My Forever: Mountain Hearts, #1

By Abby Everheart

Can they change each other's hearts?

In the mountains of Colorado, love finds a way for the most unlikely of people.

Robin isn't interested in another relationship, so when handsome, arrogant ER doctor, Anthony, shows up, she wants nothing to do with him. But as circumstance throws them together and their relationship deepens, she grapples with the yearning of her heart.

Anthony has one goal; return to New York as quickly as possible. But when he teams up with independent veterinarian, Robin, and gets involved with the close-knit community, he begins to wonder if his happiness doesn't rest back in New York.

When they find themselves racing to find a murderer and save everyone from a tragic event, can Robin and Anthony get past their differences and come to terms with what their hearts want?



Welcome to the Colorado mountains where every love story has a suspenseful twist and a happily ever after.
My Forever is a clean, sweet romance and the first, complete standalone in the Mountain Hearts series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Platinum Feather Publishing
• Release date: Feb 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201238315

Abby Everheart

Abby Everheart is the nom de plum for a woman who believes everyone should be able to go on adventures and experience sweet romance from their favorite reading chair. Her favorite part of the day is at night after work when she can sit down and put pen to paper crafting characters and stories she hopes you will love.   You can find her at abbyeverheart.com or follow her on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/authorabby or Bookbub @abbyeverheartauthor.

Book preview

Chapter 1

You look like you murdered someone and buried him in the dirt out back. Humor laced the old man’s words.

Robin stood in front of him, covered in blood, dirt, and liquids most people would cringe at being near let alone covered in.

Thank you for that, Doug. Her tone was dry, but she quirked her lips.

Doug! Let that poor woman in. Come on in, sweetie. A round brunette padded up next to her husband and shooed him out of the doorway.

Robin held up her hands. No thanks, Cora. I’m filthy. I just wanted to report that you have a healthy filly and the mare is doing well.

Cora placed a hand on her chest. What a relief.

I can’t promise that she will make it through another one, Cora. Keep that horse away from your stallion.

Of course! I never meant for this to happen, and I can tell you, I won’t let her near that boy again. In fact, Doc, I was thinking of having him gelded.

Not a bad idea. Robin shifted back, ready to head out.

Being with their horse for the last few hours of the morning after already getting to bed late had made her exorbitant need for coffee even more pronounced.

I so appreciate you, Doc. I’d hug you, but… Cora gestured toward Robin’s attire.

No worries. I’ll talk with you later. Have a pleasant day now.

She threw her black bag into the back of the truck before peeling off her overalls and rain jacket and then stuffing them into a large trash bag she carried in the back for clothing that needed a thorough washing. It was brimming by the end of most days.

Getting into her truck, she headed to her favorite coffee shop. A small bit of hipster-chic in their little town, it had only just opened as she pulled into the parking lot. The clock on her dash boldly announced that it was all of five in the morning.

The bells chimed delicately as Robin entered and Grace’s head popped up from behind the counter.

Good morning! Grace chirped, her curly red hair bouncing with her exuberant greeting.

I’m so glad you’re working today, Robin responded. You make the absolute best coffee.

Grace laughed, a warm, enveloping sound that never failed to make Robin smile. You do realize that it’s the same formula we all make, right?

You must have some magic fairy dust or something back there that you sprinkle in because I swear it always tastes better when you make it.

Well, I do admit I put an extra shot in it than the recipe calls for because you can use all the extra energy you can get, but I’ve told you that, Grace said, grinning. And all the other girls know to add an extra shot too!

The large coffee was out in short order and other early risers trickled in. Some settled at the small, rectangular wooden tables with their laptops, and others lounged in fluffy, soft cream chairs surrounding the small round coffee tables.

Do you want any breakfast? Grace asked.

The coffee shop offered a fine selection of pastries, breakfast burritos, and sandwiches. Robin usually didn’t partake, as the sugar high from even one of their giant, frosting-filled cinnamon buns would send her through the roof. But today she had appointments packed in through lunch and would likely not get an opportunity to eat again until late in the evening.

A bacon breakfast burrito would be wonderful, Robin replied, leaning against the counter.

As Grace worked on her order, Robin watched as a tall man she didn’t recognize slipped inside. His damp, dark hair glistened in the bright lights. With his freshly-pressed and tucked-in shirt, he looked slick and decidedly not country-like as he stood next to a shorter man wearing a gray flannel shirt and thick work vest. Somehow, he seemed familiar, though she couldn’t place him. Probably her tired imagination getting the best of her.

Large mocha, extra shot, nonfat milk, the stranger said.

Coming right up! Grace whipped out a cup. "I’ll tell you a secret, mochas are the best with whole milk. I highly recommend you try it. So good!"

Nonfat is fine.

Robin twitched an eyebrow at Grace, but the girl smiled and tried again.

Do you live here and I just haven’t seen you, or are you passing through?

He gave a short laugh, I certainly don’t live in this Podunk village anymore. I’m here from New York for a few months taking care of an injured family member.

