Allie Bock's Blog, page 3

Merry Christmas from the Bocks!

 

Hi Dear Reader,

The holidays are just around the corner. How are you doing? Are you prepared or anxious? Do you like the holidays or hate them?

This year, we really scaled back our “festivities”. Part due to the weather. Every event we planned on going to it was bitter cold, snowing, raining, or both.

The other part is due to me. At some point in the past, I had torn my medial meniscus on my knee. It bothered me for a while and then grew quiet. So I thought that it was just a sprain or something. Then around Thanksgiving, it really hurt. I went in to the doctor’s office. After a series of x-rays and an MRI, I was told I had a meniscial tear. Not a big deal if I get it taken care of right away. The doctor seemed to be prepared to talk me into it, but I was all for it. I couldn’t keep up with the Little Bocks, getting up off the floor was hard, and I was becoming unsteady on that leg around horses. Not a good thing.

So I had surgery this past week and have been recuperating at home. It is all going well, but I didn’t want to put all the Christmas pressure on Hubby. Plus, all of our family is far away and it sucks to travel when healing from surgery.

We are staying home this year and we are bringing the Christmas joy into our house. Little Bocks and I went grocery shopping and bought this beautiful bouquet. It smells of pine trees and roses. Hubby was surprised. I told him it was to bring us happiness. And it works. Little Bock 1 wants to spend all day at the kitchen table staring at it. 

 

Plus, we got a good amount of snow, which the girls love to play in. They love to go sledding in the backyard. Tank also loves the snow. He runs through it and tunnels under it. I’d love to see pictures of your pets in the snow! 

 

I wish you and your family a happy holidays and safe travels. I hope you are able to find peace and joy at this time of year. Merry Christmas!

Getting Ready for Christmas

 Hi Dear Reader,

How are you doing? How has December been treating you?

Here at the Bock household, we have been getting ready for Christmas. Little Bock 1 helped me clean, declutter, and rearrange the house for our Christmas tree. We have a small fake tree that sits on top of one of our end tables. It is handy to have a small tree that is off the floor. This year, she was very excited to put the ornaments on. She hung almost all except the glass balls on the tree. Those she had me do. Then, she grabbed her stool from the kitchen and sat on it to stare at the decorated tree. This year, she just talks about the sparkly ornaments. Last year, most of the ornaments came off the tree and were wandering around the house. Quite a few of the breakable ones didn’t survive. Thankfully, we have had no causalities this year.

We also have a large nativity scene that my grandmother hand painted and gave to us when we were married. It is very pretty. My dad made a barn out of wood from their own barn when they were fixing it up. The girls love playing with animals and the people. We never know where Baby Jesus is going to show up.

Besides getting ready for Christmas, it has been bitter cold here. That makes working outside with the horses not as enjoyable. I am thankful for all my clients with barns and the local coffee shops. A hot cup of coffee does wonders for the frozen fingers and toes. Usually, December slows down with cases: rechecks and sick horses. When the weather gets cold, horses don’t drink as much as they should. I guess I don’t want to drink cold water with ice floating on it either. They can develop impaction colics which is where there isn’t enough moisture in their GI system to keep things moving. They form a hard manure that gets lodged in the large intestine. It is super uncomfortable and can be life threatening. Some of them are fixed with medications and giving warm water through a stomach tube. Other horses have to go to a hospital for IV fluids. The best way to prevent it is to offer warm water and to add salt to their feed so they are thirsty.

On the writing side of things, My First Kisment Christmas is for sale. You can get it wherever you read your books.

Also, if you are a Smashwords fan, my older books are all 50% off during their special sale. Check them out!

 And my books are in a couple of sales promos for the month.

That's it for this week! Hugs,

Allie

New Release! My First Kisment Christmas

It is here! My First Kisment Christmas is live on retailers. You can find it wherever you read your books. It is also available through library systems.

 Find it on EBOOK or in PAPERBACK

 

 Book Blurb:

Is three days enough time to rekindle the love they shared?

Judy is coming home to Sunnydale, Texas for Christmas. Pregnant and widowed, she is looking forward to spending a quiet holiday with her aunt and uncle.

That is until she comes across a stranded cowboy with a trailer full of horses. The cowboy is none other than her high school sweetheart whose heart she crushed when she left for college.

Now that boy is a man with all the love he had for her years ago. He has three days to convince her that his love is real before she heads back to the East Coast.

This is a sweet and clean Christmas story set in the fictional town of Sunnydale, Texas.

Tropes:

Second Chance

Small Town

Cowboy

Christmas Romance

Pregnancy

This is Judy and Tim's story. They are the parents to the Kaleb, Kurt, Kade, and Katie. It you have read the other stories in the Cowboys of Sunnydale series, this one tells how it all began. 

Find it on EBOOK or in PAPERBACK

To Love or Hate Cliffhangers

 

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

The awesome co-hosts for the December 4 posting of the IWSG are Ronel, Deniz, Pat Garcia, Olga Godim, and Cathrina Constantine!

December 4 question - Do you write cliffhangers at the end of your stories? Are they a turn-off to you as a writer and/or a reader?

I am excited to be a part of this blog hop. It has been ages or just years since I have participated in one! Thank you for having me!

Thank you to the hosts for hosting.

Now for the question, I don't write cliffhangers at the end of my stories. I write romance and the couple rides out into the sunset, holding hands. Everyone is happy. I'm not even sure what I would make the cliffhanger about.

As a reader, I do enjoy them if the series is complete and I can binge it. If I come across an incomplete series and the first book ends on a cliffhanger, I walk away. I may comeback when it is complete or I may have moved on. 

How do you feel about them?

Is too much coffee a bad thing?

