Rocky Mountain Cowboy. Tina Radcliffe

      He turned away and she followed, stretching her stride to keep up with his long legs as he headed past the circular gravel drive, across the yard toward the horse barn.

      The morning was silent. The only sound was the sizzle of a halogen light overhead as it came to life, casting a pink glow on the yard. Rebecca glanced up and stared at the endless black carpet of night sky, illuminated only by the scattering blanket of glittering stars.

      “Everything okay?” Joe called out.

      “Yes, yes. Sorry.” Rebecca doubled her pace in his direction. “I forgot what it was like.”

      He shot her a questioning glance. “New moon, you mean?”

      “That, too. But I’d forgotten how amazing a ranch is before dawn.”

      “I don’t even notice anymore. This is all I’ve ever known. It’s a real life, that’s for sure. You make me realize how much I take it for granted.”

      Memories of following her father around Elliott Ranch swirled through Rebecca’s mind. She missed her father with a deep ache, but she never thought she’d miss ranch life once she left.

      Then again, she’d been wrong about so many things. Like Nick. Why should she be surprised?

      Joe slid open the barn door and whistled. Two dogs raced to his side. “Meet Gil and Wishbone.”

      She laughed, offering a bow at the waist. “Gentlemen. Pleased to meet you.”

      From a corner of the barn a squawking radio sound cut through the silence. Startled, Rebecca jumped. She looked around. “Dispatch radio. I’d forgotten about them.”