It Was Meant To Be

By Susan Horsnell

Kennedy wasn't looking for love, but it seems fate had other ideas.
When he accepts a job as a ranch hand on a property a few miles from the city of Rogue Bay, he has no idea how much his life is about to change.
From the moment he sets eyes on his rancher boss, he knows he's in a kind of trouble he's never been in before.
Blaidyn is happy as a single man, running the ranch that has been in his family for decades.
The last thing he expected was to have his world knocked off its axis by a sexy drifter.
Will these men accept fate has thrown them together?
Will they accept it was meant to be?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lipstick Publishing
• Release date: Sep 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223450528

Susan Horsnell

I’m an Australian author who lives in Queensland when not travelling and I write in a variety of Romantic sub-genres, including Western,  Historical, Gay, Mafia, and Contemporary Romance.  I have published over 60 books and novellas, many of which feature strong, independent heroines and rugged, alpha male heroes. Some of my popular series include the Outback Australia series and The Carter Brothers series. My books are known for their well-researched historical details, vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape and real life experiences. My work has garnered praise from readers and critics alike, and I have been a Finalist in both the Rone Awards and Laramie Awards as well as being a multiple times International Bestselling Author and USA Today Bestselling Author. If you're interested in learning more about my books:  Linktree https://linktr.ee/SusanHorsnell   

Book preview

Copyright © 2023

The right of Susan Horsnell to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her under the Copyright Amendment (Moral Rights) Act 2000

All rights reserved. This publication (or any part of it) may not be reproduced or transmitted, copied, stored, distributed, or otherwise made available by any person or entity (including Google, Amazon, or similar organizations), in any form (electronic, digital, optical, or mechanical) or by any means (photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise) without prior written permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

Editing—Redline Editing

Line Edit by Robyn Corcoran

Proofread by Leanne Rogers

Disclaimer

Please note: This story is a work of fiction.

MM for 18+

Thanks

Thank you to my granddaughter, Tamsen, an accomplished horsewoman for her advice and guidance.

Chapter One

KENNEDY

I hoisted myself into the interstate truck and set the army-issued duffle bag on the floor at my feet. The bag didn't have everything important shoved inside; it contained everything I owned.

The driver held out his hand, and we shook. The name's, Bill. Where ya headed, son?

Mine’s Kennedy. Nowhere in particular. Hoping to find work.

I know a rancher in Rogue Bay who's looking for someone. It ain't a big town, but it's friendly to strangers.

You headed there?

Yep. Got a delivery to drop off at the supermarket.

Sounds like that's where I'll be heading then if you don't mind.

Not at all. Where ya comin’ from?

Fort Bellows.

The driver nodded. Tours?

Two at three years each, one at fifteen months—Lipoto.

Rough.

Yep.

Left the army?

Yep, but not by choice. Took a stray bullet to the ankle in an ambush, shortened my third tour, and ended my career since the army said I wasn't up to scratch now the ankle had steel pins and plates holding it together.

Damn, that’s bad luck.

Not as bad as those who returned stateside in a wooden box.

True. Gotta be thankful for small mercies, eh?

Following directions on the signs, Bill guided the big rig down the off-ramp and made a right onto the road leading into Rogue Bay. A couple of miles further on, he pulled into the delivery dock of a supermarket run by a national chain.

After he switched off the engine, the truck quieted after a shake of protest, or maybe relief. Bill pulled a small notebook and pen from the pocket of the flannel he was wearing and scribbled something before tearing out the page and handing it over. It had a name—Blaidyn Storm, and a phone number for me to call.

When you get in touch, tell him Bill mentioned he was looking for someone.

I shoved the paper in my shirt pocket and thanked him for the ride before pushing the door open and jumping to the ground.

Throwing the duffle bag over one shoulder, I headed in the direction of Main Street, where we'd entered town, and headed to a diner I'd seen on the way to the supermarket. I pushed through the door triggering a bell, and a few patrons turned to see who had entered. They gave me a once-over before returning to their meals.

It was a typical small-town mom-and-pop place with red and white checked cloths covering the tables and red metal chairs. A commercial coffee machine was sitting on a long red vinyl-covered counter that had seen better days. Red vinyl cushion-topped stools were lined up on one side.

Hi, Honey. Take a seat, and I'll grab you a menu.

Thank you, Ma’am.

I parked my ass at a window table where I could watch the comings and goings in town.

Rogue Bay looked to be an interesting place—a picture postcard, mid-sized seaside town located on the gulf. The buildings were painted in candy shades of red, green, yellow, and blue, and all were trimmed with white. 

Across the road and down a block, I noticed open colorful umbrellas shading patrons at outdoor tables of a café. 

A menu was slapped on the table in front of me, and I looked up and into the gray eyes of a petite, rather pretty, middle-aged woman. Hair that was now more gray than brown was pulled up on the top of her head. Wrinkles at the corners of her eyes told me she'd done a lot of smiling over the years. Those eyes looked at me with a kindness I hadn't been shown in a very long time. She pulled a pen and pad from the white apron she wore over a floral dress.