This past week has been a whirlwind of vet work, rainy fall days, and tramping through leaves. There has just been an underlying anxious feel in the air. I'm not sure if it the rushed feeling of trying to get everything done before winter or just my over-caffenated self buzzing.
Besides my regular sports medicine cases, my regular clients have been in prepping for winter. So fall checkups and teeth floating. Fall checkups are physical exams to make sure the horses are healthy going into winter. I discuss the horse's weight, feeding schedules, deworming, and possible bloodwork. The teeth floating is a dentistry procedure to make sure their teeth are healthy and they can chew properly. The horse is sedated and a dental speculum is place between the front teeth to gently hold the mouth open. Their teeth are always erupting (growing). They can develop sharp points that interfere with chewing and bridling. I have a power float that removes the sharp points painlessly. It is fun, but I'm tired at the end of the day. 
I joined a writing challenge to finish my WIP. It isn't going well. I have written but not nearly as much as I want. Mainly because I'm tired from working. Then, I drink too much coffee. Hence, over-caffenated.
What has your week like?

My Cowboy of Convenience: Chapter 7

 Hi Dear Reader,

This will be the last free chapter of My Cowboy of Convenience posted on the blog. If you want continue to read it you can find it in ebook, paperback, or on my newsletter.

The paperback link is an affiliate link. It doesn't cost anything to you, but I receive a small commission.

Chapter SevenErin

Whew, that was aclose one. My hands shook as I made my way to my car. I don’t know why, but Ididn’t want to tell Kaleb what I did. Once people found out what I did, theyonly saw me as a veterinarian. Not a person. I wanted to make real friends thistime around. I tapped out a text message to my boss.

Me: I’m on my way. ETA 30 min.

Doc: Thank you. We’ll be ready when you get here.

Thankfully, I only had a half of abeer. Doc texted me that an emergency caesarean section on a dog walked in thedoor during his on-call shift. It was only a little after eight o’clock.

I climbed into my car and startedtoward Sunnydale. My thoughts strayed to our conversation. Two thousand dollars!That was a lot of money. It would definitely help me get back on my feet. Icould pay off some of the debt from the wedding that never happened. Once I gotout from under those credit cards, I could actually save money to buy realfurniture. How nice would that be! No more sleeping on the futon. A bed, adresser, a couch, and maybe even a TV. I’d just have to make sure that Docdoesn’t think that we are dating. I couldn’t afford to lose my job, especially sinceI liked working for him.

Thirty minutes later, my car swunginto the gravel lot of the veterinary clinic. The lights from inside shone outinto the parking lot. I parked on the side and let myself in through the sidedoor, locking it behind me.

“Oh good, you’re here.” Pattyrushed out of the laundry room with an armload of towels. “Doc finished thepresurgical bloodwork. Connie and Louisa are placing the catheter. All systemsare a go.”

“I’ll be right there. Let me changeinto scrubs.” I jogged to my office. From the bottom drawer of my desk, Ipulled out my lucky scrubs with cartoon dogs and cats on it. I changed out ofmy dance clothes and hustled into the surgery preparation room.

An English bulldog sat on the examtable. Her abdomen heaved with each contraction. Her tongue rolled out the sideof her mouth. The intravenous fluid line dripped into the catheter in herforeleg.

“Soon, pretty girl, you’ll have alitter of gorgeous puppies,” Louisa cooed in the dog’s ear. She rubbed a handdown the back of head. The dog turned toward her and panted at Louisa’s words.

“Is that Mauve?” I walked over tothe chart, sitting on the counter.

“Yes. She’s the one you saw lastweek to discuss her birthing plan.” Louisa adjusted the drip rate of thefluids.

“Patty said you were here.” Docwalked out of the surgery room. A surgery cap hid his gray hair. He tied on asurgical mask. “Suit up, Dr. Murphy. This girl’s ready to have her puppies.”

“Aye, Aye, Doc.” I went to the sinkto scrub up for surgery.

“I’ll get her anaesthetized and onthe table. Do you want to be lead surgeon or assistant?” Doc pulled up asyringe full of anesthetic.

I paused at the sink. The warmwater ran over my hands washing the surgical scrub away. I looked over myshoulder at him. A smile creased his face.

“Really, I can do the surgery? Butit’s your emergency?” When I was in Iowa, the other veterinarians never sharedsurgeries with me. I fought tooth and nail to get do the exciting surgeries.

“I’m offering.” He slid the needleinto the IV port and injected the medication.

The bulldog drooped on the table.Louisa held open the bulldog’s mouth while Connie slid an intubation tube downher trachea. She hooked the dog up to the anesthesia machine and monitors.

“Oh yah, I’ll do it.” I happy dancedat the sink before restarting my surgical scrub.

#####

I folded my hands behind my back and rocked back on myheels. “The surgery went well. Mauve is waking up right now.”

The bulldog’s owner smiled up at mefrom her seat on the bench in the waiting room. “How are the puppies?”

“They are also doing good. Thereare two boys and one girl. They are pretty big puppies. It’s a good thing thatyou brought her in right away.”

The owner fiddled with the blanketin the laundry basket she’d brought with her. “I was worried about that,especially when you only saw three puppies on x-ray earlier last week.” Tearsdripped from her eyes. She wiped at them with the back of her hand. “I’m sohappy everyone is doing good.”

“It will be a few more minutesbefore she is able to get up on her own. Would you like to come back and sitwith her?”

The owner nodded. She gathered upher purse and basket and followed me into the recovery area. Mauve laid in thebottom kennel on a heated blanket. Her intubation tube stuck out the side ofher mouth like a cigar. She blinked at her owner and her stub of a tail thumpedagainst the stainless-steel side.

“These guys have smaller tracheasthan normal dogs their size. They like to hang out with their tubes in becausethey can breathe easier.” I opened the kennel door.

“How’s my brave girl doing?” Theowner knelt down next to her and rubbed the top of her head. Mauve scooted overto place her head in the owner’s lap.

Doc wheeled the three puppies overin the incubator. “They are doing good. Everyone is squeaking and movingaround.”

Within the glass case, the puppiesmade little puppy noises and crawled over each other, blindly looking for theirmother. Mauve’s head raised at the sounds and her eyes brightened. Sheswallowed a couple of times.

“Alright, pretty girl. Time to takethis out.” I extracted the tube from between her teeth. Her pink tongue flickedin and out of her mouth.

