Conall's Legacy Read Free

centuries-old rocker her father’s people had brought from old Mexico. I’m stuck in a rut, and I like it that way . She blew on the liquid before sipping gently at the dark brew and asking herself why. Cozy and safe, that’s why. Like a wellworn boot .
    With her head cocked to one side, Luisa listened to the country quiet. At the moment it seemed no one else existed in the world, surrounded as she was by acres of land and scrub trees without another person within miles. Tonight, as much as she loved the solitude, the ranch had an oppressive feel to it.
    The temperature dropped with the sun, as it always did at this elevation. Luisa pulled her father’s faded flannel shirt on, wrapping it nearly twice around her body, not exactly sure if she was protecting herself from the chill or from loneliness. She remembered the evenings her father had kept her company, reading to her from a favorite worn copy of James Whitcomb Riley’s poetry while they sat on the porch. She knew those evenings of reading pleasure had led to her now being a children’s author.
    A jackrabbit burst out of the brush, startling her and catalyzing Rooster. He leapt up and ran barking into the trees hot on the trail of a jackrabbit nearly as large as he. When his yapping faded, she whistled him back. He ran to her and dropped in a heap at her feet, panting.
    “I love you, Rooster, but I think I need to see a human being. How long has it been since we’ve had Cindy for a visit?” She laughed. “Too long if I’m talking to a dog.” She stroked his back. She pictured her childhood friend--petite and blond in contrast to Luisa’s dark skinned, dark haired, tall frame.
    “I’ll call her. Maybe she can bring out a few groceries. Maybe even a box of dog treats for you. Cindy hasn’t been out in three months.” Luisa shook her head. “Time flies, brat dog.”
    She got up, leaving the chair rocking as though an unseen soul took up where she’d left off.
    Luisa stepped inside, the dog at her heels, no invitation needed. Before she dialed Cindy’s number, the call from her mother flashed across her mind. It brought unwanted memories with it. She frowned and stared at the phone as if it were a traitor. She reached for it, but let her hand drop. It was time to be strong and to stand up for herself and for her personal needs. It was time to stand up to Marie. It was time to forgive her, but let her know there was no place in Luisa’s life for her mother. They’d each moved on, and there was no going back.
    Tomorrow. First, she’d call her mother, then her friend.

CHAPTER TWO

    The stringent aroma of liniment clung to the air. Luisa crinkled her nose in disgust. She walked out of Knight’s stall brushing horse hair and dust off her jeans. Thankfully, only a little swelling remained from his kicking the wall the day before. In a day or two, they’d be back at work in Luisa’s arena.
    As she walked toward the bright sunlight shining into the barn aisle, the old black telephone inside the barn door caught her attention. She resolved to contact Marie at lunch. Then she’d contact Cindy and invite her out for dinner.
    A car horn broke into her thoughts. Disappointment twisted around her heart. She enjoyed the solitude of the ranch, the heavenly quiet. Luisa lifted a hand to block the early morning rays to see who drove under the ranch’s wooden arch. She immediately recognized Cindy’s rich plum BMW convertible. Relief flooded her.
    “Cindy. Hi!” Luisa broke into a jog and caught her friend in a mutual hug when Cindy jumped out of her dust-covered car.
    “You know, my car was clean when I left town. It was even clean when I got to your ranch road.” She shook her head. “Two miles of dust does wonders for it, but it’s worth it to see you.” She laughed and grabbed Luisa in another hug.
    “How are--?”
    “What’s up--?”
    The two women laughed and stepped apart.
    “You first,” Luisa said.
    “I quit waiting for your call and brought