Testing His Heart

Brianna loves her job as a teacher in New York City, but she has a secret wish. All her life she’s wanted to move to a small town in the west where she can have the freedom of the countryside. When she is called about an emergency teaching position in Idaho, she jumps at the chance, even though it means leaving when school is almost out for the summer.

Lance has worked for Cottonwood Ranch for years, and now he is ready to settle down with his own land. When spirited Brianna shows up at the ranch to teach at the local high school, Lance is instantly intrigued.

Sparks fly between the two of them as Brianna tries to adjust to her new surroundings. Will Brianna miss her home enough to leave her new life behind, or will Lance prove that happily-ever-afters are possible in real life?

Brianna dropped her pen on the desk and gave a silent cheer. Another term’s worth of AP history grades were done. Hard to believe it was last time she’d have to enter grades into the computer before leaving New York City. She dropped her books and pen into her bag and stood to
stretch. The sooner she could go home, the better. Things were rough that year, and she had received one too many complaints about how she graded and what she taught. How she didn’t understand what it was like to have a family in the city. That one hurt the most. It wasn’t like she wanted to be single in the middle of New York City.

And in two days, she could say goodbye to all of this. A thrill ran through her. It wasn’t ideal to leave the school this close to the end of the year, but when the job in Idaho opened up, she jumped at the chance. It was supposed to be hers at the beginning of the next school year, but they’d called her a few days before, frantic because the teacher
she’d be replacing had to take leave.

Idaho. So different from the constant
noise, smells, and chaos of New York City. But it was something she’d always wanted. To move to a small town and teach. Never mind that her family thought she was crazy.

Brianna checked and double checked the locks on her door—too many supplies had been stolen over the years—and walked down the empty hallway. It was nice to have a little silence after the noise of hundreds of kids running up and down, banging lockers. 

 “Hey, Brianna, all done?” Mrs. Sharp asked. She was principal of the school and one of the sweetest people Brianna knew.

“Yep, the grades are up on the site and I’m heading home. I hope you’re not going to be too far behind.”

Mrs. Sharp laughed. “I’ll be right behind you. And good luck at your new school. We’ll sure miss you.”

“Thanks. I’ll miss all of you.” Brianna
waved and pushed the doors open, swallowing a lump in her throat. She’d miss working with Mrs. Sharp, but she’d been waiting for this chance for a long time. No more arguing with parents or fighting crowds to and from the school or
the constant chaos. 

Brianna grinned as she walked down the steps. This had to be what it felt like for kids at the end of the school year.
Freedom.

The weather was nice enough she decided she’d walk home. Traffic would be a nightmare at this time anyway. She pulled her jacket closer and enjoyed the light breeze on her face. After a quick stop at her favorite deli, Brianna walked the four blocks to her apartment. 

Her small studio greeted her. It was tiny and so empty now, but it had been her home for years. She quickly changed, then grabbed her book and her dinner and settled in for the night. 

*** 

Brianna cursed her alarm clock as she threw on a pair of leggings and a dress. She’d overslept after staying up to read the ending of the book, and her alarm hadn’t gone off. 

Her bag, ticket, and purse sat next to her door, impatiently waiting to leave on their adventure. Brianna opened and closed cupboards to find anything she might have left behind to eat, but it was all packed and on its way to Idaho where it would stay in storage until she found a more permanent place to live.

With one more sweep of the studio, Brianna grabbed her things and left the first place she’d bought on her own. 

Horns honked and shouts erupted as people tried to get to their various destinations. Brianna held a hand out to flag down a taxi, wishing she’d had time to order a driver that wouldn’t cost a fortune. 

The airport was just as crazy as the
traffic coming out of the city. People were headed for spring break vacation by the look of their clothes. Part of her wished she was going to the beach like the others, but that could wait.

She had two flights before she reached her new home, and she couldn’t wait to get on the plane. She’d saved a few of her favorite novels for the flight.

 ***

Brianna yawned and stood to climb off the plane. This last flight was not her favorite, but at least it was short. Plus, she’d been able to finish the last of her books, so she couldn’t complain. 

