Second Chance Rancher

By Susan Horsnell

One week before he is due to marry, Dallas Rogers leaves the family who had given him a second chance at life after he is deceived fiancé.
During his journey, he encounters an abandoned dog and the two become close companions as they travel over the mountain range in search of a new home.
His luck continues to fail him when he stumbles across a ranch, and after being shot at and thrown from his horse, he suffers a life threatening head injury.
Emily Parker takes responsibility for Dallas' care and recovery after he is injured.

After all, it was her crazy grandmother who shot the poor stranger.

Will Dallas recover and lose his heart to the feisty girl, or will past experiences leave him unforgiving and bitter?

Bonus Content: 3 Short Stories – Verity's Saviour, Mountain Maiden, Petticoat Patrol

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lipstick Publishing
• Release date: Oct 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223821601

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   

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Copyright © 2017 by Susan Horsnell

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 organisations), 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.

Written by: Susan Horsnell

Edited: Redline Editing

Proofread: Leanne Roger

Published by: Lipstick Publishing

Note to Reader:

This book is purely fictional, a product of the author’s imagination and is written for the reader’s enjoyment. It is not intended to be used for Historical education.

The characters, town and businesses are fictional and should be regarded as such.

Chapter One

Texas 1886

Dallas propped the envelope between two mugs in the center of the kitchen table where it was sure to be seen. He took one last look around. Sighing, he bid a silent goodbye to the loving family who had raised him as their own.

It had been fifteen years since that fateful day when his ma, pa and older sister – Tilly, had been caught up in a botched bank robbery. All three had perished leaving Dallas an orphan at just ten years old. He had been dropped off to play at a friend’s house, shopping held no interest for the young and energetic boy. It had saved his life.

At times, over the years, he had wished he could have been with his family. Although his foster parents were kind and had afforded him every opportunity, he still missed his parents desperately.

His father’s close friends, Marshall and Nancy Young had taken the distressed child into their midst and treated him no differently to their own children. He loved them both dearly. Ethan, their eldest, the same age as he, became not only his best friend but also his brother. Amanda, the baby of the family, he’d loved like a sister until it had become so much more.

Dallas shook his head as a single tear rolled down his cheek. He picked up his saddle bags and quietly left. After securing his bags and his bedroll, he mounted his steed and rode off. He didn’t glance back as he headed straight toward the hills and a new life.

***

Ethan scrubbed his face with his hand as he stepped into the kitchen. One glance at his parents’ faces alerted him that something was very wrong. He moved swiftly to join them. Ma, pa, what’s wrong?

His mother glanced at his father and dabbed at her eyes. Oh Ethan, Dallas has left.

What do you mean, he’s left?

Didn’t he tell you he was leaving? You two were as thick as thieves. His father hugged his mom to him.

He never said a word. It’s only a week to his wedding, how dare he walk out like this! What about Amanda? He jammed his hands in his pockets and angrily paced the floor. Does she know?

She hasn’t come down yet. She’ll be beside herself. What will we tell everyone? We’ll be humiliated. His mother burst into a fresh wave of tears.

Now, now, Nancy. It will be okay, his father soothed.

She lifted her tear stained face to her husband. Marshall, our daughter is twenty-three years old, who else is going to marry her? What will people think when they find out she’s been practically left at the altar?

Marshall dragged his fingers through his already thinning hair and guided his wife into a chair. A normally tough, no-nonsense rancher, he was at a complete loss when either his wife or daughter became upset. I'm sure someone else will capture our daughter’s heart.

I’m gonna go get him and bring him back. He has no right to run off after everything you have done for him. Ethan moved toward the door as Amanda entered the room.

Good morning. She sounded happy and it was obvious she had no idea Dallas was gone. Mother, why are you crying?

Marshall dragged his fingers through his hair, again. Sit down, Amanda.

His daughter did as asked and waited nervously for someone to explain what was going on.

Did you know Dallas was leaving? her father asked outright.

Amanda gasped and her hands flew to her breast. N…no, I had no idea.

Nancy handed the letter to her daughter. Amanda accepted it into her trembling hands and began reading:

Dear Ma, Pa, Ethan and Amanda

I'm writing this letter to tell you I have decided to set out and live my life elsewhere.

