Whisper To Me

By Ruby Raynes

Melissa's life takes a tragic turn again after a devastating accident leaves her son, Rhett, burned in a house fire. Forced to call upon her parent's again, she must return home. The very place where her PTSD and memory lost happened. Her loving parents encourage her to confront her past and recover her memories. Desperate for stability, she accepts a job working with wild horses, where she crosses paths with Wyatt Storm, a stoic and tough owner. Despite her initial clashes, Wyatt's influence on Rhett dismays her, and memories are sparked. As fragments of her past resurface, it becomes evident that everyone on the ranch holds a connection to her forgotten life.

     A tender romance blossoms amidst the chaos, only to be tested by a shocking betrayal. With her job and Rhett's happiness at stake, Melissa grapples with her bitter memories while Wyatt confronts his own demons. Can they overcome their shared pain and find solace in each other's arms? "Whisper To Me" is an emotional tale of healing, resilience, and the power of love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L R Hill
• Release date: Dec 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215189184

Ruby Raynes

     Ruby Raynes is a multifaceted woman and once a Rodeo Queen. Her diverse career entails real estate, bail bonds, and bounty hunting. During a creative writing course, she discovered her calling and realized the potential of a creative mind.      Her writing delves into contemporary romance, mystery, action, and thrilling narratives. Her stories feature robust characters who possess a sensitive side, adding depth and complexity.      She currently lives in Texas. She's also aiming for the New York Times Best Seller list. Website: www.RubyRaynes-novels.com

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The dead of winter were upon the land as Melissa heard a piercing scream from the living room. The stench of smoke quickly filled the house. In a panic, she ran to the living room and grabbed her son up from the flames. As she went for the door, she barely yanked her purse and coat off the hook as she ran outside. The flames shot up fast and furiously. Grabbing her cell phone out of her pocket, she called 911 as she held a crying little boy racked with pain. The breeze blew her snow-white hair, covering her green eyes. She cradled the boy in her arms, rocking him for comfort. Trying to dial 911, they stood in the freezing cold winter air, shivering. As the police answered, she said, Help! I need an ambulance! My boy is burned badly, and the house is on fire. Melissa was frantic as she tried to listen to the responder. Hold on, I have help on the way. The responder kept talking, trying to keep Melissa as calm as possible. It took what seemed forever to Melissa before she heard the sirens and saw the flashing lights as her house burned.

Okay, they’re here. Thank you so much. I’ve got to get my son to the ambulance. Melissa hung up and headed for the ambulance as the men jumped out and ran to her. My son has been burned. Please help.

One man tried to help her stay calm as he pulled the gurney out. Here, let’s put him on the bed and head for the emergency room. Melissa didn’t argue. She moved swiftly and then got into the ambulance with her son, Rhett. They sped off as the firefighters worked diligently to save as much of the house as they could. One man looked Melissa over and said, You’re lucky, only some of your hair got burned. A new haircut will fix that, though.

Once they got to the hospital, the nurses and doctors worked on Rhett to ease his pain. Melissa tried to help, but eventually got pushed out of the room. Then she had to answer a lot of questions. It was a long, horrible night for her as she waited. Then she had to call her parents and break the news to them.

Mr. and Mrs. Devane were calm, and each spoke softly. Hon, we’ll fly right out and be there as soon as we can. Hang on dear. We’ll bring you some clothes as well. Her father sighed. Keep us posted, hon, we’re on our way.

Mrs. Devane said, We’ll be by your side soon.

Okay mom, dad, I’ll try. He’s in surgery right now. I’m afraid the burns will leave a lot of scarring. She paused, listening to drawers opening and closing in the background. She knew they were on speaker and rushing to head her way. Dad, keep mom safe, it’s extremely cold. I’ll see you in a few.

We’ll be there before you know it. Hang on for us, hon. He paused as she heard her mother speak. Your mother says to give Rhett a kiss for her.

