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  AFTER A BROKEN HEART

  MILLER CANYON RANCH SERIES

  C. DEANNE ROWE

  Miller Canyon Ranch—After A Broken Heart

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  Published by C. Deanne Rowe

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  www.cdeannerowe.com

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  Cover Art by Rebecca K. Sterling

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  All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission email: [email protected]

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  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual person, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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  Copyright © 2022 C. Deanne Rowe

  Created with Vellum

  To Allie, my heart

  ALDER MILLER

  “Everyone has shared tonight except for one person. Alder, is there anything you’d like to say?”

  Alder Miller secured his cowboy hat on his knee as he shifted in his chair. He’d been coming for almost a year, hoping to break free from his past. Sometimes he wondered why he bothered. He could feel everyone’s eyes fixed on him. Keeping his gaze locked on the group’s leader, he wanted to blurt out all is well, but he knew he would receive flack.

  Jim would be the first to comment. His wife, twenty years his junior, left him for her trainer, taking everything along with his self-respect.

  Tasha would be next. A strong, independent, Black woman who’s married boyfriend had talked her into having a child, then refused to leave his wife. Alder did his best to stay across the circle from her.

  After Tasha would be Thomas. He was the strong man of the bunch. He couldn’t understand why women didn’t stick around once they got to know him. He would be the first to tell you he was a standup guy. Just because he liked to flirt with other women didn’t make him bad. He was sharing his masculinity. Thomas was the type of guy who made every other man look good.

  “Well, Alder?” Rachael Reynolds tilted her head, not breaking her gaze. She wasn’t going to let him off the hook.

  “There’s really not much to share. This past month has been about the same as all the others. I worked the ranch during the day, had dinner with the family, and then turned in for the night. I spent my weekends catching up on wood working projects I’d put off. I’m working on a table for my brother, Clay, and his fiancée, Ginger. It’ll be a wedding present. All my brothers are married or getting married, except for me and Ridge.”

  “Don’t put pressure on yourself to be like your brothers,” Rachael said. “Have you attempted to get out in public and talk to people? Maybe go to a coffee shop, a bookstore, or a grocery store and talk to women you don’t know?”

  Alder rubbed the back of his neck. “I didn’t.”

  “You can come to the gym with me,” Thomas offered. “You’d be surprised by the number of women you can talk to. I never have an issue finding a woman to start a conversation with.” He slapped his hand against his bulging chest.

  “I appreciate your input, Thomas, but we’re trying to help Alder feel comfortable talking to women again, strike up a conversation. We aren’t asking him to flirt.”

  “Just because I talk to a beautiful woman doesn’t mean I’m flirting.” Thomas held up his hands in protest.

  “Stop it right now, Thomas!” Tasha exclaimed, her large, brown eyes glaring directly at him. “You know as well as the rest of us the only women you pay attention to look like they stepped off the cover of a fashion magazine.”

  “I like beautiful women. What can I say?” Thomas smiled.

  “No wonder you can’t stay in a relationship.” Tasha sat back in her chair, crossing her arms in front of her. “Stay away from him, Alder. You’re a nice guy who deserves a good woman. Thomas will teach you bad habits.”

  “I think it’s time for our meeting to be over. Maybe Alder will start our next group meeting and will have some things to talk about. No pressure, though.” Rachael stood and slipped her hands into the pockets of her jeans.

  Alder waited for everyone else to gather their things. He stood, twirling his hat on his finger.

  “I meant what I said, Alder. You’re a nice guy. Stay away from Thomas. He’s not a nice guy.” Tasha touched his arm, then glanced at the table of treats. “Oh. There are leftovers. These are so good. Are they from Felicity’s Bakery? I love their stuff.”

  “Yes, they are.” Alder hoped she heard him as she rummaged through the leftover treats. “I picked them up from the bakery on my way.”

  “Tell your brother and sister-in-law thank you from me.” Tasha took a bite of one doughnut.

  “I’ll do that next time I see them.”

  “I’m glad you stuck around.” Rachael glanced in Tasha’s direction. “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot.”

  Alder nodded. “I know I said at the last meeting that I would try getting out there more.”

  She put her hand on his arm. “Take it at your own pace. I’m glad you’re attending the group. That’s the biggest step.”

  “Thanks. I haven’t met anyone I’m comfortable enough around to spend time with. You know. Small talk and all.”

  “Maybe you and I should get together sometime. You seem comfortable enough around me. It would be a good trial run. You'll be more at ease when you find someone you’d like to ask out.”

  She said exactly what he was thinking. He’d thought about asking her out but didn’t want to ruin the friendship they’d developed. Now that she’d brought it up, it seemed like fate.

  “I think that’s a good idea,” Tasha said as she still rummaged. “If you don’t want to take Rachael, I’ll be happy to go.”

  “Thanks for the offer, Tasha. I’ll have to let you know.”

