The Heiress’s Ranch of Love (Preview)

Chapter One

Clint

Calico, Ohio – 1846

Dark, ominous clouds stretched across the horizon. Clint glanced over his shoulders as little bursts of light illuminated the dark path ahead. Lightning jumped between the threatening clouds as a strong wind kicked up the dusty plains. The site unnerved Clint as he tied his only belongings to the back of the saddle. Nothing was going to stop him from leaving Calico, Ohio; not even the threat of a tornado.

Clint stole one last glimpse at the town he once called home. It was a small little town that had sprung up from the trade on Lake Erie. It was the only place Clint had ever called home. But as he gazed down the main road, his chest tightened as he took one last look at the familiar town. 

All sorts of thoughts shifted through Clint as he thought fondly of the barbershop where he’d had his first haircut and how kind Mr. Gentry always was to him. He looked to the whitewash church at the crossroad where his adoptive parents had taken him to be baptized and sighed. 

Slowly he shifted his eyes to the butcher’s shop. How many times he’d brought the livestock to Mr. Cliff, he couldn’t say. But as Clint made ready to leave, so many memories wrapped around him, like chains threatening to hold him there. But the moment he turned his attention to the road cutting through town, Clint felt the searing pain of resentment. He flexed his jaw as he tried not to think about her. Anger brooded within him like the storm rolling in overhead.

His chest tightened as he fought against the memories that were plaguing his mind. The town of Calico had a lot to offer any man willing to work hard, but it was certainly a place that Clint could no longer stay. There was only one shining light, one string that bound his heart and made him second-guess his decision to leave.

Pearl.

Pearl would be sleeping soundly in her bed. Her blond hair tousled across the pillow. It didn’t matter where she was, she always looked like an angel to him. Clint’s heart ached as he thought of her. It felt as if a piece of his soul had been chipped away as he tried to push aside his thoughts of her. As he tried to erase her memory from his mind, regret and anger tugged at him. He flexed his jaw and climbed up into the saddle.

“Sorry Pearl, you’re wrong about me. I’ll show you; I will show you all that I am so much more,” Clint growled, as the clap of thunder boomed overhead. Digging his heels into the horse’s flank, Clint took off into the storm.

Five years later

Pearl

“Pearl, will you hurry up? We’re going to be late.”

Liberty’s voice drifted down the hallway. Pearl couldn’t help but chuckle to herself as she heard the frustration and irritation ringing throughout her sister’s tone. Pearl wanted to take her time and drag her feet just to see how far she could irritate her impatient little sister. In the back of her mind, she made a note of the time and knew that they were on schedule with no need to hurry.

She gave herself a few moments, making sure that every strand of her hair was in place before rising from the vanity table. At the sound of Liberty’s booming footsteps echoing down the hall, Pearl straightened herself and wiped the smirk from her face.

Pearl pulled the door open, shocking Liberty. Her sister’s wild gray eyes stared at her. Pearl could see the questions forming in Liberty’s mind.

“Well, are you ready?” Pearl asked, as if she were the one who had been waiting.

“How did you do that?” Liberty asked as Pearl squeezed through the sliver of space between the opening of the door and her sister.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Pearl answered over her shoulder as she snatched her scarf from the hook and drifted over her shoulders.

“Father used to be able to do the same thing,” Liberty said as she grabbed her hat, tied it quickly and rushed to the front door.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Pearl asked as her eyes flickered to the dining room table. On it sat two wildflower bouquets Pearl and Liberty had picked the day before. Pearl’s heart ached as she stared at the flowers, but she wasn’t about to let her sister see her sorrow.

“Oh right,” Liberty said as she skipped over to the table and snatched the bouquets. “Butch has set up the buckboard.”

“Will he not be joining us for church?” Pearl asked as she followed Liberty out of the front door. The bright morning sun made everything look as if it were coated in gold and the air was fresh and crisp. Autumn was Pearl’s favorite season. She loved the way the leaves changed colors. There was a nip in the air she wasn’t expecting and glanced over her shoulder wondering if she should grab a heavier smock.

“Well?” Liberty said as she climbed up into the seat waiting for Pearl. “Are we going?”

Pearl gave a sharp nod and made her way to the buckboard. She climbed up into the seat and straightened herself.

