Sunday Snippet: The It’s an Actual Snippet Today Edition

So, it’s been a week. Lots of editing work, a small amount of writing, and lots of yard work. My brain is tired and my old body is screaming at me, “WTH??” So today you get a real snippet from my upcoming novel, Forever Cowboy, which will be book 4 in the special Bad Boys of the Rodeo series that will be releasing each week all through September 2025 from Tule Publishing’s Montana Born imprint. Mine comes out September 25.

It’s been such a treat to participate in this special series with four other authors, Sinclair Jayne, Nicole Flockton, and Jeanie Watt. It’s my first time writing in Montana and my first time writing a cowboy and wow! Who knew it could be so dang much fun? So much fun, in fact, that I’m headed to Montana in July to check out all the gorgeousness, hopefully hit a rodeo and maybe, who knows…meet a real cowboy or two!

Here we go, Beth Dykeman has arrived in Montana from River’s Edge, believing she’s headed for a lovely long spa weekend … um, not so much …

The guy was mostly quiet on the ride through the foothills, although he occasionally commented about scenery or sights. “That’s Copper Mountain.” He pointed to a mountain peak that rose majestically above the highway. “Miracle Lake is just down there,” and he indicated a turn-off to their … east or west? Beth wasn’t sure what direction they were actually headed, south, she thought. “Gallaghers’ Christmas tree farm.” He lifted his chin toward a road sign. Town of Marietta’s down there.” But he zoomed right past it, driving farther south in the foothills.

Beth was surprised because she was under the impression that Aspen Springs Resort and Spa was right on the outskirts of a town, the name of which currently eluded her. Was it Marietta? Maybe … although she thought it started with an L. Littleton? No, that was in Colorado. “I thought the ranch was right outside of town.” She turned in her seat to see the back of the sign that pointed to the town she’d seen on a map when she’d Googled Aspen Springs Guest Ranch and Spa when she’d bought her tickets and made her reservations.

“No, it’s another twelve miles south and east.”

“Aspen Springs, right?”

“Yep.” He side-eyed her. “Seems like you have a pretty small bag—did you read the list on the website that recommends jeans and layers like sweatshirts or long-sleeved shirts and an insulated vest? Do you have boots in that suitcase back there. Heavy socks? A hat?”

Beth’s heart stuttered and for a second she forgot to breathe. She had packed for an extended weekend at a spa—comfortable yoga pants like the ones she had on, capri leggings, tunic tops, a couple of cute sundresses, and pjs. Finally in a voice so squeaky she didn’t even recognize it as her own, she said, “Jeans? Boots? What kind of hat?”

He tapped the brim of his cowboy hat. “You know, a hat. For wearing when you ride. You’ll want one, the sun can get hot during roundup. Most guests bring their own, but there might a few left in the gift shop. Mostly, though, it’s logo T-shirts, hoodies—stuff like that. A few mugs and magnets, and some real nice pottery and moccasins that Marie orders from a tribe over near Lame Deer.”

It was the most he’d said since they’d left the airport, but Beth was so bewildered that his words barely registered. She dug in her purse for her phone, tried to google Aspen Springs, but realized she had no service. “Dammit,” she muttered and opened her window, even though she knew that wouldn’t add bars to her screen.

It did bring in the crisp scent of the spruce and junipers that grew in the forest bordering the two-lane highway. Beth breathed it in as she tried to assemble her jumbled thoughts into some kind of order. “I don’t ride,” was the only thing she could think of to say, but then amended, “I-I mean I haven’t been on a horse in over twenty years. I packed books and my journal, a couple of swimsuits, and clothes to be comfortable in. My plan is to sit by the pool and read and enjoy as many of the spa services as I can.” She dropped her head back and closed her eyes. “God knows I need this,” she murmured more to herself than to Del Foster.

Suddenly, Del swerved to an overlook on the side of the highway, shifted into Park, and turned off the engine. Squinting at her in the sunlight filtering through the trees, he asked, “Ma’am, where exactly do you think you’re going?”

Startled, Beth moved a little closer to the door and the armrest jabbed her in the small of her back. “Aspen Springs Resort and Spa?”

He tugged his hat low on his brow and heaved a huge sigh. “Well, sh— er, um, dang it.”

Beth’s heart sank to her canvas espadrilles. “I’m not in the right place, am I?”

He rubbed both hands over his bristly face, then leaned one elbow on the bottom of the steering wheel. “Doesn’t appear so. Hang on.”

So … from River’s Edge to Montana, Beth’s on her way to a totally unexpected adventure. Maybe it will change her life forever …

Gratitude for This Week: Getting lots of yard work taken care of for spring; Time with my kids; a new editing client; a dear friend came through a tough surgery with flying colors; Mother’s Day flowers are still gorgeous; and the primroses and daisies are blooming!

Stay well, stay vigilant and speak up when you can, always choose kindness, and most all, mes amis, stay grateful!