A Healing Kind of Love: Finding Love, #9

A Healing Kind of Love

The Finding Love Series, Book 9

By

Dianne Reed Burns

Copyright

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental. 

All Rights are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author.

A Healing Kind of Love, The Finding Love Series, Book 9

Copyright © 2017 by Dianne Reed Burns

Cover design by Robert_175 at SelfPubBookCovers.com

Book List

The Finding Love Series:

Deaf Love: A Short Story - Book 1*

The Power of Love - Book 2

Love’s Little Rewards - Book 3

To Love a Man - Book 4

Love Hurts - Book 5

Worthy of Love - Book 6

Teach Me to Love - Book 7

Love’s Elusive Dream - Book 8

A Healing Kind of Love - Book 9

Deaf Love, The Cowboy’s Gift - Coming Soon*

To learn how Luke and Amanda met, be sure to read Deaf Love: A Short Story first.

All other books can be read as stand-alones; however, you will see repeating characters throughout the series. To purchase or read more about any of these titles, please read the excerpts at the end of this book, or click here.

Book Description

Sally Rogers left Dallas a broken woman—physically and emotionally. Her marriage was a farce in every sense of the word. After her parents turned their backs on her, she sought shelter with a childhood friend. On her way there, upset and crying, she almost hits a man on his horse, but instead crashes her car.

Jake Patterson lived a solitary life on his Texas ranch until an extremely distraught woman crashed into it. Acting as a knight in shining armor, he puts her atop his horse and seeks assistance for her. Holding Sally in his arms, feels more right than anything in his life ever has. It is mere coincidence that he finds out his neighbor, Susan, is the woman’s friend, putting her in close proximity for the near future.

The attraction between Sally and Jake is immediate, but while she is dealing with her past, he questions if he will ever be enough for her, especially as someone is stealing his, and other rancher’s, cattle, threatening their livelihood. As they begin to trust in one another, fate will once more intervene in an attempt to keep them apart forever. Will fate win or together will they be able to overcome all obstacles and heal one another completely?

Chapter 1

How could I have been so stupid? Sally Rogers asked herself for the millionth time.  How could I have been so blind?  I’m so mad I could scream!

The young woman behind the steering wheel of the ten-year-old foreign compact car drove erratically down the straight Texas Panhandle highway.  The tears continued to stream down her face as she tried to find the dirt road to turn on that would take her to her long-time friend’s house.  Up ahead, on the right, were the old grain elevators that had been described to her as a landmark.  She saw the road immediately to her left and slowed enough to take the turn on two wheels.  The little car fishtailed as she fought to control it.

Dammit, Sally, get a hold of yourself! she scolded.  He’s not worth dying over!

She slowed the car a fraction and got it under control as she let out a held breath.  She kept to her route, passing a pasture of cattle on the left that she barely noticed.  She kept driving and the tears of anger at herself kept running down her cheeks.

"You are lost, she told herself.  You’re crying, you’re almost out of gas, and you’re lost, she said out loud.  What more could go wrong?" she asked stupidly.

*     *     *

Jake Patterson lazily rode his gelding along his property, outside the fence line, looking for damage.  He’d had cows get out of the pasture two different nights and needed to find where they were escaping.  He moved a few more feet watching the barbed wire fence closely when he heard a fast moving car coming up the rode behind him.

He stopped and turned the horse sideways on the fence side of the bar ditch to look back up the road.  A compact car flew towards him moving way too fast and kicking up a cloud of dust so thick one would think they were reliving the Dust Bowl.  He watched as the driver began to lose control on the dry dusty road.  The dirt thickened behind the little compact as it gained speed.

His horse was used to cars and trucks, but this one seemed to agitate him.  The big gelding pranced and sidestepped nervously as the car came closer. The driver swerved from one side of the road to the other coming dangerously close to each ditch.  The horse started dancing and crow hopping, frightened by the approaching vehicle.

Hey boy, settle down.  Jake talked to him gently as he reached forward and patted his mount’s neck.

The car came up on them never slowing down.  The driver swerved hard towards the bar ditch where Jake and his horse were.  The gelding pounded the ground with its front hooves before rearing its front legs and pawing at the air, trying to ward off the mechanical intrusion and get rid of his rider.  Jake stayed in the saddle working to bring the horse under control.  He reached forward with both hands, pulled each rein downward, and brought the horse back down on all fours.  The gelding continued to stomp and turn in tight circles, wild terror showing in his eyes.