The owner crawled into the kennelwith Mauve, laying her down on her side. Connie and Louisa brought the puppiesover. They squirmed and crawled over her enlarged glands looking for a place toget her milk. Within a few minutes, all the puppies were attached and nursingvigorously. Mauve closed her eyes, resting her head on her owner’s hand.

“Ain’t that something.” Doc smiledand clapped me on the back. “Good job, Dr. Murphy.”

“It’s one of the best parts of thejob.” I blinked back tears that threatened to fall.

“Sure is. Why don’t you get thedischarge instructions and billing done? I’ll help the girls clean up so we canall go home to catch some sleep before the office opens.” He handed me themedical charts before heading back into the surgery room.

I glanced at the clock on the wall.The big hand ticked around to the twelve, making it one o’clock in the morning.Only a few hours of sleep, but it was going to be worth it.

#####

Therest of the week flew by. I didn’t have time to think about the dance class orKaleb as work kept me busy with appointments and emergencies.

I walked through the door Saturdaymorning, carrying a box of cinnamon rolls from Susie’s Café. Connie looked upfrom her perch behind the front desk.

“Ya sure know how to brighten agirl’s mornin’.” She sniffed the air and eyed the box in my hands.

“I thought we deserved a littletreat after the week we had.” I tilted the box so she could see the glisteningcinnamon rolls.

“We certainly do.” She grabbed apaper towel roll and followed me into the break room. “It’s just you and metoday.” The six cinnamon rolls steamed up the cellophane window with creamcheese frosting dripping off the sides. My mouth watered and stomach groaned.

“We can’t let them go to waste,” Isaid.

“Oh, no.” Connie opened the lid andslid one out. “That would be a cryin’ shame.”

Placing one cinnamon roll on apaper towel, I swiped a glob of frosting with my finger. “It would. I forgot wework Saturdays with a short staff.” I plopped it into my mouth. “Hmm, so good.”

“Well, their loss. I’m notsharing.” She laughed. The phone rang. She glanced at the clock on the wall. “Timeto start the day. Thanks, Doc.” She hustled to the front to catch it on thefourth ring.

Connie started the coffee potearlier. It percolated and buzzed on the counter. I filled a mug and added adash of cream to it. Carrying the mug and the cinnamon roll, I settled into myoffice chair. Pressing the start button, my office computer blinked to life. Myschedule for the day was light with the only scheduled appointments booked forthe first couple of hours. Patty explained that this way there was time to seeemergencies and we wouldn’t be working all day on Saturday.

My cell phone rang. Mom’s nameflashed in the caller ID. My heart raced a little. It was too early in the dayfor a call from my mom. “Hi, Mom. Everything okay? It’s awfully early for acall.”

“I wanted to catch you before youstarted your day,” she said.

Dread settled in the center of mychest. “Is Dad alright?”

“Yes, everyone here at home isfine. I needed to tell you something before you heard it from anyone else.” Shepaused.

I rolled my eyes and looked up atthe ceiling. “Mom, if I don’t hear it from you, I’m not hearing it from anyoneelse.”

“I don’t know…this is big news.”

“Do you want to tell me or should Iguess?” I rolled my eyes to the ceiling. I didn’t want to know anything.

Connie stood in the doorway to theoffice. She waved a clipboard with the check-in for the first appointment andextended her index finger to signal they were in room one.

I nodded to her and motioned thatI’d be there in a second. “Mom, I’m at work and my patients are waiting. Can Icall you back or is this something I need to know now?”

“Um…”

I pictured my mom in her fuzzy pinkbathrobe standing at the sink of their old farmhouse and holding a cup ofcoffee. Her gray curly hair frizzed from sleeping. She probably shifted herweight from foot to foot as that is what she did when she was nervous.

I sipped my coffee. The computerscreen refreshed itself when Connie made appointments. Several new puppy andkitten vaccines. A horse with a possible abscess. Not bad for a Saturday.

“I didn’t realize you were at work.Call me when you are done.”

“Not a problem. I’ll talk to youlater. Have a good morning.”

Hanging up, I hurried to my firstappointment. Connie handed me the check-in sheet as I walked by the front desk.People stood in the waiting room with dog food to check out. The phone blinkedwith calls waiting. A high-pitched yipping came from exam room one.

I knocked on the door and steppedinto a room.

“Hi, I’m Dr. Murphy. It looks likeSpud is here for his second set of puppy shots and a physical exam.”

The older man set the rat terrierpuppy on the floor. Spud burst from between his feet and launched himself at mypant leg. I caught him mid-jump and picked him up. Spud’s pink tongue dartedout to lick every inch of my face.

“He’s a friendly one,” the manlaughed. “Not like my older dog. He hates coming to the vet.”

“Well, we’ll make sure Spud has agreat visit.” I set him down on the exam table. “Now, how long have you hadhim?”

#####

The morning flew by fast. Spud ate all his puppy treats andreceived his second round of vaccines. A family brought in their four-month-oldkitten for its last set of booster shots. One case of dirty, infected ears on aLabrador. An itching cat with a flea infestation.

I watched the cowboy trot his horseup and down the alleyway in the back. The head bobbed up whenever the horselanded on his right front foot.

“That’s good. Let’s look atCharlie’s foot.”

“Yes, ma’am.” The cowboy stoppedthe horse a few inches from me. The gray gelding blew out his breath into myhair when I rubbed his forehead.

I grabbed my hoof testers and ranmy hand down the back of his right front leg. The horse lifted it up. The hooftesters pressed along the sole of his hoof. He stood still as a statue untilthe end of the exam. He flinched but never jerked his foot from my grasp.

“I think he’s working on an abscessin here.” I pulled out my hoof knife and parred away at the sore spot until ablack spot appeared. “Just a little bit more.” One more swipe with my knife,pus squirted out from the spot and landed on the floor a foot away.

“That’s a good one.” The cowboychuckled.

“Yep, he should feel better in notime.”

I packed his foot with a drawingsalve and wrapped it up. “Now, leave that on until tomorrow and then take itoff to soak his foot in warm water and Epsom salts.”

I straightened up, rubbing my handover my lower back.

