And it’s not that he’s bad looking. Or unkind. Or anything, really. I mean, the man is probably any woman’s fantasy. Taller than a skyscraper, muscular for days. Funny, nice, smart.
But Thatcher Ranch is my home, and Theo is my best friend, and I’m not about to jeopardize that with a relationship that might not last.
When I moved here two years ago, I’d not only been running away from heartache, but also starting a new life. I’d grown up in Toronto, Canada. Divorced parents, an absent father, and a mother who gave me the world. That’s why when she passed away from cancer two years ago, I simply had to get away. There was nothing left for me there except painful memories and a dad who only ever disappointed me. So when I’d applied for veterinary positions, I’d chosen the one farthest away—and never looked back.
Thatcher Ranch is my everything. A job I love, a beautiful part of the world, and friends who feel like family.
“I’m down to go to Rick’s,” Theo answers, shooting me a quick sidelong glance that I pretend not to notice.
“Perfect!” Addison claps her hands. “We’re overdue for some fun.”
The four of us sit around chatting for some time before the dinner hour comes to a close. As we stand to leave, Theo grabs my empty plate without asking.
“You don’t have to—” I start.
“I know,” he says easily.
I smile. And that’s the thing. He always does.
“See you in the morning,” he says as he heads toward the bussing station.
“You always do,” I quip.
His grin widens. “Yeah. I do.”
The sun has set by the time I’m walking back to my cabin, and I flip on the lights as soon as I enter.
A buzz from my back pocket as me grabbing my phone and glancing down.
My heart rate picks up.
An email from the U.S. Department of State. And I know what it’s about. I’ve been expecting this email. Waiting on it for months.
I take a deep breath, assuring myself that it’ll be fine. It always is.
But when I open it, my breath hitches in my throat, and blood roars in my ears. I suck in a shaky breath and reread it, sure I must have misunderstood. But my gaze zeroes in on the only words that matter. The words sitting right in front of me, impossible to misconstrue.
Three words that shatter my world into a million pieces.
Visa Renewal: Denied.
Chapter two
Theo
Mycar’sheadlightsilluminatethe two-story colonial style house as I make my way up the driveway. It’s dark out, and there’s no moon on this cloudy night, so my walk from the car to the house is a slower one than usual, making sure I don’t trip over any stray rocks in the driveway. I’m in the process of re-graveling and landscaping.
The door creaks as I step into my home, quickly flicking on a light switch to illuminate the entryway and open concept kitchen and living area. I bought the house a few years ago and have spent most of my free time since remodeling it into what it is now. It might be the thing I’m most proud of. The new floors, the crown molding, the restructured kitchen and living space.
The only downside is that it’s a bit big for just me. It can get lonely coming home to this empty house day after day. It’s part of the reason I eat most of my dinners at the ranch. Hanging out with friends sure beats eating a grilled cheese sandwich alone at my dining room counter.
I kick off my boots, heading up the stairs to change. Ranch life is a dirty one, meaning I don’t like my work jeans on my couch or chairs. As I enter the bathroom on the second floor, my phone pings, and I pull it from my pocket.
Mom:Hey, honey! Just checking in. We should talk soon. Any updates on the dating front???
I chuckle, shaking my head, and shoot off a response.
Theo:I’ll come over for dinner Sunday. See you then!
