Follow a Wild Heart: A Christian Contemporary Western Romance Series by Natalie Bright (top reads .TXT) 📗

the side of her face and his thumb wiped the tear away. “I’m just the ranch hand. A dirty, rotten, tough cowboy is what my momma always said. I don’t have ambition to be anything else. But if I’m being honest, I have loved you from the first moment you climbed out of that truck with the Georgia license plates and started ordering me around.”

“You seemed furious with me that day. I had no idea you were interested. And then today, I saw the anger and hurt on your face when you looked at me. Why did you come to the Olsen’s today?”

“No matter how much I hated the thought of you and Nathan building a life together, there’s no way I’d miss a meal at the Olsen’s,” he said with a sheepish smile and shrugged.

Carli laughed. “Promise me one thing.”

“Anything,” he said as he reached for her hand.

“We have to communicate. No more conflict between us. But I might have to dock your pay for this latest stunt. Why would you climb on the back of a bronc again and risk life and limb?”

“It seemed no one cared if I lived or died. You and Nathan were starting a life together. When I’m on the back of a bronc I can forget. I only have to focus on that moment. It’s the rush.”

“Like I said, I might have to dock your pay for being so stupid.”

“Will there be a bonus since I’m dating the boss?”

“A bonus? What kind of bonus?”

Lank sat up in his hospital bed, a muscled arm pulled her closer. “This.” His lips covered hers, firm and demanding, and she was helpless to control the flutter in her heart and that tingle that spread through her like a heat wave reaching all the way to her toes.

When she finally came up for air, she mumbled, “I love you, Lank Torres.”

“I know you do, boss lady.”

Acknowledgments

Thanks to the cowboys and cowgirls, ranchers, farmers, and countless busy, hardworking folks who have crossed my path, both past and present, and who continue to inspire me. Their stories of joy, heartache, and unwavering faith prove that the human spirit undeniably endures.

Thanks to Lauren Bridges and the CKN Christian Publishing team for the opportunity. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

To my co-author Denise. There is no doubt in my mind that God sometimes steers us in new directions and places certain people in our path. Thanks for your creative spirit, dedication, and willingness to travel along this challenging and rewarding journey. Here’s to the work and words behind us and hoping there are many more to come.

- Natalie Bright

For the most part, writing is a solitary endeavor. But there are still many who contribute to the production of turning ideas into words, into stories, into books. Heartfelt thanks to: A holy and loving God for creating each of us with unique talents and for staying by our side; my wonderful co-author Natalie Bright for her expertise and treasured friendship; many friends connected with the Western Writers of America; Wolfpack Publishing and CKN Christian Publishing; and so many others.

Award-winning bronze sculptor Chris Navarro was the inspiration for characters in this book, Follow a Wild Heart, who are driven to follow their passion of creating art. At a young age, Navarro was eager to learn about sculpting, much like our character Nathan Olsen and his mentor. Please visit Navarro's website: https://www.chrisnavarro.com.

Another bronze sculptor, Deborah Copenhaver Fellows, was the inspiration in our first book in the Wild Cow Ranch series, Maverick Heart. The sculpture of the cowgirl that our character Carli Jameson loves so much is actually in the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia. Please see Deborah's website: https://www.fellowsstudios.com/deborah-fellows.html.

Amy Wilmoth Watts is another artist who follows her passion. In addition to her paintings appearing in a Santa Fe, New Mexico gallery, and the Booth Western Art Museum, she is a for-real cowgirl, a cattle rancher with her husband James in Statham, Georgia, and dog, cat, and horse mom. Amy has a heart as big as the planet for people and animals, and I am thankful to count her as my friend. See her art at: https://www.instagram.com/amy.watts.art/.

And be sure to visit the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, when you get the chance. https://boothmuseum.org.

Thank you, Dear Reader, for spending time with us on the Wild Cow Ranch.

- Denise F. McAllister

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Thank you.

Natalie Bright and Denise F. McAllister

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About Natalie Bright

With roots firmly planted in the Texas Panhandle, Natalie Bright grew up obsessed with the Wild West and making up stories. The small farming community where she lived gave her a belief in hard-working, genuine people and a firm