Charlie placed his hoof on theconcrete, testing to see if it hurt. His eyes relaxed when he discovered thepressure in his hoof was gone.

“Well, look at that. He’s walkingbetter already.” The cowboy led him forward. “Good job, Doc.”

I wiped my hands on my jean legs.“Load him up and stop inside. Connie will have your bill and some painmedication for him.”

“You giving him Bute?”

“Just for a couple of days.”

“I’ve got plenty at home. I’ll justpay the bill.” He clasped my hand in his. “Not bad for a lady doc.” He winkedat me before leading his horse to the trailer.

Connie stood inside the door,smiling at his comment.

“Not bad at all, Dr. Murphy.”

I shrugged. “That was an easy one.What’s up? I thought he was the last appointment.”

“We just got a call from theKisment ranch. One of their cows is calving and having a hard time.” She handedme their file and directions to the ranch. “It’s across the road from when youpulled those Coggins for the therapeutic riding stable.”

“Is this Kaleb Kisment?” I flippedthrough the papers.

“Yep, have you met?”

“Just briefly,” I lied.

“He’s a little prickly, but soft onthe inside. My advice to you is to ignore his attitude. He has plenty of help,so I’ll stay here and hold down the fort until you get back.”

“Sounds good.” I jogged to the vettruck. He’s a little prickly? That’s not how I’d describe him. More like surlyand awkward. I climbed into the truck, starting it. I pointed it on to thehighway out of town, following Connie’s directions. Hopefully, this wouldn’t betoo bad.

A large sign announced the drivefor the Kisment Ranch. A rocking K sat under the Kisment name.

“This is it,” I said to myself andturned into the drive. The vet truck bounced through the ruts and potholes onthe driveway. My teeth loosened in their sockets as I braced myself for anotherjolt. “The ranch looks impressive enough. Though, they could fix the drive,” Imuttered.

With one last jar, the tires hitsmooth gravel that tracked to the ranch house and barn. It wrapped around thebarn to what looked like a bunkhouse. I braked in front of the barn and jumpedout.

My heart pounded as Kaleb emergedfrom the shadows of the barn.

“Dr. Murphy, this isn’t how Iwanted to meet you for the first time.” The smile slipped from his lips whenhis eyes met mine. “You’re not Dr. Aaron Murphy.” The now familiar scowl fellinto the lines on his face.

If you want continue to read it you can find it in ebook, paperback, or on my newsletter.

The paperback link is an affiliate link. It doesn't cost anything to you, but I receive a small commission.

Happy reading! Hugs,

Allie

A good bye to October

Hi y'all,
I can't believe that October is here and gone. Here in Minnesota, we had a lovely October. The weather was warm and mild. The trees took a long time to change color and the color held for a while. It was so beautiful. 
The Bock family has been busy. Besides running a vet clinic, we have been trying to take the Little Bocks on fun outings. We went to a local pumpkin patch where they had a kid zone. LB1 had fun sliding into a corn pit, racing rubber ducks, climbing an obstacle courses made out of straw and tractor tires, and blowing bubbles. She picked out pumpkins for our whole family. The three little pumpkins she painted and Hubby carved the bigger ones.

We also took a trip to the Minnesota zoo to see baby Amur tigers. They were pretty big when we saw them. The Little Bocks had more fun checking out the pumpkins in the woods and playing at the playground. It was a beautiful day to walk around the zoo. My favorite animals are the Asian wild Horses. They are pretty cool.



After that, our parents came to visit, so we did a lot of hanging out with grandparents.
I finished reading A Court of Thorns and Roses series in audiobook. I definitely enjoyed it more than I thought. Have you read it? Which is your favorite court? Mine is autumn. It is my favorite season. Who was you favorite character? I think Lucien was mine. He just never seemed to get a break.
That is all I have. Until next time! Hugs!
Allie

My Cowboy of Convenience: Chapter 6

 

Chapter Six

Kaleb

Sheclimbed into her Buick, and it rattled to life. The noise it made disturbed thequiet evening in the square. A couple of people next to my truck turned to lookat the car.

“It must be a loose muffler,” Isaid to the dark interior of my truck.

My truck idled smoothly as I waitedfor her to back out of her parking space and drive away. I flashed myheadlights at her once she was clear of the parking space. The Buick rumbledout of the parking lot and bounced on to the road.

I tapped my steering wheel andshifted my truck into gear. It slowly rolled through the lot. I should go home.Tomorrow was another long day on the ranch, but the feel of Erin in my arms wastantalizing. My body felt unsettled as I fought back the urge of attraction tothe woman. I drove a few blocks and pulled in front of Gallagher’s Irish pub.Parking, I exited the truck and entered the pub.

Small lamps high on the rough stonewalls cast dim light over congregations of dark leather sofas and low tables. Isidled up to the polished dark wood bar.

“What will it be tonight?” The bartenderset a low-ball glass in front of me. “We have whiskey or Guinness.” He noddedto the wall behind him where the whiskey drinks were written inglow-in-the-dark chalk on a black board.

“Just a whiskey and Coke is fine,”I said.

He mixed the drink and set it downin front of me. The bar was empty as it was a Tuesday. A couple of men in suitssat around one of the low tables murmuring. Two older men played a game ofchess in the corner. Against the wall, a woman in a black business suitrecrossed her legs, absorbed in her novel.

“Quiet night?” I leaned my elbowson the counter

“Just the usuals.” He placed thebottle back in the rack. “I haven’t seen you before.”

“First time. The place lookedinteresting. Have you been here long?”

He nodded. “It’s my in-laws’ pub. Iwork here when they are short staffed. My wife is cooking in the kitchen.” Heslid a menu toward me.

The black ink scrawled over the tanmenu with classic Irish specials.

“Everything is good if you likeIrish food.” He pulled out a cocktail glass. He poured Irish whiskey, a splashof grapefruit, and a glob of honey into a shaker. He shook the shaker. Then, hepoured it over ice into the glass, adding a grapefruit wedge in it. He pushedopen the small divider and delivered the drink to the woman. She smiled at himbriefly. Then, her eyes flitted back to the pages of her book.