“When you are ready,” Pearl said as she nudged her hand to the reins. Liberty’s eyes lit up. 

“You’re letting me drive today?”

“I don’t see why not,” Pearl answered as her smirk returned. “It’s a beautiful day; the sun is out, and since you seem to be in such a rush, you can set the pace.”

Liberty did need to be told twice, she reached down, snatched the reins, and gave a quick flick of her wrist. The leather straps of the reins looked like waves going over the horse’s back. Startled by the sound of the snapping the horses shivered and came to attention. They started quickly jostling Pearl.

“Easy,” Pearl said as she righted herself in her seat. “One of these days you’re going to end up causing the horses to faint.”

Liberty rolled her eyes and shook her head, “That can’t happen.”

“Until it does,” Pearl responded as they move down the lane. The clouds were whisked beyond the horizon, and as thin as sheets. To Pearl it looked as if the Creator ran out of the clouds while creating the horizon.

“Do you think he is watching us?” Liberty asked as she made the turn.

“If you are talking about the Lord, yes. He is always watching us, providing for us.”

“No,” Liberty said and cleared her throat. “The Lord is always watching over us, yes, but I was talking about Father. Do you think that he knows that we do this every Sunday for him?”

“I would like to think so,” Pearl said as they came out to the small hill that was the burying place for the residents of Calico. The shadows of the big maple trees covered the somber gray tombstones. Pearl couldn’t help but admire the view. From on top of the hill, everything could be seen from the small town nestled in the foothills to the vast horizon that stretched on for eternity.

Liberty pulled on the rain stopping horses and took in a deep breath. Although they had been coming here for years now, it was always a shock. Pearl’s heart splintered as she climbed down. She followed the worn path through the grass, the dried twigs snapping under her footing.

She said the bouquet down on her father’s grave and stepped back, allowing Liberty to do the same. A part of her couldn’t understand why her father was taken from her so soon, but she knew she couldn’t dwell on events that she couldn’t change. What was done was done.

The ranch is doing well father; I have kept my promise to you. We had three new calves join the herd and a few dozen chickens. The crops are holding well. We didn’t lose anything to the storm that came through. The other day I saw a barn owl and thought of you. Are you looking down from heaven on us? I like to think that you are. 

“See you next week,” Liberty said with a wave of her hand, as if their father was standing right before her. Pearl knew better than to ask Liberty which she had said to their father, but it was clear that Liberty had accepted his fate. Pearl on the other hand, struggled.

“Are you coming?” Liberty asked as she marched back down the worn path to the buckboard.

“I’m right behind you,” Pearl said as she pressed her fingers to her lips and touched the worn spot on the top of the tombstone. Fighting back the tears Pearl climbed up into the seat next to Liberty.

“And just what you think you’re doing?” Pearl asked as Liberty reached for the reins again. “You know you can’t drive through town. You knocked over Mr. White’s cart last time. And nearly trampled the poor child.”

Liberty threw herself back into the seat and sulked as Pearl ground the reins. They made their way to town in silence. Pearl knew that it was better not to say anything when her sister was in the mood.

“Are you going to sulk all day?” Pearl asked as they came upon the church. It was a small building nestled in the center of town and was a gathering place for all the events during the week. The whitewashed building had a dusty hue to it. Pearl could remember when her father helped redo the roof. It was then that Pearl had given her heart over to the Lord.

“What is going on over there?” Liberty asked as she jumped down and craned her neck.

“Why don’t you go ahead and find out,” Pearl said as she carefully climbed down and made certain the horses were tied properly.

The crowd of people lingering in front of the church was a bit unusual. The only time that happened was when a family member came to visit or new people moved into town. In the back of Pearl’s mind, she couldn’t help but wonder what was going on. Curiosity ate away at her as she moved through the other wagons and buckboards to make it to the church.

“I can’t believe it,” Alice Montgomery cooed as Pearl walked by her. Alice looked flushed in the cheeks as if the heat had gotten to her. Yet, it wasn’t overly hot and there was no reason Pearl could think of for Alice to be so flustered.  

“Are you all right?” Pearl asked, stepping up to Alice.

“Perfectly well,” Alice answered as she pulled out of a fan and started calling herself. “But you don’t know do you?”

