Page 35 of Saddles and Snowstorms (Sagebrush Cowboys #4)

Brooks

I hated myself for what I’d done.

It had been a week since I’d told Rowan to leave, practically telling him I wanted nothing to do with him. It was a lie of course, but one I was intent on sticking to. I had my reasons and as far as I was concerned, they were sound. I just wished it didn’t hurt so damn bad.

But who was I to tell Rowan to stay? We’d known each other for all of two months, if that.

And most of that time was just professional.

He was my vet, I was a client. We didn’t share any information beyond that.

It wasn’t until the goddamned blizzard that everything got out of hand.

He saved my life and in a moment of weakness, I let him in.

I shouldn’t have. I should’ve stuck to my guns like I always did and kept to myself.

Because I knew what was going to happen.

Rowan was going to take his old boss’s offer.

Why wouldn’t he? A life of comfort and prosperity in the city that he loved so much was more than most people could imagine.

Rowan would have the best of everything, all the money he could dream of, and a fairy tale life that few would ever get to experience. How could he turn that down?

So, I did what I knew I had to do. I pushed him away.

The last thing I wanted was for Rowan to stay because he thought we had something, only for him to regret it a few months or a year down the road.

One day he would wake up and realize that I was old and grumpy, a prize nobody would exchange a lifetime of success for.

And then he’d either leave or he’d hold it against me.

Maybe not on purpose, but we’d grow apart, and things would become dull. The spark we once had would go out.

That, more than anything, was far more terrifying than him leaving.

I’d rather he left now with some good memories between us than watch him grow to despise me.

And besides, if he left now, I could get the goodbye over with and go back to my lonely life.

For the first time ever, I got to say farewell on my terms. And while I wasn’t happy about it, at least I’d have nobody to blame but myself.

I couldn’t bear the thought of being angry at him.

Better I should take the blame and be done with it.

So, I went back to my everyday, quiet life.

The cattle needed feeding, the horses had to be brushed, and Hank had to be kept calm so he didn’t injure his leg further.

I did everything I could to lose myself in the humdrum chores of everyday farm life.

And sometimes, for a moment or two, I forgot about Sagebrush and the world around me.

Rowan, however, never left my mind. Even in the darkest, deepest part of my dreams he was there, calling my name.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wake up in the middle of the night reaching for him. My body had gotten used to his warmth, his steady breathing, the way he’d curl against me in his sleep. Now the bed felt too big, too empty, and too damn cold.

This morning was no different. I woke before dawn, as usual, my hand stretching across sheets that hadn’t been slept in by anyone but me. I cursed under my breath and forced myself up. No use dwelling on it. The animals wouldn’t feed themselves.

The brisk morning air hit me like a slap when I stepped outside. February in northern Texas was unforgiving, especially before sunrise. I pulled my coat tighter around me and trudged toward the barn, my boots crunching on the frost-covered ground.

“Morning,” I mumbled to the horses as I entered. They nickered in response, eager for their breakfast. At least someone was happy to see me.

I was halfway through my morning chores when I heard the sound of tires on gravel.

My heart jumped to my throat before I could stop it.

Visitors were rare out here, especially this early.

I set down the hay fork and made my way outside.

The sun was just peeking over the horizon, casting long shadows across my property.

I squinted against the light, trying to make out who was coming up my drive. It wasn’t Rowan’s truck—I’d recognize that old beat-up thing anywhere. This was a sleek black SUV, city wheels if I ever saw them.

My stomach knotted. Probably some developer looking to buy up land. They’d been sniffing around these parts lately, offering “generous” sums to struggling ranchers. Well, I wasn’t struggling, and I sure as hell wasn’t selling. My family’s land was all I had left.

The SUV came to a stop, and the driver’s door opened. A tall woman in a tailored pantsuit stepped out, her heels immediately sinking into the soft ground. She looked down at them with dismay before plastering on a professional smile.

“Mr. Callahan?” she called out, one hand shielding her eyes from the rising sun.

I approached slowly, not bothering to return the smile. “That’s me.”

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Alice Kensington from Schumer and Grant Family Law down in Amarillo.”

I nodded. “I’ve heard of ya. You handled my folk’s estate when they died. What can I help you with?”

“Actually, I’m here to help you,” she smiled. “Would you mind giving me a tour of your farm while we talk?” Her smile seemed genuine as she glanced up at the barn, her eyes full of childlike wonder. “I do paperwork a lot for places like this, but I don’t get to visit them much.”

“Sure,” I sighed, not really finding a reason to say no. “I don’t got much, but I’ll show you around.”

I gestured toward the barn and she followed, her designer heels sinking deeper into the mud with each step. I almost felt bad for her, but anyone with sense knew not to wear city shoes on a ranch.

“You’re a cattle rancher, correct?” she asked, carefully navigating around a particularly wet patch.

