Chapter 1
I never thought I'd be back here. Not after graduating from the University of Houston, not after building a name for myself, and certainly not after becoming one of the most well-known animal doctors in the country. But here I am, standing at the edge of my family's ranch, the familiar scent of sun-warmed hay and leather wrapping around me like a memory I thought I'd left behind.
The Texas heat beats down relentlessly as I step out of my truck, my boots hitting the dry dirt with a soft crunch. It's been years since I last visited, years since I let myself think too much about the life I left behind. But when my brother called, asking—practically begging—for my help, I couldn't say no.
The family vet retired, and there was no one local to take his place yet. That's what I told myself, anyway. That I was here to help, not because some part of me missed this place more than I wanted to admit.
I adjust my sunglasses and grab my bag from the passenger seat, scanning the ranch. The horses graze lazily in the pasture, tails flicking at flies, and a few cattle roam beyond the fence line. It all looks the same, yet somehow different—like the past has been waiting for me to come back, daring me to step into it.
And then I see him.
Standing near the corral, shirtless under the hot afternoon sun, muscles flexing as he works to secure a fence post. His cowboy hat is pulled low, but I'd recognize him anywhere. My brother's best friend. The same man who used to tease me relentlessly when we were kids, who always seemed larger than life in my memories.
Only now, he's a man. And from the way he straightens, turning to face me with a slow, knowing smile, he recognizes me just as easily.
"Well, I'll be damned," he drawls, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "Look who finally decided to come home."
Well, if it isn't Jason," I drawled, crossing my arms as I gave him a slow once-over. "You've filled out."
His lips quirked into a smirk, his hazel eyes gleaming with amusement. "And you've got a sharp tongue, same as always." He wiped his hands on his jeans, the muscles in his forearms flexing as he did. "Didn't think we'd ever see you back here."
I shrugged, pretending like the past didn't weigh heavy on my chest. "Life's full of surprises."
Jason let out a low chuckle, tilting his head toward the barn. "Your 'good-for-nothing' brother is inside, probably pretending to work."
I rolled my eyes. "So, nothing's changed."
"Not much," he admitted, leaning against the fence. "Except maybe you. Fancy animal doctor now, huh?"
I smirked. "That's Dr. lee to you."
Jason let out a laugh, shaking his head. "Still got that fire. I'll bet your brother's gonna love having you boss him around."
"Oh, I plan to." I adjusted my bag and started toward the barn, tossing a glance over my shoulder. "Good seeing you, Jason."
He watched me go, his smirk softening just slightly. "Yeah. You too, Doc.