The driver hit the brakes, skidded, and jerked the steering wheel hard away from Jake and his horse.

The gelding whinnied loudly, his eyes rolled wildly, and he pawed the earth with his front hooves as the little car hit the ditch on the other side of the road.  It high centered and jerked to an abrupt halt.

Dammit to hell, Jake swore.  He struggled to calm the horse down and after a few seconds he dismounted.  He continued to talk to him gently and stroke his neck in a soothing manner.  The gelding was still skittish as he tied the reins to a cedar fence post.  Jake easily jumped across the wide, deep ditch with his long, muscled legs, and ran across the road to check on the driver of the crashed car.  When he reached the other side of the road, he grabbed the handle and jerked the car door open.  Prepared to verbally tear into a reckless teenage driver, his words died when he realized he was dealing with a beautiful, crying woman.

Ma’am?  Are you okay?  Are you hurt? he finally managed to ask, concern laced his voice as he looked her over.

I…I’m so…so sorry, she said, confused and disoriented.  Are you…hurt? she asked him, brokenly.  Is…the…hor…horse…?

I’m fine and he’s fine, Jake stated, a hard look on his face.  What about you?  Are you hurt?"

I…I don’t…th…think so.  Ju…just sca…scared, she admitted, gulping for air.

Can you move?  Can you get out of the car, or do I need to call for help?

No.  No, I’m okay.  She took a deep breath and let it out to get herself under control.  I can get out…if you’ll help me.  She unbuckled her seatbelt and began to move her legs around to step out of the car.  She looked at Jake’s face for the first time.

Her profile had been beautiful, but he lost all reasoning when he looked into the most stunning Cornflower blue eyes he’d ever seen in his life.  He fumbled for a minute, trying to help her out of the car, as he gathered his wits back about him.  Jake reached for her as she practically fell out of the driver’s seat.  She tried to plant her feet in the bottom of the ditch where he stood.  Sally grabbed onto his forearms but her legs buckled under her. Before she completely crumpled, Jake swooped her five-foot-six frame up in his strong arms holding her against his hard, muscular body.  She wrapped her arms around his neck for security.

I’m so sorry, she whimpered, laying her head on his shoulder while tears streamed from her eyes.  So very, very sorry.  I’ve caused you…so much trouble, she fretted.

It’s okay, ma’am.  Where were you headed?

Sally.  My name’s Sally.  I was trying to get to my friend’s house, but I think I took the wrong road, she confessed.

Who’s your friend? he asked, frowning.

Susan McCourt, she whispered quietly, fighting her tears.

You’re Susan’s friend? he asked surprised.

You…you know Susan?  She lifted her head to look into his lean, chiseled face.  She stared into his hazel colored eyes, before letting her head fall back onto his shoulder, heavy and throbbing from the crying.

Yes, he said quietly, next to her ear.  I know Susan.  Does she know you’re coming?

No.  I left Dallas early this morning.  I had to leave.  I didn’t have anywhere else to go.  I need to see her.

Jake could feel the dampness on his shoulder from her tears.  He’d like to throttle whoever did this to her.

I can take you to her.  It’s not that far.  You weren’t really lost.

Thank you.  You’ve been so nice… She snuggled against him, tightening her grip around his neck.

By the way, my name’s Jake, he told her.

Jake, she sighed dreamily. That’s a nice name.

Hey, Sally, stay awake.  Stay with me here.  We’ve got to get on the horse.  I need you to help me.  He hoped by the way she was acting that it wasn’t an indication she was suffering from a concussion.

Even though the car had died, he reached inside, turned the switch off, and pulled the key out of the ignition.  He slammed the door shut and beeped the car lock before pocketing the keys.  He carried her out of the ditch, crossed the road, and walked down and up the other ditch.

What about my car? she asked quietly, wrapping her arms more securely around his neck.

I’ll get Reed to come back with me and pull it out of the ditch.  We may have to bring the tractor over.

I’m sorry I’ve caused so much trouble.  I’m glad you’re alright.

I’m fine.  Now, let’s get you to Susan.

He stepped up to the horse and untied the reins, crisscrossing them across the horse’s neck. Sally, can you stand?  I’m going to pull you up after I’ve mounted the horse.

I…think so, she told him, a tremor in her voice.

We’re going to try it, okay?

She nodded her head and winced at the pain that shot behind her eyes.

Are you okay? he asked, seeing the pain in her face.

As long as I don’t nod my head.

Jake let her slide slowly down his body until her feet touched the ground.  He kept a hold of her as she steadied herself.  How are you doing?

