Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Rough Terrain (Small Town Second Chance Romance)
    Rough Terrain (Small Town Second Chance Romance)
    Rough Terrain (Small Town Second Chance Romance)
    Ebook251 pages3 hours

    Rough Terrain (Small Town Second Chance Romance)

    By Cheryl Douglas

    4.5/5

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    Wes Davis left Vista Falls when the girl he loved got pregnant and decided they were too young and irresponsible to be parents. He signed the adoption papers, but he never stopped loving the baby he’d never met. Years passed, success found him, but there was a hole in his heart and life that he knew only one thing could fill. His son.
    Sage Breville was stunned to learn her ex-boyfriend was back in town. With him came a rush of memories and questions about the kind of life they could have had if she’d been brave enough to stand up to her parents years ago and raise the child she’d so desperately wanted with the man she loved.
    There were some wounds time couldn’t heal, and Sage was convinced there was no way back for them. But did Wes see it her way or was he ready to forgive... and move on?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherCheryl Douglas
    Release dateMay 25, 2016
    ISBN9781311235077
    Rough Terrain (Small Town Second Chance Romance)
    Author

    Cheryl Douglas

    Cheryl Douglas is a USA Today bestselling author who kicks back in the country, surrounded by farm land and nature. Her life revolves around family, country music, travel, caffeine, chocolate, and deadlines.Visit Cheryl at www.authorcheryldouglas.com

    Read more from Cheryl Douglas

    Related to Rough Terrain (Small Town Second Chance Romance)

    Related ebooks

    Contemporary Romance For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      My Friend, Mitzi

      Jul 16, 2021

      My Friend, Mitzi
      5 min read

    • Article

      Famous People

      Mar 1, 2022

      Famous People
      15 min read

    • Article

      Makes What Me, Me?

      Apr 14, 2022

      Makes What Me, Me?
      9 min read

    • Article

      What Makes Me, Me?

      Apr 14, 2022

      What Makes Me, Me?
      9 min read

    • Article

      Makes What Me, Me?

      Apr 14, 2022

      Makes What Me, Me?
      9 min read

    • Article

      It Takes Blood And Guts

      Nov 21, 2020

      I’m sitting on Skin’s terrace in Ibiza, soaking up the late summer sunshine via the magic of the internet. It’s the closest I’ve come to travel since the start of the panny danny and looking out my window at the dark Edinburgh sky, I’ll take all the

      6 min read

    • Article

      Monster

      Dec 1, 2022

      Monster
      7 min read

    • Article

      ‘I Just Had To Do Better’

      Mar 18, 2024

      ‘I Just Had To Do Better’
      7 min read

    • Article

      The Tomorrow Man

      Mar 10, 2022

      As a Boston-based psychoanalyst, I have met a number of interesting people. There was Marshall who believed that the world was about to be attacked by alien spores. Carson, who was convinced she had been impregnated by the president of the United Sta

      12 min read

    • Article

      Hanging Tough

      Nov 21, 2021

      Hanging Tough
      8 min read

    • Article

      The Girl NEXT DOOR

      Jan 13, 2021

      The Girl NEXT DOOR
      6 min read

    • Article

      Where the HEART IS

      Dec 20, 2022

      Where the HEART IS
      4 min read

    • Article

      “I Indulged In Forgiveness”

      Oct 9, 2019

      “I Indulged In Forgiveness”
      7 min read

    • Article

      In Defense Of The Harvest

      Nov 10, 2021

      I know what you will all be thinking. It is true that I was asked to write this story by members of the current government. A government pertaining of a few politicians, lawmakers, and others who are currently subject to public scrutiny as possibly b

      10 min read

    • Article

      Bad Romance

      Nov 10, 2019

      Bad Romance
      2 min read

    • Article

      SHORT STORY by MARGARET ATWOOD

      Mar 22, 2023

      SHORT STORY by MARGARET ATWOOD
      7 min read

    Related categories

    Reviews for Rough Terrain (Small Town Second Chance Romance)

    4.5/5

    15 ratings0 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

      Book preview

      Rough Terrain (Small Town Second Chance Romance) - Cheryl Douglas

      Chapter 1

      Wes Davis stared across the big mahogany desk at his lifelong friend and business partner and said the words that had been haunting him for fifteen long years. I want to go home, man.

      Home for them meant a small town where people called their neighbors friends and didn’t feel the need to lock their doors. It held a lot of good memories, and a lot of bad, thanks to the one girl who’d changed the course of his life with just a few words.

      You want to go home? Colt stared at him, looking stunned. For what, a visit? Sure, take as much time as you need. I know it’s been rough on your family since your dad passed.

