A Hero’s Haven: Resolution Ranch

Chapter 3-2

Cheyenne whistled low as they approached Prairie’s lone stoplight mid-afternoon the next day. “I’d heard a tornado had ripped through here last spring, but man…”

Barricades crossed Main Street, and signs of construction were everywhere. Cheyenne pulled the car into a vacant lot with a spray-painted sign indicating parking and cut the engine. “Looks like the diner got hit. I was really looking forward to a chocolate shake too. Wanna have a look around?”

Kate shrugged and nodded, still unused to the feeling of total freedom. True to Cheyenne’s word, no one recognized her with dark hair and no makeup. So far. But she still braced herself for a squeal of recognition and cameras snapping in her face. Slipping her arms into her newly purchased shearling jacket, she trailed after Cheyenne.

Partway down Main, a food truck stood with scattered picnic tables and benches spilling into a park. Cheyenne turned to her with a grin. “Jackpot,” she mouthed, tilting her head at the line of cowboys waiting to place an order.

Kate suppressed a giggle. The view might be fine, but she couldn’t even make small-talk. A stab of envy shot through her as she hung back while Cheyenne fearlessly approached the group and in no time had struck up a conversation. Would she ever feel that comfortable among strangers? Cheyenne waved her over. “These guys say there’s a ranch outside of town looking for help. Willing to pay room and board.”

She gave a small smile to Cheyenne and ducked her head, nodding.

“Cat got your tongue?” drawled one of the young men, staring at her curiously.

Kate froze. Did he recognize her? Why was he staring? She shot a panicked glance to Cheyenne.

Pity filled her eyes. “As a matter of fact, yes,” Cheyenne answered crisply. “Severe laryngitis.”

Shame burned in Kate’s chest. How would she manage on her own? She’d relied on Cheyenne for too much for too long.

The man flashed her a sympathetic look. “Aww, that’s too bad. I hope you’re feeling better soon.”

Kate acknowledged his kindness with a nod, then studied her toes, cheeks flaming. Maybe she should go wait in the car. Maybe leaving Nashville was the dumbest idea she’d ever had. God help her, maybe her mother was right. Her throat tightened as a sense of despair filled her chest.

Cheyenne touched her elbow. “C’mon. I got our food to go.”

Keeping her eyes trained on the ground, Kate slowly followed Cheyenne back to the car. Once they’d settled inside and opened up their containers, she spoke softly. “I don’t think I can do this, Chey.”

“Of course you can,” she mumbled, mouth full of burger. “You don’t want your momma calling the shots anymore do you?”

Kate shook her head. “Of course not.”

“Then it’s time to put on your big-girl panties and cowboy up, girl. We’re gonna go find Resolution Ranch and I’ll help you get hired, and then I’m outta here. I’ve got a gig in Kansas City tonight.”

Kate’s stomach plummeted. This s**t was getting real, fast. She’d never truly been on her own. “But what if I fail?” she whispered, hands suddenly cold as ice.

“Pbbbbth,” Cheyenne scoffed, sticking out her tongue. “No way. You’re smart. You know horses, and you work hard. Where’s that tattoo you put on yesterday?” Cheyenne reached for her wrist, flipping it up. “Are you or are you not brave?”

Kate shut her eyes, willing the tears back where they came from. She pulled in a shuddering breath. “I am.”

“Are you?”

“Yes. I am,” she answered with more certainty.

Cheyenne balled up her trash and tossed it in the back seat, then turned to start the car. “You are.” She pulled out of the space and back onto the road. “And we’re going to get you a job. A new Kate. A new life.” Cheyenne’s mouth pulled up as she glanced over and waggled her eyebrows. “And maybe even a cute cowboy, too.”