I will, mom, lots of kisses for you. I’ll see you soon, bye. They hung up the phone and Melissa kept pacing the floor, waiting on news from the doctors. Melissa knew her dad would fly the helicopter in. He would not waste time booking a flight. She smiled only for a moment. Until the thought of whether there was a storm in their area. Exhaling hard then she wondered if he’d fly the airplane. She knew the rescue team he worked with wouldn’t care which aircraft he flew. All she was concerned about was her son and her parents getting there safely.

Two hours later, she turned around to see her parents walking briskly up the hall. Melissa ran to them and cried on their shoulders. I don’t know what happened. All I heard was Rhett screaming, and then the house was full of smoke and flames. I barely found him to pick him up and run.

Sid, her father, held her firmly in his arms. Who knows what happened? What matters is that you two are going to be okay. You’ll see, Rhett is a strong, healthy boy.

Melissa knew he was right, and he was trying to reassure her, as he always did. Rhonda, her mother, agreed with Sid wholeheartedly. That’s right, my dear, and you can come home with us for a while. We miss you so much and it will give you time to get on your feet again.

As Melissa thought about it, they got interrupted as a doctor approached them. Ms. Devane? Melissa turned to face the doctor and nodded. He’s going to be fine. Everyone sighed. However, he will have scars. He was lucky you got him out as fast as you did. It could’ve been a lot worse.

The questions flew as the doctor answered all he could. Then he instructed Melissa how to treat the burns as he led them to Rhett’s room. Melissa almost had a fit when she seen Rhett all bandaged up. Sid held her for a moment as the doctor said, Wait, it only burned his hair. His face and head aren’t burned, only his left side. Sid looked at the doctor with a raised brow. A little of his neck, his arm and part of his ribs. He’s a lucky boy. It didn’t go down his legs. With some plastic surgery, it may not be near as noticeable.

Sid finally reached out and shook the doctor's hand. Thank you so much for taking care of our little boy. When can he go home?

I want to keep him for several days and make sure he’s healing properly. Then he can go home with instructions for continued treatment. The doctor looked at them, one by one. He’ll need constant care for a couple of months.

Sid grabbed Melissa when he saw her face. Now, hon, you know how this works. You’ve worked with me and we’ve seen many injuries, including burns.

But that’s my baby, dad.

Rhonda smiled. Now you know how I felt when you got injured. You are my baby girl, too. Rhonda looked up at Sid then. We won’t talk about how baffling your dad was.

Melissa looked at her dad. Yeah, well, maybe a little baffling. Rhonda poked his ribs for fibbing. Okay, I admit it. I went crazy. Melissa giggled finally. It doesn’t matter how old the kids get, either. He joggled a finger at her. Just wait until he wants to date.

Melissa frowned. He’s so handsome now. I’ll be calling you to help beat the girls off. Sid laughed as Rhonda agreed they’d help.

The next several days were tense for Melissa as she watched how Rhett’s treatments went. She held strong for him, though. Then she had to take care of the ranch as well. She reluctantly asked her parents to take Rhett with them while she took care of things. It broke her heart when he cried, not wanting to leave Melissa. However, she had to settle the insurance on the house and move the horses.

It disheartened her that the insurance money had to go on the hospital bills. Then it was hard to call her clients and have them pick up their horses she had been working with. Yet, everyone understood and let her come to their ranch to finish up with the training. She stayed in the barn's loft, making it into a studio apartment.

The house itself was a total loss. There were only a few things that were salvageable. Some clothing, pictures and a few odds and ends. Christmas was a loss, so she was grateful Rhett was with her parents. She knew they would make sure he had a Christmas. Luckily, her pickup was spared from the fire as well. She counted her blessings instead of brooding over the losses.

The harshness of winter gave way to the persistence of spring. As she finished the last training of the horses she had promised to work with, she pondered going back to Wyoming. She was born and raised in Wyoming, yet something deep inside her didn’t want to go back. She pondered on it. It was a beautiful country, with wild animals everywhere, and she had even worked with her father for years. There was something nagging her, though.

