“It was a horrible mistake. And I am sorry. I never meant to hurt you. It, it just got out of hand. It won’t happen again.” He reached out and wrapped his hand around her arm, stepping closer. “I love you, Sadie.”
Sadie shook her head, looking up at him she felt nothing but regret that she’d thought he was the man for her. Rafe came to mind as she stood there, strong, steadfast and so caring… “No, no you don’t.” She started to step away but Andrew’s grip tightened.
“Sadie, it was just a mistake-”
“Let go of the lady,” Rafe said, drawing both Sadie and Andrew to look at him. He had come from the barn and was standing about fifty feet away. His hat was low on his forehead but even in the shadow there was no denying the danger in his eyes.
“She’s my fiancé. Who are you?” Andrew snapped and Sadie knew this wasn’t going to be good.
“I’m not your fiancé. I called the wedding off. Let me go.”
“You heard Sadie. Let her go.”
Andrew looked at her then, anger glinting in his gaze. “Is this the reason you’ve been hiding out here? This cowboy-”
Sadie yanked her arm free and stepped back. “This cowboy found me when I needed help and helped me. But you know what-he is one of the reasons I’m hiding out here. He gave me a place to get over the shock of finding you with your secretary the week before our wedding.”
Rafe had crossed to stand just behind her and she could feel his warmth he was so near.
“I think now would be a good time for you to leave,” Rafe said, warning in his tone.
Andrew glared from him to her.
Sadie had to smile. “Goodbye, Andrew.”
His eyes narrowed and then he strode away, his shoulders stiff beneath his suit jacket. After he’d gotten into his car, shot them a glare, and driven off, Sadie turned to Rafe. They were standing very close and he didn’t step away which was just the way Sadie wanted it.
“What could I have been thinking?”
“About what?”
“When I thought Andrew was the man for me.”
Rafe’s brows met. “I was wondering that same thing.”
She hid her smile. “I bet you were. Rafe, I can’t believe this has happened-but I can’t deny it any longer. I love you, Rafe.”
He pulled her slowly into his embrace. “And I love you with all my heart, Sadie.” And then he kissed her, his arms tightened around her and she never wanted him to let her go. “Will you marry me?” he asked.
A thrill raced through her. “That sounds like heaven to me. I love you so,” she murmured against his lips. And she knew she was going to have to work very hard to take it slow as she’d said that morning…and then her mind went blank and all she could think about was the man holding her and kissing her with all the promise of the future to come.
She knew this time there would be no hesitations. This was right. This was the man of her dreams.
THE END
Don't miss the next book in the New Horizon Ranch: Mule Hollow series!
CHASE
New Horizon Ranch: Mule Hollow Book 3
Being a bridesmaid at her best friend’s wedding in the sleepy town of Mule Hollow Texas is the perfect place for Amber Rivers to lay low to avoid a stalker hot on her heels back in Houston. She loves her job and her city life and isn’t looking to stay long in the country-but she’s blindsided by her attraction to the self-assured rancher, Chase Hartley...
Chase agrees to watch over socialite Amber while his partner heads off on his honeymoon but despite the high voltage sparks lighting up between them he has no intention of getting any closer to Amber than necessary to keep her safe. But he soon realizes there’s a whole lot more to Amber than he first assumed and keeping his distance is becoming harder with every passing moment they’re together.
An outside threat plus a little friendly tampering from the meddling Matchmakin’ Posse of Mule Hollow puts this couple on high alert as they try not to fall in love.
Purchase CHASE
Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for reading RAFE book 2 in my New Horizon Ranch of Mule Hollow book series! If you haven’t yet read book 1 HER MULE HOLLOW COWBOY, it’s Maddie and Cliff’s story, Rafe’s twin brother, and is available in ebook and print also. Y’all asked for more Mule Hollow and I’ve had fun giving that to you with these new books! If you enjoyed RAFE, I hope you will recommend it to your friends. Maybe write a review on the retail site where you purchased it, or talk about it on Facebook or Goodreads, and let people know. It really helps me reach others with my stories by getting the word out!
And if you haven’t signed up for my email newsletter please do. Sign up here. You’ll hear all the latest news and upcoming releases and in particular the exact release date of my next 3 books in this New Horizon Ranch series: CHASE, TY and DALTON as they are released in 2015! This is going to be a fantastic year of new books from me. I’ve been working overtime creating not only these series but also my new series for Harper Collins Christian Publishing. Book 1 in the Four of Hearts Romance series, BETTING ON HOPE, is available at all retailers in ebook or print.
Happy Reading! And all my best to you!
