Serendipity Ranch Read Online Free PDF Page A

I can’t afford a vet right now. What if she’s really hurt?” Serena asked tearfully as she ran her hand down the horse’s trembling leg. “Do you have any equine supplies at your place so maybe we can wrap her?”
    “Nah, I don’t carry that. I could go down to the place over on Campo road and look. Maybe your new boss has something. You said he’s really into animals.” Drew asked slyly, hiding his knowledge of Preston’s profession.
    “I’m desperate enough to ask. My poor girl, shhh.” Serena said, stroking the horse’s neck as she dialed her cell phone. Preston answered, his low voice a soft rumble in her ear. “Mr. Riley? It’s Serena Mitchell. I’m sorry to disturb you, but my horse took a bad spill and is limping. Do you have any Coban wrapping I can borrow to brace her leg?”
    “Where do you live? I’m on my way.”
    “That’s not necessary, I–”
    “Don’t argue with me. I will take care of her. Where do you live?”
    The firmness in his tone made Serena respond. She choked out her address and directions, then stared at the phone which had disconnected without even a goodbye. That jerk had serious delusions of adequacy! He would take care of her? Did he think her incapable of wrapping her own horse’s leg?
    Fifteen minutes later, Preston’s big black truck appeared on the property and he hopped out, followed by Sara and the two border collies. He held a leather bag in one hand and a cooler in another.
    “Preston Riley from Wyoming!” Drew greeted the man gleefully, “Small world, huh?”
    “So you’re related to this stubborn, opinionate little thug? It’s Drew, right?”
    “Old, grumpy cousin Drew. So you got a taste of Serendipity’s attitude, huh?”
    “Serendipity?” Preston looked amused as he gently reached for Casba’s injured leg.
    “Oh, shut up! Both of you. How’s my horse?”
    “That’s not a nice way to speak to either your new boss or your vet. She’s fine. Nothing’s broken. Keep her confined for a couple of weeks, massage the area with this liniment and wrap her firmly. Easy-peasy.”
    “Vet?”
    “Preston Gerard Riley, DVM, at your service, ma'am.” Preston touched the brim of his hat, watching the myriad of emotions wash through the frustrated woman. She was almost as fun and easy to vex as Janie!
    “Uncle P is a farm and ranch doctor. He takes care of livestock and stuff,” Sara offered. “I’m Sara, his niece. My mom’s his sister,” she said, introducing herself to Drew and silently critiquing him.
    “Pleased to meet you, Miss Sara. I’m Drew, her cousin.” Drew shook the child’s hand, also sizing her up. She had the prettiest brown eyes he had seen in a long time. He wondered what her mother looked like. “Your mom must be something good-looking if she’s anything like you, young lady.”
    “You should meet her. I think you’d like her,” Sara announced boldly. Preston pulled the child to his side, ruffling her hair.
    “Stop playing matchmaker. Sara’s a little outspoken at times. My fault, I tend to indulge her.”
    “She’s adorable. Her dad?” Drew asked, watching Serena introduce the child to the kittens and smiling as giggles arose when the border collies played gently with the litter.
    “We lost him six years ago in an accident. He was a good guy. You might want to take a look at your cousin. She’s got a nice sized bruise on her thigh.”
    “Serena’s always covered with bumps and bruises, ever since she could walk. She’s a good kid, a bit wild, but nothing that can’t be tamed with a little love and a firm hand,” Drew chuckled, noticing how the man eyed his beautiful cousin. “I’ve looked out for her since she was 14.”
    “Her folks?”
    “Single mom, drunk herself to death. No dad. I couldn’t let her go to foster care, so I took her in. It was tough, but the best thing I ever did. She’s got a lot of potential.”
    “She does. She needs to see that in herself, though, and not try to lie about