Page 4 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

Andy’s eyes crinkle. “KD. She keeps to herself.”

I nod, not offering more. We sit at a worn wooden table, joined by Tom. The food is simple yet hearty. It’s different from what I’m used to, but I find I don’t mind.

“Ready for tomorrow, Shane?” Tom asks between bites.

I meet his gaze. “I can handle it.”

Andy chuckles. “We’ll see. KD’s tough on new hands.”

“I’m not worried,” I say flatly.

Andy leans back, studying me. “What brought you to Silver Creek?”

My jaw tightens. It’s a fair question but one I’d rather avoid. “Needed a change after my discharge,” I say after a moment.

Tom nods, accepting this. “Well, you’ve come to the right place.”

The conversation shifts to ranch business. I relax, grateful for the change in topic. As we finish eating, Tom stands with a groan.

“Turn in early,” he advises. “5 AM comes fast.”

Andy claps my shoulder as he leaves. “Don’t be late. KD won’t like it.”

I nod, watching them go. A man I haven’t met yet approaches, his dark skin gleaming with sweat from the day’s work.

“You must be Shane,” he says, extending a hand. “I’m Kelvin.”

I shake his hand, noting his firm grip. “Nice to meet you.”

“First day tomorrow, huh?” Kelvin grins. “You in for a treat with KD.”

I raise an eyebrow. “So I’ve heard. Is she always this tough?”

Kelvin laughs. “Tough, yeah. But fair. She knows her stuff.”

Tom rejoins us, settling back into his chair. “KD’s the best mechanic we’ve had. Just don’t expect any hand-holding.”

I nod, processing this. “Good. I’m not here for that.”

Kelvin eyes me curiously. “What are you here for, then?”

I pause, considering my words carefully. “A fresh start,” I say finally.

Tom nods approvingly. “Aren’t we all? This place has a way of giving that to folks.”

We fall into an easy conversation about the ranch and the work ahead. I find myself relaxing slightly, drawn in by their straightforward manner. There’s no hidden agenda here, no power plays. It’s refreshing.

As the night wears on, I feel the day's labor settling into my bones. I stand, stretching. “I should turn in. Early start tomorrow.”

Kelvin nods. “Smart move. See you out there, man.”

Tom gives me a knowing look. “Sleep well, Shane. You’re gonna need it.”

They leave with a chorus of goodnights, and I’m left alone at the table. The dining room empties quickly, the sudden quiet almost oppressive after the din of dinner.

I make my way to the bunkhouse, my footsteps crunching on the gravel path. The night air is cool and crisp, carrying the scent of hay and distant pine. It’s peaceful here in a way I’ve never experienced before.

The bunkhouse is a simple barn with private rooms, a single bed, and a four-drawer dresser. I claim the first empty room I see and set my duffel bag just inside the room. Down the hall, other ranch hands are settling in for the night, their quiet conversations a low hum in the background.

---