Page 15 of Brand Me, Cowboy's Second Chance

Welcome back, Fallon. Some folks are excited you're here. And others? Well, let's just say that little bar brawl your girl started last week didn't exactly scream southern belle.

Speaking of Anny, how is she getting along with the new queens of the Kingridge castle? Cassidy, Priya, and the Reagan sisters don't exactly know how to throw punches. But maybe even with all that time refining your palate in Europe, you still like them rough. You know what they say, you can take the boy out of Texas, but...

Speaking of bar brawls... Let's talk about our Mayor.

Randolph Bellcourt didn't just show up. He rolled in like he was the guest of honor. Left with nothing but bruised pride and a whole lotta side-eye, but I'm getting ahead of myself. He picked the wrong venue to throw shade, considering Kingridge Ranch owns half the land and most of the hearts around here.

Insiders say he tried to make a scene with Alex Kingridge. Alex already had one hand on a whiskey glass and the other on his brother's collars, trying to hold them back. It almost got ugly. Some of us wish it had. Those boys were a lot more fun before they went and got tied down. I, for one, would have loved to see the fireworks show. But it sounds like the mayor’s road through the ranch ain't gonna happen.

Don’t you worry y’all, this battle of the egos is far from over, thanks to an unnamed Kingridge brother who had eyes for one Ms. Becca Bellcourt. She in that red dress? Him looking like a man trying to start over? Sugar, no one slips off in a dress like that for a nature hike... I'll let you do the math until I confirm my details.

For now, let's not pretend the gala was all feathers and fury. There were sweet moments, too---like the Peach Margarita Incident. Someone special remembered someone else's drink order without having to ask. And that someone else? Blushed like a debutante caught skinny-dipping in the river.

Meanwhile, over at the chicken coop, a batch of hens went missing during the gala. Patty June says it's a fox. Darla from the Feed & Supply says it's teenage boys and tequila. But I've got another theory.

I've heard it's a familiar face with a real flexible moral compass, back in town just in time to stir things up. They say they're here for a "fresh start." I say maybe that start involves a few feathers and a flashlight.

Keep your eyes peeled, darlings. Something tells me this barnyard ball was just the beginning. Until next time, keep your boots on and your hands to yourself. I'll be here waiting to spill the tea.

CHAPTER11

FALLON

This morningI'm in the ranch office with my brothers. With the gala behind us, we’re all breathing a little easier. The guys are checking in about our week and droning on about ordering supplies. But I can't wipe the smile off my face.

I've been back in Sagebrush Creek for over a month, and it's finally starting to feel like home again. The past week has been good... Unbelievably good. Every morning starts with Anny's body pressed against mine. Every night ends up with her tangled in the bed sheets.

During the day, we tuck into our secret place in the old barn. We can't keep our hands off each other. But then it’s always been like that with us. We've made love in the greenhouse, on the back of my truck, and behind the drapes in The Velvet Spur. Hell, even the tack room got blessed the other night. But it's more than that.

It's the way she looks at me. The way she trusts me with her whole heart. I know I don't deserve her, but somehow I've got her. And this time, it's forever. Knowing she's mine drives me wild. Anny's become a permanent fixture in my world and I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Fallon, are we good with the new fencing for the back forty?" Alex's voice brings me back to the present.

"Yep, I'm just going to check my email now to confirm the shipping date."

Alex continues, "Great. We've got a booth at the Sow Much Farmers Market coming up. It's going to be a wine and cheese tasting from what I hear from Priya..."

He’s still talking, but all of a sudden, I can't hear him. I can't hear anything because a subject line in my inbox steals all of my attention.

Subject: Contract Opportunity -- Southern Knights NFL Practice Team

My heart stutters.

"Whoa," I mutter, and it must be out loud because when I look up, all eyes are on me.

"What is it? Geoffrey leans over my shoulder.

I spin the screen toward them. "The Southern Knights. I think it's real this time."

Alex straightens from beside the filing cabinet. "The Southern Knights football team?"

Callum whistles low.

I open the email, and my eyes race across the screen. It’s all there... scout interest based on my Euro league stats. An offer to join their full-time practice team. Housing in South Carolina. A six-month salary that makes my head spin. A straight shot at being rostered next season.

"Jesus," I breathe. "They want me. Again. Only, this time it isn't just a letter of intent, it's an offer."

Holden's already reading over my shoulder. "Dude, this is massive."

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