Then again, Kansas wasn’t where her heart really was after all. As she thought about things, she came up with the excuse to stay longer. Selling the land and barn was the best, and she needed the money desperately to move on. She made her call to her mother and explained things to her and Rhett. Rhonda was fine with it all.

Rhett was happy. You mean we’re going to stay here?

For a little while, son. Until we can figure out what to do. Maybe we can find a small place up there later.

Mom, grandpa said you can work with him again. If you want to. He’s says you are the best.

Well, we’ll see. Now what I want to know is how are you doing? Are you back in school?

Ah, I’m doing much better. It finally quit hurting. He paused. Grandma has a lady come over for schooling. She’s set me up for online school in another week or two. I don’t want to go to school and have everyone make fun of me.

I guess I understand that. For now. It’s okay as long as you are getting your schooling. But you can’t hide forever, son. Melissa dropped her head, half disappointed. I need to go, son, so let me talk to grandma for a minute. I love you and you be my brave little man. Okay?

I love you too mom, I’ll be brave for you. Here’s grandma. He handed the phone over. Mom wants to talk to you again.

Rhonda takes the phone with a kiss from Rhett. Hi hon. Are you coming up soon? Rhett has grown an inch already, I believe. He’s been such a good boy.

I’m glad. I sure miss him. There is a buyer on the property. After the closing, I’ll head that way. Okay? I sure appreciate you taking care of him. When I should be.

Don’t you worry about a thing. We’ve loved having him here. He’s such a happy child. You have too much to do and taking care of him would be too much right now. Do what you have to and we’ll be here waiting. He’s being tutored online, so he’s doing fine. We love you, Melissa. Hurry home.

I will, mom. I hope everything goes okay with this offer. They still haven’t seen the burned down house and I can’t afford to remove it. I’ve tried to clean it up as best as I can. Well, I’ll keep you posted either way.

Okay dear, I love you and your dad says he misses you as well and sends his love. Goodbye and let us know what’s happening.

I will, mom, love you all. See you soon. An hour after Melissa hung up, another offer came in on the property. It was a better offer. The buyer wanted to build their own house, so hers being ruined worked better. That suited her just fine. Then she went through the dealing process. The first offer ended up having too many issues and backed out.

Therefore, the second offer was accepted, and everything went smoothly to the end. She let the new owners know they could start rebuilding immediately. They didn’t have to wait for her to move. It was already done. They were gracious and felt sorry for her. Melissa thanked them and walked out of the office.

Sitting in her truck, which was loaded and ready to roll. Melissa stared at the cashier's check in her hand. Well, it’s something to start with. Mel drove on and stopped to get something to eat sooner than she planned. The stress of everything lifted, mostly. That allowed her to think of food finally and she went buffet style. She consumed two whole plates full of food. With a deep sigh, Melissa sat back, feeling better. Okay, time to hit the road again. She paid her tab and went on outside. Standing by the truck, she took in the last view of the land. It was flat with no hills. You could see as far as your eyes allowed. Plenty of grassland for horses and cattle. Yet she missed the wild animals of Wyoming frolicking around the land.

CHAPTER 2

Up in Wyoming, a thaw of winter was apparently bringing out the bears. There were many reports of bear attacks from the ranchers. Two men, Travis and Duke, sat at a table talking about the issue and about their boss, Wyatt. He was becoming almost unbearable to deal with anymore. The two men were loyal friends and had to think of something to help Wyatt. Travis eventually got up and bought a newspaper.

Duke noticed the strange look on Travis’s face. What’s got your attention? That paper has nothing worth looking at.

Travis looked up at him. Wyatt needs a real horse whisperer to come in and work the five at least. Travis then turned the paper around to show Duke the name.

Duke leaned in and read for a moment. Oh, he’d kill us. Especially after the thing that happened. He’s already at the snapping point. Then Duke snatched the paper away from Travis. Did you see this? Duke had to read it to Travis then. That’s horrible dude. Can you imagine that happening to us?

Naw, man, I’d be so lost and devastated. We even went to school with Mel.

