Page 3 of Stolen Hearts

Then he walked out.

And didn’t come back.

Chapter One

Rhae glanced at the clock on her desk. Almost her infant daughter Navy’s naptime.

The morning had been slow, a rarity around here. The veteran therapy and recovery program was situated on a busy, working ranch in the mountains of Wyoming. Nothing ever slowed down here…until her office door closed and one of the vets she worked with took a seat.

No one ever made an appointment, but somehow, it all worked. When she was hired, she never planned to make her door a revolving one, but the on-demand therapy seemed to be working.

There was no conflict, no chaos. Just a steady beat to life like the hum of the wind over the fields of the Black Heart Ranch where the program was situated.

The main building was a sprawling log structure with thick timber beams and floor-to-ceiling windows. It boasted all the modern amenities anybody could ask for even as it offered down-home charm.

A wide front porch stretched across the front with rocking chairs and thick wool blankets folded neatly over the backs. At most times of the day, Rhae could look out and see a vet or two out there, staring out at the cattle grazing in the nearby field or listening to a ball game on the radio.

Her young daughter enjoyed being outdoors as much as the men, and Rhae took her out every chance she could.

Through the window beside her desk, she could see a few guys tossing hay bales onto a flatbed truck. As part of theirtherapy, they could pitch in as much or as little as they liked. No pressure around the Black Heart was one of her favorite things about living here too.

The men moved in sync, their movements practiced and efficient. Therapy didn’t always look like talking.

Sometimes it was mending fences, running cattle or just standing at the fence rail while the sun sank behind the mountains.

Navy’s coo broke the silence, and Rhae smiled. Her daughter was nestled in the playpen beside her desk, chubby fists wrapped around a stuffed lion that had seen better days. Rhae pushed away from her desk and walked over, scooping the little girl into her arms. Navy squealed with delight, her tiny hands reaching for Rhae’s necklace.

“Almost time for your nap, sweet pea,” Rhae whispered, brushing a short sprig of hair away from Navy’s forehead.

A shadow moved in front of the doorway.

She smiled and glanced at the clock, even though she already knew what time it was. Like clockwork, every day, Kyle showed up. It was one of the only routines that held steady around her office.

Rhae turned, spotting the former Marine in the doorway. His hair was messy, probably from wrestling with the horses earlier, and his T-shirt sporting the Black Heart Ranch logo was dusty.

She smiled. “Hi, Kyle. You’re early.”

“Miss Rhae.” He dipped his head in greeting. “Figured I was in the area. Thought I’d help.” He stepped into the office, no invitation necessary. His boots thumped lightly on the gleaming wood floors as he crossed the room, arms already reaching out to take the baby.

Navy spotted him and leaned forward, chubby legs kicking in excitement.

Kyle was hardened to steel, and over the past year he’d spent on the ranch, the sun had etched weathered lines around his eyes to mix with the lines of strain he received in battle. But he’d been here long enough that he was part of the ranch, just as solid and safe.

She passed Navy into his arms, and he tucked the child close, smiling down at her. One of Navy’s hands splatted on his bearded cheek, and he chuckled.

“She doesn’t look very tired.” He moved to the long sofa to sit, positioning Navy in his lap, cradling her like she was much more fragile than she was.

Navy gurgled, tiny hands patting at his chest. Kyle chuckled, grabbing the bottle already set out in the warmer on the desk. He gave it a quick, practiced shake, tested it on his wrist, then offered it to Navy.

She latched on immediately, her eyes already drifting closed even as she sucked contentedly.

Rhae glided to the armchair opposite the sofa and sat down with a smile.

Kyle eyed her. “She wore you out already?” His big hand spread over Navy’s small back, and the baby’s soft sucking noises filled the room with a quiet comfort.

“It was a slow morning. I think Navy was as bored as I was.”

He tipped his head back, eyes fixed on the ceiling as if counting the wooden beams. “Slow’s good. Means everyone’s…managing.”

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