She’d been told this airport was small, but she hadn’t been prepared for this. One or two gates and they walked off the plane onto the tarmac. But the views . . . bright blue skies with a few clouds, fields in the distance, and were those cows? Brianna grinned.

“Ms. Nielsen?” 

Brianna jumped and turned to find a man standing behind her wearing a cowboy hat and jeans. She cleared her throat. “Yes, that’s me.”

“I’m Thomas. I’m supposed to take you to the ranch. Did you get your luggage yet?”

“No, I just got off the plane. I don’t
even know where I’m supposed to pick it up.” Brianna’s head spun. 

Thomas gestured toward the building. “We can pick it up there.”

She followed him in and looked for her things. “Ah, there they are.”

Thomas raised his eyebrows. “This is all you brought? I thought you were moving here.”

Brianna laughed. “The rest is coming in a truck. I have what I need until then. I can shop if I need anything else.”

Thomas took her bag from her. “That
works.” 

They went out to a large black truck.
Brianna wasn’t short by any means, but it was still quite a step up to climb in. Thomas pulled out of the parking lot moments later and headed out of town.

Brianna stared out the windows as they passed businesses and more farms. This was supposed to be a bigger city in the area, but it was nothing like the city she’d just left.

“So, we don’t know much about you except that you’re taking over for Macey. Where’d you come from?”

“New York City. But I’m originally from Boston. I went to school at Columbia and stayed to teach.” Brianna tore her eyes from the scenery to glance over at him.

Thomas grinned. “It’s a lot different
here, isn’t it?”

She nodded. “It’s so open. And green. Are those potatoes?”

“No, that’s wheat.” Thomas pointed to an empty field where a tractor moved slowly down the rows. “Potatoes are still being planted so you won’t see them for a bit.”

Brianna blushed. “Oh. I guess my city is showing a little.” 

“Hey, we all have to learn sometime.”
Thomas turned a corner and took a dirt road toward a ranch in the distance. “So, what made you decide to leave the big city?”

“Teaching. I wanted to try a smaller
school after working in the city for so long, and when this job opened up, I
figured I’d apply. I just didn’t think I’d get it.” Brianna stared out at the
wide-open fields in front of her. She’d been surrounded by buildings for so long and here she felt . . . alone. But not in a bad way. She could actually
breathe. 

“Well, you picked the right small school. You’ll love it here.” Thomas turned onto another road where fields surrounded them. 

Brianna’s mouth fell open. Even when going to her family’s house in the country, it didn’t feel this open. There was nothing for miles except for the mountains in the distance.

Thomas turned on the radio found a station blasting country music. Not her style, but Thomas’ voice blended well with it.
Brianna leaned her head against the window and closed her eyes. It had been a long day, and she couldn’t wait to take a nap as soon as they got to the ranch.

They turned another corner and slowed a few minutes later. Brianna opened her eyes and held in a gasp as she stared out at the ranch in front of her. Barns, sheds, pens with pigs and cows, and a large ranch house were all she could see. She’d thought maybe Cottonwood Ranch
was a fancy name for some hotel or something. This was anything but that.

Thomas turned off the truck. “Welcome to our little piece of paradise. I need to do a few chores before I head home, so I can’t stay and chat. You can go inside and Angela will get you all set up.”

She nodded, only half-listening and pulled the truck door open. “Thanks, Thomas. It was nice to meet you.” 

Thomas pulled her bags out of the truck. “Good luck at the school. They’re great kids.”

He tipped his hat and headed toward the barn where several other guys stood around a tractor. One of the guys glanced up and met Brianna’s eyes. Her breath caught.

 It was that moment. 

The one where time stood still. 

Brianna figured it just happened in books and movies, but she was clearly wrong. Mr. Tall Guy’s hair ruffled in the wind and his grin was enough to send her heart racing. He slapped Thomas on the back
and laughed about something.

The screen door to the house slammed, making Brianna jump and whirl around. A tall woman with gray streaks in her brown hair stood there holding a watering can.