  “Good night, you two. I’ll see you next week. Make sure you tell Felicity and Rayne thank you.” Tasha waved. Her hands were full of treats. “I’ll be waiting to hear from you, Alder.”

  Watching Rachael’s eyes, he could tell when Tasha left the room. “Is she gone?”

  Rachael nodded.

  Alder stepped closer. “Please tell me you’re serious about going out with me? Remember, if you say no, I’ll have to take Tasha. How about Saturday night?”

  CHAPTER ONE

  RACHAEL

  Running her hands down her jeans as she inspected her outfit in the mirror, Rachael smiled. A light sweater, her favorite pair of stilettos, and a pair of pearl earrings. Leaving her long brown hair down made her feel comfortable. That’s what she wanted.

  She could still hear Alder laughing when he asked her out. Please don’t make me have to ask Tasha. She was a wonderful person but not Alder’s type at all. But then, what was Alder’s type? She didn’t know. The only person she knew he’d dated was Heather, and she had never met her. All she knew was she was his high school sweetheart. And that was ten years ago.

  Thinking about his laugh stopped the fear of going on a date from taking over. While trying to be brave and show Alder the strength he needed, she was trembling inside. Only last week was the fifth anniversary of her wedding. The wedding that never happened. The groom’s cold feet left her with the responsibility of telling all their guests the wedding was off. It still tied her stomach in knots. Scaring her enough that she moved as far away as her career would take her for a new start.

  Paris, Texas, was a long twelve hours from Minneapolis, Minnesota, even though it didn’t seem it was far enough. Leaving her family behind was hard. Yet, it was necessary for her to live again. She couldn’t stay in the same dental practice
with a man who left her standing at the altar.

  Her video doorbell buzzed on her phone. She pushed the speaker button. “Hi. I’ll be right there.” Picking up her purse from the chair next to her queen bed, she slipped her cell phone inside.

  “You look beautiful.” Alder smiled as he stepped inside the open door.

  “Thanks.” Rachael closed the door behind him, checking out his butt in his jeans as he walked by and removed his cowboy hat. Since moving to Texas, she had learned to appreciate a nice pair of jeans. “You look handsome as well.” She wondered if his four younger brothers were equally as attractive.

  “If you’re ready, we can leave soon. We don’t want to miss our reservations.”

  “Would that be so bad?” She asked as the sudden thought of going on a date sent a surge of fear through her body.

  He pulled out his phone from the back pocket of his jeans.

  “I was joking. What are you doing?”

  “Calling Tasha.” Alder laughed. “I need someone to go to dinner with.”

  “Put that back.” She touched his phone. “I told you I would go out with you. This is strange for both of us. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a date. It feels like I’m forgetting something.”

  “And you give me a hard time about talking to women.” Alder glanced at his watch. “We have about five minutes before we need to leave. You’ve got until then to remember.”

  “I know how to talk to men. I do that every day at work.”

  “Talking to male patients doesn’t count. Besides, how much talking can they do when you’re working on their teeth?”

  “Let’s change the subject.” She glared at him. “Do you think we can do this? When we go out in public together, people are going to think we’re a couple.”

  “You’re the one who seemed to think I needed to put myself out there. I remember you offered to help.”

  “I did.” It was hard to believe the teasing man in front of her had difficulty talking to women.

  “I know you’re as scared as I am. Just because we’re having dinner together doesn’t mean we’re going to get married.”

  “Don’t say that word.” Rachael held her hands up in the air.

  “Look.” Alder touched her arm. “We’ve both been hurt. We’re both afraid to get hurt again. We understand each other. We also enjoy each other’s company.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “We get along great in the support group meetings.”

  “You’re right.” She smiled. It had been hard to find friends when she took over the dental practice a year and a half ago in Paris. The relationship support group had been a godsend. When the leader asked her to step in because she was moving to Dallas, Rachael was unsure. Alder’s presence had been greatly appreciated, and she treasured the friendship they’d developed.

  “If you aren’t ready for this, we don’t have to go out. I’m good with whatever you decide. I don’t want to push you into anything you don’t feel comfortable doing.”

  “That’s why we get along so well. We understand each other. I know you won’t ask me to do anything you wouldn’t want to do. We’ve both been through a lot. I feel safe with you.”

  “I feel safe with you, too.” He winked at her. “Now, let’s go to dinner and have a good time. Who cares what other people think? You and I know what’s going on between us and where we stand with each other. That’s all that matters.”

  “You are such a sweet talker, Alder Miller. Think of all those women who are missing out. Let’s go.” She took his hand and led him out the door.

  Slipping on his hat, he followed.

  CHAPTER TWO

  RACHAEL

  “How’s this?” the hostess asked as she placed menus on a table.

  “It’s perfect. Thank you.” Rachael smiled. Alder removed his hat and waited for her to sit. He took the seat next to her and placed his hat on one of the empty chairs.

