The Trouble With Cowgirls

In July 2016 HARLEQUIN AMERICAN ROMANCE will become HARLEQUIN WESTERN ROMANCE. Same great stories, new name!

THE COWBOY SHE LEFT BEHIND

Seeing the love of his life after ten years is a shock for Lane Morgan. Especially when he learns the Italian-born beauty who broke his teenage heart is now a widowed single mother. And she’s the new barn manager at Bridle Dance Ranch—a job that should have been his.

Lucy Travisonno never dreamed she’d return to the Texas horse ranch where she and Lane fell in love—much less as his boss! The spark between them is stronger than ever. But there’s something Lane doesn’t know… If she reveals her long-held secret, will Lucy lose her second chance with the handsome cowboy?

“You and I had a good thing once.”

Lucy turned back to the horizon. As soon as she broke eye contact, he ached for it again.

It was every man’s fantasy to have his first love admit she still thought of him, but he wasn’t prepared for the pain of actually hearing the words.

“We were kids,” he said. “Neither of us knew what we were doing or where we were going. I won’t deny what I felt for you was real, but as much as I’d love to go back in time, we’re not those people anymore.”

“I’d like to think we’re better.”

“I’ll give you that.” He reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

The instant he touched her, Lane knew he shouldn’t have come. He needed to get back in his truck and leave her and the past alone before his heart paid the price a second time…

Dear Reader,

This book was never part of my original plan. The day I finished writing Mistletoe Rodeo was a bittersweet one. I felt accomplished that I’d completed the Ramblewood series, but a part of me felt as if I’d walked away from the people I loved. Three months passed and I still couldn’t shake the feeling. My mom and I discussed it one afternoon over coffee and she nudged me to continue the series. I outlined The Trouble with Cowgirls that evening.

I’d always wanted to delve deeper into the Travisonno family. We’d met Nicolino throughout many of the previous books, and his history as an Italian immigrant on a Texas horse ranch had always intrigued me. This was my chance to tell part of his story.

Nicolino and Lucy pay homage to my own family. My grandfather’s middle name was Nicolino and one of his sisters was Lucy. As with my other books, I’ve woven some more of my own ancestral elements into Ramblewood.

The Trouble with Cowgirls is the seventh book in the Welcome to Ramblewood series…where the door is always open.

Please visit me at amandarenee.com. I’d love to hear from you. Happy reading!

Amanda Renee

The Trouble

With Cowgirls

Amanda Renee

www.millsandboon.co.uk

AMANDA RENEE was raised in the northeast and now wriggles her toes in the warm sand of coastal South Carolina. Her career began when she was discovered through Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest. When not creating stories about love and laughter, she enjoys the company of her schnoodle, Duffy, camping, playing guitar and piano, photography, and anything involving horses. You can visit her at amandarenee.com.

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For Mom

Thank you for always encouraging me

I love you always

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

“I want to go home.”

Lucy Travisonno tightened her grip on Carina’s little hand as they stepped out of her cousin Nicolino’s truck into the mid-afternoon Texas sun. Dust from the dirt drive churned behind them. Her eight-and-a-half-year-old daughter’s words echoed her own thoughts. The town of Ramblewood had been a reprieve from her overly strict Italian family since she was fourteen. And while she might have dreamed of visiting the Bridle Dance Ranch again one day, she’d never imagined returning out of desperation.

Ella, Nicolino’s wife, waved to them from the front porch of their sun-shower yellow Queen Anne farmhouse. Five children barreled down the steps toward them, causing Carina to tuck herself behind Lucy. Even though the children were Texas born, each of them greeted Lucy and Carina in Italian while shaking their hands.

“It’s wonderful to see you. I can’t believe it’s been ten years.” Ella’s melodious Southern drawl and welcoming embrace warmly enveloped Lucy. “Let me get a good look at you.” Ella withdrew, holding her at arm’s length. “Still as pretty as ever. How are you holding up, honey?”