Pearl arched an eyebrow and stared Alice. An icy chill ran down Pearl’s back as Alice lifted her hand and pointed to the crowd.

“He’s come back,” Alice said.

“Who?” Pearl asked as panic seized her. Hope shot through her like an arrow slamming into a hay target. She straightened herself and craned her neck, trying to spot the stranger in the sea of familiar faces.

No. It can’t be.

“Pearl, look who has come back,” Liberty shouted, waving her arm to catch Pearl’s attention. Pearl’s body went numb as her mouth dried. Even the air was hard to pull into her lungs as she stared at the tall, brown-haired man. His icy blue eyes met hers and it felt as if the world had stopped.

This isn’t happening. Clint?

As panic swirled throughout her, Pearl tried to stay as stoic as possible. She gave an acknowledging nod of her head and quickly shifted her attention to her sister. Pearl rushed to Liberty’s side and curled her fingers around her sister’s forearm.

“I believe service is going to start soon,” Pearl said as she quickly whisked Liberty through the open church doors. The chattering of voices filled the room and drowned out Pearl’s thoughts. It was a little bit easier to breathe inside the church, but Pearl could feel Clint’s eyes on her no matter where she went.

“Why are we sitting so close? Don’t sit in the back?” Liberty asked as Pearl pulled Liberty down into the pew and sat.

“Here would be better, for today anyway,” Pearl answered as she reached for the hymnbook and quickly thumbed through the pages. It wasn’t like she needed to know the words of every song sung at church. The hymnbook was more like a distraction for her to keep her hands busy.

He’s back. What is he doing back? Where’s he been all this time? Oh Lord what if he is married?

Trying to focus on what was going on around her, Pearl couldn’t help but wonder where Clint was in the room. She could feel his presence as if he were sitting right behind her. So many emotions rushed through her that she couldn’t hold on to one. Hope sprang up first, making her giddy. But the dark memories quickly clouded her mind.

Why should I be happy that he’s back? Has he come to flaunt his new wife? That’s what it is he’s here to gloat. Well, I for one, will not be entertaining any of his stories.

Five years with no word of whether he was alive or dead. Five years of worrying and crying. No more. I will not allow that man to cause me any more grief. I don’t care that he’s back. If he speaks to me politely and cordially, so be it.

Solidifying her resolve, Pearl stood up with the rest of the congregation as the music started. She wasn’t about to let Clint Sifton ruin her day.

Chapter Two

Clint

“Where have you been all this time? And why haven’t you sent a word out this way,” Mrs. Robin said, pinching Clint’s cheek. He had always hated the way Mrs. Robin would always do that to him. As if he would forever be a child in her eyes. Clint let out a heavy sigh of relief as the music from the piano rolled out of the open church doors.

“All in good time,” Clint said as he nudged his head to the doorway. “I’m sure there’s a lot to catch up on, for now though, God is calling.” 

“Too right,” Mrs. Robin said as she scooped her arm into Clint’s and strolled into the church. Clint didn’t need to hunt for Pearl, he could sense her presence. His chest tightened as if a rope were tied around it, tugging ever tighter. Although he tried to sever the cord to Pearl, he never could bring himself to do it. After all, it was her face that kept him company those dark nights. It was his love for her that fed his pride. And try as he might, Clint knew he could never cut the cord that bound his soul to hers. 

There was no doubt in his mind that she was very much aware of where he was in the church. As he led Mrs. Robin to the pews, and helped her to sit, he’d stole a glimpse of Pearl. Her hair was as golden as he remembered, and it shimmered in the beam of light, cutting through the stained-glass window. The memories he had locked away for the past five years bombarded his mind. 

Reaching for the pew in front of him, Clint tried to keep himself upright. His knees quaked as the strain of his weight tried to buckle him. Clint’s eyes widened as the memories swirled around him. In a flash, Clint wasn’t standing in church, but was cutting through the open fields, hands grazing over the tips of the wheat. 

“Wait for me,” Pearl called to him. Clint glanced behind him to see Pearl’s cheeks flushed from the icy wind, her buttoned nose red and her alabaster face that made her grayish blue eyes look like icebergs. 

“Come on,” Clint said, wagging his hand to her. “You’re going to miss it.” 

