A Ranch to Call Home

A Ranch to Call Home
Leann Harris

A Cowboy’s PromiseThe thrill of the rodeo is gone for cowboy Caleb Jensen. Nowadays, he helps out at a Texas ranch, keeping bad memories locked away. Then the ranch owner’s granddaughter unexpectedly returns home—with a request he can’t accept. Former army captain Brenda Kaye is organizing a charity rodeo, and she needs Caleb to get back in the saddle. She’s determined to save her family’s ranch, even if it means working with the smart aleck cowboy—and uncovering the mysteries that lie in their pasts. Brenda’s used to the dangers of war, but if she trusts Caleb, could the next casualty be her heart?Rodeo Heroes: Only love can tame these cowboys

“Kaye? Are you okay?”

She heard Caleb’s words through the layers of sorrow. The pain and grief rolled out of her, much like flood gates opening, and she had no control over them.

How long she cried, she couldn’t say, but it seemed like hours. When sanity returned, she felt the support and comfort of Caleb’s arms. This was the second time the man had held her and surrounded her with his strength.

She pulled away, wiping her face. “You’d never believe I was an efficient military officer who never once cried the entire time I was in the army. I didn’t even cry when my ex told me he was filing for divorce.”

“I believe you.”

His response brought her gaze up to his. “Really? I took the coward’s way out when I left here.”

Caleb’s finger lifted her chin. “I don’t see a coward. I see an amazingly strong woman who has dealt with a lot of tragedy.”

She searched his face, trying to see if he really meant what he said. His eyes held admiration—and something else.

LEANN HARRIS

When Leann was growing up, she used to spin stories to keep herself entertained, and when she didn’t like how a movie ended, she rewrote the ending—and still does.

Once her youngest child went to school, Leann gave in to her imagination and began putting those stories on a page. Since she was such a terrible typist, her husband brought home a computer, and her writing career was born.

Although she’s not a native Texan, she’s lived most of her adult life in Texas, married a fourth-generation Texan, and her two children are fifth-generation Texans, which is why most of her stories are set in the West or the Southwest.

She is active in her local RWA chapter and ACFW chapters. Since other writers nourished her, she wants to give to others the encouragement given her.

A teacher of the deaf (high school), she is a master composter and avid gardener, which you can look at on her website, www.leannharris.com (http://www.leannharris.com).

A Ranch to Call Home

Leann Harris

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

But for you who revere my name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings.

—Malachi 4:2

For my sweet husband,

who has supported me in all things.

My thanks to:

Steve Gander of the Mesquite Pro-Rodeo

for all his help and insights on how a rodeo operates.

Jennifer Baade and “Branigan” for their help.

Contents

Chapter One (#u5b1dd3ea-e745-5bfa-bedb-08c65bcff123)

Chapter Two (#u8a199cc5-98ae-5339-936b-64c76b928bd5)

Chapter Three (#ub43d4e8b-54d8-5dc6-804d-3a7c8d38d8da)

Chapter Four (#u4aa5ad05-cbfd-5adf-a969-332556509a03)

Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)

Dear Reader (#litres_trial_promo)

Questions for Discussion (#litres_trial_promo)

Excerpt (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter One

Home. She was home.

After twelve years and a lifetime of experiences gained in the army, ex-captain Brenda Kaye was coming home to the little town of Peaster, Texas, west of Fort Worth to face—what?