Cowboy Doctor

“You have to be Tracey Marcroft.”

“Yes.”

“I’m Fran Hunter. I’m married to Wes, who’s John’s grandson. At breakfast he said you’d be coming today. He told me and Wes, and I quote, ‘She’s the most beautiful young woman you ever saw, and she can ride a horse like nobody’s business!’”

Tracey chuckled. It was hard to know what to say after that. “He sounds as full of it as my grandpa Ben, but thank you. I’ve been looking forward to meeting the rest of your family.”

“We’re a big one.”

“So I’ve gathered. I’ll try to learn names fast.”

“Don’t worry about it. Granddad is waiting for you in his office. Just come around behind the counter.”

Pleased that she acted so friendly, Tracey did her bidding. The door at the end of the hallway had been left open. She saw John seated at his desk. He was on the phone but waved at her to come on in.

A lean, lanky man with a ton of energy, he had a wonderful head of salt-and-pepper hair. “Welcome, my dear,” he said, after hanging up the phone. “Sylvia and I are thrilled you’ve joined us.” He came around to give her a hug.

“I’m the one who’s excited. Grandpa Ben sends his love with this.” She put a brightly wrapped box on his desk. “He said it’s chocolate-covered cashews.”

“My favorite. He remembered. Thank you.” His eyes twinkled. “I plan to give him a call later and let him know you arrived. For the rest of today and tomorrow, I want you to get more acquainted with the place and staff. Fran, Wes’s wife, is a sweetheart and runs the front desk most of the time. She’ll take care of you. Go for a swim, visit the barn and stable. Do whatever you want.”

“Thank you.”

“My son Sheldon and his wife Janet organize the trail rides with the forest service and are in charge of procuring our horses. Among them we have six ponies for our littlest riders.”

“Oh—I can’t wait to see them!”

“They’re a hit with everyone. My grandson, Wes, Sheldon and Janet’s son, runs the stable. I’ve told Wes to let you pick out the horse you’d like to ride while you’re here this summer.”

“I can’t wait. Just so you know, I’ve brought my own saddle and gear.”

“Wonderful. Fran will give you the key to your cabin. It’s number two. My wife and I will see you at dinner at seven.”

“I’d love that.”

When she went back to the counter, Fran introduced her to another of John’s sons named Thad. You couldn’t mistake him for anyone else. He had the same lanky look as his dad. “Uncle Thad is head of security. He deals with any emergencies or illness situations, and maintains all our equipment and cabins.”

Tracey shook his hand. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

“We’re glad to have you on board. If you have any concerns, come see me.”

“I will.”

“See you at dinner.”

After he walked away, Fran said, “Later on I’ll introduce you to everyone else. Uncle Thad’s wife, Noreen, is head of housekeeping and laundry. You’ll also meet my grandma Sylvia and my aunt Deanna. They’re in charge of food and run the kitchen. Deanna’s husband, my uncle Paul, oversees all the other activities like fishing and river rafting.”

“I’m afraid my head is spinning with so many names.”

“There are more. Along with Wes, you’ll be doing trail rides with Colette, who’s married to Rod. He’s Uncle Paul and Deanna’s son. But you’ll figure it all out soon enough.”

“I understand you all live in town.”

“Yes, but we have a rotation system so we have plenty of staff on duty 24/7.”

“That’s good to know.”

“Let me assure you we’re close enough to the ranch to be here on a moment’s notice if necessary. Wes’s grandfather made it possible for Wes and me to get into a small house after we were first married. I had imagined we’d be living in an apartment for several years, so we’re very lucky.”

“My grandfather sings his praises. I think that’s wonderful.” Tracey and Jeff would have moved to an apartment first, but it didn’t happen, and she needed to stop living in the past. That’s why she’d wanted this new job here for the summer.

“Wes’s parents are so generous, too, and have made everything great for us. I’ve married into the best family in the world. But that’s enough talking about me. I hear you’re an elementary school teacher. I admire you for being able to handle a roomful of children all day long.”

“It’s a challenge, but I love it.”

“Do you have a boyfriend back home who’s going to miss you?”

Tracey’s eyes smarted. “I was engaged to be married, but my fiancé was killed while serving in the military. I’m still trying to get over it.”

A hand went to Fran’s throat. “I didn’t know. I’m sorry to have gone on and on about me and Wes.”

“Don’t you worry about anything. It happened eighteen months ago and I’m doing much better.”

“I’m glad to hear that. If you ever want to talk, I’m available. I met Wes at junior college. We dated and I fell in love with him. But there were several long periods when he didn’t call me. Both times I thought it was over and could hardly bear it. I remember those times, and I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Don’t say another word. I’m just happy you two got back together.”

“It was like a miracle. One day he showed up at my dorm and we ended up getting married. But I’m keeping you from getting settled, so I’ll drive with you to your cabin. It’s number two.”

“Thank you.” Fran was a very compassionate person. Tracey liked her. They left the ranch house and got in her car. She started the engine and, following Fran’s directions, drove them past a corral holding half a dozen horses to the log cabins in the distance.

Only then did it dawn on Tracey how lucky she was to be working for the Hunter family. It made her realize how much John Hunter must revere her grandpa, letting her come work for them as he had. She would do everything she could to fit in, and Fran was already making it easy.

She pulled up in front of her designated cabin. Fran got out and opened the door while Tracey carried in her luggage. The first thing she saw in the little living-room-slash-kitchen was a yellow vase filled with white daisies placed on the round dinette table. A card peeked out of it. She put down her bags and opened the envelope.

“Welcome to the Rocky Point Dude Ranch. I hope the experience here will help mend your broken heart. —John.”

Hot tears burned her eyelids. Tracey didn’t know her grandfather had confided in John about Jeff. She was so touched she could hardly talk.

“How lovely.” Her voice faltered.

“Granddad says you’re the very special granddaughter of his oldest, best friend.”

Tracey turned around. “I can’t thank all of you enough for your kindness.”

“It’s a pleasure. Can I do anything else for you?”

“I’ll be fine. Do you want me to drive you back?”