Clint pulled Pearl up the slope of the hill. She giggled as she stumbled into his embrace. Despite being winded, Pearl glanced to him and smiled. It was the kind of smile that could stop Clint’s heart. 

“Look up,” Clint said as he watched Pearl’s eyes widen with surprise. 

“Oh, wow,” Pearl gasped as she clutched her hand to her chest. Keeping his eyes locked on Pearl, Clint couldn’t help but smile. His heart felt as if it were going to overflow. “Now, this is worth getting grounded over.”

“Didn’t I tell you? Amazing, isn’t it?” Clint said as he whipped his head up the moment Pearl’s eyes drifted off the streaking stars that cut into the black sky. “God really does like to show off.” 

“I know someone else who likes to show off,” Pearl said, nudging her elbow into Clint’s side. It was true, but only when it came to impressing Pearl. Clint would do anything to bring a smile to her face. It was like the whole world shined brighter with her there in his arms. 

“Maybe a little,” Clint shrugged a bit cocky. “Hey, where are you going?” 

“I’ve got to get back before my father finds out I’m not in bed,” Pearl answered as she pulled away from him. “This really was lovely to see and thank you for sharing it with me. But the last time I was caught out of bed, my back side was tanned for a week.” 

“Wouldn’t want that,” Clint said and helped Pearl down the slope of the hill. Together, hand in hand, they ran through the field, scattering the fireflies dancing and flickering between the blades of grass. Clint skidded to a stop the moment he saw Pearl’s father sitting on the porch. Grabbing Pearl by the arm, he pulled her to the safety of the tree. 

“Your father is outside on the porch,” Clint whispered as he cupped his hand over Pearl’s mouth to keep her quiet. He knew if she were to start reprimanding him, her father would hear them and the jig would be up. 

“What?” Pearl mumbled against the palm of his hand. Clint cocked his head to one side as he flashed Pearl a warning glare. “We’ve got to get to the back side. You can climb up the sycamore tree near your window.” 

Pearl shook her head as panic flashed through her eyes. Clint slowly removed his hand as he stole another glimpse.

“I can’t do that,” Pearl whispered. “Last time I tried climbing up that tree, I nearly broke my arm.”

“Then how do you propose you’re going to get back inside without him knowing?” Clint asked. 

“Watch and learn,” Pearl said with a snicker. Clint hugged the tree as he watched Pearl skipped through the shadows and came out from around the outhouse. Clint shook his head as he couldn’t help but feel his chest tighten from anxiety. Bold as brass, Pearl strolled up to the porch. 

“Where is he?” her father asked as he rose and met Pearl at the door. 

“Who, father?” Pearl asked in a sing song voice that always grated on Clint’s nerves. It was the tone of voice she’d use when she lied and Clint wondered why her father never picked up on it over the years. 

“You know who,” her father said, folding his arms over his chest. 

Moment of truth. 

Clint swallowed hard. In the back of his mind, he knew Pearl would never betray him. Yet, there was still a sliver of doubt that seeped through him as the bark of the tree cut into the palm of his hand. 

“Clint? I haven’t seen him since this morning,” Pearl said, the smile on her lips stretching. “I just went to the outhouse.”

Her father’s beady eyes bore into Pearl and yet she stood like a sentinel. Clint couldn’t help but feel the rush of pride plowing through him as Pearl stood before her father unwavering and brave. 

“Get on inside and see you don’t wake your sister. You know when she wakes up, she doesn’t want to go back to sleep,” her father, Wayne said. 

Clint breathed a sigh of relief as Pearl disappeared through the door. 

“I know you’re out there.” Wayne’s voice rumbled through the darkness, sending chills racing through Clint’s body. “Might as well come. If you make me hunt for you, I promise there will be more than buckshot loaded.” 

Swallowing his fear, Clint stepped out of the shadow. Wayne glared at him as he moved to the porch. The man was tall, or maybe it was just because Clint was still so young, but Wayne reminded Clint of the giants spoke about in the bible. 

“Mind telling me what you were doing out so late and with my daughter? Do your parents know you’re not where you’re supposed to be?” 

