Page 1 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

ONE

PRETTY BOY

SHANE

“Shane,this is ridiculous. You can’t just abandon your responsibilities like this.”

I grip the steering wheel tighter as my father’s voice fills the cabin of my pickup truck.

“I’m not abandoning anything, Dad. I told you I need time to adjust to civilian life.”

“Adjust? It’s been months since you left the Marines. How much more time do you need?”

The vast South Dakota landscape stretches out before me, a stark contrast to the suffocating expectations closing in from the other end of the line. I focus on the road ahead, willing myself not to lose my cool.

“As much time as it takes,” I say firmly. “I’m not ready to step in as the CEO of Innoventis. Not yet.”

“This isn’t just about you, Shane. The company needs strong leadership. Your brother?—”

“Noah’s more than capable of handling things,” I cut him off. “He’s been there longer than I have anyway.”

My father’s frustrated exhale irritates me. The fact that he’d expect me to jump right in without regard for my thoughts or the fresh ink on my discharge papers is precisely why I left in the first place.

“That’s not the point. You’re the one who’s been groomed for this position. It’s your duty to?—”

“My duty?” I can’t keep the edge out of my voice now. “I’ve given years of my life to duty, Dad. I need this time for myself.”

“And where exactly are you going to find yourself? Some ranch in the middle of nowhere?”

“I’ll be in touch when I’m ready. Goodbye, Dad.”

I end the call before he can protest further, letting out a long breath as silence fills the truck cab. The tension in my shoulders eases as I take in the open road ahead, the promise of escape growing stronger with each mile.

When I pull up to Silver Creek Ranch, the sun hangs low in the sky. The worn wooden sign creaks in the breeze, a far cry from the sleek modernity I’ve left behind in New York.

This is exactly what I need right now.

A stocky, muscular ranch hand approaches as I step out of the truck, stretching my stiff muscles. His weathered face speaks of years spent working under the South Dakota sun, deep lines etched around his eyes. Graying hair peeks out from beneath a well-worn cowboy hat.

“You must be Shane,” he says, extending a calloused hand. His voice is gruff but not unkind. “I’m Tom. Andy’s out on a supply run but said to expect you.”

I shake his hand, feeling the strength in his grip. It’s a handshake that speaks volumes – firm, honest, no-nonsense.

“Nice to meet you, Tom,” I reply, nodding. “Any idea when Andy will be back?”

Tom’s deep brown eyes assess me carefully. “Could be a couple of hours. You’re welcome to relax in the bunkhouse untilthen, or if you’re itching to get started, I can point you towards some work that needs doing.”

The thought of sitting idle, letting my mind wander back to that phone call, makes my skin crawl. “I’d rather get to work if that’s alright.”

Tom grins. “Figured you might say that. We’ve got a tractor that needs some attention. KD’s working on it now, but I’m sure she could use an extra set of hands.”

“She?”

He nods. “Krystal Duncan. Our lead mechanic. She’s over in the barn.” He points towards a weathered structure a short distance away. “Fair warning though, she can be a bit... prickly with new folks.”

I nod, already moving towards the barn. “Thanks for the heads up.”

The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over Silver Creek Ranch.

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