, the adage about having a twin was true, at least in his case.

He read just enough info to confirm what Amy said. Luke was the golden boy in town and his death in a tragic accident that claimed his life and his father’s life, leaving behind his wife and a son. Their deaths had rocked the community.

Cal stared at the photo, a sudden thought coming to him from nowhere. What if it wasn’t coincidence?

Since he was a kid, Cal’s parents had always been honest with him about his adoption. He’d never been curious about his biological parents because he loved his adopted ones unconditionally. Zoe and Edmund Pierce had married late in life, too late to have a child of their own, but plenty young enough to love Cal, and later, his adopted sister Jennifer.

It was most likely coincidence, but Cal had to find out. Calling his mother, perhaps asking about his birth parents was long overdue. Hey, Mom, he said when she answered.

Cal! It’s so good to hear from you. Where are you this time? she asked.

I’m helping a friend out in Texas. He settled back and let the conversation run its usual course where he checked up on everyone in the family and told his mom what he’d been up to since their last call a week earlier. He considered just letting his question about his birth parents go, not necessarily wanting to deal with the possible fallout if the truth led him anywhere near Darby Crossing. But something inside of Cal needed to know the truth about Luke, the man who was practically identical to him in every way.

Mom, what do you know about where I came from? he asked, when there was a lull in the conversation, plunging in feet first. Not the stork, his mother said, light laughter tinging her voice.

Very funny.

What do you want to know and why the sudden interest? she asked, not all daunted by the suddenness of his question. Perhaps she’d been expecting this conversation one day.

Do you have the names of my biological parents or any information on where they lived? When I arrived in town, people were acting strangely toward me. I think I just found my twin in the world. Unless, that is, the guy was more than that.

I see. His mother stayed silent a few seconds as though thinking over his comment. "I noticed you used the word was."

The man died four years ago according to an article I read online.

Then I hope for your sake, the man’s not related as that would be such a shame. I always knew you would ask for the information if you wanted it, so of course, I remember. Your mother’s name was Laura Cooper, but there was no father’s name listed on your original birth certificate.

What about a birthplace? he prompted, hoping that would fill in at least one of the gaps.

You were born in Austin, Texas.

Which isn’t that far from Darby Crossing, Cal said, connecting the dots.

That’s a lot of coincidence. What do you plan to do? his mother asked.

Find out what I can about Laura Cooper. I’ll figure out the next step as I go.

Keep us posted. You know your father and I are always here for you. If love could be heard, Cal picked it out in the tone of his mother’s words.

I know, Mom. Love to Dad and Jennifer. Call you soon, he said and hung up. Without pausing, he reached for his laptop and typed the name Laura Cooper Thorne into the search box, going for the most direct route to get answers to question that plagued him. Did he have a brother? One that he would never get the chance to meet.

It wasn’t long before he had the truth. Laura Cooper married into the Thorne ranch family, the most prosperous ranchers in the area, and had three sons. Luke had been born four years after Cal, and there were twin boys, Jake and Brian, born two years after Luke.

He had brothers.

Correction…half-brothers.

2

Amy stood in the vestibule of the Blue Pony restaurant, the finest establishment in Darby Crossing, waiting for Cal to arrive. The rest of their party already sat at the table, and she had volunteered to wait at the entrance to greet Cal. Those few extra moments in his company would give her the chance to become accustomed to seeing him and school her features into a professional mold, she hoped.

When he’d appeared at city hall earlier, she’d been blown away by the resemblance between him and Luke. For the first time in her life, she’d seriously thought she was going to pass out and crash to the floor. She probably would have if Cal hadn’t steadied her. And been so nice about it.

Since she’d had a few hours to steel herself, when he came through the restaurant door