Mustering all his courage, Clint rolled his shoulders back. He stood taller than he ever had before and tried to be as bold as Pearl before her father. “The sky looked like it was falling and I wanted to show Pearl.” 

The words poured out of Clint’s mouth as he tried to keep control over his nerves. But the longer Pearl’s father stood before him like a beast ready to pounce, the harder it was for him to keep upright. Every muscle in Clint’s body screamed for him to run. 

“That so?” Wayne said. The memory flickered in Clint’s mind a moment more before shifting. Nothing had changed, save for more wear and tear on the house. The rusty orange sunset burned Wayne’s face, making him even more sinister than Clint had ever seen before. Seven years had passed, and Clint stood before Wayne. Clint couldn’t help but feel like he was seven years old again, standing before the giant. 

“I love Pearl,” Clint said with such conviction that it caused the anger etching into Wayne’s wrinkles to deepen. 

“And how do you propose you’re going to provide for my daughter? You’ve got no future before you. I know what a logger makes, and it’s not enough to support a family,” Wayne said. 

“I’m more than what you think I am,” Clint argued. “And one of these days, I’m going to prove it.” 

Clint’s chest tightened. Blinking the church back into view, Clint took his seat next to Mrs. Robin. His eyes shifted over the heads that surrounded him. Clint knew if Pearl and Liberty were here, surely Wayne would be as well. Scouring the church, Clint couldn’t help but wonder where the old fool was at. Surely, he wouldn’t have let Pearl and Liberty come here unattended. From what Clint remembered, Wayne never missed a service and was a devout Christian. 

“Where is Mr. Anderson?” Clint whispered to Mrs. Robin. The woman clutched her hand to her chest as she kept her eyes locked on the preacher. 

“That’s right, you’ve been gone so long, you don’t know. Mr. Anderson passed a few years ago,” Mrs. Robin said in hushed a voice. 

“What?” Every muscle in Clint’s body tightened. It felt as if he’d been socked in the gut. Although Wayne wasn’t his father, the loss was just as great. Although Wayne was a strict man and stubborn man, he seemed relatively healthy and robust. 

“Shhh,” the man behind Clint hissed. Straightening, Clint’s eyes drifted to the back of Pearl’s head. Regret pummeled through him as he reached for the hymnbook. Never in a million years did he expect to hear news of Wayne. He had hoped to return to Calico and confront the man who swore he’d never become anything. 

Oh, Pearl, I’m so sorry I wasn’t there when you needed me the most. I should have come back sooner. Or at least kept in contact with you. But if I had, would things have been the same between us? 

Clint tried not to let his emotions get the better of him. He knew there would be a time and place for him to discuss such matters and here in the middle of the service wasn’t it. But as the hour stretched on, the preacher’s voice droned into the background. Clint couldn’t stop his thoughts from skipping like a stone, rehashing one event after another. By the time the preacher finished his service, Clint wondered whether confronting Pearl would be such a good idea. 

He kept his eyes on her. Pearl sprang to her feet the instant the congregation was dismissed. The people all rose and loitered about, greeting each other and catching up on conversations they had put aside for the service. Clint tried to squeeze through the gap between two men and slip out to catch Pearl, but it was no use. 

“Clint, my boy! The moment I saw you, I knew I had to stop and speak to you,” Mr. Baker said as he cut off Clint’s exit. “How have you been? You’re looking well.”

“Thank you, Mr. Baker,” Clint said as he took the man’s hand and gave it a sturdy shake. 

“So, where have you been off to?” Mrs. Robin chimed in. Clint’s heart sank into his stomach as he caught the last shimmer of Pearl’s hair as she slipped out the side door with Liberty in tow. 

“West,” Clint answered as hope seeped out of him. He rolled his shoulders back. Calico was a small town, and Clint remembered the path to Pearl’s house as if it were the way back to his parents’ home. 

“Did you make it to California?” Mr. Baker asked, patting Clint on the shoulder and giving a hearty chuckle, as if what he proposed was out of the question. Glaring at Mr. Baker, Clint gave a sharp nod of his head. 

“As a matter of fact, I have seen the California coast, and I must admit, it was hard to leave,” Clint answered as Mrs. Robin swooned. 