Okay, I guess.  She took some calming breaths.

We can stand here as long as you need to.  Just take your time.

After a couple of more minutes, she said,  I’m ready to try it.

Okay, he said gently.  I’m going to put my foot in the left stirrup and I want you to hold onto my leg for support until I can pull you up.

Okay.

In one swift movement, Jake pulled himself into the saddle and reached down to take one of her hands holding tightly to his leg.  Are you ready?

Yes.

With a strong grip, he grabbed her forearm and pulled her up in front of him, settling her left side next to his hard chest.  She turned her upper body towards him and threw her arms around his neck, placing her chin on his shoulder, holding on tight.

Jake smiled at the move knowing she was probably scared to death.  Are you good to go?

I’m ready.  How far is Susan’s house?

About two and a half miles.  We’ll take it slow and easy, and you tell me if it’s too much.  He was afraid she was badly hurt and was going to insist Susan take her to the doctor.  Knowing Susan, she would readily agree.

I’ll be fine.  Thank you, she said, as she continued to hold tightly around his neck.

Fifteen minutes had passed when Jake rode up to the old Elm tree out in front of the McCourt’s place.

You still with me, Sally?

Yes, she answered drowsily.

What’s my name?

What? she asked confused.

What’s my name, Sally?

She giggled.  You don’t sound like a Sally.

We’re at Susan’s.  It looks like she’s home, thank goodness.

Good.  I’m so tired.

I know you are.

Jake dismounted, pulled her off the horse, and settled her against him.  He threw the reins over a tree limb, swept her up in his arms, and upon reaching the front door he kicked the solid wood, refusing to put down his precious cargo.

Hold on, I’m coming, Susan called through the door.

She turned the knob and pulled it open seeing Jake, but not immediately registering who he was holding.

Picking up strays, Jake? she asked, with a frown on her face.

He twisted so Susan could see the woman’s face.

Sally?  Oh, my goodness!  It’s Sally!  Bring her in here.  Put her on the couch.  Oh, my gosh, what happened?  Susan moved around in a panic, moving pillows and picking up an afghan.

He followed Susan and laid Sally on the big, brown, leather couch.  Susan put a pillow under her head and Jake pried her arms from around his neck.

Sally, do you still feel okay? he asked, close to her ear.  He knelt on one knee beside her to study her eyes better.

Yes, thank you.  You’re a kind man.

He stood as Susan draped an afghan over her friend.

Sally, honey, it’s Susan.  You’re going to stay here with us.

Susan, I’m so glad I’m here.  I have so much to tell you.  Horrible. It was all so horrible.  Tears slipped from the outer corners of her eyes.  And my car, my baby.

Shhh, Susan said, placing her hand on her friend’s forehead, noticing the knot forming there.  You rest a minute while I talk to Jake.

Where are the babies? Sally asked.

They’re taking a nap in their room. You rest now.

Okay, she agreed, sighing deeply.

Jake and Susan stepped away from Sally and walked closer to the front door.

What the hell happened, Jake? Susan ground out quietly.  Why is she here?  Why is she with you?

I don’t know why she’s here.  Jake stood in front of his neighbor with his hands on his hips, looking past her at the woman on the couch.  Does she have a baby, because I didn’t see a baby in the car, he said, worriedly.

A baby?  No.  No, she doesn’t have a baby.  Her car is her baby.  Now, what happened?

Relief flooded his face and he told Susan what he knew.  She came down my road, driving erratically, and spooked my horse with me on it.  Then she crashed her car.  It’s in the ditch across from my place.  She told me she was trying to get to you, so here she is.

Oh, my gosh.  This is crazy.  Something terrible must have happened.  Something must have gone horribly wrong.  She’s usually so level-headed.

Gone wrong with what?

Who is more like it.  That damn husband of hers.  I think he’s a no good bastard, but I never told Sally that, Susan said, agitated.  I should have.

She’s married?

Unfortunately.  And I think he’s a scumbag.

Well, is Reed around?

Down at the pens.  Why?

It’s probably going to take both of us and a tractor to get her car out of that ditch.  She high-centered it.

Oh, of course.  Tell Reed what happened and get him to help you.

I’ll head that way, he said, adjusting his cowboy hat and walking to the door.

Thank you for bringing her here, Jake, Susan said sincerely.  Thank you so much.

Not a problem.  Will she be alright? he asked concerned.

She will be, Susan assured him.  I’ll see to it.

