The computer pinged behind him, signaling that he had mail. With a heavy sigh, he sat down to see who it was from, surprised when he noted the email of the rude rancher he’d applied to. Curious, he clicked on the message and began reading.
Dear Mr. McGovern,
My name is Aaron and I’m 9 years old. Mom told me I had to write and apologize for the message I sent you. It was supposed to go to the company that built Halo. My game is broken, and when your email came, I thought it was from them. They won’t help me. Mom is angry, and I owe you an apology. I’m not supposed to cuss, even tho I didn’t say it out loud. Mom says writing it is just as bad. I’m sorry.
Aaron
Jimmy’s lips curved upward as he read the message. By the time he’d finished, he was laughing out loud. Nine years old and computer savvy? Sounds like his mother has her hands full with that one. He wondered if he still had a chance at the job. Or would they be too embarrassed to hire him after Aaron’s little fiasco? His spirits lifted with the boy’s missive.
He wrote back, accepting the apology. He’d just hit send when his phone rang.
“Jimmy? I’m having trouble with the Gibbs’ account. I know you’re sick, but it won’t balance.”
“Fax me the trial balance so I can look it over.”
“Thanks, Boss.”
“No problem, Marla.”
Jimmy waited for the fax, noted the error, and faxed it back. He stood and stretched, anxious to get outside, enjoy a day in the sun, and ride for as long as he wanted to. At least it would make his sick day worthwhile. He whistled a happy tune as he went out and saddled Sherry for a morning ride. For the first time in many years, he swept his cares and responsibilities aside in favor of a relaxing day in the saddle.
By the time he returned, a second email had arrived. The job was his! And could he start at the beginning of the month, only two weeks away. He made a quick phone call to his assistant at the firm. Not only would she cover for him, she’d buy him out if he decided to sell. Marla also had friends who had recently lost their home to a fire and were looking for a furnished place to rent.
Sorry for their loss, yet elated at the news, Jimmy agreed to rent to them. He shot off an acceptance email to M. Dehavilland and then started making plans. He’d need to change the insurance coverage on the house, disconnect the utilities, and put his personal items into storage until he bought his own place. He’d have to make a list, make sure he didn’t forget anything. Things were happening so fast.
Sherry would be more content too. They were moving to a horse ranch in Colorado! She’d have plenty of acreage to roam. He punched the air. Yes!
No! He’d forgotten to mention Sherry. Should he write back now and ask if they could accommodate his horse? Or would that make him seem incompetent? Heck, it was a horse ranch for cryin’ out loud. One more would never be noticed. With that decision made, he prepared for his move.
Aaron was so excited, he half-led, half-dragged Melissa to the barn and up the ladder to the loft where an orange tabby cared for her kittens. Not surprisingly, six of the seven kittens were orange, or orange and white, but the seventh one was pure white.
“They’re beautiful, Aaron. How old are they?”
“Mama kitty borned them two days ago. Can I have that one, Mom? I’ll take good care of him.”
“The white one?”
He nodded.
“What if it’s a girl kitty?” she asked.
“Nah, Brian said girls don’t have balls.”
“What! Geesh! I need to talk to that man.”
“What about, Mom?”
Melissa shifted position, thinking fast. “Ranch business.” That simple answer seemed to satisfy her son. He jumped to his feet, startling a hiss from the mama cat. “Careful, honey. If mama kitty thinks her babies are in danger, she’ll move them and we may never find them.”
He reached over and petted the mother cat. “Nah, she’s knows I won’t hurt ’em. Can I have one?”
“We’ll see. They’re too young yet. Let me think about it. Okay?”
“Okay.”
“Can we go see the colt now?” She’d wanted to check on the foal first, but Aaron’s excitement over the new litter of kittens had won out.
He smiled and headed for the ladder. “Last one down’s a rotten egg,” he called as he swung his leg down to the first rung.
Melissa looked out over the loft to the hay piled below. What the heck! She jumped, sliding down the side of the pile until her feet touched the wooden floor, successfully beating her son to ground level. She got up laughing, feeling exhilarated and carefree.