The door swung open, bringing inthe sounds of the night. It stayed open longer than expected and I turned tolook at the newcomer. It was Erin, my dance partner. Her curly black hairrioted around her face as her green eyes darted around the room.

I tried not to notice the green ofher eyes while we were dancing. They were the green of a fresh cut field ofhay, sharp and catching every detail. They swung around the room until theylanded on me. They widened a bit. She started to take a step backward, out of thestill open door.

I felt like a jerk. I ran a handthrough my hair and climbed down from my stool to approached her.

“Hi Erin.”

Her lips twitched as she eyed me.

I ran a hand through my hair.“Would you like to join me?”

She hesitated and her stomachgurgled. She placed a hand across her abdomen.

“You’re hungry. Come on. We mightas well get to know each other,” I motioned to my chair at the bar.

She laughed. “That’s anunderstatement. I’m starving. I think I forgot to eat lunch today.”

She settled herself on the stoolnext to me and ordered without looking at the menu. “I’d like the shepherd’spie, if you have it.”

The bartender smiled. “A real Irishlassie. My wife would be happy to serve it up for you.”

“I’ll take the Reuben and anotherdrink.” I slid the menu back across the bar.

He nodded and turned his attentionto Erin.

“I’ll just have a Guinness. I haveto drive home and work tomorrow.” She wrinkled her nose.

She was cute when she did that. Icaught myself checking her out and mentally shook myself. I did not need awoman in my life. They brought trouble and heartache. All things I didn’t havetime for, but I did have to find a date for the wedding.

The bartender placed a cold glass ofbeer in front of Erin and refilled my drink. Erin folded a napkin, sliding thebottle on to it. A bead of condensation rolled down bottle. Erin circled therim of the bottle with her index finger.

“So…” Erin started.

“Um…” I rubbed the back of my neck.

We both looked at each other. Hergreen eyes crinkled in the corner. She waved her hand at me. “Go ahead.” Shesipped at her bottle.

“You’ve been dancing a long time?”I circled my fingers around my glass.

“Since I was little. There wasn’tmuch else to do in my hometown.” She laughed. “It’s not as small as Sunnydale,but not big like San Antonio.”

“You’re pretty good.”

“Thanks.” She blushed.

A silence settled between us.

“So, Katie and Levi…when are theygetting married?” Erin peeled at the label.

“I thought you were friends withKatie.” I frowned at her words.

“I guess I am. I haven’t known heror Levi for very long. I just moved to town.” She shrugged.

The bartender placed steamingplates of food in front of us. He looked at Erin’s beer and she shook her head.My drink sat untouched in front of me. He tapped on the counter before movingon to check on the other customers.

“The wedding is set for July.” Irubbed the back of my head. “Sometime in the middle. My other brother isgetting married in June.”

“Busy summer.” She stabbed her forkinto her food.

I chuckled. “It sure will be. Maand Pa are coming home for the summer.”

Her fork paused, hovering above herplate. “Where do they live if they aren’t around here?”

“They’re missionaries overseas.”

“Where at? Anywhere exciting?” Shescooped a spoonful of mash potatoes.

“I don’t really know.” I swirledthe ice in my glass. The amber liquid bumped against the sides. “I don’t keep track.Katie would though.”

I cleared my throat and sipped frommy drink. Levi’s words echoed in my mind. I need to bring a date. It only madesense. I didn’t have time to find another person that could also dance. Italmost seemed too perfect like Katie and Levi planned this. I ran my handthrough my hair. Knowing them, they probably did. “Erin, I’ve a businessproposition for you.”

She looked up from her plate andfurrowed her brow.

I ran my hands through my hair. “Iknow we don’t know each other well, but I need a date for their wedding.”

She stared at the food on her forkbefore replacing it on her plate. “How’s that business?”

“I’d like to pay you for yourcompany to the wedding as my date.” I met her gaze.

She frowned at me. “No. I’m notthat kind of girl.” Her voice dropped and grew angry.

“That’s not what I meant.” I rubbedthe back of my neck. “Just a date. Come to the wedding, eat cake, and dancewith me. Then we go our separate ways.”

“Why?” She leaned away from me.Suspicion colored her voice and her green eyes shifted around the room.

“I don’t have the time…or desire…tofind a girlfriend. I just need someone as a dance partner for the night.”

“How much for the night?” Shereached for her glass and took a sip.

“How about two grand?”

She coughed. Beer sprayed on to thebar. “Two thousand dollars! Are you serious?” She reached for her paper napkinand wiped up the splatter.

I raised an eyebrow at her.

“Wow. For that, I can be your dancepartner for the night.” She pushed the soggy napkin to the side.

We ate in silence for a while. Mymind wandered to the woman sitting next to me. Her black curly hair fought outof her ponytail. Ringlets framed her face. Her green eyes seemed intelligent.She talked with a midwestern accent.

“Where did you say you were from?”I leaned my elbow on the counter, turning my body so I faced her.

“I didn’t.” She raised the beerbottle to her lips and sipped. “But if you must know. A two-horse town in Iowa.My dad is a crop farmer and my mom the local librarian.”

“Iowa, huh…what brought you downhere?”

She set her spoon on the side ofher plate and stared straight ahead. Her lips thinned into a line. Sheswallowed before looking at me. “A job.”

I studied her. She fidgeted in herseat and pushed her food around with her fork. “There must be jobs in Iowa. WhyTexas?”

A corner of her lips pulled up.“Isn’t Texas the greatest place on Earth?”

“Well, yes.” She got me there. As abred and raised Texan, I thought the world of my state. “Where do you work?”

“Um…” Her phone sitting next to herplate buzzed with an incoming text message. She read it before shutting it offand sliding it into her purse. “I’ve gotta go.” She reached for her wallet andpulled out some cash, sliding it under her bottle.

“Thanks for the conversation and theemployment.” She shifted her weight from foot to foot. “I guess I will see younext week.”

With that, she hurried out acrossthe room and out the door.

“That was odd,” I muttered tomyself, shaking my head. My curiosity was piqued. Why was this Iowa girl herein southern Texas? How did she know Katie? And most of all, why did I want tofind out?

