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 house of the Drummond family. At a distance, you can hear cattle being rounded up, the pounding hooves of horses, and the bantering of cowboys. He sat back in the car and took a deep breath, no one knew he was coming home.

No one knew he was alive until three months ago. Word has been sent to Kelsey, but he left a strict order for her to stay put. He wouldn’t dare let her cross the blue basin to see him messed up in a hospital bed. He wanted her to see him walking towards her, though half broken but as her strong big brother.

The slamming of the fly door got him out of his musings. Standing squinting at his car in dirty jeans, boots, and a tank top looking like a damn good ranch woman herself was his little sister. He opened the door of his car and unfolded his 6 foot 2 frame, minding not to grimace in pain for her to see.

“Killian!!!”

Her scream of joy must be heard over the ruckus behind the house. In a flash, she vaulted over the wooden rails and came running to him with welcoming arms. His eyes pooled with tears, he didn’t expect this welcome but he sure as hell will take it. He hurriedly limped his way to her, bracing himself for impact. Her toned arms wrapped their way around his torso, the same as he did around her body. She buried her face in his chest mumbling her words of love and happiness for him. Though in pain he didn’t care for it, he held her tighter taking in her musky scent mixed with lavender. He missed her and was thankful to the lord above for keeping him alive to see her again.

“I’m sorry Kels. I’m so sorry.”

“You’re home now. That’s all that matters. I thought I lost you too when that car came up. For those two years, I’ve been jumpy with every call. I was so relieved when they called me.”

Killian kissed her head and allowed her to escort him into the house. “I changed a few things since pops died with a bit of help from my friend Mik,” she said conversationally while they climbed the stairs.

“I don’t mind Kels. It’s your place,” he said kissing her temple.

“Technically. It’s your house. Pops left me the untended land on the west of the horse's paddocks along with cash. With the animals, I got horses and cattle. You got the bulls, cows, and the horses your stallion sired and mated. Cash is included too. He secured us for life, Ian.” Her words shocked the hell out of him. He stumbled and forcefully sat in the wicker chair near the door.

“But we weren’t even talking. He said if I left I was no longer his son.”

“He was hurting Ian. Come on let’s go inside, I will let one of the boys bring in your things.”

Still, in disbelief, he followed her inside the stone and wood mansion that was two stories high. The ground floor held the main living area. From a sitting room to a fully equipped kitchen all furnished in shades of brown and creme with some touches of color.

“Nice,” he said out loud admiring the sitting room with a fireplace and a big screen tv above the mantle. It was an inviting atmosphere. He can surely see himself resting in there. “Your friend Mik. He got a really good taste. Y’all touched my bedroom?” he asked moving into the library/study. Kelsey didn’t answer so he turned to watch her. A look he knew from their younger years took home on her face but what in God’s green earth was she about to prank him with? Her tricks usually left scars or embarrassment, he sure as hell wasn't ready for that welcome-home gift.

“Yeah, we did over your bedroom. Ummm... can you make it up,” she asked warily eyeing his right leg.

“It will be like therapy going up the stairs. I won’t be like this for long.”

She gave him an absent nod probably not believing him. “Oh, Mik is coming to spend some time on the ranch. Had an upheaval in life and prefer to be around the ranch. Hard worker too. Has a fan in Doc.”

“Dr. Sampson still our vet?” Last time Killian saw the robust white-haired man was on his way out of town. Kelsey nodded her head yes then slowly walked out of the room. Following her out his interest in Mik flared.

“Where did you meet this Mik? Is he your boyfriend? Where does he live? Did pops know about him?“His rapid-fire questions were sent to the back of his sister who was barely containing herself. Unknowing to Killian his sister was planning a welcome home trick that came upon the heels of her friend's need for an escape.

Kelsey sighed for a great dramatic effect and slowly turned to him. “Penpal turned friend. No, he isn’t my boyfriend. Dating is not for me now. He lives in New York and yes, pops knew about him. Loved him and even pressed for him to visit more. When he’s here he picks up Doc’s time here so the poor man can rest.”

Killian narrowed his eyes at his baby sister. This Mik guy seems just perfect and his sister isn’t grabbing that chance. “What’s wrong with him?” he asked folding his arms.

“What do you mean?” she asked. They stared at each other for a moment then clarity struck Kelsey. Her laughter was loud and contagious, Killian couldn’t help the grin on his face. “Oh no. He isn’t gay. Just really in touch with his feminine side,” she laughed off beckoning him to the stairs.