“We’re surviving.” Lucy guardedly observed her daughter’s reactions to her new second cousins and then lowered her voice. “Carina’s having trouble accepting all of this and I feel like I’m failing as a parent.”

“My heart aches for the both of you.” Ella smothered her with another hug. “I can’t even imagine what you’ve been through, but you’re with family now and we’ll take good care of you.”

“Thank you.” Ella’s compassion intensified the pressure welling in Lucy’s chest. Her divorce from Antonio had been difficult enough for their daughter to accept, but his death had left Carina inconsolable. “That means the world to me. I don’t know if she’ll ever get past losing her father.”

“She will in time. Moving from Italy to Texas is a big adjustment. And just so you know, we only told the children about Antonio’s death.” Ella squeezed her hand. “We didn’t feel the rest was theirs or anyone else’s concern.”

The past few months had been a nightmare for Lucy, but they’d been hardest for Carina. Antonio had been so deep in debt at the time of his death that everything they’d owned had been seized shortly afterward—including their daughter’s beloved horses. Lucy hoped Carina would begin to heal now that they’d moved away from the constant reminders of what they’d lost.

“I appreciate Nicolino giving me this job opportunity and your aunt Kay’s generosity in renting us one of the cottages until we’re back on our feet. I was a bit of a troublemaker when I used to visit. I’m surprised she’s allowing me to stay on the ranch.”

“You were a cakewalk compared to her boys. Believe me—we’re all happy you’re here. Would you like to come in and have some sweet tea or a cup of coffee?”

Lucy glanced at her daughter, who couldn’t have looked more miserable if she tried. “Would you mind if we passed? I feel grungy. We’ve been traveling for over twenty-four hours and I’m anxious to show Carina our new home.”

“Of course.” Ella smiled down at the little girl. “She’s the spitting image of you. Give me one second and I’ll get you the keys to the cottage.”

Lucy brushed the hair from Carina’s face. “How are you doing, mia gattina?” She’d affectionately called her daughter my kitten since the day she was born. Three months premature, Carina had never cried loudly as a baby. It was always more of a mew.

“I can’t understand them,” Carina said in Italian. “They don’t speak much Italian and their English doesn’t sound like the English I know.”

Lucy had feared her daughter’s thick accent compared to everyone else’s Texas twang would make conversation difficult at first. “Give it a chance. Before you know it, you’ll understand everything they’re saying. The more you speak English, the easier it will become.”

“I don’t want to be here, Mamma.” Carina pushed away, continuing in Italian, “This is your family. I want to go back to our house and my friends.”

Lucy’s stomach knotted. “Sweetheart, you know we can’t do that. None of those things belong to us anymore and this is very much your family, too.”

“Why did Papà have to die?” She folded her arms tightly across her chest—her walls up once again. The pain reflected in Carina’s eyes gutted Lucy. Her fun-loving daughter hadn’t laughed or smiled since before Antonio’s death. Now, four months later, she appeared harder and much older.

Ella returned with multiple keys and handed them to Lucy. “This is for the cottage, this one’s for our house in case you ever need something and we’re not home and this last one is for my car. I’m not using it, since Nicolino bought me an SUV, so please take it for as long as you need.”

“Thank you, Ella.” Lucy fought back the tears that threatened to break free. She’d managed to remain strong for Carina’s sake and refused to show any weakness now.

“Follow me over to your place and then I’ll leave you be. Do promise to join us for dinner tonight. I’ve stocked your kitchen, but we planned a small gathering to welcome you to Texas.”

“We wouldn’t miss it,” Lucy answered for the two of them, knowing Carina wanted nothing to do with it. She also had the feeling Ella and Nicolino had prepared a feast rather than an intimate family meal.

After Ella had shown them around the cottage and left, they were alone for the first time since they’d departed Italy. Carina’s brows lifted in anticipation of Lucy’s next words.