“Hey! No fair. You cheated.” He glanced up at the loft. “Can I try that?”
“No, and you cheated first. You didn’t call it until you were already at the ladder.”
They laughed and with one arm wrapped around his bony, little shoulders, she allowed him to lead her to the new colt.
“He’s beautiful, Aaron. What do you think we should name him?”
“Well, I was thinking about that. His mama is Satin’s Pride and his papa is Dehavilland’s Promise. What about Dehavilland’s Pride?”
“I think that’s a perfect name for him, honey.”
Aaron beamed with pride. “He’s the first boy horse baby since we moved here. I even watched him being borned. Can he be mine, Mom?”
He looked up at her with such hope shining from his eyes that she didn’t have the heart to say no. Besides, this would be his ranch someday and she was glad to see him taking an interest in it. Melissa smiled at her son, amazed at the changes since they’d moved to Colorado. “First a kitten and now a horse? Where did all this responsibility suddenly come from?”
“If I’m gonna grow up and be a rancher, I need a horse. Can I have him? Please?”
“I certainly can’t argue with your logic. Yes, Aaron. He’s yours, but you have to learn how to care for him.”
Aaron entered the stall and petted the colt. “We’re going to be a great team and I’m going to take extra good care of you.”
She watched boy and gangly colt together for a moment. “I think I’ve come up with a better name.” His face fell and she entered the stall to stand beside them, resting her arm on Aaron’s shoulder as she studied the colt. “What do you think of Aaron’s Pride?”
He turned and jumped into her arms, winding his smaller ones around her neck in a crushing stranglehold. “Thank you, Mommy. I’ll love him forever.”
“I’m sure you will. Now, it’s time to go to the house and wash up for dinner. Sheila will skin us alive if we’re late.”
A delightful chuckle sprang forth. “Nah, I can run faster scared than she can mad.”
Melissa laughed, so glad to be home. She’d missed this, missed him. Her heart filled to bursting at the happiness lighting up her son’s face. She’d do anything to keep him happy…anything at all; except give him the one thing he really wanted…another daddy.
Excited to know she wouldn’t have to worry about the ranch accounts after today, Melissa found herself jumping to look out the window every time she heard a vehicle in the yard. Finally, one stopped in front of the house. Relieved he’d arrived, and he hadn’t changed his mind at the last minute, she headed to the front door. Halfway there, a knock rapped. She opened it with a wide grin…a grin that quickly disappeared when she saw who was there.
“You!” they said in unison.
He recovered first, to her chagrin, a beatific smile making his eyes crinkle at the corners. “Howdy, ma’am. I hope you got your horses to Kentucky in time for the sale. I’m here to see Mister Dehavilland.”
“Yes, I did, and there is no mister. I’m Melissa Dehavilland. My son and I own this spread. Please, come in.”
“Thank you.” He stepped inside and bumped the door closed with his hip, setting his duffle bag on the floor as he reached out to shake her hand. “I’m James McGovern. You were expecting me?”
His touch burned like fire, the heat rushing through her in
a nanosecond. Afraid she’d combust, she let go and got back to the business at hand. “No, er, yes, Mister McGovern. Your résumé was impressive. I had no idea you were the wannabe cowboy from the train wreck.”
“Please, call me James, or Jimmy. I rarely stand on formality. And that goes double for me. I had no idea you were M. Dehavilland.”
His forehead furrowed in a frown as he spoke of their first meeting. Maybe he was worried she’d send him away. “Be that as it may, you’re the new ranch accountant. That is, if you still want the job?”
“Yes, ma’am. That’s why I’m here.”
She cringed inwardly at the use of ma’am. “My friends call me Melissa. I’ll show you to your room so you can unpack.”
Aaron came running in from the kitchen. “Mom, who’s he?” He slid to a stop beside her.
“Aaron, meet Mister McGovern. James, this is my son, Aaron.” Melissa watched as her son’s face lost all color. Good! He’d recognized Jimmy’s name and learned a valuable lesson.
