Cowboy Doctor

by Rebecca Winters

  The ideal setup appealed to Tracey, who pulled up in front of the ranch house to let John know she’d arrived. It wouldn’t be open for summer vacationers until the day after tomorrow. That gave her time to get more acquainted with the facilities, particularly the horses.

  She got out of the car and walked inside. A cute brunette woman in her early twenties was manning the front desk. She broke out in a smile when she saw her approach.

  “You have to be Tracey Marcroft.”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m Fran Hunter. I’m married to Wes, who’s John’s grandson. At breakfast he said you’d be coming today. He told me and Wes, and I quote, ‘She’s the most beautiful young woman you ever saw, and she can ride a horse like nobody’s business!’”

  Tracey chuckled. It was hard to know what to say after that. “He sounds as full of it as my grandpa Ben, but thank you. I’ve been looking forward to meeting the rest of your family.”

  “We’re a big one.”

  “So I’ve gathered. I’ll try to learn names fast.”

  “Don’t worry about it. Granddad is waiting for you in his office. Just come around behind the counter.”

  Pleased that she acted so friendly, Tracey did her bidding. The door at the end of the hallway had been left open. She saw John seated at his desk. He was on the phone but waved at her to come on in.

  A lean, lanky man with a ton of energy, he had a wonderful head of salt-and-pepper hair. “Welcome, my dear,” he said, after hanging up the phone. “Sylvia and I are thrilled you’ve joined us.” He came around to give her a hug.

  “I’m the one who’s excited. Grandpa Ben sends his love with this.” She put a brightly wrapped box on his desk. “He said it’s chocolate-covered cashews.”

  “My favorite. He remembered. Thank you.” His eyes twinkled. “I plan to give him a call later and let him know you arrived. For the rest of today and tomorrow, I want you to get more acquainted with the place and staff. Fran, Wes’s wife, is a sweetheart and runs the front desk most of the time. She’ll take care of you. Go for a swim, visit the barn and stable. Do whatever you want.”

  “Thank you.”

  “My son Sheldon and his wife Janet organize the trail rides with the forest service and are in charge of procuring our horses. Among them we have six ponies for our littlest riders.”

  “Oh—I can’t wait to see them!”

  “They’re a hit with everyone. My grandson, Wes, Sheldon and Janet’s son, runs the stable. I’ve told Wes to let you pick out the horse you’d like to ride while you’re here this summer.”

  “I can’t wait. Just so you know, I’ve brought my own saddle and gear.”

  “Wonderful. Fran will give you the key to your cabin. It’s number two. My wife and I will see you at dinner at seven.”

  “I’d love that.”

  When she went back to the counter, Fran introduced her to another of John’s sons named Thad. You couldn’t mistake him for anyone else. He had the same lanky look as his dad. “Uncle Thad is head of security. He deals with any emergencies or illness situations, and maintains all our equipment and cabins.”

  Tracey shook his hand. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

  “We’re glad to have you on board. If you have any concerns, come see me.”

  “I will.”

  “See you at dinner.”

  After he walked away, Fran said, “Later on I’ll introduce you to everyone else. Uncle Thad’s wife, Noreen, is head of housekeeping and laundry. You’ll also meet my grandma Sylvia and my aunt Deanna. They’re in charge of food and run the kitchen. Deanna’s husband, my uncle Paul, oversees all the other activities like fishing and river rafting.”

  “I’m afraid my head is spinning with so many names.”

  “There are more. Along with Wes, you’ll be doing trail rides with Colette, who’s married to Rod. He’s Uncle Paul and Deanna’s son. But you’ll figure it all out soon enough.”

  “I understand you all live in town.”

  “Yes, but we have a rotation system so we have plenty of staff on duty 24/7.”

  “That’s good to know.”

  “Let me assure you we’re close enough to the ranch to be here on a moment’s notice if necessary. Wes’s grandfather made it possible for Wes and me to get into a small house after we were first married. I had imagined we’d be living in an apartment for several years, so we’re very lucky.”

  “My grandfather sings his praises. I think that’s wonderful.” Tracey and Jeff would have moved to an apartment first, but it didn’t happen, and she needed to stop living in the past. That’s why she’d wanted this new job here for the summer.

  “Wes’s parents are so generous, too, and have made everything great for us. I’ve married into the best family in the world. But that’s enough talking about me. I hear you’re an elementary school teacher. I admire you for being able to handle a roomful of children all day long.”

  “It’s a challenge, but I love it.”

  “Do you have a boyfriend back home who’s going to miss you?”

  Tracey’s eyes smarted. “I was engaged to be married, but my fiancé was killed while serving in the military. I’m still trying to get over it.”

  A hand went to Fran’s throat. “I didn’t know. I’m sorry to have gone on and on about me and Wes.”

  “Don’t you worry about anything. It happened eighteen months ago and I’m doing much better.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. If you ever want to talk, I’m available. I met Wes at junior college. We dated and I fell in love with him. But there were several long periods when he didn’t call me. Both times I thought it was over and could hardly bear it. I remember those times, and I’m so sorry for your loss.”