“I know you were hoping for more, but this is the best I can do.” It had taken every penny to send ahead what belongings they had left and to pay for their plane tickets and the bare necessities. “I promise you, we will get through this together.”

Carina didn’t argue; she didn’t cry; she didn’t say a word, and it had become increasingly frustrating. Lucy wanted to help her daughter, but she no longer knew how. Antonio had been Carina’s confidant, and that had suited Lucy just fine. She’d wanted them to maintain a close relationship. Even after the divorce, which had been amicable, Antonio had made a point to see Carina almost every day. He’d been the one helping her with her homework while Lucy earned her master’s degree. He’d also been her dressage instructor, grooming her to be a champion one day. When he died, Carina’s dreams had died with him. And there was no convincing her that it was all right to continue pursuing those dreams in memory of her father.

Lucy glanced around the tiny two-bedroom cottage. Okay, so it was a long way from their eighteenth-century luxury villa in Parma, but the house was cozy, and for the first time in months she felt secure. Worn oak planks replaced the marble-and-parquet flooring they were accustomed to. There were Sheetrock ceilings above instead of ornate coffered ones and rustic hand-me-downs in place of her elegant furnishings.

The cottage was tidy and freshly painted inside and out. Ella had taken care to add personal touches such as handmade quilts and family heirlooms that Lucy suspected were special to her and Nicolino. Outside, freshly mulched beds filled with vibrant late-summer flowers lined both sides of the front walkway. The strawberry-colored cottage with its white trim was quaint and inviting. No, it wasn’t luxurious, but it was clean, and more important...it was theirs.

“This is what they call shabby chic.” She knew Carina had already popped in her iPod earbuds and drowned out her words, but Lucy feared if she stopped moving or talking, she’d think about the last time she was in Ramblewood.

“It’s in the past.” Lucy dragged her suitcases into the bedroom. “And it needs to stay there.”

They might have lost almost everything they’d owned, but Ramblewood was their chance at a fresh start, and she’d do whatever it took to ensure it was successful. The sooner she and Carina developed a new routine, the sooner they’d rebuild their lives and their relationship. After dinner she’d insist on starting her new job tomorrow. Nicolino would understand. Having emigrated from Italy to Texas almost twenty-five years ago, he’d begun a new life on this very ranch and worked his way up to general operations manager. Now it was her turn, and Lucy refused to allow anything to get in the way.

* * *

LANE MORGAN LEFT the bunkhouse before sunrise. He could barely contain his excitement as he made his way to the Bridle Dance Ranch stables. The rumor was Nicolino Travisonno had gathered many of the ranch employees to announce Lane’s long-awaited promotion to barn manager. He’d known the day was coming, but he hadn’t expected this much fanfare.

He had worked beside the last barn manager on the quarter-of-a-million-acre paint and cutting horse ranch since he was a teenager. An after-school job had turned full time once he’d graduated high school. When Curly had announced his retirement last month, Lane had expected Nicolino to offer him the position then. Curly’s last day had come and gone over three weeks ago, and Lane continued to wait. He’d been doing Curly’s job ever since and at this point an official announcement was only a formality.

“Today’s the day.” A ranch hand slapped him on the back. “You deserve it.”

That he did. Lane hadn’t been fortunate enough to attend college full time the way many of his friends had, but he’d managed to take night classes as time permitted. At twenty-eight, he still had another two years to go until he earned his bachelor’s degree, and he was determined to do it. Curly wasn’t college educated, but he’d been the best barn manager anyone could’ve hoped for. Lane had apprenticed under the man, studying everything equine and stable related he could find. Curly had groomed him for this promotion, and Lane was confident it was his.

Along with everyone else, Lane filed into the country French stone and stucco stables. The building had been nicknamed the Horse Mansion due to its rivaling the size of a football field.

