Forever, I Promise (A Northern Woods Novel) Read online

  Also by Charliann Roberts

  Romantic Suspense

  MOUNTAIN RIDGE

  Northern Woods Novels

  THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN

  LOVE ON THE HORIZON

  Forever,

  I Promise

  Charliann Roberts

  A Northern Woods Novel

  FOREVER, I PROMISE

  Copyright 2015 by Charliann Roberts

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, and events are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to real persons, places, or events is entirely coincidental.

  Printed in the United States of America

  First Paperback Printing: October 2015

  Dedication

  To Bob,

  Every time I look at you

  I fall in love all over again.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Many thanks to my Editor, Nik Morton for all of his time, advice and patience in the review, edits and the help I needed to put this story together.

  Thank you also to Lori, my book cover artist @

  SelfPubBookCovers.com/Lori

  Table of Contents

  Cover

  Also by Charliann Roberts

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Acknowledgments

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Chapter One

  Wade Daniels pulled his pickup over to the side of the road and put it in park. He picked up the map he’d printed out earlier this morning and took another look. He frowned, lifted his Stetson and scratched his head in confusion. “Boy. He wasn’t joking when he told me his ranch may be difficult to find,” he muttered. He should have kept his eyes on the odometer. There were no street signs and this was the only dirt road he’d seen since he turned off of the county road twenty minutes ago. The sun glared against the windshield and he pulled his Stetson forward to shade his eyes as he squinted down the long gravel road. It has to be the correct route, he thought. He put his truck in drive and slowly moved on.

  As he rounded a curve, a large barn appeared. “This must be the place.” He looked out across the enclosed pasture where at least twenty horses grazed and many more ranged beyond.

  He was strongly attracted to Colburn Stables which was located on six hundred acres of farmland in Pinewood Hills, Minnesota, where the owner raised and trained quarter horses. They also took in rescue horses, brought to them by the Minnesota Horse Rescue Team. They comforted them and healed their wounds and their spirit; they turned them into the loving creatures they had once been before they’d been neglected and mistreated.

  When he neared the entrance he was able to read the sign, Colburn Stables. He made the turn and drove under a carport, braked where a few other vehicles were parked, and switched off the engine. He pulled the keys from the ignition and climbed out.

  A man in Levi’s, a checkered shirt and scuffed boots stepped away from the corral; as he approached, his eyes lit up and crinkled at the corners. He appeared to be close to six feet tall with brown hair.

  “Good morning, you must be Wade. I’m Nick Colburn,” he said, and held out his hand. “Welcome to my ranch. Did you have any trouble finding it?”

  Wade grinned. “Not at all.”

  “Huh, then you’re the first.” Nick chuckled. “Most people end up lost once they hit the dirt road. There was a Colburn Stables sign back on the county road just before you come to the small food market and campground, which usually draws their attention and they miss the sign.”

  That explains it! Wade mused.

  “My office is this way,” Nick said with a nod.

  Wade followed him into the stable and walked along a row of empty horse stalls which led to his office. They entered and Nick motioned toward the chair in front of his desk.

  “Would you like a cup of coffee?”

  “No thanks. I pretty much had my fill before I left my motel.” He glanced around the room. Along the wall behind Nick’s large oak desk there were several file cabinets. Atop one of them was a framed photo of a beautiful woman and three children. He assumed it was a picture of his family.

  Nick sat in the chair behind his desk before he picked up Wade’s resume and glanced at him. “I see you’ve worked on a farm most of your life.”

  “Yes, I was born and raised on a ranch located in Colorado. My father owned two hundred acres where we bred and sold thoroughbreds, mainly quarter horses and a few palominos.

  “My mother passed away when I was a young boy and my father had a fatal heart attack a few years back. I sold the homestead soon afterward.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. So how long have you lived in Minnesota?”

  “I arrived recently, very recently,” he responded with a grin. “When a neighbor purchased my ranch I remained, working as an employee for two years. The time to move arrived when I decided I needed a change and I kept an eye out for the work I enjoy – caring for and training horses. I’d been searching for a position to suit my experience when I read your ad in the Minneapolis Tribune, packed my truck and arrived in Minnesota.”

  “Well, I’m mighty impressed with your history and I want to welcome you to my team, Wade. That is, if you’d like the position as one of my ranch hands. My employees are all treated as though part of my family and work together as such. They all get along like brothers and treat one another the same. They’re paid a handsome salary; after the first six months there’ll be a hefty raise if you’ve proven to be a hard working ranch hand. Are you still interested?”

  “Yes, Sir!”

  “No need to call me ‘Sir’. Nick will do just fine. Welcome aboard.” He leaned across the desk and they shook hands. “When will you be available to begin your first day?”

