Cowgirl Up: The Cowgirls Sunset, #2

By E.M.Courtney

Heather's determination to keep her ranch going in San Diego is admirable, especially after losing her husband. After seven years, Heather meets a new vet Chandler in the town.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Teal Heart Books
• Release date: Apr 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224231096

Book preview

The Broken Road

Heather returns home with her new horse, Rocky, after three long days of traveling from Meadows Run. Heather, a Southern California resident, owns Hearts and Hands, a small horse ranch. Heather wanted to ensure Rocky was healthy and safe after the trip, so she contacted her vet's office. They informed her that their new veterinarian would be visiting her soon.

Heather was outside with Rocky when the vet truck pulled beside the barn. A tall, red-haired Chris Evans stepped out of the truck.  Hello Heather, my name is Chandler.

Hello, Chandler. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Rocky.

Heather grinned as Chandler thoroughly checked Rocky and confirmed that Heather had put him in a round ring. After finishing his job, Chandler began packing up his equipment. Heather walked over to him and paid him for his services. As their hands touched, Heather's face grew warm with heat. Chandler smiled back at her.

Here is my cell number, Heather. Feel free to call me if you need assistance with Rocky or the other horses.

Heather took the card from him. Chandler donned his cowboy hat and shut his truck.

Would you like a tour of Heart and Hands? asked the guide.

Yes, the name is lovely.

Thank you! Heart and Hands is a part of 4H.  

Chandler was familiar with that saying. He had recently moved to San Diego County and was exploring the area. Heather had shown him around the property and pointed out the old red barn. As they walked, Chandler couldn't help but notice how her blond hair swayed and her deep chocolate brown eyes that he could gaze into forever. Meanwhile, Heather watched as Chandler pet each horse and admired them with his striking green eyes. Heather appreciated his short red hair and his charming smile.

Chandler left in his truck and then asked Heather to lunch. She felt the warmth on her face, and a smile spread across it. See you tomorrow, Chandler, she said. What would you recommend? Surprise me, he replied before smiling and driving away. 

This will be Heather's first date in ten years after losing the love of her life in a car accident. Heather texted her best friend and neighbor, Ember, inviting them to come outside and meet her new horse. Heather could hear Ember's dogs barking, so she opened the side gate that linked their properties. She stood next to Rocky, her horse, as Ember came over. 

He is beautiful, Heather, and a clean bill of health from Dr. A.

I didn't see Dr. A today. Instead, a new colleague named Chandler asked me out, and I said yes. He will bring me lunch tomorrow. 

Ember hugged Heather, I am so happy for you! I know how hard it has been since Dan.

Heather returned home after a long day, and one of her cats greeted her. Sweetie, did you see that man who spoke to me? Sweetie looked up and meowed. All right, let's get some dinner first. Heather opened a can of cat food and poured it into Sweetie's bowl. For herself, Heather made two grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner. Heather prepared Sweetie's dinner by opening a can of cat food and pouring it into her bowl. For herself, she made grilled cheese sandwiches and settled on the couch to re-watch Supernatural.

––––––––

Heather began her day by blasting 90s country music at total volume in the house while Sweetie danced around her, waiting for food. Okay, Sweetie.

Heather woke up and danced to the kitchen to make herself a coffee. After that, she fed her pet Sweetie and checked her phone. There was a text from Chandler saying, See you soon. She had the urge to reply but decided against it. After finishing her tasks inside the house, Heather went outside to start her day. She had seven horses, three goats, and one pig to feed. While she was doing that, her friend Ember came over with a box of donuts.  It was a quest to find six donuts. Ember gave a grade to the maple bar donut. Heather examined five donuts before choosing the one with pink frosting and rainbow sprinkles.

Chandler sent a message to Heather earlier in the day, which she showed to Ember. The message read, See you soon.

That's adorable, Ember commented.

Will Leo be working daytime shifts again? Heather asked.

I hope so. I miss Leo at night, Ember replied.

After finishing her second donut, Heather took Rocky outside to play in the big ring while Ember returned to her house. Heather spent most of the morning cleaning out all the stalls before returning inside to clean up. Sweetie looked at her questioningly, but Heather explained that he was charming. She then put on her favorite shirt and best jeans.

Heather stepped out of her house and spotted Chandler's truck parked nearby.

Hey, I hope you're hungry, Chandler greeted her, holding two bags of food. Heather smiled at the sight of it.

I am. Do we need plates? Heather asked.