  “Don’t say another word. I’m just happy you two got back together.”

  “It was like a miracle. One day he showed up at my dorm and we ended up getting married. But I’m keeping you from getting settled, so I’ll drive with you to your cabin. It’s number two.”

  “Thank you.” Fran was a very compassionate person. Tracey liked her. They left the ranch house and got in her car. She started the engine and, following Fran’s directions, drove them past a corral holding half a dozen horses to the log cabins in the distance.

  Only then did it dawn on Tracey how lucky she was to be working for the Hunter family. It made her realize how much John Hunter must revere her grandpa, letting her come work for them as he had. She would do everything she could to fit in, and Fran was already making it easy.

  She pulled up in front of her designated cabin. Fran got out and opened the door while Tracey carried in her luggage. The first thing she saw in the little living-room-slash-kitchen was a yellow vase filled with white daisies placed on the round dinette table. A card peeked out of it. She put down her bags and opened the envelope.

  “Welcome to the Rocky Point Dude Ranch. I hope the experience here will help mend your broken heart. —John.”

  Hot tears burned her eyelids. Tracey didn’t know her grandfather had confided in John about Jeff. She was so touched she could hardly talk.

  “How lovely.” Her voice faltered.

  “Granddad says you’re the very special granddaughter of his oldest, best friend.”

  Tracey turned around. “I can’t thank all of you enough for your kindness.”

  “It’s a pleasure. Can I do anything else for you?”

  “I’ll be fine. Do you want me to drive you back?”

  “Oh, no. I need the walk. We’ll see you in the dining room at seven for a special dinner to kick off the summer season. And remember, come on over to the ranch house anytime if you need someone to talk to. I know there are times when I do.” Fran put the front door key on the table before leaving.

  That sounded like a lonely statement to
Tracey.

  While mulling it over, she walked into the bedroom with its two twin beds, dressers and closet. The other door of the main room led to the bathroom. She liked the blue-green-and-white-plaid decor of the cabin.

  A painting of the Sapphire Mountains hung on the log wall over the small couch. With a mini fridge, microwave, TV and internet, she would be perfectly happy here.

  The first thing she did was sit down at the table and call her parents. Most of all she wanted to thank her grandpa and tell him about the daisies John had left for her. After a tearful conversation with him while she expressed her gratitude, Tracey freshened up and drove her car over to the barn to unload her saddle and gear.

  A sandy-haired guy who looked to be college age caught sight of her. “Hey—need help?” He walked up to her with a smile you couldn’t miss. “I’m Grady Cox.”

  “Hi, Grady. I’m Tracey Marcroft and will be helping on the trail rides. If you could show me the tack room?”

  “Let me carry your saddle.”

  “Thank you.” She brought the rest of the gear and followed him through the long barn to the end room. “Were you hired for the summer?”

  “That’s right. I’m a student at Montana State. This will be my third year working with the horses. Occasionally I help on the trail rides, too. Are you from around here? In college?”

  She chuckled. He worked fast. “I graduated from the University of Montana two years ago and teach elementary school in Polson.”

  He shook his head. “I never remember having a schoolteacher who looked like you. This has to be my lucky day.”

  She smiled, but she wasn’t attracted to him, and put her gear away, not wanting to give him any encouragement by responding. “Mr. Hunter told me Wes is in charge of the stable. Is he on duty? I need to pick out a horse I can ride while I’m here.”

  “I’ll help you do that while he’s gone.”

  “Will it be all right?”

  “That’s my job. Do you have a preference?”

  “Not really. I’m sure Mr. Hunter wouldn’t have anything but the best horses.”

  “You’re right about that. Why don’t we walk to the corral? Any one of the quarter horses out there would be a great choice for you. I’ve been exercising them. Of course, we have more here in the barn if you want to look them over, too.”

  “Thank you.”

  She was glad he had other things to do and left her alone in the corral. For the next hour, Tracey examined each horse and walked it around. She took her measure of the three mares: a sorrel, a black and a bay. The three other horses were geldings, all of them buckskins.

  When she’d finished, she walked into the barn to look over the other horses before she made a decision. When she came to the dun gelding, she knew the splendid horse was the one she wanted, and Tracey walked him out of his stall to the corral.

  But as she was leading him around, she noticed his right front leg was limping a little. That wasn’t good. She lifted his hoof to inspect it. When she applied pressure to the sole, the horse let out a distressed grunt.

  “You poor thing.” She patted his neck to settle him before calling to Grady, who’d gone out to the corral. “Come and look. This horse is in pain.”

  He walked over with a frown. “That’s Wes’s horse.”

  “Oh! I thought all the horses were available.”

  “Sorry. Not Chief. I should have said something. He’s off-limits.”

  “Still, he’s limping and needs attention.”

  “I’ve never noticed him do that before. Are you sure?”

  “Positive.”

  “You’d better take him back to the stall. I’ll talk to Wes about it as soon as he shows up. He went to town several hours ago.”

  “I’m afraid something should be done soon,” she said, as she slowly walked him back inside. “Chief needs a vet, don’t you, boy?” She hugged his neck.

