Cowboy Doctor

“It’s short for Rocelin, an old English name.”

His name was as unique as the man himself. “What I wanted to say was that this morning Wes confronted me in the barn.”

His expression sobered. “In what regard?”

“I wanted to check on Chief, but he said he’d already done it. He also told me that Dr. Cruz was the vet and would be taking care of Chief from now on.”

Roce nodded. “I appreciate you telling me, but I was already aware there was a problem. Suffice it to say Mr. Hunter made it clear he employed me. I’m afraid Wes will have to deal with his grandfather if he’s unhappy.”

“I’m relieved then, because we both know he’s unhappy and isn’t worried about showing it.”

“How true. That’s one troubled young man.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” They left the conversation there.

After enjoying another cup of coffee, Cassie brought them, Roce put some bills on the table. “You said you had errands to run. Ready to do them?”

“All I really wanted to do was buy some treats for the horses. Today I’ve got to choose the one I want to ride this summer. Wes informed me this morning he’s already chosen one for me. She’s a bay mare, his pick.”

“He likes being in charge.”

“True. If she’s the one I ride to keep the peace, a treat might help us become friends sooner.”

“Then let’s do it.”

They left the restaurant and walked to the truck. He drove to the feed store they’d passed earlier and he took her inside. They wandered around until they found what she was looking for.

“My horse, Spirit, loves Paddock Cakes,” Tracey commented.

Roce darted an amused glance her way. “Of course he does. Let’s add some lactose-free Probio snacks to aid the digestion of those gummy frogs.” She laughed as he reached for them, and they walked to the counter to pay for everything.

Soon they headed back to the ranch. She put the sack of treats in her purse.

“Where do you want me to drop you?”

“If you would let me off by the corral, that would be perfect. Wes said he’d be exercising the horses I haven’t seen yet. I’ll have to find one to ride before morning. He’ll expect me to pick the bay, of course.”

“Want some help?”

She took a quick breath. “I’d be thrilled, but I don’t dare impose on your time.”

“I’m not in a hurry.”

He pulled to a stop and they got out. Tracey counted seven horses in the corral. She saw Wes standing against the corral fencing. In a whisper she said, “Yup. There’s the mare.”

“Let’s take a look at her first.”

There was no question Wes was glaring at them when they entered the corral. Without being asked, he deliberately reached for the bay and led her over to Tracey, ignoring Roce. “This is Fancy Pants.”

She’d already examined her yesterday, but made a pretense of doing it again. While Roce did his own inspection afterward, she turned to Wes, who’d been watching them like a cat ready to pounce on a mouse.

“Before dinner I’ll take Fancy Pants for a ride.” If Tracey had said anything else, there would have been an ugly scene. She could almost taste the venom coming from Wes. She didn’t want that. “See you later.”

Once again Roce nodded to the other man before the two of them headed for his truck. After he climbed in behind the wheel, he looked down at her from the open window as he’d done earlier. “The mare appears in good health. You’ll know a lot more about her when you take her for a ride.”

“You’re right. Thank you for breakfast.”

“My pleasure. I’ll be back here at six thirty in the morning.”

Tracey would be living for it.

“If I’m held up for some reason, let’s exchange cell phone numbers so we can stay in touch.”

She nodded, thrilled he’d suggested it. They traded phones to put in their numbers.

“See you soon, Tracey.”

As he drove off, she walked to her cabin, hoping Grady wouldn’t see her and try to monopolize her time. Before long she would have to have a heart-to-heart talk with her grandfather over the situation brewing between Wes and John. If he had any advice, she wanted to hear it, but that conversation could wait another day.

For a little while all she wanted to do was savor the time she’d just spent with Roce Clayton.

* * *

ROCE KNEW TROUBLE from the first moment Wes Hunter had exploded on the scene in the barn last evening. He feared Tracey was caught in the middle of an unpleasant situation. After watching Wes in action just now, he made up his mind to keep a close eye on what was going on behind the scenes.

Once he’d reached the house, he let Daisy outside, then brought her back in. After pouring more water in her dish, he worked in his office. He had some phone calls to return from patients in the Missoula area. There was also a mountain of mail to go through that he’d retrieved from his box at the post office in Stevensville.

An hour later he came across a letter from the Bitterroot-Sapphire Animal Festival being held in a few days in Hamilton.

Dear Dr. Clayton,

Our committee is hoping to assemble as many local veterinarians as possible who would be willing to help or be on call during our three-day festival over the June 8-10 weekend. If you could give us the times you might be available, there will be a small remuneration for your service.

That was four days away. Roce’s mind was already racing ahead.

Festival organizers have put out the following health advisory to those who bring animals, asking that they be conscious of the risks and take simple precautions.

Roce read the advisory. But the fact that decided him to help out lay at the feet of a certain enticing female working on the Rocky Point Dude Ranch. After being with her today, he knew in his gut she was attracted to him, too, and he thought he would invite her to attend some of the festival events with him.

Excited to have another reason to see her away from the dude ranch, he emailed his response, then took Daisy with him to his mom’s for Sunday dinner.

Everyone had congregated except their youngest brother, Toly, who was still single and on the rodeo circuit. When Roce walked into the living room, Libby shouted for joy and ran over to play with Daisy.

Eli sat on the couch with Brianna and Jasmine, the wife of their oldest brother, Wymon. Everyone fought to hold Eli and Brianna’s new baby. Just two weeks old, little Stephen, named after their father, Stephen Clayton, was adorable, and the family was overjoyed.

“How’s the new Clayton Ranch vet?” Wymon asked, giving Roce a hug.

“That depends. Since Mom hasn’t announced dinner yet, let’s go in the den for a minute. I want to talk to you about something.”