“Twenty-five head,” I confirmed. “Small operation, but quality over quantity.”

“And you run it all yourself?” There was something like admiration in her voice.

I shrugged. “Always have.”

We reached the barn, and I held the door open for her. She stepped inside, immediately taking in the organized chaos that was my livelihood. The horses perked up at the new visitor.

“Beautiful animals,” she commented, reaching out tentatively toward the nearest one.

“That’s Whiskey. He’s friendly enough.”

The horse stretched his neck toward her, and she gently stroked his nose. For a city lawyer, she seemed comfortable enough around the animals.

“Mr. Callahan,” she said, turning back to me. “I’ll get straight to the point. I’m here because I’ve been retained by Dr. Rowan Walsh.”

The sound of his name hit me like a physical blow, and I had to steady myself against a post. Alice must have noticed because her expression softened.

“Are you alright, Mr. Callahan?”

I cleared my throat. “Fine. Go on.”

She nodded, pulling a manila folder from her leather briefcase. “Dr. Walsh has asked me to deliver these documents to you personally. He wanted to make sure you understood their contents completely.”

My mouth went dry. What the hell was this about? Had Rowan decided to sue me for something? Maybe for kicking him out of my life so suddenly? It didn’t seem like him, but then again, heartbreak made people do strange things.

“What kind of documents?” I asked, my voice rougher than I intended.

“Partnership papers,” she replied simply, opening the folder. “Dr. Walsh is proposing a business arrangement between his veterinary practice and your ranch.”

I blinked, trying to process her words. “Business arrangement?”

“Yes. He’s establishing a specialized care facility for large animals here in Sagebrush, and he’s looking to partner with a local ranch for both space and expertise.

His proposal includes expanding your facilities to accommodate recovering animals, with all construction costs covered by his practice.

In return, he’s offering you a percentage of the profits and a stake in the business. ”

I stared at her, not quite believing what I was hearing. “Why would he do that?”

She smiled. “Dr. Walsh believes your ranch is ideally situated and that your expertise with animals would be invaluable. He mentioned something about a rogue calf that you saved during a blizzard at a great personal risk.”

My throat tightened. Rowan had noticed. Had seen how I cared for my animals, how I’d nearly died out in that blizzard to bring that calf home. But had he told her how he’d saved my life in turn? How he’d nursed me back to health?

“He’s offering this from Austin?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Alice tilted her head. “Austin? No, Mr. Callahan. But he knew you would ask. Dr. Walsh has declined the position at Austin Animal Hospital. He’s committed to staying in Sagebrush. He’s already purchased the old Wilson property just outside of town for the expanded practice as well.”

The world seemed to tilt beneath my feet. Rowan had turned down the job. He was staying in Sagebrush.

“I don’t understand,” I muttered, more to myself than to the lawyer.

Alice watched me carefully. “Dr. Walsh suspected you might be confused. He asked me to give you this as well.” She pulled an envelope from her briefcase and handed it to me.

I took it with unsteady hands, recognizing Rowan’s neat handwriting immediately. My name was written across the front in his precise script.

“I’ll give you a moment,” Alice said tactfully, moving toward the barn door.

“I’ll wait by my car when you’re ready to discuss the partnership details.

” She paused for a moment before looking back.

“Off the record though… this is the most generous offer I’ve ever seen in all my years of practice.

This Dr. Walsh… clearly, he trusts you.”

I nodded, barely registering her as she walked away. My fingers fumbled with the envelope, tearing it open with none of the care it deserved. Inside was a single page, filled with Rowan’s handwriting.

Brooks,

You’re a fucking idiot.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, I know what you’re thinking. You’re wondering why I would stay in Sagebrush when Austin offered me everything I thought I wanted. The answer is simple, even if it took me too long to see it .

Austin isn’t home anymore. Sagebrush is. You are.

Love,

Rowan

I stared at the piece of paper, reading it over and over again until the words blurred together. My chest felt tight, like someone had wrapped a rope around it and was pulling hard.

You are.

Two simple words that changed everything. I folded the letter carefully and slipped it into my shirt pocket, right over my heart.

Outside, Alice was leaning against her SUV, typing something on her phone. She looked up as I approached, studying my face.

“Ready to discuss the details?” she asked, professional but kind.

I cleared my throat. “Not yet. There’s something I need to do first.” I glanced toward my truck. “Is Dr. Walsh at his office now?”

A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “I believe he is. Shall I tell him you’re on your way?”

“No,” I said, already heading for my truck. “I’d rather surprise him.”

“Mr. Callahan,” she called after me. “The partnership papers?—”

“I’ll sign ‘em,” I said over my shoulder. “But business comes second today.”

In a rush I jumped into my truck, turned the engine over, and sprayed gravel as I tore down the long driveway. I had to get to town, now, before Rowan decided he really was done with me. I wasn’t going to lose this chance, not again.