  Grady watched her, looking uncertain and upset. “I’m sure you’re right.”

  “Tell you what. I’m going back to the ranch house now to talk to John about this.”

  “Maybe you should wait for Wes.”

  Why did he seem so hesitant? “What if he can’t get back right away? The horse needs help. John will know what to do.”

  Surely Grady Cox didn’t want to see the horse suffer. You needed to be proactive to keep animals safe and healthy. She’d learned the same thing working with children. When something went wrong, you didn’t wait. “Thanks for your help, Grady. See you later.”

  “For sure. I assume you’re staying in one of the cabins for the summer, too.” His eyes played over her with the kind of male interest she didn’t want. Since they’d be forced to work together over the summer, she needed to establish a boundary now.

  “Yes. I’ve already settled in.”

  Without hesitation, she hurried to her car and drove to the ranch house. When she walked in, no one was at the front desk. Tracey took the initiative and walked around the counter to John’s office. To her frustration, he wasn’t there, either.

  She went back outside to her car. Dinner wouldn’t be for another hour. The only thing to do was return to her cabin and change. Because they were having a special welcome dinner, she decided to wear her denim skirt and a Western blouse with snaps.

  Though she couldn’t bear to see an animal in pain, she had no choice but to wait until then. Hopefully, Wes might have returned and Grady would have already told him about Chief. By now she hoped their vet would have been called.

  At five to seven she drove back to the ranch house, where the family had started to gather in the big dining room. She spotted John behind the counter and rushed over to talk to him.

  He gave her a big smile. “Have you had a good afternoon?”

  “It’s been terrific, but I’m worried about one of your horses.” She told him what she’d discovered. “Wes wasn’t there, but I pointed out the problem to Grady.”

  His brows met. “Grady didn’t know he was limping?”

  “No. He seemed surprised.”

  “Well, you’re absolutely right. Chief needs a vet, but I don’t know that much about the one we’ve just inherited. Our old vet passed away recently. Still, I’ll call him now. Come in the office with me before we have dinner.”

  Tracey followed him down the hall, gratified because he recognized the emergency situation and would take care of it. She sat down and listened while he looked up the number on his computer and made the phone call.

  In a minute he hung up and shook his head. “Dr. Cruz isn’t available until Monday.”

  “Does he practice here in Hamilton?”

  “No. Darby. It’s only fifteen miles away, but I’m going to have to find someone else. There’s a good vet in Anaconda.”

  “Isn’t that kind of far from here?”

  “Yes, but I have to start somewhere.”

  While he searched on the computer, she suddenly remembered something.

  “John? On my way to Hamilton I passed a sign that said Clayton Veterinary Hospital. It’s right off the highway about fifteen minutes from here. Have you ever heard of it?”

  He blinked. “I didn’t know it existed. You’re sure about that?”

  “Yes. I slowed down because I didn’t remember seeing it when I came here for the interview in the spring. It has to be brand-new.”

  “That’s very interesting. If that vet is a Clayton, then it’s probably their ranch’s vet who handles large animals.”

  “What ranch is that?”

  “The Clayton Cattle Ranch. They’re well-known around these parts. It’s worth a call to see if someone there can check out Chief this evening. He’s too valuable a horse to lose.”

  John called information and before long she heard him talking to someone el
se. John outlined the situation before he handed her the phone. “Dr. Clayton wants you to tell him what you saw.”

  With her heart pounding, she took it from him. “Hello? Dr. Clayton? This is Tracey Marcroft. I was out in the barn earlier. As I led Chief out to the corral, I noticed he was limping. I lifted his hoof and the second I touched the sole, he grunted in pain.”

  “That sounds like it could be a solar abscess, a serious infection that can lead to acute or severe lameness,” he replied, in a deep male voice she felt resonate through her system. “Did you notice anything else?”

  “No. At first I thought it might be something wrong with the shoe, but that wasn’t it.”

  “Anything more you can think of?”

  “His demeanor wasn’t normal. His ears weren’t up and he wouldn’t look at me.”

  “Excellent observations. If that hoof can be healed in time, the horse owes its life to your quick thinking.” For no good reason his compliment caused a tingly sensation to sweep through her. “Let me talk to Mr. Hunter again.”

  “Of course.”

  She handed the phone to John. They talked a few more minutes and he gave the other man directions to the dude ranch before hanging up. “The doctor will be here in an hour.” He squeezed her hand. “Bless you for catching this, Tracey. Let’s hurry in to dinner, and then we’ll meet him at the barn.”

  Chapter Two

  Roce hung up the phone and wheeled around on his stool. “Our first new patient, Daisy! Who would have thought it would happen on a Saturday night? It has to be some kind of miracle.”

  He tossed the border collie–Lab mix a treat. Roce had inherited her from Hannah, whose family didn’t want the dog she’d adopted. After the funeral, Daisy had kept looking for her. It had torn his heart out and he’d decided to keep her for himself.

  When he’d moved to the ranch, he’d brought her with him and they’d become fast friends. His whole family loved the dog, especially his brother Eli’s little girl, Libby. She was the daughter from his first marriage, before he’d married his present wife, Brianna.