Margaret Daley - Her Hometown Hero

Home to a Cowboy

In a split second, a tragic accident ends Kathleen Somers’s ballet career. Her dreams shattered, she returns home to the Soaring S ranch...and her first love. Suddenly the local veterinarian, Dr. Nate Sterling, goes from her ex to her champion. With the help of a lively poodle therapy dog, the cowboy vet sets out to challenge Kathleen’s strength and heal her heart. He’ll show her there’s life beyond dance, even if it means she leaves town again. But maybe, just maybe, he’ll convince her there’s only one thing in life worth having...and he’s standing right in front of her.

Caring Canines: Loving and loyal, these dogs mend hearts.

“You sure know how to cheer someone up.”

She snuggled the dog against her cheek. The poodle licked a tear from her face, her tongue tickling Kathleen.

“So I see you’re happy about the dog,” Nate said behind her.

“If I tell you I am, your head is going to swell and you won’t be able to wear your cowboy hat.”

“I’ll get a bigger size.” He smiled. “Let’s walk her and introduce her to the Soaring S.”

Kathleen allowed him to draw her to her feet, only inches separating them.

His heartbeat kicked up a notch and all he could think about was holding her. But that would take them in a direction they shouldn’t go. She needed to figure out what she wanted. He did, too.

He took her hand. In the darkness he didn’t want her to stumble. That was the only reason.

Yeah, right.

He would support Kathleen, be there for her, help her. But he wouldn’t fall for her.

If only it was that easy.…

MARGARET DALEY

feels she has been blessed. She has been married more than thirty years to her husband, Mike, whom she met in college. He is a terrific support and her best friend. They have one son, Shaun. Margaret has been writing for many years and loves to tell a story. When she was a little girl, she would play with her dolls and make up stories about their lives. Now she writes these stories down. She especially enjoys weaving stories about families and how faith in God can sustain a person when things get tough. When she isn’t writing, she is fortunate to be a teacher for students with special needs. Margaret has taught for more than twenty years and loves working with her students. She has also been a Special Olympics coach and has participated in many sports with her students.

Her Hometown Hero

Margaret Daley

www.millsandboon.co.uk

The Lord will give strength unto his people;

the Lord will bless his people with peace.

—Psalms 29:11

To my family. I love you.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Home to a Cowboy In a split second, a tragic accident ends Kathleen Somers’s ballet career. Her dreams shattered, she returns home to the Soaring S ranch...and her first love. Suddenly the local veterinarian, Dr. Nate Sterling, goes from her ex to her champion. With the help of a lively poodle therapy dog, the cowboy vet sets out to challenge Kathleen’s strength and heal her heart. He’ll show her there’s life beyond dance, even if it means she leaves town again. But maybe, just maybe, he’ll convince her there’s only one thing in life worth having...and he’s standing right in front of her. Caring Canines: Loving and loyal, these dogs mend hearts.

Introduction “You sure know how to cheer someone up.” She snuggled the dog against her cheek. The poodle licked a tear from her face, her tongue tickling Kathleen. “So I see you’re happy about the dog,” Nate said behind her. “If I tell you I am, your head is going to swell and you won’t be able to wear your cowboy hat.” “I’ll get a bigger size.” He smiled. “Let’s walk her and introduce her to the Soaring S.” Kathleen allowed him to draw her to her feet, only inches separating them. His heartbeat kicked up a notch and all he could think about was holding her. But that would take them in a direction they shouldn’t go. She needed to figure out what she wanted. He did, too. He took her hand. In the darkness he didn’t want her to stumble. That was the only reason. Yeah, right. He would support Kathleen, be there for her, help her. But he wouldn’t fall for her. If only it was that easy.…

About the Author MARGARET DALEY feels she has been blessed. She has been married more than thirty years to her husband, Mike, whom she met in college. He is a terrific support and her best friend. They have one son, Shaun. Margaret has been writing for many years and loves to tell a story. When she was a little girl, she would play with her dolls and make up stories about their lives. Now she writes these stories down. She especially enjoys weaving stories about families and how faith in God can sustain a person when things get tough. When she isn’t writing, she is fortunate to be a teacher for students with special needs. Margaret has taught for more than twenty years and loves working with her students. She has also been a Special Olympics coach and has participated in many sports with her students.

Title Page Her Hometown Hero Margaret Daley www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. —Psalms 29:11

Dedication To my family. I love you.

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

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Coming home should be filled with joy, but Kathleen Somers felt nothing. Numb, she was beyond caring where she lived so long as she could be by herself. She stared unseeing out the window of her older brother’s Ford F-150 as Howard turned into the family ranch outside of Cimarron City, Oklahoma. Green pastures were scattered with cattle grazing peacefully, their world not rocked like hers. To my very foundation, whispered through her thoughts.

In New York she’d been following her dream to become a principal ballerina in a major ballet company. She’d been close—a step away until she was hit by a car crossing the street on her way to the dress rehearsal for her big chance. As she remembered, her heartbeat slowed to a painful throb.

The motion of the Ford came to a halt. “We’re home, Kit,” her brother’s deep gravelly voice pierced through the emotions deluging her. “Beth hoped you would join us for an early dinner before going to the cabin.”

Kathleen slowly opened her eyes, not used to hearing her old nickname. In New York she was Kathleen, and it seemed to fit a ballerina who was on the rise in the dance world. She turned her head toward Howard. “I’d rather settle in first.”

“That’s fine. We can hold dinner. Give you the time you need.”

“I don’t think—”

“I know you’re hurting, but Beth has gone to a lot of trouble to make one of your favorite foods, and the kids are excited to see you again.” His eyes softened on her face. “Please.”

“I don’t want any special treatment. I’m tired...” Her voice trailed off into the silence when she took in her brother’s worried expression. “I’m going to be all right.” If I say it enough, maybe it will happen.

“Don’t forget I’ve known you ever since you were born twenty-six years ago. I know all your moods and probably what you’re thinking right now.”

Why had she decided to come home to the Soaring S Ranch? She should have known Howard would do this. Demand she become part of the family when all she wanted to do was hide and mourn the loss of the lower part of her leg—not to mention her career and her dreams. “Fine. I’ll come for a little while, but I really am tired and want to go to bed early. I’ll come up to the house after I freshen up.”