“May I have everyone’s attention, please?” Nicolino’s voice boomed as the crowd converged in the timber-framed center area. They quieted down, leaving only the sound of an occasional horse neigh to break the electrified silence. “As you’re all aware, Curly’s retirement left a vacancy in the barn manager position.”

The hair on the back of Lane’s neck rose in anticipation. He heard somebody whisper “Good luck” behind him. Nodding silently, he focused his attention on Nicolino.

“Today I’m proud to award the position to Lucy Travisonno.”

“Who?” someone called out from the other side of the room.

Lane lifted his eyes to the front of the crowd. He swore his heart stopped beating at the sight of her. His first love and the woman who’d vanished from his life without so much as a word.

Time had treated her well. She was more beautiful than he remembered—her light olive complexion appeared illuminated by the morning sunlight filtering in from above through the large Craftsman-style windows. Her hazel-green eyes met his and for a brief moment he thought he saw her waver, as though she was as surprised to see him as he was to see her. Quickly recovering, she squared her shoulders and looked at her attentive audience. She’d always had the ability to captivate people.

“I’m very excited to be here and I look forward to meeting every one of you.” Lucy scanned the room, but seemed to avoid the area where he stood. “When you see me around, please say hello and introduce yourself. But be patient—there are a lot of you and I’m not always great with remembering names. Although I do recognize some of you from many years ago.”

Lane wasn’t sure which to react to—the fact that Lucy was back in town or that she’d stolen his promotion. At the very least, Nicolino could have told him privately. He of all people knew how this would affect him. The sound of everyone talking at once roared in his ears.

Lucy stepped down from the small raised area and Nicolino began speaking again. Lane couldn’t concentrate on the words. He needed fresh air.

Outside, he took a few deep breaths. Most people knew when to avoid him and this was definitely one of those times. As everyone filed out of the stables, a few glanced his way, but most steered clear. When he saw Nicolino, he quickly caught up to the man.

“What gives?” Lane demanded. The ranch hands and grooms within listening distance turned toward them.

“Not here.” Nicolino motioned to the small outdoor stable office near the main corral. Following him inside, Nicolino closed the door. “I know you’re surprised to see Lucy again.”

Lane snorted. “Well, there’s that and the fact you gave your cousin my promotion. What experience does she have?”

“Lane.” Nicolino held up his hands. “It was never your promotion. I considered you as a candidate and I decided on Lucy. I applaud your enthusiasm and continuing your education, but I have to put this business first. I’m sorry, but you don’t have the skill set it takes to be barn manager of a ranch this size. Lucy does. She has a master’s degree in equine science and will probably earn her doctorate in the near future. You can learn a lot from her, providing you put what happened between you two in the past.”

Lane’s shoulders slumped as he attempted to digest Nicolino’s words. The last he’d seen of Lucy, she’d been a party girl with absolutely no direction in life. The little she knew about horses back then had come from what he’d taught her during the summers on the ranch. He’d worked with horses all his life and had been her teacher. How could she be better suited for the job than him?

“It shouldn’t just be about education. Practical experience should carry more weight.” Lane’s jaw tightened. “You knew all along you would never promote me to barn manager, didn’t you?”

Nicolino lowered his eyes and rubbed the back of his neck. “When Curly announced his retirement, I immediately thought the job would be perfect for Lucy. That’s not to say I hadn’t considered you, too. And before you say it—no, I didn’t choose Lucy because she’s family. I chose her because she’s better qualified.”

Lane’s stomach hardened. Curly had announced his retirement six weeks ago. All this time he’d thought the position had been his. “You could have told me at any point between then and now. Letting me find out in front of everyone was cruel. I know you’ve never been my biggest fan. You made that clear when I dated Lucy ten years ago and you’ve never let me forget it, but a little respect would’ve been appreciated.”

“You’re right.” Nicolino nodded. “I knew how much you wanted it and I should’ve told you. It has nothing to do with you once dating Lucy—it was strictly a business decision. That being said, I’m sure I don’t have to remind you that she’s your new boss. You’re an excellent employee and I need you here, but if working with her is going to be a problem, you may want to start looking elsewhere. Lucy’s here to stay.”