A Pumpkin Farm

Hi dear Reader,
How have you been this week?
It has started to feel like fall here in Minnesota. The nights are cooler. The leaves are changing to hues of reds and oranges. The farmers are harvesting corn and soybeans.
This week, we took the Little Bocks to a pumpkin patch. There was a play area that Little Bock 1 ran to. She wore her "princess" dress while climbing straw bales, playing in the corn pit (like a sandbox but with corn), and running through the obstacle course. Little Bock 2 can't walk yet so she was carried by Hubby. She giggled at all of LB1's antics.


They had pumpkins and gourds out on a farm stand. You could also pick your own pumpkin and do a corn maze. We didn't, as we were trying to contain the spirited toddler to open areas. It's too easy to lose a small child in rows of towering corn. LB1 picked out pumpkins for the family. 2 big carving pumpkins and 3 small pumpkins of different colors. She also fell in love with a "banana pumpkin" (it's a gourd). Now, we just have to find a nice day to try carving pumpkins!



On the writing front, I have been working at Cassandra and Trevor's story. It is coming along slowly. I actually joined an online writing group. For the month of October, we are prepping our stories. Then in November, we are going to write them. So, I picked Cassandra and Trevor's story to work on. Do you participate in NaNoWrimo?
Hugs,Allie

My Cowboy of Convenience: Chapter 5

 

Chapter Five

Erin

Excitement and nerves danced through me as I zipped up myblack skirt. The hem brushed the back of my calves and flowed around me as Itwisted from side to side in the full-length mirror at my apartment.

“Not bad, if I do say so myself.What do you think, Clifford?”

He sat next to me on the floor. Hisears perked and tilted his head from side to side.

“I know that is one handsome dog inthe mirror.” I bent down and rubbed his soft ears.

He leaned into my hand and closedhis eyes.

“You’re the best dog, ever.” Icrooned.

The look he gave me said that heknew.

“Well, I better get going otherwiseI’ll be late.” I grabbed my purse, car keys, and cell phone to hurry out thedoor.

The screen lit up as it buzzed inmy hand. Mom’s picture flashed on the screen.

“Hi Mom. What’s up?”

“Oh, just checking in on my littlegirl. How’s Texas treating you?”

A pang of homesickness hit me hardin the chest. I tried not to think about Iowa, my family, or all that I leftbehind.

“It’s going well.” I infused acheery note in my voice. The front door closed with a click behind me. “Doc andhis wife are great. They’ve been keeping me busy in the clinic and doing farmcalls. I like the work. Everyone here seems nice.”

“Are you taking anytime foryourself?” Her voice carried a hint of worry.

“I’m actually on my way to a dancelesson.” I hurried to the Buick and opened the door with my keys. “I’m makingfriends.”

That was a fib, but I didn’t wanther to worry about me. Besides meeting Katie and Viola Ann, I hadn’t made anyfriends. At this time, I was perfectly happy throwing myself into my work.

“Oh good. And Clifford?” Mom asked.

“He’s spoiled as always. Thetechnicians bought him a dog bed so he can sleep in my office while I work.” Islid into the front seat and shut the door with a click.

“Oh good,” she said.

“How’s everything at home?” Waseveryone alright? She was usually more talkative, and it made me worried.

“Dad’s getting anxious aboutgetting in the fields. It’s been raining here non-stop since you left. Theywill take a while to dry up if the rain ever stops. Everyone here misses you.”

“I miss you too.” I put my hands onthe steering wheel. A tear escaped and ran down my cheek. I brushed it awaywith my thumb.

“I ran into Milly at the library.”Mom broke the silence on the phone.

A rod of steel infused into myback, and I gritted my teeth. I didn’t say anything as there was nothing tosay.

“She said that she’s been callingand texting you. But you haven’t contacted her back.”

My breath blew out of me. “Mom…”

“I know, honey. But she’s been yourbest friend since kindergarten and cousin since birth. Maybe you should callher back sometime.”

“Mom, I can’t.” I shoved the keysinto the ignition. “I don’t have anything to say to her. She hurt me…badly.”

The words came out in a whisper andfilled the interior of the car. My blood pounded within my ears and took overmy other senses. Closing my eyes, I laid my head on the steering wheel. I’dbeen trying to escape from what happened, hoping that she’d stop calling andtexting when I didn’t respond. Alas, that wasn’t going to be the case.

“Erin, I know this is hard and whathappened was awful. Don’t you think you should hear her out? I taught you toforgive and forget.”

I swallowed and pushed back thetears that threatened to fall. This wasn’t going to ruin the evening I hadplanned. I turned the key in the ignition. My ancient car rumbled to life,idling roughly in the drive.

“Mom, I’m not ready to forgiveeither one of them. I don’t know if I could ever forget it, either. I need moretime.”

“Okay, honey. I just wanted to letyou know that your dad and I are here for you if you ever want to talk aboutit.” Her disappointment palpable from thousands of miles away.

“I’ll think about it.” I promisedwith my fingers crossed. The red lights on the dashboard clock ticked overanother minute. “Mom, I’ve gotta go. I’m meeting some people tonight.”

She sighed into the phone. “Call memore often. We love you and worry about you.”

“I love you too, Mom.”

I hit the end button, staring outthe windshield. Shaking myself, I placed the cell phone in the cup holder andbacked out of the driveway. Viola Ann walked up the sidewalk to her side of theduplex. We waved to each other before I drove to San Antonio.

#####

The dance studio sat on a corner of an intersection. Itsglass walls shone out into the darkening afternoon, showing off the peopleinside twirling and stepping together. The boutique shops on either side of thestudio lit up the area with lights. People walked from one to another withlarge shopping bags and cups of coffee.

I circled the parking lot, lookingfor one smallish spot to squeeze my car into. Finally, there was one at the endof the lot next to a monstrous pickup truck. It sat with its passenger tiresresting on the dividing line between the stalls.

