Second Time's A Charm

Second Time's A Charm

last updateLast Updated : 2023-07-24
By:  ThatWriter KariOngoing
Language: English
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Mikel Rysdale needed an escape after a devastating blow to her heart and lifestyle. The number of people she can trust can be counted on one hand. Escaping to the one place she was free, she finds the most unlikely person to lean on. In his eyes, he was a broken man incapable of rejoining society. Army Veteran Killian returns home to live on his family's land in peace. Happy to see his sister again, he wasn't prepared to welcome a guest. What started as a tolerable relationship, the two found the need to be there for each other. Old wounds are hard to heal especially the ones in your heart. “Who are you?” His question was meant to be gentle but they came out as an angry ogre. She laughed at his question. The first chord of that sweet laugh was now trapped in Killian's mind and heart. Slowly she stood up and walked towards him. She was within four steps of him and her scent was intoxicating. Vanilla and the scent of fruit he had to know of. Up close she was perfection in his eyes. Unconsciously he stepped forward wanting to be close to her for some reason. The pain, the memories none of it was on his mind. His sole focus was on her. “Name's Mikel Rysdale. You can call me Mik for short.”

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Chapter 1

1.

My dear and only friend Kelsey,

I didn't mean to sound so dramatic up there but ever since I received your pen pal letter those few months ago, I have found peace and longing by it. The way you described your family ranch was a great contrast from this mausoleum I call home. As you know today is my eighteenth birthday. Not much to celebrate when life has been planned for you since you were sixteen. I envy you Kels. I know you do go through the same pain of loss as me but at least you have somewhere to go, something to do when you feel trapped.

      It's been three days but it feels like forever. Around this time Daddy will be barging into my room and dragging me to the stables or sneaking us to the mall or something. He wanted me to grow up as he did back in New Jersey. I guess his childhood was fun with laughable accidents and loud friends to fill the quiet. It still surprises me that he built all of this to make his family back then happy and kept at it to make my mother and me happy. I miss him so much. I magically hoped that Mother and I will get closer because we lost someone so close and dear to us but I was wrong.

My schedule got longer and much more tedious. I found out yesterday that she applied to Princeton for me to attend my college years. I did not dare tell her that Daddy and myself sent in applications to Cornell and the University of California. Only he knew my love for animals led me to be a vet. If she knows, I won't hear the end of her tirade. I still sneak out to go to the clinic. Hiram said Daddy put things in place for me to go.

Kelsey...

I'm engaged. Well about to be at my birthday ball tonight.

Yes, that should have been the first thing to tell you but it isn't a happy moment for me. Mother's best friend 'chose' me to be her son's 'perfect wife.' Look up the name Dominic Heath and you will know why. Apparently, I am the type of girl her son needs to settle down with. They both have it all planned. Court for two years and by my 21st birthday I am to be married.

Don't worry, you are invited. You're my only support through this. If Daddy was alive he would have forbidden it. No one messes with Michael Rysdale's daughter. I'm laughing yet crying at that memory of when he exploded at a ball. Mother was mortified. The boy who began to spread rumors about me never knew what hit him.

I have to be strong now, Kels. Daddy is no longer here to fight my battles. I'm no longer daddy's girl.

Now enough about me.

How are you? I watched your competition. Congratulations!! (Your gift should be accompanying this letter.) I'm so proud of you and pretty impressed you nailed my signature jump. You looked great. Was your father shocked? I know you told me he was begging to see your practice sessions. Did Corey tag along with you? Is he still ignoring you? Give it time. He's probably intimidated by the fact that you are his boss' daughter. That's a sure sign of respect. Take that in stride sweetie. Give your heart and his some time. From your description of his kindness to your father and the older ranch hands including Mama Roarke, he's a keeper. He didn't return your gift so I count that too as a plus. I'm actually smiling now the first real smile since Daddy's funeral. Thinking of your ranch and all that open space to ride makes me happy somewhat. I promise to visit. I have to go now. Mother just reminded me of my dance session. One can never tire of the waltz she said.

Your Dutiful paper friend,

Mikel

P.S. Don't forget to write to your brother. He will like to hear about the competition.


To my best friend, Mikel who is miles away,

Congratulations?!

You are an engaged woman at the age of eighteen. Very 15th Century isn't it?! I saw your 'intended' on the internet. Handsome but full of himself. They say you can't believe anything on the internet but you will sure as hell believe it when there's an R-Rated video of it. I'm sorry, Mik. I wish you can come to the ranch to escape but your mother probably hired guards for you.

You're sad and I'm not there to help you through this ordeal. I felt your pain when you called and told me the news of your dad. It took me back to when I lost my mom freshman year. You will survive. I know you can. Your father is right, Mikel. You are stronger than you look. Don't let anyone change that. Not even your mother. I know you're not this high society chick, the type of girl your mom wants you to be. You are your father's child through and through. I can tell how close you two were by the way you talked about him and the pictures you shared. I saw that love so clearly in the pictures. It's similar to the one I share with Pop. Oh and yeah he was hella shocked. He kept on nagging me wanting to know who taught me that. Poor old man.

