When All My Dreams Come True Read Free Page A

well. She could hear it in his voice when he helped her from the ground. But even that thought didn’t calm the fluttering in her stomach. She had a new job and was another step closer to attaining her dream. Still, Jace had made a concession hiring a woman. One big mistake, and she’d be out and floundering on her own.
    Jace trudged toward the main house to tell his sister and her husband about their supper guest. Maybe Annie and Pete would take the news better than he did. The presence of his new female ranch hand made his steps slow to a complete stop.
    The first message he’d received from Roy Simms arrived weeks ago telling him to expect a 19-year-old ranch hand. He should’ve known Roy wouldn’t come right out and tell him the wrangler happened to be a woman…girl, really. Jace groaned and rubbed the back of his neck.
    Roy had played on his sympathy in the first note, stating the wrangler had lost both parents. From experience, Jace understood how hard life could be when left on your own. Jace glanced back at the woman in question. She leaned against the corral talking to his foreman, one foot crossed over the other. She wasn’t any bigger than a 12-year-old boy. Her clothes and neckerchief were dusty and her boots worn out. The dirty brown hat pulled low to protect her eyes couldn’t hide their color, which reminded him of the new spring grass he’d seen reflected in the lake that morning.
    Her hat covered a good deal of her dark blonde hair but couldn’t disguise the thick braid hanging halfway down her back. His gaze paused at the sidearm belted at her slim hips.
    A 19-year-old girl on the run from her past. What was Roy thinking? But then again, it should be no surprise. Roy was protective of those he loved. He’d been the same way when Jace and Annie’s parents were killed. Roy wanted Bobbie where she would be safe. Purposefully mentioning God’s mercy, Roy knew how to pour on the guilt.
    Jace admired her grit. Moving all the way from the Boulder area had to be difficult, yet there she stood, ready to prove her abilities. He liked that she didn’t seem afraid of a challenge. But something about her didn’t sit well. The woman was a puzzle and that made him nervous, a feeling he never liked. Doubting the good judgment God gave him, he continued on toward the house.
    “Stop him,” a voice yelled. “Someone get hold of that horse!”
    Jace spun around. Running at full speed and headed straight for the bridge was his prized stallion.

   THREE   
    T he black disappeared down the creek embankment and reappeared on the other side. Jace sprinted to the nearest horse. When he realized it was Bobbie’s, he hesitated a split second, but then grabbed the reins and leapt onto the saddle. He tugged hard and spun around to give chase.
    An instant later, he found himself flat on his back in the dirt. He rolled to his side, stunned and gasping for air as Bobbie ran past, her boots the only thing he could see. After catching his breath, he struggled to his feet while Bobbie mounted her horse and raced after the runaway.
    The horse of one of his wranglers stood tied to the corral. Jace ran his hand over the mare’s sweaty flesh. He frowned at its owner but mounted and spurred the animal into a gallop.
    Bobbie descended the crest of the hill at the same time he reached the bridge, her rope around the runaway’s neck. The relief of having his horse back diminished some of Jace’s anger. He took the rope from Bobbie without a word and headed back to the corral.
    After placing the lead rope into Dew’s hand, he dismounted and flung the reins toward its owner. “I don’t know what happened, and I doubt I want to know. Just don’t let it happen again.”
    “Yes, sir,” came the quick reply.
    Once the gate swung closed, Jace strode over to Bobbie. “Whotrained your horse? He bucked me off!” He spat the taste of dirt from his mouth.
    “I did. He won’t let anyone ride him but me. Mr. Simms gave him to