Leigh Bale - The Forest Ranger's Child

Darlin’. He’d called her that name when she’d been young. During the few times when he’d shown her affection.

“A horse like this would also make a good cutting horse. He needs cows to chase,” she said.

“You’re right. Now you’re here, we’ll get some cows as soon as we can.” He took several deep inhales, as if he couldn’t catch his breath.

“Dad, are you all right?”

He lifted a hand, brushing her concerns aside. “Of course. I’m fine.”

She shook her head, trying to make sense of this. “I don’t understand. Where did you get Peg?”

“I bought him just after you left. His previous owner was lazy and didn’t realize Peg’s potential. I worked with Peg and took him to a lot of competitions. We lived on the road for almost a year, driving from event to event. Peg’s a great traveler. I sold most of my livestock and hired a hand to take care of the ranch while I was gone. Peg won almost every event I entered him in, but the ranch didn’t do quite so well. Remember when you called several years ago, I told you I had a sweet horse I wanted you to meet?”

No, she didn’t remember, but she’d been selfish and wrapped up in herself back then.

“Well, here he is. Pegasus. The best horse I’ve ever seen or had the pleasure to own.”

She whistled low beneath her breath, proud of her father’s accomplishment. And a lot of regret that she hadn’t been here to share it with him. No wonder the ranch looked run-down. Dad had been on the road with his horse. But why hadn’t he fixed the ranch up since he’d returned? “To be the world champion in reining, Peg must be worth a pretty penny.”

“He is. About two hundred thousand dollars worth. I’ve got a number of colts and fillies sired by him that I’ve been working with and several quality mares expecting his foals in a few months. And he’s yours now.”

“Mine?” Confusion filled her mind.

“If you’ve got the gumption to stay this time, I’ll give him to you, Lily. I figure we can turn Peg to stud. Now you’re here, we can build Emerald Ranch up again like it used to be when your mother was alive.”

She froze, her mind racing. In spite of everything, Dad wanted her to stay. To help run the ranch. And from the looks of things, he needed her help. Badly.

His request touched her like nothing else could. And yet, she knew it was futile to think of staying. Maybe Dad loved her in his own way but he didn’t like her much. They just didn’t get along. They never had. She couldn’t stand to spend the rest of her life arguing with him. “But you can do that, Dad, can’t you?”

He shook his head. “If you’re not here, I have no reason to work the ranch anymore.”

His words shocked her. He loved Emerald Ranch, just as she did. “But Emerald Ranch is your whole life.”

“No, Lily.” He looked at her, his hazel eyes piercing her to her soul. “The ranch isn’t my life. You are. And now that baby you’re carrying.”

She’d never expected to hear such words from her father. He hadn’t said he loved her, but he couldn’t put his feelings more bluntly. Her heart gave a powerful squeeze.

“I’ve been a bit under the weather lately,” he said. “I’m getting old and my body’s wearing out. I just can’t do it alone anymore.”

Something was wrong here. Something she didn’t understand. Was Daddy ailing? She’d speak with Dr. Kenner when she went in for her next prenatal appointment. He’d been the family’s doctor since she was born. Hopefully he knew something about Dad’s hacking cough and why he didn’t seem to have as much energy anymore. And in that moment, she felt so selfish. Dad had always been here, waiting. Bigger than life. Too tough to ever die.

Or was he?

He stared at her, not quite smiling, his eyes aglow with expectancy. “Well? What do you think, darlin’? It’ll take a lot of work, but once you have the baby, you can start training horses again. We can make a go of this together. Mom would be so happy if she were here.”

He talked as if he expected her to stay. As if he expected her to keep the baby. “Dad, I think we should talk about this a little more. I’m not sure I can—”

“Hello?”

Lily turned and found Nathan Coates standing behind them. His broad shoulders filled the doorway, blocking the sunlight, his warm eyes cast in shadow. The moment Lily saw him, her pulse sped up into triple time.

“Nate! I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.” Dad walked toward the forest ranger, his hand extended.

Lily remained where she was. Why was Nate here? If she didn’t know better, she’d think the forest ranger had taken a special interest in her. Not surprising considering he’d saved her life several days ago. But she wanted to be left alone. To have time to heal her relationship with Dad and the Lord.

Obviously her father liked the man. He had a lot in common with the ranger. But Lily didn’t want Nate hanging around all the time. Enough was enough.

Now, she just had to find a way to convince Nate.

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