Chapter Twenty-Six

Grace stood by the fence of the south cattle pasture, the early autumn breeze blowing warm on her face. Tens of dozens of Longhorns dotted the rolling hills and filled the air with their lowing. She thought back to the day Dad told her they’d found a buyer for the ranch. She was heartbroken when she learned an investment group made the winning offer.

At first, Grace bristled at the thought of bankers operating their ranch. But once Dad explained the investors made the deal on the condition a member of the family stay on to manage, she’d cooled off. She could live at the house and manage the ranch while her parents would have enough money for travel and Dad’s medical care. The best of both worlds.

Grace’s parents left for their big trip a little over a month ago. Yesterday, she received a short email, assuring her they were all right. Attached was a picture of her mom and dad sitting on top of a truck. A herd of elephants stood behind them.

Even though she missed them terribly, Grace was happy for her parents. Over the past month, she worked with the investment fund manager to make upgrades to the ranch. She’d overseen the start of a major barn remodel and replaced large chunks of old fencing. The only thing missing in her life was Heath.

Grace meandered back to the house. Alex and Jenny were working in Mom’s flower beds. They’d come over for the day, mostly to give the girls a chance to run around and play with the animals.

Passing by the stables, she heard the sounds of the horses call to her. Time spent exploring the ranch on horseback would lift her sullen mood. “I’m taking out Silver for some fresh air,” Grace called out to Jenny, who knelt in a flower bed with a handful of dried-up weeds.

Jenny glanced up and waved. “It’s a beautiful day. Enjoy.”

Grace went to the stable and saddled her favorite horse. Silver nuzzled Grace’s neck. The horse got a kiss on the nose in return. “Come on, girl. Let’s go for a ride.” As she led the horse through the gate and into the pasture, she took a deep breath of pure country air. The weather was perfect. The sun shone bright in a cobalt blue sky. Small, white puffy clouds floated leisurely above her. After years of searching—searching for her place in this world—home was where she’d always belonged.

Despite the warm temperature, she’d put on a flannel shirt. Heath had left it behind in the bunkhouse, along with his dog tags. In bed at night, she’d wear the shirt and imagine him by her side.

The ranch wasn’t the same without him. She missed the sound of his laughter and the way his hazel eyes sparkled with mischief.

Silver trotted to a small hill and halted at the top.

Grace surveyed the rolling pastures and shallow creeks. She could see her family’s house in the distance. As much as she loved the ranch, True Horizon would never truly feel like home without the other half of her heart.

****

Downtown Liberty Ridge lay quiet as Heath rode his motorcycle along Main Street. He traveled over the Hickory River Bridge, and then turned right and headed out of town. A nervous flutter settled in his stomach throughout the fifteen-minute ride to True Horizon Ranch. After more than a month apart, would Grace slam the door in his face? He wouldn’t blame her if she’d given up on him.

From what Bruce said in his last email, Grace was happy managing the ranch’s daily operations. She had no idea he was behind the investment group.

For the past three weeks, he’d lived in Austin. The quirky town was a good fit for a man in transition. He drove to Liberty Ridge twice weekly for his appointments with Colleen. Her approach to therapy made him a believer. She was tough when she needed to be but also gentle and understanding. He learned and practiced coping techniques during every session. With Colleen’s help, he discovered a strength and determination that he’d thought he’d lost.

His progress was nothing short of a miracle. For the first time, he allowed himself to believe he could have a wife and children some day. His scars would always be there, but his wounds were healing. They’d lost most of their sting.

The long, gravel driveway stretched out before him. He passed under the metal arch reading True Horizon Ranch. A refreshing lightness filled his chest. He was home. The white farmhouse’s rambling form beckoned him forward. He parked his bike and made his way up the front porch steps. After standing before the front door for several minutes, he gathered the nerve to knock. He heard no sound from the other side. Guess no one was home. Just as he was turning to leave, the door opened.

“Hey, man.” Alex opened the creaky screen door. “Good to see you. Come on in.”

Heath stood transfixed on his spot on the porch. “Umm…hey. Is Grace around? I need to talk to her.”

A huge smile spread across Alex’s face. “About time.” He grasped Heath’s hand in a firm handshake. “She went out riding. Should I saddle a horse for you?”

The thought of getting on a horse made his skin prick cold with sweat. His urgency to see Grace drove away all other fears. “Sure. Guess I’m willing to risk my life in order to get to her.”

Thirty minutes later, Heath sat uncomfortably astride a massive, black horse. He could’ve sworn Alex had chosen the largest, meanest-looking horse. Must be payback for breaking his sister’s heart. He clung to the reins and, after a brief test of wills, steered the horse onto the trail.

Bruno, the beast underneath him, snorted.

If he had to guess, Grace would be at the little meadow with the pond where they’d shared a picnic. Under the cover of tree branches, he shivered, most likely from anticipation. Gravel crunched underneath the horse’s hooves and the sounds of bird songs filled the air. His urge to throw up grew with each step toward the meadow. For so long, he’d dreamed of the moment he’d see Grace again. Reality might be tragically disappointing. As he fought to regain control, he reminded himself that he’d stormed into armed buildings and faced down suicide bombers. At what point had he turned into such a coward?

Suddenly, the field came into view. He noticed Silver first, then Grace, sitting in their spot by the pond. She wore his old flannel shirt, which had kept him warm on many nights in Afghanistan. Looks like his shirt had found its way into the light as well. He dismounted and walked toward her, his footsteps crunching over the grass.

