Cowboy Doctor

Tracey had to count to ten. “I understand it’ll be two weeks before we’ll find out if he’s fully recovered. Do you know if Dr. Clayton has been here yet?”

“Nope.” Wrong question. “It seems you’re the one who told Granddad there was a new vet in Ravalli County.”

Strike one against her. She wasn’t wrong about his antagonism toward her. The question was why he felt so threatened. Tracey had picked up a lot from teaching children. Wes had become very defensive and was blaming her. Though she probably couldn’t alleviate the problem, she decided to give it one more try.

“When your grandfather couldn’t reach Dr. Cruz, we were both desperate, because Chief was in pain. That’s when I mentioned passing the Clayton Veterinary Hospital after I left Stevensville.”

Wes’s brown eyes took on what she thought was a strange glitter, but maybe it was a trick of the light. “You’re new here and would be wise to realize Chief is my horse. I’m the one who determines his care and knows what’s best for him.”

Did Wes mean he actually owned the horse? John had told her she could pick out any one she wanted. “Grady mentioned as much.” Somewhere there’d been a disconnect.

“One more thing for you to know. Dr. Cruz is our dude ranch vet, Tracey. When he’s back in his office on Monday, he’ll be the one to finish Chief’s treatment.”

Whoa. If there was some problem between Wes and his grandfather over the choice of vet, she didn’t dare get into it, and changed the subject.

“Yesterday I got acquainted with most of the horses, but Grady told me there are several I still haven’t seen. Would you mind showing them to me so I can pick out one to ride?”

“Not at all. But I think I know the one for you. Fancy Pants is the bay and a great mare. I’ll be exercising them in the corral a little later where you can get a good look at her.”

Tracey had already done that. It appeared Wes was doing everything to put her in her place. She certainly hadn’t expected to meet this degree of animosity over the vet incident and knew she needed to tread carefully. “Then I’ll come back. Thank you.”

“Sure.”

Since he’d made it clear he didn’t want her looking at Chief or the other horses right now, she started walking back to her cabin and pulled the granola bar out of her pocket. While she munched on it, she saw a red truck in the distance coming toward the barn. Her steps slowed and her heart did a huge kick.

When Dr. Clayton reached her, he lowered his window. “Good morning.”

It was, now. “Good morning.”

“How’s our patient?”

“I haven’t seen him yet. Wes told me he was fine and suggested I go to breakfast before it was too late to be served.”

“That’s interesting.”

They could read each other’s minds. “I thought so, too.”

“Is that where you’re headed now?”

“No. I had a snack a few minutes ago.”

“If you have time, would you like to take a look at him with me? I could use your calming influence while I inspect his hoof.”

“I have plenty of time.”

“Do you mind if I call you Tracey?”

“As if I would.”

She knew her feelings for him were growing too fast. In the short time since meeting him—heavens, was it only last night?—Tracey had the impression she was suddenly experiencing life in glorious Technicolor. He seemed bigger than life to her, stronger, more wonderful.

Oh, yes. He was definitely wonderful.

Chapter Three

Doctor Clayton’s eyes roamed over her features. “What a beautiful day.”

“Isn’t it?” Sunshine filled a blue sky. Her heart wouldn’t stop thudding.

Thrilled that he wanted her with him, she waited while he parked the truck and got out with his bag. In a black Stetson, jeans and a blue denim shirt he was so striking, she was in danger of staring. Together they walked into the barn toward the third stall.

Wes came out of another stall a little farther down. “Dr. Clayton...” By the tautness of his features, Tracey could tell he hadn’t expected to see the vet show up this soon.

“Good morning, Mr. Hunter. As you know, I’m here on your grandfather’s orders to soak Chief’s hoof and put on a new poultice. Tracey’s going to help me.” He turned to her. “I’ll fill this bucket with some warm water and get started.”

“I’ll do it for you.”

“Thanks.” He handed it to her. She could tell Wes didn’t want her doing anything, but he couldn’t very well interfere.

When she came back, she set it next to the vet, who’d unwrapped the soiled poultice. She squatted next to him. “It drained a lot during the night.”