Ma, Pa, you have done so much for me and I will always be grateful. I will never forget how you took in a frightened, lonely little boy and turned me into a man.

Ethan, you are and always will be, the best friend and brother anyone could ask for.

Amanda, I’m sorry to run out so close to our wedding but I just couldn’t go through with it. I know how much ma and pa wanted us to be together and although I love you, it’s as a sister, not as a wife and lover.

I’m sorry I have hurt you all and I hope, with time, you will find it in your hearts to forgive me. I will carry you in my heart wherever I go.

Your always loving son and brother.

Dallas.

Amanda dropped the letter down on the table. Her eyes filled with tears. After what she had done, Dallas had not said a word. She shot to her feet and raced to her room.

Ethan attempted to follow, he wanted to comfort his sister, but Marshall stayed his son with a hand on his arm. Leave her be, son. She needs to work through this on her own. If she needs us she will ask.

Ethan nodded and turned back toward the table. He took a seat next to his mother and gathered her hands into his. I’ll go after him and make him come back.

Marshall scraped the legs of a chair on the wooden floor before seating himself at the table with his wife and son. You can’t force him to come home and marry your sister. He would be unhappy and he would make Amanda’s life miserable.

I want to know why, pa. He seemed happy and he never once mentioned he was leaving. Even his letter doesn’t explain it.

I know, but he’s a man and he has every right to make his own decisions. If that means making his own way in the world then so be it. He’ll come home when he’s ready.

I’ll punch him in the nose when he does.

Ethan, you will do no such thing, his mother scolded.

He scowled but remained silent. I will find you Dallas and when I do you have some explaining to do.

***

Amanda lay face down on her bed sobbing into her pillow. Dallas was gone, he didn’t want her and she didn’t blame him. Her stupid actions had cost him his home, ruined their plans and their futures. Who would marry her now? It wouldn’t be Carlos. Mother and papa would never allow her to marry a divorced man, a Mexican at that, no matter how wealthy he was. She would not marry without her parent’s blessings.

She released a new burst of tears. I’m so sorry, Dallas. Why couldn’t you forgive me?

She sat up on her bed and drew her shoulders back in defiance. I will find someone who wants to marry me and not just bed me.

Amanda is a beautiful, spoiled and self-centered young lady who has grown up with all the privileges her wealthy parents could provide, including a fine finishing school back East. She has been surrounded by young people, men in awe of her beauty and girls hoping to snatch one of her cast-offs. Although not nasty or vicious, she has never taken anyone else’s feelings into account. She knows now, she has pushed Dallas too far. A light tap sounded at her door.

Come in. She dabbed at her tears.

Her mother entered the room and moved to her side. After seating herself on the bed, she gathered her daughter into her arms. I’m so sorry, darling. Did you have any idea Dallas was going to leave?

No, I didn’t.

Do you have any idea what would have caused him to go? Do you think he began to believe the rumors? I warned you people would talk.

N..no. He believed I was pure. Amanda felt her face heat with the lie.

I can’t understand it. He’s such a responsible young man, it just isn’t like him. So close to your wedding too. Ethan is threatening to go after him and drag him back.

Amanda lifted her head from her mother’s breast. Oh no, mother. He mustn’t.

Nancy noted the panic in her daughter’s voice and frowned. What was she hiding? Why shouldn’t your brother go after Dallas?

Ummm…If he’s so unhappy he had to leave, we shouldn’t force him to come back.

Very odd. Nancy knew something was being hidden from her, but she wouldn’t pursue it…yet. I’ll bring you some tea and fresh biscuits. She kissed Amanda’s forehead and headed to the kitchen.

Amanda remained on her bed, lost in her thoughts. She needed to talk to Carlos.

***

The Previous Day

Dallas came in early from riding the fence line. The day was hot, the air thick with moisture, and he looked forward to a swim in the nearby creek. It would wash off the dirt and grime of the day as well as bring relief to his tired, aching muscles. Fixing fences was back breaking work and the only job on the ranch he hated. The chore needed doing too damned often thanks to one very amorous bull.

He sighed as he dismounted near the barn and led his horse,