Travis sat back and stared off into the distance at the majestic mountains covered in snow. He finally glanced at Duke with the right side of his mouth, grinning. Do you think we can find Mel’s parents?

Duke’s eyes got big. Ah, they may still live around the search and rescue station. I don’t remember seeing either in town for years now.

Travis rubbed his chin in thought. They probably go to the city for things. Now this is just between us. If they will tell us where Mel is. Mel’s been gone for at least four years now. Who else would know where she’s at? The two got to talking more about plans and ideas for over an hour.

Duke gave in and sat back hard in his chair. I don’t know about this. It’s been what? About eight years maybe.

Yeah, since the first time she left, then she came back. The second time was maybe four years later. Oh hell, I’m confused over the years. Travis paused for a second. Man, time has slipped by, Duke agreed. He’s been torn up for almost six years. It’s time for him to straighten his butt up and move on.

Duke stood up and stretched. Mel took it hard too. She even disappeared and moved on. She could be married by now. We need to make a couple of phone calls to see if Mel wants the work. The two got to looking for phone numbers and names on the internet. Finally, Duke said, There are several here, but I think this one is the most likely.

I found one as well. You call yours and I’ll call this one. Just ask like we need someone to work the horses, nothing more. Duke agreed, so they parted for some privacy. Travis’s number wasn’t a good one, so he called another one.

Duke called two numbers, then gave up, disgusted at the rudeness he received. He went back and sat down, waiting for Travis. But then he heard a little excitement rise in Travis’s voice and had to go listen.

Yes ma’am, that’s right. We went to school together. I’m Travis, the one that you ran off once. He paused, listening to her mother. I sure need a whisperer with five or maybe seven that are wild as can be. Then Travis gave Duke a funny look. Ah, sure we can meet. He paused. In an hour, ah, okay, that’s fine. Thank you, goodbye.

What’s happening? Why does she want to meet? Duke was all nervous at this point and fidgeted from foot to foot.

It seems she wants to explain a few things that’s happened to Mel. She wants us aware of. They looked at each other, wondering about what that meant. I hope Mel hasn’t gone, psycho.

Duke back handed Travis. Not and have that good of a reputation as a whisperer. You know a horse wouldn’t get near a weird person.

Travis flinched a second, surprised at the hit. You’re right. Let’s head for the bakery and meet her there. I’m curious about this.

The two took off and walked through the small town, trying to burn off some nervousness. Duke said, I’m glad we’re off today. Now we have to figure out how to work this with Wyatt and not get killed.

We’ll just tell him we found a whisperer that is excellent with the worst of the worst. Just say Mel is all, no last name or anything else. We’ll play it by ear after we find out what’s the deal in a few minutes.

Duke pointed. I think that’s Mel’s mother, if I remember correctly. We better hie tail it inside. The men picked up a fast pace, making it to the bakery just as the woman touched the door. Well hello, it’s so nice to see you again.

The woman pulled her hand back, startled at the hello. She looked both men up and down as Travis opened the door for her. After you ma’am. I’m Travis and this is Duke.

She finally smiled. Ah yes, I remember you now, Travis. Still a handsome young man. You’ve changed a bit, though. And Duke, I seem to remember as well. The little boy that picked on every one of the girls.

Duke only chuckled and blushed. Travis laughed at him. Yes, ma’am, he sure did and still does. As for myself, I got married and have two kids now. Travis led her to a table in the back and pulled out a chair for her and then pushed it in as she sat down.

Well, I suppose you are curious why I asked to speak in person with you. They both scooted in closer and nodded. There was an incident several years ago that messed Mel up pretty bad. Emotionally, and it also caused some memory loss. The doctors said the memory might come back with stimulation. However, nothing yet has improved since she left. I’m hoping that coming back home will help. The men sat up and sighed, feeling so bad for Mel. The house burned down just recently as well. It’s been tough and one injured that has cost a lot of money in medical bills.

