Julie Benson - Home on the Ranch - Colorado

A fish out of water—that’s how Rory McAlister feels when he leaves Colorado for New York City. True, he needs this money, but somebody should have warned him modeling designer duds meant butting heads with Elizabeth Harrington-Smyth. The bossy, and not to mention gorgeous, ad exec is determined to turn Rory into the original Rhinestone Cowboy!

Luke O’Malley is shocked to learn he has a teenage son, Cody, living in New York City…and that the boy’s in trouble. Luke had no idea his romance with Megan Montgomery had resulted in a child—only that it had left him brokenhearted. Luke brings them to his ranch as a last-ditch effort to keep Cody out of jail…and to have the family he’s always dreamed of.

“This is a heartwarming story about beating the odds to find joy and love.”

— RT Reviews on Roping the Rancher

“Benson takes the reality TV world and bends it around in this charming contemporary romance.”

— RT Reviews on Bet on a Cowboy

“Filled with charm, angst, wit and romance, Coburn’s latest hits all the high points for a romantic read.”

— RT Reviews on Colorado Fireman

“Coburn’s romance is exceedingly witty, poignant and nearly a perfect love story.”

— RT Reviews on Colorado Christmas

Home on the Ranch: Colorado

Big City Cowboy

Julie Benson

Colorado Cowboy

C.C. Coburn

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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BIG CITY COWBOY Big City Cowboy Julie Benson

COLORADO COWBOY

Big City Cowboy

Julie Benson

JULIE BENSON An avid daydreamer since childhood, Julie Benson always loved creating stories. After graduating from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in sociology, she worked as a case manager before having her children: three boys. Many years later she started pursuing a writing career to challenge her mind and save her sanity. Now she writes full-time in Dallas, where she lives with her husband, their sons, two lovable black dogs, two guinea pigs, a turtle and a fish. When she finds a little quiet time, which isn’t often, she enjoys making jewelry and reading a good book.

To Kevin. Thanks for sticking with me through

the ups and downs of life, and for believing in

me and this dream. You’re definitely a keeper.

To Dr. Angela Krause and David Goddard.

Thanks for the wedding invitation and for

introducing me to Estes Park. This story

never would have happened without you two.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Estes Park, Colorado

“THERE IS NO WAY I’m getting on a horse.”

Elizabeth Harrington-Smyth pulled into the Twin Creeks Ranch parking lot, vowing she’d never attend another wedding, not even her own should she ever make time to date. So far, being her cousin Janice’s bridesmaid hadn’t been the greatest experience. And don’t get her started on the problems with the whole destination wedding idea that was the trend now.

“Estes Park is so beautiful, and what better way to see the scenery than going horseback riding?” Since moving to Denver three years ago, Janice had gone all outdoorswoman. Today she really fit the part, wearing jeans, a denim shirt and a red bandanna tied around her ebony ponytail.

Elizabeth shuddered. “Looking at the mountains as I sat in the hotel bar was good enough for me.”

“I think this will be a great bridesmaid outing,” chirped Laura, obedient bridesmaid number one. Her Katie Couric perkiness had overwhelmed Elizabeth within five minutes of meeting Janice’s coworker.

“I was hoping we’d get time to go riding. It’s something I’ve always wanted to try,” chimed in Claire, perfect bridesmaid number two, as they spilled out of Janice’s Camry. In addition to being a morning person, Claire had the irritating characteristics of being tall, slender and possessing a disgustingly high metabolism.

“I let you out of the hike yesterday because you were queasy and tired from the altitude, but I want us to have a good time together,” Janice insisted. “It’s girl bonding.”

“The wedding party activities are half the fun of being a bridesmaid,” Claire said.

According to whom? Clearly, Elizabeth and the rest of the bridal party had different definitions of fun.

Dust swirled around her, making her sneeze. It seemed as if they were surrounded by bales of hay. At least she’d taken a Claritin this morning, so she wouldn’t look like a red-eyed monster due to raging allergies.

“My idea of a good time is having a massage, facial and pedicure at the hotel, not riding on a smelly horse.” Elizabeth waved a fly away from her face. “The outdoors is pretty to look at, but I’m not keen on actually being in it. I’ll wait here by this fence—”

“It’s a corral, Elizabeth,” Janice corrected.

“Then I’ll wait here by the corral. The rest of you go ahead and enjoy.”

“I’ve never ridden a horse, but I’m willing to be adventurous, Elizabeth,” Laura coaxed.

“You’re here, so you might as well come with us,” Claire added.

“I’m afraid my Jimmy Choos aren’t meant for horseback riding.” Now that was an excuse any woman could understand and respect.

“Didn’t I tell you to wear sensible shoes that you didn’t mind getting dirty?” Janice asked.

Elizabeth stared at her cute leopard-print flats and her blood pressure rose. “All you said was wear sensible shoes, which I am. These are flats. I’d never have worn Jimmy Choos if you’d mentioned getting dirty.”

“Sorry. I guess I must’ve forgotten the getting dirty part.” Janice flashed her an I’m-the-bride-forgive-me smile. “There are so many details to planning a large destination wedding. I’m surprised I haven’t forgotten more things. You’ll have to make the best of the situation now.”

The cool March breeze blew a strong odor of horse manure Elizabeth’s way. “Too late. It smells terrible out here. Flies are everywhere, and the quiet is driving me crazy. Everyone moves too slowly! I almost mowed over two people when I walked down to the hotel lobby to get coffee this morning.”

“Exactly why you should join us,” Claire insisted. “You need to slow down and learn to appreciate nature’s gifts.”