Grace lifted her head and shielded her eyes from the sun.

Something looking like relief flashed in her brown eyes. He sat beside her, totally unsure of what to say.

“Hey, there.” In her hand was a long piece of saw-grass, which she spun around her finger.

“Hey.” He met her gaze and smiled. Warmth spread from his heart, through his chest, and filled his body. His love moved inside him like a hurricane waiting to be unleashed, but he held the force in check. “I want a chance to make things right. I’ve made so many mistakes.”

“We’ve both made mistakes,” she said.

He hushed her by putting a finger to her lips. “I want you with me every day. I want a chance to show you I can be the kind of man you deserve. I’ve come a long way. Please say you’ll still have me.” He leaned in and stopped, just short of kissing her. The warmth of her breath flowed over his skin.

Without warning, she stood and walked away.

****

Grace halted and spun. “You ran away, Heath…you left me with just a note. Why?” Her heart pounded wildly, emotions swirled and collided.

Heath jumped to his feet.

After not seeing him for so long, she drank in the sight of him. His hair was still short but lighter from time spent under the sun. The beard on his face had been reduced to light stubble along his strong jaw line. She longed for him to smile, so she could see his devilish dimple.

Heath’s posture was military erect, and his feet spread wide. “The night I left, your dad and I had a long talk. I realized I needed to straighten out my own life before I ever had a chance to make you happy. I had faith you loved me enough to wait.”

“So much has happened since you left. My parents sold the ranch. I’ve stayed on to manage and made a commitment to build my life here.” She reached out to him, taking his hand and placing it over her heart. “I did wait for you, every minute of every day.”

His arms wrapped around her, and his lips began a delicious kiss.

Grace lost herself in the sensation of his body. Her other half had returned.

“I’m not done with therapy.” He touched his forehead to hers. “I’ll probably always need it, to some degree. Call me a work in progress. But I’m in a good place. Better than I have been in years. I can imagine you and me rocking on the front porch. We’ll snuggle and watch the sunset.”

As she imagined the scene, her heart soared. “I promise to stand by you.” She brushed her finger over a scar running along his chin. No memory can feel as good as touching the real man. “You’ve been through a trial by fire and have come out the other side stronger. I’m so proud of you.”

They went to get their horses to head home. “Why do you have Bruno?” Grace laughed. Had he grown out of his fear of horses? Or did he have a death wish?

“Bruno is your brother’s idea of a cruel joke.” From inside his saddle pouch, he pulled out a small box. “I have something special for you.” He smiled as the box disappeared behind his back. “Before I give it to you, I need to make a confession.”

What did he have tucked inside that little box? Better be something good if he had to make a confession before handing her the gift. She narrowed her eyes. “Oh boy, now what? Did you join the rodeo?”

“Nothing that bad.” He hesitated. “I bought the ranch from your dad. So technically, I’m your boss.”

“What?” she croaked. Her eyes widened. “An investment group bought it.”

He shrugged. “A very small group, just me, myself, and I. Well, and the fund manager, who you already know.”

“So you’re rich?” Shock jolted through her. How could her parents have kept such a big secret?

“Not as rich as before I bought the ranch. You’ve spent my money left and right, but I’m still doing all right. When your dad told me about his plan to sell, I finally understood what I wanted to do with the inheritance.”

“No wonder everything I’ve wanted has been approved.” Her loud laughter startled the horses. She placed a calming hand on Silver’s rump. “Am I allowed to kiss my boss?” Grace tipped her chin to meet his gaze.

“Most definitely.” He kissed a trail down her neck and nipped her collarbone. “True Horizon is yours. I’ll sign over everything to you right now. But only if you agree to hire me on as your ranch hand.” His gaze lowered to her mouth. “Your very own sexy ranch hand.”

She definitely liked the sound of that. “The ranch should stay yours for now. Maybe, someday, it can be ours.”

He held out his arms. In one outstretched hand was the jewelry box. “Today is the start of something new. I want to date you, Gracie. I want to wine and dine you, and someday, marry you.”

Grace carefully opened the lid of the box. Inside was a gold filigree butterfly attached to a delicate chain. The body of the butterfly was set with a baguette-cut diamond, and its delicate wings were laced in an intricate design. Tears of joy filled her eyes. Her heart fluttered like a real butterfly.

“I had the necklace made for you,” he whispered into her ear.

His warm breath made her shiver. She lifted her hair so he could place the necklace around her neck. “Thank you. The butterfly is exquisitely beautiful.” Her fingertip traced the wings.

“Not as beautiful as you.”

“We’ve both made transformations during our lives,” she said. “The journey hasn’t been easy, but the hardest parts usually make the greatest rewards.” She noticed the sun hanging low in the sky. “We should get home before dark.”

“Okay, but I’m not getting back on that horse. He hates me.” He scowled at Bruno.

The horse snorted and shook his large head.

Bruno appeared to agree with Heath’s assessment. She patted his shoulder. “My strong warrior is afraid of a horse.”

“I don’t think Bruno is a horse. My guess is he’s someone’s science experiment gone wrong.”

Grace held Bruno’s reins with one hand and gave Silver’s to Heath. She’d never been so happy and so incredibly content. They walked along the path, hand in hand, and stopped when they reached the end.

Looking across the cattle pasture, Heath pulled her close for another kiss, as the sun set over the western horizon.