  “This is nice.” She gazed around at the pleasing atmosphere of the crowded restaurant. A soft light came from the sconces hung on the wall, papered with a simple flower-patterned tan wallpaper. The tables were covered with white tablecloths, and white napkins held the silverware. “I haven’t been here before. I’ve wanted to try it.”

  “I’ve been here a few times with my family. It’s been quite a while, though.” He picked up the menu. “You want some appetizers?”

  She caught a glimpse of the waitress delivering meals to the table near them. The serving plates were huge. “I don’t think so. A glass of white wine would be good.”

  “You got it.” Alder motioned for the young man filling water glasses at the table next to them. “Could we order drinks?”

  “I’ll send your waitress right away.” He disappeared into the kitchen.

  Continuing to read the menu, Alder glanced at her now and then, smiling. If he was trying to make her feel comfortable, it was working.

  She kept reminding herself she was doing this for Alder. The dinner meant nothing except to give him the courage to put himself out in the dating world again. He was the type of man she could fall for. If she was looking, that is. With strong, chiseled features, he was a handsome man. How he had stayed single all these years seemed a mystery.

  “This isn’t so bad.” He spoke as if to himself, then louder, “I’m glad you came with me.”

  He understood her. His heart was broken as well. They were careful with each other, treating each other gently. Only saying safe words that didn’t make the other think there was more than what was. Nothing was worse than trying to trust someone again after your heart was shattered.

  “I’m going to have a cold beer and a steak. That sounds fantastic, doesn’t it?”

  “For you, maybe.” She smiled. “I’m going to have the seafood platter and a salad. It will go really well with my white wine.”

  “What can I get you to drink?” The uniformed waitress approached their table, her pen and order pad in hand.

  “Ahhh.”

  Rachael glanced up from her menu at Alder. His face was white. His mouth was hanging open like he had forgotten what he wanted to say. The waitress didn’t look much better. Their eyes were frozen on the other. She waited for one of them to say something.

  “Alder?” The waitress finally spoke.

  “Heather?” Alder’s voice was low, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. It was as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He grabbed Rachael’s hand under the table like he was clinging to a lifeline.

  Rachel realized what was happening. Their waitress was Alder’s Heather. This beautiful, ample-breasted, tiny-waisted blonde was the woman who stomped on his heart. The woman whose dreams were more important than her feelings for him or his feelings for her. A woman he’d tried for ten years to forget. She was real and standing right in front of him.

  CHAPTER THREE

  HEATHER

  Unbuttoning the blouse of her uniform, Heather Carter glanced in the bathroom mirror. The right amount of exposed cleavage seemed to make the male customers open their wallets a little more. A few more buttons would be opened before she began waiting on tables. She needed tips tonight. She’d checked her bank balance this afternoon; she needed more of a cushion.

  She pulled her hair back in a ponytail only because it was required. Men loved her thick blonde hair, and she knew her tips would be higher if she could wear it down. Her favorite lipstick was just the right touch. Hopefully, she could top last weekend’s tips.

  The sooner she moved out of her parents’ house, the better. Being back in her high school bedroom, decorated exactly like it was then, made her cringe, but it was a safe place for now.

  With great fanfare and hoping to make her dreams come true, she’d left Paris once. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as she had planned. She’d landed in an abusive relationship with a man who controlled her every move and controlled her money. Then landed in the hospital for lying to him. She’d tried to get away, and he didn’t like that.

  Lying low unti
l her injuries healed, she’d done her best to avoid the crowd of people she knew in Paris. She explained to the ones she’d run into that she’d needed a break from all the pressure. When the right opportunity presented itself, and her bank account was padded, she would leave again.

  Being invisible in the town you grew up in was difficult since she worked at one of the best restaurants in town. She’d avoided everyone except Clay Miller, Alder’s brother, which was a surprise. The Millers didn’t come to Paris for dinner very often. Hopefully, he hadn’t told Alder she was back in Paris. He was the most troublesome part of leaving and the last person she wanted to know that she’d returned.

  Heather smiled when she noticed all the cars in the parking lot. A crowd meant tips. Tips were what she was after.

  “It’s busy tonight, Heather. Are you ready?” John, her manager, asked as she walked in the back door.

  “I’m ready.”

  “I’m glad you’re up for a crowd because we have one. Lots of reservations.” John smiled.

  Heather tied an apron around her tiny waist. She made sure an order pad and pen were in the pocket, then unbuttoned the top two buttons of her blouse. She was ready.

  “Lookin’ good.” He smiled. “A couple at table ten want to order drinks.” A busboy walked through the kitchen door. “That’s your table.”

  “I got it,” she said.

  Opening the kitchen doors, she walked through the dimly lit restaurant, knowing the layout like the back of her hand. It was as if the worn path on the floor led her to where she needed to be. Reaching in her apron pocket for her order pad and pen, she put a smile on her face and glanced up at the people sitting at table ten.