The men gasped and Travis said, That’s horrible. I’m so sorry. Duke was so shocked he gulped hard. How bad is the memory loss? If I may ask?

After the second incident, Mel remembered little of the school years at all. Mel didn’t remember us for the longest time either. As Mel worked with her father, the memory of us came back. Just not of friends or the incident. The doctor said Mel blanked it out after being so traumatized, like PTSD, that occasionally shows up. Mel can’t put the pieces together, blanking out so much of the incident. There’s still a lot of healing that needs to happen. Puffing her cheeks out and then letting her breath release, she said, I’ve pushed for Mel to come home, hoping to kind of force things along. I was even daring to hope that someone else... well, never mind.

Duke elbowed Travis then to make him speak up and tell what they had planned. Travis looked at Duke, who nodded to go on and say it. Travis took a shaky breath and asked, You mean Wyatt? It only took a half nod, then he said, He is. He just doesn’t know it. He has gotten so hard and callused we’ve decided he needs to heal and move on as well. A surprised look went across her face. Does Mel remember him?

No, not one time has his name been spoken.

His face is scarred across one eye, so he doesn’t look the same anymore and he’s really muscular now. Travis paused in thought. Duke motioned across his face to show her. Does Mel look the same?

Mel’s changed a lot, except for her white hair. She’s not the skinny girl she used to be. Well, she’s muscular and filled out wonderfully now. A beautiful young woman now. But, I’m biased. I think she even grew a bit taller.

Duke finally spoke up. We can tell Mel to stay away from Wyatt. Just work the horses. He rarely bothers with most workers. He tells us what he wants, then does his own chores. It may take him a while to pay attention.

I guess we can wait and see what happens when Mel gets here in about a month. I’ll let her know I got a call from you and you need help with some horses. It’ll be a job right off, so Mel may go for it. You guys will have to convince Mel. She paused. I can’t know anything about this.

Duke nods. We understand. Now we have to convince Wyatt he needs the best whisperer and go from there. Maybe it will all work out for everyone.

Hopeful plans were made, and the nerves were rattling as they all thought about things. The next morning, Travis was at work first. He looked around at the ranch; it needed work done but all in all; it was a nice place. The pristine mountains were beautiful, and the grassland had wild animals all over it. That’s how Wyatt got some of the wild horses.

Wyatt came out of the house mumbling as usual, but this time, it was about a horse. That paint it kicking every board out of the barn.

Travis looked at him and instantly he said, You need a darn good horse whisperer in here, Wyatt.

Yeah, and where are you supposed to find one? I want one to live on site for a while and settle that paint down first.

Travis went for it right off. I saw one in a magazine, someone called Mel. The best in the biz, works with the worst of the worst and has a high ranking in success. Wyatt grumbled some more than he strode to the barn. Travis followed him. I can find a number and call just to check. At the least, get a good referral from some people.

Duke pulled up and cringed at seeing a conversation going already. He got out and went right to the barn to listen. He got surprised as Wyatt said, Well, I’ll think about it, besides that cabin needs repairs before anyone can live in it. That’s something Duke can start on today. Wyatt eyed Duke for a second.

Yes, sir, I’ll go check it out and see what supplies we need to get. He paused, then asked, Who is this for? He glanced at Travis, then back at Wyatt.

Maybe for someone to work with this darn paint horse, if Travis can find this Mel person. Make it nice too. Someone as good as he says will not want to stay in a drafty slump. Then he can run back and forth all night to settle the horses down. Instead of me all the time.

You got it. I’ll go get the measuring tape and start right on it. Duke turned around and smiled at Travis as he walked past him. He was happy to stay away from Wyatt.

Travis went up the ladder into the loft and tossed some hay down. Wyatt dished out some grain for the horses as he half growled under his breath. Then Travis dared to speak. Wyatt, if I remember right, there needs to be a forty foot round pen for training. That’s what I found on the internet.

Wyatt whirled around to face Travis. Why is that?

"Well, you don’t want a horse to get in a corner. If it’s round. Then it can only go in a