It would have to do. The sessionstarted in a few minutes, and I didn’t want to be late. I inched the car intothe spot with inches of room on the driver’s side. A sigh of relief escaped. Idid it without scratching either vehicle, but there wasn’t any room to get outon the driver’s side. There wasn’t any other way out. I climbed over the armrest, holding my skirt down with one hand to exit the passenger side. I swungmy purse over my shoulder and marched to the dance studio.

The early evening air cooled myskin. The scent of popcorn hung on the air from the nearby movie theater.People called to each other with shouts of excitement over the noise of passingcars.

I pushed the conversation with mymom from my thoughts. I would have to face my feelings for Milly another time.Not tonight. Pasting on a smile, I opened the glass door to the brightly litstudio.

Soft music played in the backgroundwhile twinkling lights hung from the ceiling in long strands, softening theoverhead lights. On one wall, a floor to ceiling mirror reflected the room backonto itself. People chatted as they changed into their street shoes. A perkydance instructor sat behind a tall counter in the corner collecting release formsand scheduling the next session for students.

“Erin!” Katie called from thecorner where she snuggled against her fiancé, Levi, on a couch. A few plushchairs were arranged in a half-circle around them. On the wall behind them,shoes and bags were neatly placed in cubbies. She waved and stood up. “Comeover here!”

A tall man stood in the corner,trying to blend into the shadows. A scowl on his face and his arms crossedtightly over his chest, causing the muscles to bulge under his t-shirt.

I stepped around the dancerschanging their shoes. Katie hurried toward me and wrapped me in a hug. Shesqueezed my ribs hard and trapped my arms against my side.

“I was getting worried you’d bestuck at work tonight and couldn’t make it.” Releasing me, she beamed. Her goldcurls reflecting the lights. Her blue eyes dancing behind her frames.

“I’ve been looking forward to thisall week.” I smiled back at her.

The man in the corner snorted.Katie threw him a look over her shoulder. She reached behind her, grasping Levi’shand. She tugged him closer.

“Levi said you met a few weeksago?”

I stuck out my hand and shook his.“Yes, we did.”

He pushed a shock of black hair outof his eyes. “I’m glad you could make it tonight. It’s almost time. Katie and Iare paying for the lessons tonight. You just need to sign the liability releaseform.” He nodded to the desk.

“They’re expecting you.” Katieadded. She squeezed Levi’s hand, gazing into his eyes. She bounced on the ballsof her feet as she leaned into him. “This will be so much fun.”

The man in the corner snortedagain. My eyes cut him. His blue eyes shot bolts of lightning at me. Achallenge. Straightening my shoulders, I stared him down.

Katie frowned and turned to look athim. “It will be fun if you lose the attitude, Kaleb Kisment.” She glared atthe large man. They communicated without words for a second before Katie spunaround.

She linked her arm in mine. “Comeon. Let’s get you signed in.” She dragged me toward the counter. “Ignoregrumpus in the corner. That’s my oldest brother Kaleb and he isn’t happy unlesshe is on the back of a horse.”

I glanced over my shoulder at theman. He stared after us as Levi talked to the instructor. Something in his looktugged at me, giving me a thrill. A dangerous thrill.

“Can’t please all men.” I turned myattention back to where we were headed.

She laughed. “I knew that we wouldget along.”

She gave my name to the womanbehind the desk while I signed my life away on liability release forms. Thestudio emptied as the people from an earlier class left the building, leavingthe four of us and two instructors behind.

A tall thin man moved gracefullywalked out to the middle of the open floor. He clapped his hands above hishead.

“All right, peeps. Time to learnhow to dance.” He pressed his palms together and twirled in a circle. “I’m yourlead instructor, TJ. Let’s gather in the middle and talk.”

I set the pen down on the table andfollowed Katie out to the middle of the polished wood floor. TJ pressed onehand to his hip, pointing his black dance shoe out to the side. His button upshirt tucked in neatly to his black slacks with a thin black belt. A fuchsiatie was the only bright spot of color in his monochrome ensemble.

“Let’s start with Mr. Broody. Nameand dance experience, please.” He waved his hand with a flick of his wrist.

“Kaleb Kisment,” his voice rumbled.“Only here because they made me.” He jerked his chin at the smiling couple. “Ican do the two-step and a few line dances.” The furrow between his browsdeepened at his last words.

A scowl seemed to rest permanentlyon Kaleb’s face. His T-shirt drawn tight over his bunched muscles of hispectorals and biceps. My eyes traveled down his torso to his faded blue jeansand scuffed cowboy boots. So, this was the man that ran the Kisment Ranch.Definitely a cowboy and a surly one at that. But he was pleasant to look at.

A pull answered deep within me. Ishut it down. I wasn’t going to give in to it. It had only been a couple ofmonths since my cancelled wedding. No, I didn’t need even the distraction. Andthis man was one of Doc’s biggest clients. No dating clients, even if they werehandsome

“Alright then. Thanks for sharingwith the group your feelings.” TJ clapped his hands together. His eyes lightingup when they fell on me. “How about you?”

“Erin,” I said. “I’ve been dancingsince I was little and can do most of the steps.”

“I didn’t know that!” Katie punchedKaleb in the arm. “See you’ll learn fast.”

He scowled at me.

What was his problem? I shot him mybest no-nonsense look right back.

“Katie and Levi, I already know.”TJ waved his hand at them. “Let’s get started.”

“We’ve been taking lessons with TJfor a couple of months,” Katie said to me.

TJ led us to the center of theroom. The girl from behind the counter strode to stand next to him. “This is myassistant, Mirena. We will demonstrate the steps and you will give it a try. Wewill start with something easy and move on from there.”

Mirena floated to the stereo systemsitting in the corner. She pressed a few buttons and music played from hiddenspeakers around the room.

Mirena and TJ stepped together ashe explained hand placement and where to look. They demonstrated the first stepwe were going to learn tonight. I studied Kaleb out of the corner of my eye asthey danced.

His scowl sat firmly on his faceand his arms were tight across his chest. When he looked at Katie, it softened.He turned his gaze toward me and frowned even more.

I quickly blinked and brought myattention back to the dancing couple.

“That is your basic box step. Let’sstart there.” TJ separated from Mirena. “Face your partner.”