And...

I LOVE MY NEW SADDLE!!!

You're the best Mik. I will use it on Black Dahlia in every competition. Custom made. WOW!!! Now, I gotta one-up my gifts. Can you believe that we have been only friends for a few months but seems like ages? I like that. I wish we were going to the same colleges. If Princeton accepts you, will you go? Do they have a veterinarian department there? What I want is for you to go with your choice. Not hers. I got accepted to Montana State. Close to home and I can keep competing. I want to learn more about ranching. Pops was proud. Have you ever seen a grown-ass man cry? That was my pops. Deep down I know he feels I applied there because of Killian no matter how many times I deny it. Big Brother really hurt Pops. His signing up for the Army caused a rift leaving me in the middle. Killian loved the ranch but loved the world more. I hope he's safe.

I'm worried though.

Something is making the air thick. Something bad is gonna happen and I fear it will hit home. Keep us in your prayers Mik.

I gotta go. Heading out with pops to buy a good breeding bull. Maybe a prize winner.

Keep your head up city girl I'm rooting for ya,

Kelsey.

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29 Chapters
1.
My dear and only friend Kelsey, I didn't mean to sound so dramatic up there but ever since I received your pen pal letter those few months ago, I have found peace and longing by it. The way you described your family ranch was a great contrast from this mausoleum I call home. As you know today is my eighteenth birthday. Not much to celebrate when life has been planned for you since you were sixteen. I envy you Kels. I know you do go through the same pain of loss as me but at least you have somewhere to go, something to do when you feel trapped. It's been three days but it feels like forever. Around this time Daddy will be barging into my room and dragging me to the stables or sneaking us to the mall or something. He wanted me to grow up as he did back in New Jersey. I guess his childhood was fun with laughable accidents and loud friends to fill the quiet. It still surprises me that he built all of this to make his family back then happy and kept at it to make my mother and me h
last updateLast Updated : 2023-04-22
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2.
Eight Years Later Present Day "Oh, my, what a sweet little boy!" Mikel sipped on her mimosa and carefully listened to her mother titter over a friend's latest picture of her grandson. The woman who was showing off the red-headed little guy practically pushed her phone in Mikel's face. "Isn't Robinson adorable, Mikel? Sally-Ann is beside herself. So happy in London with her husband. He's a Lord, you know," the woman boasted. "Oh yes. I remember. I was at the wedding and the christening. Quite delightful it was," she countered with a practiced smile on her face. She stressed the word 'delightful' to remind the woman about the debacle her daughter made on both days. Mikel couldn't give Sally-Ann all the credit; her secret boyfriend played his part well too. She felt sorry for Lord Chaswick. She was by his side while he fumed and drank himself to sleep. It pained her as it pained him because they were close friends; they met each other at Princeton in the most socially awkward way.
last updateLast Updated : 2023-04-22
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3.
One month later Whispering Hills Ranch Montana Killian Drummond was two years too late in arriving home. Rubbing his messed up leg with a hand that has been broken too many times he endured the last lap of his journey back home. The road to the ranch seems familiar but the feeling of home wasn’t there. His parents weren’t there, probably new faces working the jobs he once did since he was ten, and a sister who probably resents the heck out of him. He couldn’t blame her. Just like he did with his father he did so too with her. They didn’t part on good terms. He slowed down a tad bit when he caught a few signs hanging below the ranch overhead sign. Home of Kelsey Drummond Five Time Champion Barrel Racer. Three-time Champion Show Jumper. Killian’s eyes widen at the signs, in her past letters she mentioned her competitions but he never asked her about it, he was only focused on staying alive and doing his job. He drove through the gates and parked in front of the sprawling main hous
last updateLast Updated : 2023-04-22
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4.
The past five days have been great for Killian. He took that time to get reacquainted with things and learn about the new methods the ranch adopted. During that time Kelsey introduced him to everyone as their rightful boss. They were accepting after Kelsey and Mama Roarke spoke, the older ranchhands put in their few cents which helped Killian greatly. The foreman took the role of telling him who did what. He pitched in after that, breaking a good sweat and giving his body the exercise it needed. Not taking it too hard he knew when to take a break or go soak his body in some ice. The meds were helping a great deal and he knew in no time he will be back in fighting shape. On one of those days, Kelsey took him to their father’s grave. They had a plot of land at the local cemetery designated for their family only. The church has been a pillar of strength for the family for years. Weddings, christenings, funerals, an escape to talk to God. First Pentecostal was always there.Kelsey gave h
last updateLast Updated : 2023-04-22
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5.