  “I’ll need to find an apartment and I have furniture in storage.”

  “How does two weeks sound?” Nick asked.

  “That would be more than enough time. Thank you.”

  “There are quite a few nice apartments and townhomes located in Huntington, about twenty miles to the east on the county road. It’s a fine town and several of my employees live there. It’s a fairly short drive home after putting in a hard day’s work here in Pinewood Hills. I’m sure they’d be able to lend a hand if you need help with your move. If you’re ready to start work before then, let me know. Otherwise take the time off to relax and settle in. You’ll be quite busy once you start here.”

  * * *

  They shook hands again and Nick accompanied Wade back to his pickup. An old green truck wi
th rust along the bottom pulled into the parking lot and Nick knew it was Ross Wittenburg, another applicant for the ranch hand position. He’d interviewed him last week.

  Wade climbed into his truck. “Thanks again, Nick,” he shouted, then waved and took off down the dusty dirt road.

  Nick waved then headed toward Ross as he climbed out of his old beater. He’d read about Ross in the Pinewood Hills Tribune six months ago. Apparently no one would hire him. Ross was known to employ techniques with the horses that Nick considered cruel, though they could sometimes prove effective. Due to this factor Ross had been fired from his previous job.

  “Hey there, Nick. I was in the area and thought I’d stop by for an update on the job. I’m really counting on working for you and I’m ready to start today.”

  “Good morning, Ross. I’m sorry, but the position has been filled. You’re a hard worker, but I found someone with more experience. I’m sure you’ll find a job that will fit in with your background.”

  “You’re kidding, right?” Ross rubbed the back of his neck while clenching his jaw.

  Nick shook his head. “Sorry Ross.”

  “Damn! I’ll bet it was that new guy in town, wasn’t it? He’s a wimp, Nick. You’re going to be mighty sorry, just you wait and see!” He gritted his teeth then turned and yanked the rusty door open, climbed in and slammed it so hard the side mirror fell loose and dangled against the door of the dilapidated pickup. He peeled out of the parking lot, raising a cloud of dust.

  Nick shook his head and turned back toward the stable. The wrinkles and sagging around Ross’s mouth, along with his red face and bloodshot eyes said it all. Ross Wittenburg had a bit too much to drink.

  He returned to his office, satisfied with the man he hired.

  * * *

  Wade turned onto the county road and raised his fist above his head and yelled, “Yes!” He was overjoyed that he landed the job. He rolled down his window, turned on the radio and sang along with Kenny Chesney. He was now in search of a place of residence.

  County Road 28 led directly into Huntington, which would now be his new home town. He’d been driving for about ten minutes when he glanced in the rearview mirror with a frown. The rusty green truck that had pulled into Colburn Stables was now coming up behind him. Wade looked at his speedometer; he was going the speed limit but apparently this idiot was in a big rush. Wade moved over so that the guy could pass, although he didn’t. He was now less than two car lengths away from him and his truck weaved over the center line several times. Wade shook his head and muttered, “Smart ass. He’s really got a problem; appears to be drunk.”

  The truck pulled up within two feet of Wade’s then turned sharply to pass while he held his middle finger in the air. Wade hit his brake when he saw an oncoming car. The old truck barely made it back into his lane then stepped on the gas. Apparently the clunker wouldn’t go any faster than forty mph, black smelly exhaust in its wake. Wade slowed down until the idiot was a good distance ahead then let out a heavy sigh and continued on. When he reached Huntington the green truck was nowhere to be seen. “Good riddance.”

  He began to drive around town in search of rental properties. There had been three different apartment buildings and they all seemed suitable, but before he made a decision he’d also seen an appealing townhome with a ‘For Rent’ sign in the front yard. He arrived at the home, dialed the number posted on the sign and leaned against the porch rail. The outside of the house was faced with red brick and the windows had white trim. He was placed on hold and while he waited he observed the surroundings: a beautiful birch tree in the center of the yard and a row of lilac bushes bordering the property between this home and the house next door. The neighborhood was quiet and pleasant with pine trees on the opposite side of the road. He noticed a walkway that led to a large park one block to the west which included tennis and basketball courts and a hiking trail. There were also picnic tables and a playground for young children.

  The homeowner said he was close by and arrived immediately to give Wade a walk-through. They entered the house: it consisted of an average size living room, a master bedroom and a second bedroom which had been used for an office by the previous tenant. There was one large bathroom down the hallway between the two bedrooms. The kitchen had a ledge on top of a half-wall with two bar stools. It overlooked the appliances, sink, cupboards and a large counter space. The backyard was small and enclosed by a chain-link fence.