You take care of her.  We’ll take care of her car.  I think she may have a concussion.  Might want to get her checked out.  Jake walked out the door and headed for his horse.

Susan walked back to the couch, looked down at her friend for several long moments, and chewed her thumbnail worriedly.  Oh Sally, she thought to herself, what has happened to you?  Your beautiful long brown hair is dull, your eyes seem lifeless, and your flawless olive skin has turned sallow.  And you’re way too thin.  You’re practically a shadow of your former self.  What has that bastard done to you? she asked herself, angry, and ready to hurt someone.  All of her mothering instincts were in full force.

Susan, her friend, moaned softly.

I’m here, honey, she told her, sitting down across from her on the big, rustic coffee table.  You’re going to be fine.  You’re going to stay here with us, she said, taking Sally’s hand in both of hers,  but we’ve got to talk.  Whenever you feel up to it, you’ve got to tell me what’s going on.

I will.  Just not right now.  It was all so horrible, Susan, she choked out, looking at her friend with watery blue eyes.  I’m so ashamed.

Just tell me one thing.  Is it Carl?

Yes, she said bitterly, a wealth of anger in the simple word.  Yes, she repeated, this time sounding utterly drained.

Susan raised her eyes to the door as she heard a pickup come to an abrupt halt in front of the house. Just as she expected, Reed came storming through the door.

Susan! he bellowed, slamming the door behind him.

Shhh, Reed, the kids are sleeping, she said calmly, used to his loud entrances when something was wrong.

Are you okay? he asked, lowering his voice only a couple of octaves.  He walked to the end of the couch and looked her over from head to toe.

I’m fine, she said, standing and crossing to him.  It’s Sally.  I think she may have a slight concussion.  I’m going to call the doctor’s office in a bit.

Oh, hell.  He put his arm around his wife and tugged her close.  Jake said she wrecked her car over by his place.

That’s what he told me, too.  Are you going to help him get it out of the ditch?

Yeah, I just had to check on you first, he said, looking into her eyes.

Reed, you’re not still jealous of Jake, are you? she questioned.

No, well, no, he stumbled over the words.

I love you, she said, seriously.

He gave her a little, sheepish smile.  I love you, too.  He gave her a quick, hard kiss.  Has she told you anything? he continued.

Just that it was horrible and she’s ashamed.  And it has to do with that no good husband of hers.

I knew you didn’t like him.

Not after some of her phone calls.  I knew things weren’t going well.

She can stay here as long as she needs to.

That’s what I told her.

You’re a good friend, baby.  I’m going to go help Jake with her car.

Be careful.  And Reed?  She made sure she had his attention before continuing. Thank you, she said with her heart in her eyes.

He kissed her once more before leaving the house.

Chapter 2

Reed jumped in his pickup and headed towards Jake’s place to help him with Sally’s car.  He drove down the road, around the playa lake, and turned left at the crossroads.  He saw Jake’s horse tied to the fence and his owner across the road looking the car situation over.  Reed parked on the dirt road next to the little compact and got out of his truck.

What’d’ ya think? he asked Jake.

I think it has some damage underneath.  Maybe even a busted axel.  I’d be surprised if it’s drivable.

Can we pull it on to the road with my pickup, or do we need a tractor?

As small as it is, I think we can try your truck first.  You got a chain?  Jake asked.

Several.

Let’s try that first.

Suits me.  Reed drove past the car and turned around in a turn-row about twenty feet from the accident.  He drove back to the car and parked just a ways past where it sat.  He and Jake worked together to fasten the large, long chain to both vehicles. Once the chain was attached, Reed got in his pickup, fired it up, and slowly moved forward to take the slack out of the chain.

Okay, Jake yelled.  Keep going and I’ll try to help guide it out.

Reed waved his hand out the window to acknowledge he had heard the instructions.

It was slow going and they only moved a few inches at a time in an attempt not to do more damage to the car than what had already been done.  It was a long thirty minutes before they had the car on the road once more. Reed killed his truck and got out to take a look at the car with his neighbor.  Both men were down on one knee, on either side of the vehicle, studying the undercarriage.

What’d’ ya think? Jake asked.

She’s got some damage on this front axle over here, Reed replied.

It looks like this back wheel is bent and that’s probably not all.

It’ll have to be put in the shop for repairs.

If it can be fixed, Jake muttered.  You know of any place close that works on this make of car?

Yeah, Reed answered.  There’s a guy in Plains Point that has a shop, and that’s all he works on.

Good.

"If we can get it