Nicolino’s words punched him in the gut. He could work for a woman. He could even work for Lucy, but he didn’t feel he should have to. Nicolino was wrong. He was qualified to manage Bridle Dance and he’d prove it.

“Understood.” Lane left the office and headed for the stables where he’d last seen Lucy. Their reunion had been a long time coming and Lane wished it were in a private setting instead of the middle of his workplace. Spotting her halfway up the spiral staircase leading to the main administrative offices, Lane called out to her.

“Lucy, do you have a minute?”

She froze at the sound of his voice, not turning to face him at first. Slowly she loosened her white-knuckled grip on the railing and made her way back down the stairs.

“Lane, I’m surprised to see you. I thought you had moved to Wyoming.”

Her Italian accent wasn’t as heavy as he remembered. Her English had improved significantly, but her voice was still velvety rich and deep, yet utterly feminine.

He had waited ten years to have this conversation, and the resentment he’d bottled up finally broke free. “I was in Wyoming. Waiting for you in the apartment that I’d rented for us. But you never came.” He could taste the bitterness in his tone. “You never answered any of my calls or emails. Then, a year later, I found out you’d gone and married someone else. So I guess you could say I never thought I’d see you again.”

“Lower your voice, please. If you want to discuss this, we will, but my employees don’t need to know my personal business.”

“Your employees.” Lane smirked. “How easily the phrase rolls off your tongue. For the record, I’m one of your employees. I’m sure there are quite a few around here who remember you, and many others probably already know we dated for four years.”

“We were teenagers back then, and what do you mean you work for me?” Lucy asked.

“I’m your second-in-command—the assistant barn manager.”

“I didn’t know.” Lucy squeezed her eyes shut and for a moment Lane wondered if she was attempting to wish him away. She opened them and came a step closer. “Things got complicated after I left.” Her voice was low. “I never meant to hurt you, but it’s in the past. I’m trusting that we can work together, because, Lane, I could really use a friend right now. Someday I’ll tell you all about it—but not today, and definitely not here. If you will please excuse me, I have paperwork to fill out upstairs. I’d like to meet with you later this afternoon to go over the barn schedules...if you have time.”

Lucy’s raw honesty startled him and Lane suspected that whatever had happened back then paled in comparison to what had happened recently. And that bothered him more than he cared to admit. “I’ll be here. Page me if you can’t find me.”

“Mamma,” a small voice called out from behind them.

“Carina!” Lucy perked up at the sight of the child, who was accompanied by Ella.

Lucy has a daughter?

“Did you come to see where I work?”

Carina nodded and quickly walked past her mother to the stalls. “Sono molto belli!”

“In English, Carina,” Lucy corrected.

“They are very beautiful.” The girl’s thick accent was reminiscent of the one Lucy had had when they first met.

“Come here, mia gattina. I want you to meet someone.” Lucy waved the girl over. “Lane, I would like to introduce you to my daughter, Carina.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Lane shook her hand. His mind raced as he attempted to determine the girl’s age. Finally, he asked, “How old are you?”

“Almost nine,” she answered.

Lane swallowed hard, quickly doing the math in his head. He blew out a breath, relieved she couldn’t possibly be his. When he looked up at Lucy, she shook her head and quickly looked away as if she’d read his mind.

“I’m going to show Carina around,” Ella interrupted. “Then we’ll head over to Aunt Kay’s house.”

Lucy gave her daughter a quick kiss goodbye. “Thank you, Ella.” A silent look of concern briefly passed between the two women.

He waited until Carina was out of earshot before he attempted to explain. “I didn’t mean to imply—”

“Yes, you did.” Lucy brushed past him. “Your poker game must really suck with tells like those. You and I are in the past. Things happened, and we’ve both moved on, so let’s not make a scene.”