Fresh-Start Ranch. Leann Harris

stared at the rescued horse.

      His father slapped him on the back. “You seemed unsure of Dr. Grant when she first showed up at the ranch. I’m just surprised you gave your mother a good report.”

      Ethan knew what his father was implying. “Well, you have to admit that you wouldn’t have reacted any differently than I did if Chance had been the one who was being examined. I recall a certain farrier you threw off the ranch because you didn’t like how he treated your horse.”

      “So what’s that got to do with Dr. Grant?”

      Ethan shook his head. His dad wasn’t going to admit anything. “Yes, Tessa has proved herself competent with the birth, and her previous experience with horse rescue paid off at the hearing. She scored one for the good guys. But—”

      “I’m glad you think so,” his dad interrupted, “because Saturday, your mom has organized a dinner for the new doc to introduce her to all the local ranches. Both your brother and sister and their spouses will be there.”

      “When’d this happen?”

      Ken lowered his head and stared at Ethan. “Son, when has your mother ever told me about social stuff? She tells me where I’m going and I show up. It makes my life a lot easier. Remember that if you ever decide to make the plunge.”

      Ethan looked back at the horses in the corral. His dad slapped him on the back again. “I think your mother needs you up at the house.” His dad turned away and whistled as he strolled back inside.

      Ethan’s gaze remained on the horses. For some reason, he felt unsettled, as if everyone else knew something he didn’t. What was going on? His world had settled into a predictable pattern now that his younger brother had readjusted to life after his time in the army and losing his leg. It had been rough going, but now Zach was happily married with a wonderful wife and newborn baby.

      Beth, his sister, had also taken the plunge into matrimony. Watching her grin and smile at her husband was both a joy and a pain. She’d been after him to find a wife. So he had both siblings in lovers’ paradise, but he was alone, still living at home. Of course it didn’t help that his ex-fiancée had reappeared in his life, silently pointing out to the community that Ethan was still single. He looked pathetic.

      In his defense, he was taking over the reins of the ranch from his father, but on paper, things didn’t look good. A thirty-five-year-old male living at home with his parents.

      Normally, he didn’t care what folks said, but inside he suddenly felt itchy. And he didn’t know how to scratch that itch.

      Lord, I don’t know what’s happening, but—give me guidance.

      The image of Tessa’s smiling face as she held Hope moments after that filly’s birth appeared in his mind’s eye.

      “Son, you comin’?” his father yelled.

      “Yup, I’m comin’.”

      Chapter Five

      Tessa climbed out of Dr. Adams’s truck and stared at all the cars parked in the driveway of the McClures’ ranch. Tessa turned to Doc. “I thought this was just going to be a family dinner with the McClures.”