Oh! Well, I’m sure they’re real appreciative of your coming all this way to help. And it’s a perfect time of year for you to be here; these mountains are stunning in the summer, Grace said.

He grunted dubiously.

Grace finished his mocha and snagged a burrito for Robin.

Friendly guy, Robin muttered, taking the warm brown paper bag.

Tell me about it, Grace muttered.

image-placeholder

Summer was Robin’s busiest time of the year. Activity was up, and with it, injuries sustained via accidents or simple overextension. Along with it came a myriad of other ailments the warmth and bugs brought, on top of a vast number of births.

Emergencies had her scrambling, and for what was probably the thousandth time in the last two months, she wanted to put out an ad requesting a part-time veterinary and another vet tech to come work for her. She used to have two vet techs. There was Piper, the insurmountable woman who had more energy than she could dream of, and the sweet and supportive Portia.

Piper was still with her, but Portia had been accepted into the college she’d wanted in California several months back, and from what was said the last time they’d spoken, she wasn’t about to leave the sun and sand. Robin would take rugged, majestic mountains over the beach any day, but she was happy that Portia had finally found where she wanted to be, even if it meant leaving a job she’d been incredible at doing.

Change was hard, and the thought of hiring someone else to do the quality work Robin wanted wasn’t easy for her. At that point though, after pulling fifteen-hour days and not getting a weekend off in the last six weeks, she was seriously considering expanding her business. If she did that, she would need to have a building and a myriad of other things she didn’t want to think about. She liked relying solely on herself and Piper, who she knew without a doubt would always be there with a steady hand and a lot of knowledge, but it made the summer months long and wearing.

During the summer months, dusk wouldn’t come until late in the evening. That made it easier to continue to take appointments past regular business hours. It also made for a grueling few months. She hadn’t planned to work past seven that day, but with the emergencies, appointments had to be pushed back.

Her phone was a curse, or cursed, either way. She wore a glove up to her shoulder, and her entire arm was currently inserted into a cow’s hind end. She’d been feeling around to see if the cow was pregnant when her phone went off. Twice.

Piper was packing up their equipment but paused. Want me to answer that?

Please. Robin pulled her arm out and peeled off the glove. Good news, Anne. You should have a calf in about two months.

Wonderful! Anne exclaimed.

Anne made and sold homemade cheese, butter, and yogurt, and she depended on her three milk cows. The one Robin had been checking was the only one who’d been having trouble getting pregnant. At an earlier checkup, it had been determined that they simply needed to give her more time with the breeding bull when she was in estrous.

Doc, it’s important. Piper held up her phone.

Excuse me just a minute, Robin said, picking up the phone. Dr. Robin.

Doc, it’s Marianne. The woman’s voice was taught with fear. It’s Luna. She got kicked by a deer in the head.

I’ll be right over, Robin responded.

Robin rushed her goodbyes with Anne and threw the bag in the back.

Piper can you hop in the back and get the items we’ll need for a canine surgery ready? Robin asked. Dog is a mastiff, approximately one hundred and forty-five pounds. Kicked in the head by a deer.

Sure thing.

Piper would know exactly what was needed for this type of exam and likely operation. She hopped into the large backseat and started making preparations. She reached through the window of the covered truck bed to gather more items from installed drawers as needed.

When Robin and Piper arrived, Marianne anxiously brought them to Luna, and the two women got to work. Some time later, as Robin pulled the final piece of broken skull from the diamond shaped indent, she sat back.

Turning her head to be heard by the anxious woman she knew was sitting close by in the other room, Robin said, Doing well, making good progress. Vitals are stable.

Once done, Robin handed her bloody instruments to Piper, who packed them to be sterilized back at Robin’s house.

Yes, Robin thought to herself, maybe a building would be nice so she didn’t have to have several pieces of equipment taking up the counter space in her kitchen.

As Piper gathered the items and comforted the dog as it came out of anesthesia, Robin handed a few bottles of medications to Marianne with thorough and specific instructions. She’d come by and check the dog in the next couple of days.

If I hear one more person say how cute and cuddly deer look... Piper huffed once they got back into the truck.

They are cute, Robin responded.

Piper rolled her eyes, which elicited a grin.

image-placeholder

Three more appointments went by that day, all pushed back thanks to the emergency calls she’d received before another emergency call came. A deer hit by a car that was still alive. It didn’t sound good.

The deer didn’t bother to try and get away from her like it would have if it wasn’t gravelly injured, and its abdomen was distended, a sign of internal bleeding. The girl – a sixteen year old new driver – bawled into her father’s shoulder when Robin put the animal down.

This is the kindest and most humane thing we can do for it. We can’t let it suffer, she’d said gently.

Robin knew the girl hadn’t been able to stop in time. Deer were quick, and when they darted out in front of a person on the highway, there was almost no way to stop in time. Still, when they left to follow the tow truck for the autobody shop, the girl made certain her mom, who they had called to pick them up, wasn’t going to ask her to drive.

Glad you were available; I didn’t want to have to shoot it in front of her, the state patrolman said.