Debra Clopton
New Horizon Ranch: Mule Hollow Series
HER MULE HOLLOW COWBOY
New Horizon Ranch: Mule Hollow Book 1
Cowboy Cliff Masterson saw a woman in need and stepped in—because Maddie was too stubborn to ask…
Cowgirl Maddie Rose has never belonged anywhere but she’s just inherited part of New Horizon Ranch—along with her partners, four handsome, extremely capable cowboys… Maddie’s trying to adjust to her new life and her new partners she’s still unable to believe she’s an owner of this fabulous ranch. Not sure why she was included, she’s out to prove herself worthy of the honor of the inheritance. Loving her new life in the small Texas town of Mule Hollow, she’s determined that, for the first time in her life, she’s going to finally belong somewhere…
Professional Bull Rider Cliff Masterson has been chasing his dreams for years—or has he been running from his past? He’s searching for more in life and ready to dig in his spurs and put down roots deep in the heart of Texas. Rescuing a beautiful cowgirl from being trampled by a bull has him dreaming of romance, home and hearth.
But Maddie’s had enough people in her life leave and she’s not willing to risk her heart on him—Sparks fly as he’s determined to prove to the feisty cowgirl that the only think he’s chasing now is wedding bells with her…
Can the Matchmakin’ Posse of Mule Hollow help this couple find their happily ever after?
Purchase HER MULE HOLLOW COWBOY
CHASE
New Horizon Ranch: Mule Hollow Book 3
Being a bridesmaid at her best friend’s wedding in the sleepy town of Mule Hollow Texas is the perfect place for Amber Rivers to lay low to avoid a stalker hot on her heels back in Houston. She loves her job and her city life and isn’t looking to stay long in the country-but she’s blindsided by her attraction to the self-assured rancher, Chase Hartley...
Chase agrees to watch over socialite Amber while his partner heads off on his honeymoon but despite the high voltage sparks lighting up between them he has no intention of getting any closer to Amber than necessary to keep her safe. But he soon realizes there’s a whole lot more to Amber than he first assumed and keeping his distance is becoming harder with every passing moment they’re together.
An outside threat plus a little friendly tampering from the meddling Matchmakin’ Posse of Mule Hollow puts this couple on high alert as they try not to fall in love.
Purchase CHASE
TY
New Horizon Ranch: Mule Hollow Book 4
Best friends forever…happily ever that is…Christmas wedding bells will be ringing if the Matchmakin’ Posse of Mule Hollow can get this stubborn cowboy and cowgirl together under the mistletoe for the most anticipated kiss of the holiday.
Will Ty Calder, mild mannered partn
er in the New Horizon Ranch, get his secret Christmas wish and heal his lonesome heart this season? Find out in Book 4 of the New Horizon Ranch/Mule Hollow series.
Horse trainer Ty Calder did the right thing four years ago and sent his best friend, Mia Shaw off with a hug and best wishes in her quest for her rodeo dreams to come true. But now she’s back for the Christmas holiday and he’s not sure he can send her off again without revealing his true feelings…
Mia is back in Mule Hollow healing up from an injury that could end her run for the championship. But, lately her heart’s not been completely committed to her rodeo dreams and Ty has her thinking he might just be the reason.
Suddenly, tensions are running high between Mia and Ty…sparks are flying and have been spotted by the Matchmakin’ Posse. Now these two are dodging mistletoe, matchmakers and the kiss they’re both fighting to avoid and longing for.
But Ty can’t believe Mia is ready to give up on her dreams when she’s so close…he knows it means more to her than most people realize. No matter how much he wants a life with Mia he refuses to stand in the way of her dreams even if it means losing her forever…
It may take his four partners at the New Horizon Ranch and the town of Mule Hollow to get these two believing Christmas is especially the time that love can conquer all.
This is going to be one Christmas these two will remember forever…
Purchase TY
DALTON
New Horizon Ranch: Mule Hollow Book 5
Dalton Borne is a cowboy who keeps his past closed up inside. He’s watched his partners at the New Horizon Ranch find love and he’s happy for them and even envious. But his past prevents him from believing he deserves a future that includes a love of his own. But then one stormy night he rescues a very pregnant Rae Anne Tyson from floodwaters and ends up delivering her baby on the side of the road. Suddenly Dalton’s life is turned upside down and no matter what he believes he does or doesn’t deserve—he can’t walk away from helping Rae Anne.
Don’t miss book 5 in the New Horizon Ranch series…Dalton Borne is one Texas cowboy you’ll never forget.
Purchase DALTON
TREB
New Horizon Ranch: Mule Hollow Book 6
Former special ops soldier Treb Carson has returned to his ranching roots joining up with the New Horizon Ranch. Afghanistan and the loss of his brother have him ready to move forward into happier times-he's looking for love and to start a family. He’s not expecting to be captivated by Megan Tanner, the completely wrong woman for his plans. The workaholic, new veterinarian in town doesn't have marriage on her agenda and she’s made that clear, but he can’t get her or the kiss they share off his mind.
Megan Tanner has her personal reasons for not believing in happily-ever-after, but now she’s moved to the hometown of the Matchmakin’ Posse of Mule Hollow. Avoiding their antics is easy for now, its calving season and that means no time for anything but work and building her vet practice. But then she’s blindsided by the smokin’-hot, ex-military cowboy and the immediate sparks she can’t deny or the kiss she can’t forget.