I’m Maisie. Haven’t seen you around these parts before, so welcome. Do you need more time?

I glanced at the menu and saw exactly what I wanted after a few long days on the road.

I'm new to town Ma'am. Name's, Kennedy.

Pleased to meet you, Kennedy.

I'll have the steak, beans, eggs, hash browns, chocolate milkshake, and coffee to finish, please, Ma'am.

She wrote the order down and stood studying me for a moment. Looking for work?

Yes, Ma'am, but can't say I'd be suited to diner-type work.

She laughed. Call me Maisie, and I'm not looking for anyone, but I know Blaidyn Storm out at Rogue Bay Ranch is looking for a hand.

You’re the second person to give me that piece of information today. The trucker who gave me a ride wrote down Blaidyn’s contact details for me to give him a call. What’s he like?

He's a damn good man, and people round here think very highly of him. There were one or two that gave him a hard time when he came out, but they've learned to keep their mouths shut."

Blaidyn’s gay?

Maisie narrowed her eyes and scowled. That bother you? Her tone was defensive.

No, Ma’am. Why would it bother me when I play for the same team?

Oh, Honey, you really need to give him a call. That man is damn lonely, and I think you might just be the tonic he needs. Sorry for being defensive, but some of us are rather protective of Blaidyn.

I held up my hands. Ma’am, I’m not looking to get involved with anyone, particularly if he’s gonna be my boss. I just need a job and somewhere to lay my head.

Call him. I’m only asking you to be a friend.

That I can do, and I'll be giving him a call.

Maisie gave me a look I didn’t quite understand before excusing herself and heading for what I assumed was the kitchen.

Deciding now was as good a time as any, I dug out the paper with Blaidyn's number and my cell phone. I punched in the numbers, and a deep, husky hello sounded down the line, causing my dick to flinch behind the zipper of the jeans I was wearing.

Mr. Storm?

Yes. Who is this?

My name is Kennedy White, and I just got into town. A trucker called Bill and Maisie from the diner said you're looking for a ranch hand."

Can you sit a horse?

Yes, Sir. I’ve been riding on and off since I was ten years old.

When can you start?

What? Who offers a total stranger a job without even meeting them?

I can put you up in the bunkhouse. Meals are included and you’ll have Sundays off. Wages will be fifty-three thousand annually with bonuses paid at mustering twice a year.

The conditions were excellent, much better than I’d expected. I guess I can come out there today and start tomorrow.

Good. Ask Maisie to give you directions.

Can I ask a question?

Sure, go ahead.

Why are you hiring me when we haven't even met? You know nothing about me or my past. I could be an axe murderer just released from prison.

Are you an axe murderer?

No, but…

Blaidyn laughed. Well, that's a relief. Seriously, Bill called me and said he'd given you a ride into town. He said to expect a call, that you were a good man, and I should hire you. Bill is an excellent judge of character. As a trucker, he meets a lot of people and has seen it all. I trust what he says.

Okay, thanks. I’ll be there as soon as I’ve eaten.

I’ll look forward to meeting you.

Blaidyn disconnected our call at the same time Maisie placed my meal and the milkshake on the table.

You talked to Blaidyn?

Yes. He said to get directions to the ranch from you. Is it far from town?

About five miles.

Transport out that way?

No, sorry, and we don't have cabs here.

Okay, walk it is then.

Let me make a call.

After Maisie left, I dug into the meal. The food was some of the best I'd tasted in years. One mouthful of the milkshake, and I could have sworn I'd died and gone to heaven.

Maisie returned with a smile on her face. You’re all set.

I wiped my mouth with the napkin. I don’t understand.

I called Blaidyn, and he's sending one of his men out to get you.

I sat back in the chair. Is everyone out here so friendly and helpful?

For the most part. We’re a tight community and pride ourselves on being caring citizens. You’ve come to a good place.

I’m beginning to realize that fact.

While waiting for my ride, I finished the meal and downed two cups of coffee.

A man who left me in no doubt that he was a cowboy strutted into the diner a short while later and planted a kiss on Maisie's cheek, causing her to blush. She pointed to where I sat.

The man strode over, a hat in one hand, and I stood. When he offered his hand, we shook.

Bart Johnson. I hear you’re coming to work for Blaidyn?

Kennedy White, and yes, Sir, it appears I've been given employment by your boss.

You won't find a finer man. Come on. I'll take you to meet him.

I grabbed my duffle bag and headed to the counter to pay the check. Maisie waved me away when I pulled out my wallet.

On the house. Consider it a welcome to town.

After a few minutes of me protesting, knowing every cent counted for businesses in small towns, and Maisie refusing to give an inch, Bart intervened.

"It's best to let her have her own