Dinner at the Drummonds was never dull and that night’s dinner was no exception. It was two hours after Kelsey’s trick was revealed and for the first time in a month, Mikel had a real smile on her face. She was currently seated next to her best friend and eyeing the sulky cowboy opposite her. Killian was hunched over his meal not talking to anyone. Herself, Kels, Mama Roarke, and the ranch foreman were holding back amused smiles while trying to have a decent conversation. Mikel took that time to take in the appearance of her friend’s big brother. She saw the pictures their father proudly showed her on past visits. They were all photos of him all over the ranch and rodeos, some with their mother and some with his father. The one that Keagan Drummond showed her with so much pride and gusto was him in his dress blues. He was 18 then and curiosity about the world was in his eyes. Now looking at the twenty-nine-year-old man before her, she saw the changes. Broad shoulders to fit his six f
last updateLast Updated : 2023-04-22
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6.
After listening to his sister tell him about her best friend and the basic outline of Mikel’s tragic now present life last night, he lay awake and thought of how to help the grey-eyed beauty. Killian couldn’t sleep though, not because of his thoughts during the night he heard the painful screams of someone trapped in a nightmare. He will know because he suffers from them also. On instinct, he rushed to her room but found Kelsey with her soothing her back to sleep. Her faithful companions were doing the same with their cries mixing with hers. To him, the dogs were sharing her loss. “How is she?” he asked his sister softly near the door. “She’ll be fine. Tomorrow will be better.” Killian wanted to go and hold her but simply nodded and stepped back. He knew night terrors weren’t easy and to see the woman who caught him by the gut suffering so, was painful. Back in his room he listened for any more disturbances and closed his eyes for the last four remaining hours of the night. Killia
last updateLast Updated : 2023-04-22
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7.
Kelsey’s laugh filled the room an hour later after Mikel told her about her brother's offer.“Told ya. Classic Killian. Can never tell a lie like Abe and is too good to be true like Steve Rodgers. I love that big lug of a brother.” she said coming down from her laugh high. She was on the floor playing with the dogs while Mikel got dressed. Knowing the spins to be made she opted for denim Vans shoes to match the white cotton summer dress and light denim jacket. Kels already French braided her hair and chose her earrings. “He made me laugh so much in that little space of time. I’m thankful. I'm basically a stranger yet he put forth this honest offer,” Mikel said sincerely. “I’m glad. I know it won’t always be like this but just know you now have another person in your corner.” “Yeah.”She sent her friend a smile and proceeded to pack a bag for the day. It was nearing ten, the appointment was at 11 so they will have enough time to relax. “What are you going to do?” she asked. “Gonna g
last updateLast Updated : 2023-04-22
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8.
After the comforting hug Killian gave her and the delivery of their meals, they ate in comfortable silence each lost in their own thoughts. Now knowing for sure that she was pregnant with Dominic’s child she needed to focus on how to tell his parents and her mother. To them, their children’s marriage was just a business deal they didn’t expect both of them to find a mutual attraction to each other. Mikel smiled sadly remembering how his long blonde hair will brush her cheeks when he kissed her goodbye the day before her birthday. They made love all night and it was her day off. “My Mikky,” he whispered against her lips in the most reverent way. “My Nicky.” she returned sleepily. In her sleep haze, she saw how his brown eyes soften when she smiled at him. Somehow she knew they always told each other their love for each other in those endearments. “Hurry back.” “For you, I will.” She didn’t realize she was crying till she felt a napkin brushing her cheek. Looking up she saw Killian r
last updateLast Updated : 2023-04-22
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9.
Back home, at last, nearing dinner time, Killian sent Mikel to rest while he prepared a quick dinner for them both. The dogs were already fed and a note from Kelsey was stuck on the fridge. He smiled at the contents, his little sister was out on a date. He noticed how much more carefree she was now and her eyes were so bright but soften whenever her man's name was mentioned. Corey dutifully introduced himself to Killian and made promises to care for Kelsey and assured him that he was very much in love with her. He couldn't put a stop to that, Kelsey deserved love and happiness, starting a family of her own. He was out for the count, the dreams he had of having a child to carry on his name were crushed. Killian slammed the knife he was using onto the marble countertop and took quick deep breaths, why did he stray to those thoughts? Once upon a time, he had those dreams with the woman who held his heart only for it to be sliced and diced and given back to him on a silver platter. It w
last updateLast Updated : 2023-04-22
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10.
It was his early times during his recovery, confined to a hospital bed with restraints that he failed to deduct what was real or not. He asked for the light to be kept on when he was still fearful that they will come to finish him off in the night. Consult after consult and techniques he was finally able to see that he was safe but that didn't stop him from always being on his guard. He had flashes of those bad memories that surfaced during the day. Not wanting to embarrass himself by screaming bloody murder in front of the hands or hurting one of them he took up one-man jobs or duties that took him away from the main circuit. The Drummond estate was big enough for a man to get lost. There was the main house, the bunkhouse for the ranch hands, and the foreman and housekeeper had their own cottages near the bunkhouse. The paddock and stable for the competition horses (Kelsey's area) and their training areas were joined to their homes, similar ones for both workhorses and the ones the
last updateLast Updated : 2023-04-22
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