A hesitant smile curved upward on the boy’s face as Jimmy shook hands with her son. “Pleased to meet you, Aaron. How did you make out with that game? Halo, right?”
“Yeah, Halo, but the company wouldn’t do nuffin’.”
“Nothing,” Melissa automatically corrected and earned a sullen glare for her trouble. Too late, she remembered that he didn’t like to be corrected in front of the guys. Oh, well.
Jimmy rummaged inside his duffle and pulled out a package, which he passed to her son. “The only one I could find is for Xbox. Is this the right one?”
Aaron ripped off the wrapping. “Yes! Thanks, Mister McGovern.” He wasted no time in running for the game room.
Melissa stooped to pick up the discarded paper and plastic wrapper. It took so little to make him happy.
“I hope you don’t mind. It seemed like such a simple thing to do for him after he got me a job.”
“How do you figure that?”
“Well, it certainly brought my application to the forefront in a hurry. Did you have many applicants?”
“Surprisingly, yes.” She smiled. “There were a few qualified candidates but your résumé and references checked out the best. And as for the game, they didn’t have another one here in town, so thank you. I’m sure you just made his day. Now, about that room. Follow me.”
She led him through a series of hallways until they reached the west wing, pointing out the office as they walked past a closed door. “The original ranch house has been added to over the years, and is now shaped in a U fashion surrounding a central courtyard.” She opened a door leading to a suite of rooms.
“Welcome to Thoroughbreds R Us, Mister McGovern. I hope you’ll be comfortable here. Your suite encompasses a bedroom, sitting room, and private bath. If there’s anything you need, let me know.”
“Thank you, and please, call me Jimmy.”
She smiled. “Jimmy it is. When you’ve finished unpacking, you can go back the way we just came and find the office, or you can go out through the patio doors to the courtyard. The office is in the center section of the house and accessible through a set of garden doors opening onto the courtyard. I’ll be there.”
He nodded. “Sounds easy enough. I’ll see you shortly.”
Chapter Three
Jimmy’s libido sped up at the sway of her hips encased in tight black jeans. He recalled his first impression of her. If Melissa and her son owned this ranch, then she was definitely high-maintenance and well out of his league. He’d do well to keep himself in check. He smiled, then washed up and made short work of putting his clothes away, taking stock of his surroundings.
The sitting room seemed comfortable enough. It boasted a fireplace, a sofa long enough to accommodate his six-foot-four length, an overstuffed, comfortable-looking reclining chair, and a selection of books and magazines stacked on shelves against one wall. A television and stereo system filled one corner.
The bathroom, sufficient to meet his needs, was nothing special, but the bedroom—he was mighty impressed with the four-poster, king-sized bed. His bedroom at the cottage had been small, only allowing for a double, so this came as an unexpected bonus, as did the panoramic view of the Rockies from his sitting room window. He chuckled as he exited to the patio. This would be a terrific place to hole up while he scoured the area for a ranch of his own.
What he could see of the courtyard was a wonderful mix of seating areas, shrubbery, and flowers. A three-tiered fountain spewed forth water. At the center of the house he spotted the garden doors. Though anxious to begin work, he had to see to his horse first. She’d been cooped up in that trailer long enough.
He knocked on the office door before entering. Melissa sat at the desk, but turned to meet him.
“All unpacked?”
“Enough for now. I need a place to stable my horse.”
“Your horse?” She frowned. “Stallion or mare?”
The question surprised him, and he sensed a superior attitude loud and clear with just those three words. “Mare.”
Melissa nodded. “We’ll have to keep her away from the stallions or you could end up paying stud fees.”
“Sherry’s a purebred Arabian. Her coat shimmers with burgundy highlights and she runs as fast as the wind. If one of your stallions takes a liking to her, it could be a toss-up as to who owes what fee, but we’ll cross that bridge if we come to it.”
Jimmy took great delight in the envy crossing her features. He hadn’t anticipated beginning his herd while working here, but the idea did have merit.
“An Arabian? I’ll come with you to get her settled in.”