“That’s exactly the result we wanted.” His smile sent a wave of warmth through her body. “The infection has built up, but we’re getting rid of it now.” He reached for more Epsom salts to put in the water, then lowered the hoof into the bucket. “That feels good, doesn’t it, buddy?” he said to the horse.

His gentleness and professionalism mesmerized Tracey. “Look at that,” she said softly. “His ears are up. You’ve made a friend.”

“My former boss, Hannah, used to say it was one of the perks of being a vet. I discovered she was right.”

“Chief is the horse I would have liked to ride while I’m here this summer, but I understand he belongs to Wes. In any case I hope he has a full recovery.”

“For both your sakes, I want the same thing. We’ll know soon enough.” The vet shot her a sideways glance. “Tell me about yourself. How did you happen to start working here?” he asked in a quiet voice.

“My grandfather and Mr. Hunter grew up in Polson and are still best friends.”

“The Flathead area is one of my favorite places.”

“I was born there and I love it. But after teaching sixth grade all year, I wanted to get away for the summer. Riding is my passion. Grandpa suggested I try to get hired here to help on the trail rides.”

“I met with Mr. Hunter this morning. He’s very grateful he took you on.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“I learned that Chief happens to be his favorite and most expensive horse. He didn’t mention that Wes owned him.”

“One of the other staff told me that before Wes told me himself this morning.”

“Maybe it’s just the horse he prefers while he’s working at the stable.”

“Maybe.” But both of them knew there was a lot more to the story.

“John told me you’re a valuable employee for noticing the limp.”

“I don’t know about that.” She studied his arresting profile. “Why did you leave your practice in Missoula?”

“The owner died a little over two months ago.”

“Oh, dear.”

“Though I could have bought her practice, I preferred to set up my own on our family’s ranch. Unfortunately, I’ve lost a fair number of patients by moving.”

“But I don’t blame you for wanting to be with your family. John told me yours is a big cattle ranch. You’d have enough patients without ever having to leave the property.”

He chuckled. “You’re right about that. We’ll see. These things take time. It might interest you to know Mr. Hunter is my first new client since my move. That’s thanks to you.”

She bet John didn’t know that, and if Wes had his way, today’s visit would be the end of it. “What a coincidence that I happened to notice your hospital yesterday. I’m happy John called you.”

“Frankly, so am I.”

Tracey couldn’t learn enough about him. “Do you come from a big family?”

“Three brothers. Two of them are married. What about you?”

“I have one married brother who’s a forest ranger. My grandfather lives with my parents now.”

“You’re very fortunate they’re alive. My own dad passed away, but I’m lucky to still have my mother.”

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Tracey whispered. “How long ago was it?”

“Several years. He had the most influence on me to become a vet.” With that revelation, Roce lifted Chief’s hoof from the bucket and prepared a new poultice. After wrapping it, he glanced at her. “Thanks for helping me.”

“I wanted to make sure he was healing. Until we know how he fares, I’ll have to pick another horse. My job starts in the morning when the first tourists arrive.”

The vet put things back in his bag and got to his feet. “What will you do with the rest of your day?”

“Not a lot. I’m new to this area and plan to look around. I’ll probably drive into Hamilton to do a few errands.”

“If you’re free, would you like to go to lunch? I don’t need to get back to the hospital until this afternoon.”

Tracey was so excited she didn’t know how to contain it. “Let me empty this bucket and I’ll meet you out in front.”

She had to pass Wes to reach the drain. He ignored her. Under normal circumstances he ought to have been the one to take care of it, but he’d elected not to go near the vet. After she’d rinsed out the bucket and put it back in Chief’s stall, she walked outside.

To her surprise, Grady came hurrying up to her. “There you are! I was hoping to catch up with you. Do you want to go for a horseback ride? It would be the perfect time to try out the horse you’ll be riding all summer.”

He meant the mare Wes had already picked out for her. “Thanks, but I have other plans for today. Grady Cox? I guess you haven’t met Dr. Clayton, who’s been treating Chief’s hoof. He runs a veterinary hospital near Stevensville.” She turned to the doctor. “Grady’s a college student in Missoula who has worked here several summers, managing the horses.”