“Alright. Well, any friend of yours is welcome anytime.”

“Thanks, bro. He stays in the spare room after yours. Now let’s get you settled in. Mama Roarke will be preparing a feast since you’re here."

Killian threw his arm around her shoulder feeling much better being home. Though he would have liked to spend some time with his father he will settle for words to the heavens wishing for the peace that he craved.

---

“There you go. Feel better?!” Kelsey chuckled wrapping her arms around her black stallion’s neck as he snorted. They were on their evening run after dinner, the skies were a lovely shade of marigold and lilac like a watercolor painting. She will never get tired of this place. She traveled a lot in her young years not only for competitions but downtime from everything on the ranch.

She heaved a heavy sigh. “Or someone?” she muttered out loud allowing the horse to wander on his own. Kelsey looked over her shoulder at the homestead, she can see the outlines of the ranch hands buckling down for the night. Her brown eyes which looked so fair and beautiful in the sunlight drifted over to the horse paddock. She knew who was there, her heart ached in pain and joy. Corey Wesson was there.

Her first crush.

Her first love.

And the first guy who broke her heart. His words of rejection still pained her but she was a tough old gal as the older ranch hands say. She dated randomly but placed all her energy on her competitions and her best friend, just to get away from the memories of him. Now that her brother was back that was more distracting.

Laughter bubbled in her throat, “Killian is in for a shock when Mik gets here this weekend.” Her laughter died when reality came crashing down. The reason for Mikel’s escape wasn’t a laughing matter.

“Come on boy. Let’s go check on your friends, they will be happy to know their mama is coming.” Tugging gently on the reins and leading him back to the paddocks. They went at a slow trot with Kelsey thinking of things to do with Mik. Reaching the entrance she hopped off Black Dahlia and went to stroke his head. She passed her fingers across his braided mane and smiled when he gently nuzzled into her neck. “Love you too boy,” she whispered escorting him to his stable.

Before reaching his, they stopped by Stormie and Apollo. The three horses greeted each other with soft snorts and nickering also light brushing of their heads. “Your mama is coming soon. We will get you all braided up and looking your best. She misses you, two. I’m afraid she will need y'all now more than ever. She’s hiding something from me and she’s scared. I can hear it in her voice. I hope I can help her," Kelsey confided a lot in the horses. They knew her fears and worries, and her triumphs.

“We will make her time special,” she finished moving away from the two thoroughbreds. When her eyes shifted from the horses they landed on the person she was thinking about near the pond.

“Hey.” Was all she said giving him a small smile. Walking past him she felt his rough callused hand wrapping around her wrist.

“Kelsey. I..”

“It’s fine Corey. All in the past. I understand.” she said. Surprising herself with how steady her voice was. “No, you don’t. I... I’m not good enough for you. I’m older and not as good as Jackson. That fella worships you, sunshine,” he confessed allowing his fingers to thread to hers.

“You’re just five years older than me and Jackson is only in love with the land I own. Heck, I only went on one date with him to get him off my ass. Corey, you are....” Exasperated and downright fed up with their situation, she spun around and pulled his head down for a kiss. Unexpectedly he reacted instantly trapping her against his body in his arms. His lips were perfect against hers and even better than before. This time it was both sides giving in to their passions. Her hands found his unruly brown curls under his brown straw hat, he groaned and pressed his evidence of arousal into her. Her stomach fluttered, and her heart was bouncing around her chest by this moment they shared.

“Sunshine.” The hoarse whisper of his nickname for her brushed against her lips. Slowly she ended the kiss but kept them close. “You can be damn dirt poor and I will still be able to see the man I fell for,” she said with a smile. His breathing hitched along with his hold on her tighten.

“Listen, good Corey Wesson. Whatever I say now it’s your choice in what you want to do with it. I love you. I did the first day pops introduced me to you after my training session. I know what I want and who I want. I want you because the words written on my heart is your name. I’m yours only if you’re willing to accept me. If not... I will survive.” Her hands were shaking by the time she was finished and was shocked to feel her cheeks wet. Bravely she looked up into his dark eyes, the shock was definitely there then they softened. A smile played across his lips lighting up his eyes beautifully, it was simply infectious. He chuckled and kissed her lips sweetly before asking her the one question he wanted to since she was eighteen. He punished them both enough, Corey had to claim the spirited woman who tied his soul to hers with one smile.

“Care to go on a date with me?”