Chapter 2

Raelynn

Raelynn rolleddown the window and took a deep breath of the crisp Montana air. In Texas, the June weather was already hot and sweltering, but up here, it still held a small bite of winter, or what a Texan would consider winter. Raelynn was finding it refreshing.

She looked at the scenery as it flew by, tall pines and other trees she couldn't name stood out from the backdrop of towering mountain peaks, still snow-covered and starkly white in the bright light of mid-day. It was breathtaking. She'd forgotten how beautiful it was here. How open and peaceful.

With each mile that went by, bringing her closer to her destination, Raelynn's shoulders relaxed. Tension was already melting away and she hadn't even made it to Rawhide Ranch yet. She couldn't imagine how much this week was going to help her.

"We're coming up on your address," the cab driver informed her.

Almost as soon as he'd said it, Raelynn saw a set of giant wrought iron gates, the Ranch's logo on medallions worked into the iron of both gates. Intertwined horseshoes and two Rs. It was beautiful in its simplicity.

The cab came to a stop and a guard walked over to clear them. After she'd verified her identity and reservation, the gates opened, revealing a long gravel drive lined with trees. As they made their way slowly up the drive, Raelynn got her first look at the Ranch through the trees. It was absolutely gorgeous. Pastures seemed to be everywhere, dotted with barns, stables, and various outbuildings. Somehow, she had expected that Ranch was just a term used for a resort, but this looked to be a full working ranch. The thought excited Raelynn even more.

She was finally here, and Raelynn was determined this week was going to be nothing but worry-free fun.

A young cowboycame to meet her as the cab pulled to a stop in front of the main building. He introduced himself as Dax as he took her luggage.

Dax led her through the massive double doors into the largest foyer she'd ever seen. The whole building had a feel Raelynn could only describe as rustic luxury. Three stories in a U shape made it plenty big enough for visitors and permanent residents.

He pointed out two restaurants and a gift shop as they made their way to the check-in desk. Once her reservation was confirmed, Dax was given a key card, which he passed to her as they made their way to a room he said would be hers for the week.

"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. There is someone at the front desk day and night, so the hour doesn't matter," Dax informed her. "Welcome to Rawhide Ranch. I hope you have a great stay."

With that, Dax headed off to do whatever cowboys did and Raelynn opened the door to her room, ready to get everything situated and have the time of her life. A place where she could be herself twenty-four hours a day for a full seven days. This was going to be great!

After settingup all of her things in the massive room, Raelynn decided to explore a bit. She made her way back toward the front desk and got a map of the grounds and a list of offered activities. She tucked the activities pamphlet into her pocket and studied the simple map. Deciding to head toward the stables first, she took one of the gravel pathways.

She took her time, taking in every sight along the way. Passing some of the pastures she'd seen through the trees, she stopped a few times to watch the horses graze. She'd always been fond of horses. At one time, she'd ridden competitively but those days were well behind her. At forty-three, her body wasn't up to that much of a challenge anymore. She still liked to ride, though, and was looking forward to the chance to do so this week.

She stopped at one particular pasture, watching a horse that caught her attention. Majestic black beauty. The horse was tall and pure black. It grazed calmly, not even noticing it had gained an audience. It reminded her of days gone by, of a similar horse ridden by a tall brunet with stormy gray-blue eyes.

Raelynn shook herself from her memories, locking her regret back where it belonged, and left the horse to its grazing. Her mind wasn't quite so keen on her destination any longer but still she continued on. Memories had no place here. Neither did regret. This was a place of hope, of freedom, and of peace.