Treb knows all the reasons why Megan isn’t the woman for him…but he can’t seem to stop himself. Now he’s determined to find out why Megan is so against falling in love and proving to her that she can trust him with her heart.
And he’s got a certain three, nosy ladies on his side…can the “Posse” help this couple find their happily-ever-after?
Purchase TREB
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Excerpt from
HER MULE HOLLOW COWBOY
New Horizon Ranch: Mule Hollow Book One
Chapter One
"Get in there, you ornery hunk of steaks," Maddie Rose gritted out through clamped teeth while thrusting all of her weight into pushing the cattle trailer's rear gate closed. A hard task since her hundred twenty pounds didn't hold up against Buford's two thousand pound bulk. Needless to say, despite all of her shoving and pushing. Despite all of her exertion. Buford's big, hairy rump hadn't budged even an inch! Nope, there it was—hanging out over the back end of the trailer.
Firmly in the way of the latch.
"C'mon, only a few more inches," she coaxed, pushing, giving it everything she had. But the bull wasn't buying it. He didn't budge.
"Arrrg," she growled, frustration nearly getting the better of her.
This should have been a piece of cake—an easy load-up. Ha!
Bull-headed Buford messed that up deciding he wanted off rather than on.
Just Maddie's luck.
And what was new about that? "Nothing," she grumbled.
She wasn't a whiner, but there was no getting around the hard truth that most things in Maddie's life hadn't come easy. She'd been fighting for survival since the moment of her existence—a sickly baby only a few weeks old at best estimation, found alone, sitting in a carseat. Yup—just sitting on the steps of the post office like she belonged there.
Obviously, she didn't belong anywhere.
Maybe before that, but unlike most people Maddie had no recollection, no records, nothing...as far as her life record went she hadn't existed until that day in the post office when she was found.
If she'd been a whiner she wouldn't have made it.
No, Maddie was a survivor so she'd grown used to days like today. But it sure was getting old.
Buford's attitude was a sharp reminder she'd better not get comfortable with the good fortune that had recently come her way.
Owner.
The thought dazzled her. Like a beautiful sparkly gift under the Christmas tree that she knew had to belong to someone else...and yet it was hers.
She really was part owner of this magnificent New Horizon ranch. An amazing cattle ranch sitting on the outskirts of Mule Hollow, the most embracing little town she'd ever known. For a gal with her past, raised in an orphanage and then the foster care system this homey community was as close to family as she'd ever gotten.
But she felt like an impostor.
"What had C.C. been thinking when he'd made me an heir?" The question plagued her since the reading of the will two months ago. The day it was revealed that her boss, God rest his sweet soul, had left his ranch to five employees: four cowboys and her.
She could understand why he'd leave her four amazing partners a share. After all, he had no children of his own and these men had been here on the ranch for years, despite not being much older than her. They were cowboys who'd had a bond and a dedication to C.C. and they loved the ranch. She'd noticed it from the first day she'd walked onto the premises two years ago. They deserved the gift.
But why her? Had he felt sorry for her?
It wasn't as if she went around telling everyone her past. She told no one. But intuitive C.C. had guessed some facts during a conversation once.
Sympathy was the only valid reason she could come up with that she was here.
The very thought soured her stomach as life-long insecurities ran rampant inside her head. Despite those insecurities she was still an owner and she was determined that she'd earn this gift if it was the last thing she did.
Teeth grinding down hard she met the ill-tempered glare of the bull. Her palms went slick on the sun warmed metal of the trailer gate. Her insides tensed—but she'd had enough.
Digging her boots into the dirt, Maddie refused to give up or to run away. Letting the bull get the better of her was not the way to prove herself.
Working harder, accomplishing more, being competent and reliable...that was how she became deserving.
For the first time in her life she'd been given a shot at something big—it didn't matter that she didn't deserve it—she was going to do her fair share t
o see that her former boss never looked down from heaven and regretted the faith he'd shown in giving her this opportunity. She'd already decided that any dream she'd had prior to the reading of that will was going on hold...there would be plenty of time for them later.
Buford snorted sending Maddie instantly on alert. He never did anything he didn't want to do and Maddie knew the ornery bull could make mincemeat out of her if he chose.
He chose—one powerful kick sent the gate slamming into Maddie. A scream ripped from her as the bone crunching impact knocked her off her feet. Flying backwards like a rag doll she slammed into the pipe fence. The hit was immediately followed by the heavy, steel gate. Pain exploded everywhere, glazing everything as it seared through her, dazing her.
Got to stay on your feet.
The gate swung away from her and instinct had Maddie clawing, grasping for its rungs.
Stay off the ground or be trampled.
Buford kicked the gate again, this time, all Maddie's breath whooshed from her, her lungs locked up—the impact so excruciating she hit the ground instantly.
Rafe: (Contemporary Western Romance) (New Horizon Ranch: Mule Hollow Book 2) Page 10