“Lucky you, Grady. It’s nice to meet you.”

“You, too.”

The younger man switched his gaze to Tracey. “Maybe we can go riding another time then.”

“Of course.”

Once he’d headed for the barn, Tracey followed the vet around to the passenger side of his truck. He opened the door so she could climb in the cab. When their eyes met, she knew something earthshaking was happening to her.

After getting in his side and starting the engine, he turned to her. “What are you in the mood for?”

“I missed breakfast, so I’m starting to get an appetite. A granola bar doesn’t last all that long.”

She heard a chuckle. “Since I wanted to talk to Mr. Hunter early, I left the house without eating, so I’m hungry, too. Let’s drive into town and see what we can find.”

He drove by farms and orchards until they entered the town of five thousand. After passing different stores and businesses, they both suddenly cried out as they spotted a sign that said Breakfast All Day. After they’d broken into laughter, he pulled up in front of the family-style restaurant. “That was easy.”

They both went to the restroom to wash their hands before finding a table. The waitress poured them coffee and took their order. Tracey hadn’t been this happy for over two and a half years. Though Jeff had been killed eighteen months ago, she’d worried about him for the entire year he’d first been deployed.

Today she felt a new lightness in her heart. It had everything to do with the gorgeous man seated across from her. His hazel eyes shone like gemstones. He’d removed his hat, revealing his dark blond hair. A large-animal vet like him spent a lot of time in the sun, as evidenced by his bronzed complexion. His male beauty was something to behold.

The waitress obviously thought so, too. Tracey might as well have not existed while the other woman chatted about how she’d never seen him in here before. After dropping her name, she said she hoped he’d come again.

“Maybe since you’ll be treating Chief for another ten days, ‘Cassie’ will get her wish,” Tracey teased after the woman walked away.

A half smile broke out on his face. “It could happen, as long as you’re with me.”

Her breath caught at his comment, but there was something he needed to know. At first she hadn’t intended to tell him, because she didn’t want to interfere with John and his grandson, but this was too important.

“Dr. Clayton—” she began.

“Call me Roce. It’s pronounced like Rossi, but spelled with an e.

“That’s good to know. I’ve never heard that name before.”

“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.”

“Sounds serious.”

“It could be.”

They went into their father’s study and he shut the doors. “You know the ranchers around here better than anyone. What can you tell me about John Hunter? He made it big in oil and owns the Rocky Point Dude Ranch outside Hamilton. He said he met you at a rodeo last year.”

“That’s right.” Wymon sat on a corner of the old oak desk. “He’s well-known and revered. I’m biased, from a personal standpoint, because he was an early contributor to our coalition’s agenda to reintroduce grizzly bears to the Sapphire Mountains.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Do you know anything about his family?”

“I’ve met Sheldon, who helps his father buy the horses they use on the ranch. We’ve talked several times. He seems like a good man, too.” Wymon cocked his head. “What’s this all about?”

Roce wasted no time telling him what had happened last evening. “Wes is Sheldon’s son and married to a girl named Fran. Wes told me under no uncertain terms that Dr. Cruz, who’s from Darby, will be taking over Chief’s care starting tomorrow. That goes exactly against what John told me.”

Wymon shook his head. “Obviously, the grandson is making trouble for you already. I wonder why. How old is he?”

“Mid-twenties maybe. In my opinion he was irrationally upset that Tracey was the one who noticed Chief’s limp in the first place. He claims it’s his horse, and he was in town when she went to the corral to check out the horse she wanted to ride.”

“Tracey?”

“Yes. Tracey Marcroft. She’s an elementary schoolteacher from Polson. She was hired to help with the trail rides this summer. I learned that she grew up around horses and even did a little barrel racing. She picked out Chief as the best of the lot. Her grandfather is close friends with John. That’s how she got the job.

“But instead of Wes being glad she saw what was wrong with the horse, he was so cold. Dr. Cruz wasn’t available, so John Hunter called me. Now I have to ask why Wes is that intent on Dr. Cruz taking over, when it’s John’s decision. Something doesn’t feel right.”

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