Piper gave him a sweet smile, then turned and rolled her eyes at Robin as he tried to engage the girl in conversation. Robin was just appreciative that he kept his lights flashing until she pulled out, ensuring the rest of traffic was aware of them and would either slow down considerably or get over.

When will you get that every man who sees you falls in love? Robin asked Piper.

With her hip length white-blond hair pulled back into an elaborate braid when she worked, her glacier blue eyes and beguiling smile, she was the love of every man that laid eyes on her.

Piper laughed. That’s so not true.

One day I hope you see it.

More appointments went by, and the two worked fluidly together, educating owners and caring for all animals from cattle and horses to dogs, cats, and guinea pigs. They even had an appointment to trim the nails and beak of a cockatoo.

It was getting too late to make it to the last appointment of the day, and she called Mariam Shell to explain the cavalcade of emergencies and ask if she could come the next day at seven pm. The woman kindly agreed, expressing her sympathy for the long day before they bid each other goodnight.

Back at her house she and Piper put away equipment and cleaned, throwing dirty work clothes into her washer.

Are you going to that party May is throwing? Piper asked as they worked.

May was Robin’s sister, and wedding and event planning was her specialty, so she liked to give back to her friends, family, and community with fun parties. Robin only went half the time. Between work and not being nearly as gregarious as her sister, three parties a year was enough for her.

May called me and specifically asked me to come far in advance so I wouldn’t schedule appointments or business work during that time. She knows how to make it so I can’t wiggle out of it.

Piper laughed, a delicate sound that Robin loved. Girl, she’s got your number.

Will you be going? Robin asked.

Ugh, I wish, Piper replied. I promised my dad I’d go with him to his doctor appointment and then to dinner.

The other woman grimaced, and Robin was sorry she asked. Piper and her dad didn’t have a good relationship, but she still helped him by taking him out to eat and to his doctor appointments. She also listened to him rant about whatever was on his mind when he called her. Robin had met the guy, and even though there were few people she couldn’t get along with, he was one of them. Although Robin felt sorry for Piper, she knew you couldn’t do anything about blood. It was dreadfully hard for someone to extricate themselves from toxic relationships with them, especially when they were the only family someone has.

The two bid each other goodnight and Piper hopped into her old, bluish grey Subaru. Robin watched her drive away, reminding herself to give the girl another bonus during the holiday season. Even if it took away from her salary – which it hadn’t the last few years because of how much work had come in – she always made sure her employees got a special thank you during the Christmas season.

Before she went up to her loft and to bed, she glanced at her planner. Tomorrow would be another long day, but she liked it that way. She had nothing else in her life anymore, so she knew she might as well see as many patients as possible.

Chapter 2

Anthony pushed the door open, his arms laden with much needed groceries. He couldn’t believe the state of the house and kitchen when he’d gotten here. The minute he’d seen the tired looking trailer and nearly empty fridge – with the exception of a jar of pickles, a block of cheese and an expired half-gallon of milk – he’d determined to convince his mother it was time to come with him back to New York and live in a nice retirement home. He knew she’d resist, but with enough coaxing, he hoped to convince her by the time he was ready to head back. If he had his way, they wouldn’t even pack anything up, just take a trip to the dump and sell as is.

She was attached to the place though. Why remained a mystery to him, and he would need to be very convincing. Still, she was too old to be left there without any support, and sometimes, he felt a person had to do what was necessary in the situation, not what they wanted. Now all he needed to do was convince her of that.

Anthony? The groggy voice came from down the hall.

She’d awakened sooner than he thought she would. The meds she had taken that morning for the pain should have knocked her out for a longer period of time, given her age and the amount of medication.

Anthony kept his shoes on as he walked down to her room. He didn’t trust the plush brown carpet that had been there since his childhood.

His mother sat up against the headboard, her wrinkles were more prominent than usual, and her eyes looked glassy. I don’t like these meds.

He stood at the end of her bed. You have the option to not take them, but then you’re going to be in a great deal of pain.

They make me sleep, and I feel so groggy, she complained. I need to go see my babies.

Absolutely not. Those blasted animals are the reason you’re injured, he snapped.

His words came out harsher than intended and she frowned.

Don’t say that about them, she chided. It’s not their fault. Bella bumped me and I fell. If it wasn’t for these old bones, I’d be fine.

And what if you’d broken a hip or she’d trampled you? he asked. You don’t realize the gravity of how bad of an injury you could have gotten from that horse.

She sighed heavily. You never did understand my love of them.

And I never will. I bought groceries, he said, changing the subject. Would you like some soup?

He knew that pushing too hard too fast would result in her stubborn streak rising to the surface. On the meds she was taking, she could just as easily slide back under the covers and go to sleep and ignore him.

Oh yes! She struggled to slide her legs around and off the bed. I want to come sit in the living room.

He grabbed her crutches and handed them to her, helping her to get off the bed and onto her one good leg. She barely came to his chin, and for a moment, he looked down at her. He briefly remembered when his big father had smacked her down when he was a child. She had risen, defiance in her eyes, and for the first time, she’d stood up