  He loved it, especially when the landlord told him he’d be able to move in immediately. He signed the papers, wrote a check for the first month’s rent and a damage deposit then jumped into his vehicle and drove back to the motel for check out.

  He had a dolly stashed in the storage room he rented and immediately began to move the furniture he owned. He didn’t have much; he knew there’d be less room in an apartment than there’d been in his large Colorado ranch home. With a furniture dolly and his hefty biceps he easily made the move on his own.

  He placed his small couch and a recliner, along with a 32-inch television in the living room. All he needed to purchase was a couple of end tables and a coffee table and the living room would be perfect for a bachelor, he thought and nodded to himself. His small kitchen table and four chairs fit extremely well in the dining area, and the bedroom was the perfect size for his queen-size bed and dresser. He decided to purchase a double bed and a desk to go in the extra bedroom. That would easily make a guest room and an office all in one.

  Once everything was arranged in each room the way he wanted them he decided to go to the town’s Walmart store. He needed personal items such as new towels and linens, dishes, and groceries. One block away from his new dwelling he noticed a Starbucks and turned into the parking lot. An ice cold white chocolate mocha would be a perfect break at the moment, then off to complete his shopping. While he drank his coffee he took a stroll around town so he’d know where every store was located. He found the small town to be a comfortable place to live. The people were very pleasant; even those he passed on the sidewalk would say a friendly ‘hello’ or ‘It’s a great day, isn’t it?’ Yes, he had a good feeling about the place; he was going to enjoy living here.

  * * *

  Wade sat down to give Nick a call. He wanted to let him know he’d be ready to begin work on Monday. Four days would be plenty of rest – time to sit back, relax and watch the Minnesota Twins game on television; perhaps even pick up a six pack of Budweiser to enjoy the few days before he reported to his new employment at Colburn Stables.

  Chapter Two

  Wade was so involved in his work that he was surprised to discover he’d now been employed at Colburn Stables for a full year.

  Nick’s wife, Mariah had been running a horseback riding class for adults and teens. She recently decided to add a class for elementary students. Her oldest son Nicky was already an accomplished rider, and her twin girls wouldn’t be far behind.

  Wade was promoted to manager of horses in training for young children to ride; he earned it due to experience, the many years of horse training he’d been responsible for on his family’s ranch in Colorado. It looked as though they would need to build another barn as well as a corral and separate paddock, away from the other equine.

  The week following Wade’s anniversary Nick sent him to a lumber yard in Duluth to pick up some fencing that was on sale. After loading the truck with the fence posts and other supplies he stopped at the Caribou Coffee Shop to grab a cup of mocha on his drive back to Pinewood Hills. While he waited for his order he glanced around the café and immediately spotted the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. The Caribou was crowded, but she stood right out with her glamorous blonde hair and fascinating blue eyes.

  She was seated alone at a table, her head resting between the palms of her hands. She seemed to be deep in thought with her studies. Her laptop sat before her, pencil and notebook beside it. After paying for his coffee he looked around to discover all of the tables occupied; he removed his Stetson, then grinned
and bowed his head slightly before he asked if she would mind sharing her table with him. When she lifted her angelic face she beamed and he knew right then and there that this would be his future wife.

  They spoke for quite some time. Her name was Hailey Nelson and she lived in Duluth while she attended an Office Management class at Lake Superior College.

  “I rent a room from an elderly lady,” Hailey said. “She’s a very sweet widow who hates to live alone. Her name is Claire and she treats me as though I’m her granddaughter. I was very lucky to find her.” Hailey stared out the window with a smile as she spoke. “The rent is remarkably low. She even prepares breakfast and dinner for me. I do work part-time at Flowers Galore and I’ll be working full-time when my class comes to an end in a couple of weeks. I promised I’d pay her much more when I put in more hours, that is, if she’ll allow me to stay. I feel as though she actually is my grandmother.” Hailey looked at Wade. “So…where are you from? Have you always lived in Minnesota?”

  “No, I’ve only been residing here for a year. I was born and raised on a large farm in Colorado. When my parents passed away I decided I needed a change and landed a position at Colburn Stables in Pinewood Hills. I manage the training of horses.”

  “So you’re a cowboy,” Hailey commented. “That’s what I assumed when you stood with your coffee, looking for a place to sit.” She chuckled and looked at his Stetson that he’d placed on the vacant chair next to him. “Although I was surprised when you removed your Stetson, just for me,” she snickered.

  “My dad taught me to be a gentleman – especially for a beautiful lady, though I didn’t expect you to welcome a rancher wearing filthy jeans to sit at your table.”