He opened the door to the main hallway, gesturing for her to go first. They went outside to the back of his horse trailer. Sherry’s whinny told him she’d heard him coming. “Hey, girl. I’ll have you out of there in a minute.” Jimmy unlocked the rear door to the trailer, let down the ramp, then led his horse into the ranch yard.
“Oh! She’s a beauty, Jimmy. Will she allow me to pet her?”
Jimmy frowned. “I don’t rightly know. It’s been just her and me since I got her, but she’s never seemed skittish or nervous.”
While he spoke, Melissa edged closer. “Hello, Sherry. What a beautiful girl you are.”
She was close enough to pet the horse now and Jimmy held the bridle as she reached out a tentative hand. Sherry didn’t shy away. “Jimmy, she doesn’t appear temperamental at all.”
He smirked at the awe and admiration in her voice. Melissa had just received a comeuppance. She might raise thoroughbred racing horses, but he’d almost bet on Sherry being the fastest horse on the ranch, and a show horse to boot. He’d entered her into a few contests during the past five years and she’d won every one, hands down.
“So where can I bed her down?”
“Follow me.” Melissa sashayed toward the largest of the outbuildings. “This is the barn where we keep the mares ready to foal.”
Jimmy followed her inside. A man was cleaning out a stall a few doors down.
“Brian, come meet our new accountant, Jimmy McGovern, and his horse, Sherry.”
The man walked toward them, pulling off his work gloves as he advanced.
“Now that’s one mighty fine hunk of horse flesh.” His gaze scrutinized Jimmy where he stood. “I thought you were a city slicker. What’s with the horse? You just buy her?”
Jimmy didn’t take offense. The man was trying to get his measure, so he’d oblige. “I worked in the city, didn’t live there. Sherry’s been mine for a few years now. Glad to meet you, Brian.”
Brian’s weather-worn face broke into a tired grin. He held out his hand. “Nice to know you can ride. Comes in handy on a ranch. Welcome. I’m the foreman here. If you need anything, just ask.”
“Brian, Jimmy is the cowboy who rounded up my horses a few weeks ago.”
“Is that so? Quite the coincidence, you showing up here.”
“You’ve got that right.” Melissa’s voice held amusement.
Brian nodded. “Stall eighteen is open at the end of this line. Go ahead and get her settled.” He chuckled. “She’ll be safe enough in here. The stallions aren’t allowed in the foaling barn.”
Jimmy grinned. “Good to know. She’s due for a heat soon, so we’ll have to keep a close eye.” He led Sherry through the barn until they came to number eighteen. It was a good-sized enclosure, wider than she was used to. He left her standing to one side while he grabbed a pitchfork and fetched some fresh hay. Then he led her inside and closed the stall door to return to the truck for her feed and necessities. A second trip had him balancing her saddle and blanket over one shoulder, the saddlebags in his other hand.
Brian pointed to a door at the far end of the barn. Jimmy placed his burden in the tack room and returned to feed and water his horse. “I’ll be back to take you for a run after dinner, girl.”
Melissa had left the barn by the time he had Sherry settled. “Where can I park the trailer, Brian?”
“Drive around the far corner and you’ll see where the other stock trailers are parked. Can’t miss it.” He’d pointed in the general direction, so Jimmy jumped in his truck and headed over that way. Sure enough, several stock trailers of various lengths sat backed up against the far end of the barn. He backed his in, dropped the trailer, and drove back to park near the house.
A flagstone path meandered down the side of the house and, having just been in the barn, he followed the path to see where it led. No need upsetting everyone if he had manure on his boots, although he’d checked before getting in his truck and hadn’t seen any.
As he suspected, the path continued around the end of the house and he arrived in the courtyard. He took his time, strolling at a casual gait, amazed at the differing foliage. They all seemed to blend, one into the next. A peaceful place, he hoped to spend some time there. But not today. He hastened his footsteps to arrive at his room, quickly crossing to the ensuite bath to wash up before returning to the office.
Suited to be a Cowboy Page 3