“What an adventure that must have been,” she said, as more people gathered around to hear what Clint had to say. The questions flew at him, and he was all too please to answer them. After all, the people of Calico were like family to him. He knew each and every one of them, and returning was bittersweet. 

“It has been, and I’m glad to have come back,” Clint said with a smile. The truth was, he was happy to be back. The town seemed to have been trapped in time, with no changes from what Clint could tell. Everyone was just as accommodating as ever, and the way they pulled him to their warm and friendly embraces made him question why he left in the first place. 

While the town hadn’t seemed to change one bit, Clint knew it wasn’t true. Something had changed, and he knew it would only be right to give his condolences to Pearl. Even if he wasn’t there for her in the flesh, surely, she would have felt him in the spirit. The connection they had wasn’t one that could be severed easily by time. At least, that was how it felt for him. All he could do was hope that maybe it was the same for Pearl as well. 

“You must come over for dinner tonight,” Mrs. Robin said as she hooked her arm into Clint’s and pulled herself up out of the pew. 

“I wouldn’t want to put you out,” Clint said. 

“Well, where are you staying while you’re in town?” Mr. Baker asked. 

“I’m not sure yet. I figured I’d be staying at the Stagecoach Saloon while I’m in town,” Clint answered. 

“What about Jacob’s place? I’m sure Jacob and Mabel will be pleased to see you’ve come back,” Mrs. Robin said. “Not that I don’t want you over for dinner, mind you. But they are your family.”

Clint flinched at the word family. It wasn’t that he wasn’t grateful to Jacob and Mabel for taking him in, but to call them his parents was a lie. They were merely good Christian folks doing the right thing. At least that would be what Clint heard them say from time to time. 

“Rest assured, I will be spending time with them,” Clint said to ease Mrs. Robin’s distressed glare. 

“Then tomorrow night,” Mrs. Robin said as she led Clint outside. The sun was brighter, but the chill in the air teased colder days to come. “I’ll expect to see you around five.” 

Clint helped Mrs. Robin up on to her wagon and handed her the rein. He flashed her a smile and waited for her to get settled before stepping away. 

“So, how long are you going to be in town?” Mr. Baker asked as he came up behind Clint. 

“I’m not sure yet,” Clint answered as Mr. Baker hobbled to the hitching post and drew his horse from the lot of them. It blew Clint’s mind seeing such a large horse. It was thicker and stood sixteen hands high. 

“I’d say goodbye, but seeing as how I expect I’ll be seeing you around more; I’ll say farewell,” Mr. Baker said as he struggled to get control of the horse. It was clear to Clint Mr. Baker had no business on the back of such a powerful creature. Yet, there he was, as stubborn and determined as ever. 

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Thank God for the little miracles. 

---

“The Heiress’s Ranch of Love” is an Amazon Best-Selling novel, check it out here!

Pearl Anderson, the indomitable heiress to a sprawling ranch, is a paradox of fragility and strength. The abrupt departure of Clint Sifton, a sheepherder with whom Pearl shared a profound love, plunges her into a sea of heartache. Misinterpreting Clint’s sacrifice as an act of cowardice, Pearl spends two years metamorphosing into a woman with a radically altered character. As she inherits the ranch, she becomes the epitome of resilience, wielding authority with an iron grip.

Yet will this conceal the emotional scars that Clint’s departure etched upon her soul?

Clint Sifton, a man with ambitions beyond the simplicity of sheep farming, discovers his path entwined with the daughter of a powerful ranch owner. While a connection forms between him and Pearl, their happiness is fractured by a bitter conflict with her father. In an attempt to shield Pearl from the upheaval, Clint reluctantly departs. For two demanding years, he diligently works to prove his value, both to himself and to Pearl’s father. Upon returning to Calico, propelled by an enduring love, Clint is confronted by the formidable woman Pearl has become. Eager to rekindle their connection, he navigates the minefield of past grievances.

Will he have the determination to show that the embers of his devotion still glow brightly?

Facing their shared history, they grapple with the challenge of reigniting their once-binding affection. Will their love endure the trials of mistrust and manipulation, or will Calico witness the heartbreaking demise of a seemingly unbreakable bond? Can Clint find a way to earn Pearl’s love again or is their past too painful to try again?

“The Heiress’s Ranch of Love” is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Get your copy from Amazon!