Kaleb turned toward me, uncrossinghis arms. He looked like he’d rather hold an alligator than dance with me.

Mirena came up behind him. “We’llstart in an open position. Extend your arms forward and rotate your palms up.”

I placed my hands in his. Theminute our hands touched a warm sensation flowed through me causing my heart topitter patter out of control. Seriously, Erin, I told myself. Hold it together.He’s not the first attractive man you’ve danced with. Breathing deeply, Iglanced up into his stormy blue eyes, trying not to lose myself in them. Hisfrown lines deepened and he loosened his grip on my hands.

Mirena went on to explain the firststep of the dance. “Got it?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Kaleb’s voicedeepened.

TJ pressed the small remote he heldin his hand. Music played a couple of bars.

“I’ll count down from three. Three– two – one.”

Kaleb didn’t hesitate. He steppedright into the first step, leading me like we’d been partners for years. Iglanced at him. His gaze fixed solidly over my shoulder. His hands lightlyclasped my mine. The calluses on his palm rubbed against the skin on mine. Hisbroad shoulders tensed as he led me in the box step. The music continued toplay, and we danced a box step a few more times.

“Perfect” TJ paused the music.“Everyone that was good. Now we are going add on.”

Over the next hour, TJ and Mirenacoached us through the next beginner steps. The steps eventually added togetherto a dance which I was familiar with. My partner didn’t speak or look at meonce, which was fine with me. I didn’t have time to block advances of attractedmen. Instead of dwelling on his coldness, I focused on losing myself in thesteps and in the music. It was the first relaxing day I had since moving to Texas.

“Alright, that’s it for thissession. Great job! See you next week.” TJ clapped his hands together. Mirenaturned off the stereo.

Kaleb stopped my next step bysqueezing my hands. His brows drew together as his gaze locked on mine, suckingme into their depths. The sole of my shoes skipped on the dance floor, and Istumbled forward. His arm snaked around me, catching me. My front bumped intohis hard chest. My heart beat wildly at way his arm felt around me, pressing meinto his chest.

A corner of his lips pulled up.“You alright?”

I blinked widely, trying to gaincontrol of my runaway emotions. “Um…” I swallowed.

His hands slid up to my shouldersand set me back on my heels. His touch left tingles on my skin. He stepped backand glanced toward the door. My body mourned the loss of his body heat.

People for the next session chattedquietly by the door. They tied on their dance shoes and stowed their belongingsin the cubbies. Katie bounced over to us, dragging Levi by his hand.

“That was so much fun. I know itwas pretty basic, but TJ said that was a good place to start to get everyone onthe same page.” She dropped his hand and wound her arm within mine. She pulledme over to where we left our purses and shoes. “Will you come back next week?”

“Sure, my dance partner was surly,but I don’t think that had anything to do with me.” I glanced over towardKaleb.

His scowl was still in place, butthe creases weren’t as deep. His eyes weren’t shooting daggers at people,anymore.

“I wouldn’t worry about him.” Sheshrugged. “He’ll come around. He’s just annoyed that he had fun.”

“You think?”

“Definitely, any man would love todance with you,” she whispered in my ear.

I laughed. “I’m not anythingspecial. Just a girl at a dance lesson.”

“Ladies, ready to go.” Levi heldout an open knit sweater for Katie to slip her arms in. His fingers brushed herarms as he shuffled the sweater over her shoulders.

“Where did you park?” Katieentwined her fingers with Levi’s.

“At the end of the lot. Next tosome person with a big truck that can’t park.” I rolled my eyes. “The spot nextto his was the only one open. I had to climb out the passenger seat to getout.”

Katie laughed and shook her head.“I’d love to see that.”

“It wasn’t graceful in a skirt andall,” I muttered.

We walked out the glass doors.Katie and Levi stepped out on to the sidewalk, first. Kaleb followed me,holding the door for the next few people coming in.

The night air brushed cool againstmy skin. A slight breeze rustled through the newly planted trees. A few starssparkled in the inky sky. Buttered popcorn drifted on the breeze from the movietheater.

My stomach grumbled. I rubbed it.I’d forgotten to eat dinner before I left my place and now I was starving.

“Well, we are this way.” Levipointed toward the side lot. “We’ll see you around.”

Katie waved as they walked away totheir vehicle.

Kaleb and I stood awkwardly insilence at the edge of the curb. A crush of teenagers surged around us, pushingus closer together.

He cleared his throat. “Where areyou parked?”

“In the lot across the street.” Imotioned to the cars across the street.

“I’ll walk you to your car.”

“Really? Why?” Startled, my gazelocked with his. The swirling blue depths of his eyes drew me in. My feet drewme a step closer to him, like the pull of two magnets.

“Make sure you get to your carsafely.” His expression was unreadable.

A laughing couple passed by us,breaking my trance.

“That’s chivalrous of you, but I’llbe fine.” I tucked my hair behind my ears.

“I’m heading that way anyway.” Hegrabbed my elbow as we crossed the street, avoiding on-coming traffic. Histouch was firm and warm. I pushed against him. I didn’t need him dragging mearound. He held on and hustled me to the parking lot. Once there, his hand fellaway from my elbow like it was a hot potato. He shoved it into his pocket.

“I’m over there.” I led the way tomy ancient Buick.

The poorly parked, overly largetruck still sat in the spot next to my car. I groaned, not wanting to crawlover the passenger seat again.

He drew out his keys and beeped theunlock on his key fob. The taillights flashed on the truck.

“It’s yours?” I raised my eyebrowsat him. “Don’t you know how to park?”

He shrugged. A ghost of a smileplayed on his lips. “It’s a small lot.”

I rolled my eyes and groaned.“Whatever.” I unlocked the passenger door to my car and hit the unlock button.

“Give me a second.” He climbed intothe cab and backed out of his parking spot. The truck backed further down thelot. A large black Rocking K was stenciled on the side of his truck.

“Kisment Ranch. How did I missthat?” I wondered as I unlocked my car. I sunk into the front seat. Turningover the engine, I backed out of my spot. Kaleb flashed his lights at me as Idrew away.