      John Davis had been Wes’s rock growing up, the one who encouraged him to drop out of college and start his own business, and without his guidance, nothing made sense in Wes’s life anymore.

      The business he’d once loved, borne of his passion for hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors, didn’t even fuel him with the desire to get out of bed anymore.

      I’ve been running too long. Colt was one of the few people in the world who would understand that statement, without needing an explanation. He should. He’d been running too. It’s time to go back and face my past. Make things right with Sage.

      Sage was the girl who shattered his world when she told him she was pregnant in one breath and in the next announced she planned to give their son up for adoption.

      Sure, they’d only been eighteen at the time. It was the summer before college and they were both excited about their future. But with those two little words, I’m pregnant, Wes’s priorities shifted. He wanted to be a father. But he never got the chance. Before he knew what hit him, Sage’s father was making demands, siccing lawyers on him, shoving legal papers in his face, and making threats about bringing down Wes’s whole family if he didn’t agree to his terms.

      Come on now, man. It’s been a long time. Sage’s probably gotten on with her life, just like you need to do.

      Wes laced his hands behind his head as his eyes drifted to the family photo on his desk. It was the last one taken before his father died. Losing my dad reminded me what really matters. He didn’t raise me to be a coward, but that’s what I’ve been. I’ve got a kid out there I don’t even know. How the hell am I supposed to live with that?

      Colt sighed, sinking back in the leather chair across from Wes. You don’t talk about it, but I know that’s got to be eating at you.

      You have no idea. There were days when it took all of Wes’s self-control to keep him from picking up the phone to call his lawyer, or a private detective, the adoption agency, someone who could put him in touch with his son.

      It was an open adoption, Colt reminded him. If he wanted to reach out to you, he could.

      Maybe he thinks I don’t want him in my life. That was the part that hurt Wes the most, the thought that his son could believe he’d abandoned him. He probably thinks I’m a selfish, irresponsible bastard who—

      Don’t do that, Colt said, shaking his head. Don’t put words in the kid’s mouth, Wes. You don’t know what he’s thinking or how he’s feeling.

      No, but I need to find out. I have to meet him. Wes knew none of the pieces of his life could fall back in to place until he made peace with his past.

      Fine, but how will going back home help make that happen?

      I left there because I couldn’t stand the thought of running into Sage and her family every time I turned around.

      I know, but—

      A lot of time has passed. I’m not going to lie. It still hurts like hell to think she didn’t want me to be the father of her child, but she was just a kid then. Same as me. Can I really hold her responsible for buckling under the pressure from her family? You know what her old man was like.

      A real hard ass from what I remember, Colt said, rolling his eyes. But what do you hope to gain from seeing Sage again?

      Maybe she wants the same thing I do, to meet our son. Wes imagined taking that step with Sage, them meeting their son together for the first time, trying to explain to him that giving him up had been the hardest thing they’d ever done.

      How do you know she hasn’t already met him? Colt asked. Just because he hasn’t reached out to you doesn’t mean he hasn’t reached out to Sage.

      Wes knew his friend was only trying to help by preparing him for all possible scenarios, but right now he wasn’t helping. He was only making him question everything all over again. Either way, don’t you think I need to know?

      I guess so, Colt said, shrugging. Okay, so how long will you be gone?

      Wes was most concerned about the next part of the plan, trying to convince his partner that going home was not only the right decision for him, but for their business. Don’t you ever think about going back? For good, I mean?

      Colt scraped his hands over his face, looking bone-tired. Where the hell is all this coming from?

      Isn’t that where the business was really born? Out there on the water when we were barely teenagers, trolling around the lake in that shitty little boat, talking about how cool it would be if we could do that all day, every day?

      Yeah sure, but we are living the dream. He threw his hands up in the air, gesturing to Wes’s spacious office. Look around you. We couldn’t ask for any more, could we? Thirty-nine stores across the country, catering to hunters and fisherman who are as passionate as we are.

      Vista Falls has fallen on hard times in recent years, he said, referring to their hometown. Moving our operation there could mean jobs for a lot of people. Folks we used to consider family.

      What about our employees here? Colt asked, looking frustrated. Don’t we owe them? They’ve been loyal to us since day one, helping us grow and work out the kinks. Have you thought about what it would do to them if we moved half-way across the country?

      I have. That was the only thing that prevented Wes from suggesting this idea to his friend years ago. I’ve spoken to a few key people in our organization, looked at ways we could re-structure so job loss here will be minimized.

      Are you listening to yourself right now? Colt asked, raking his hands through his cropped dark hair. You’re talking like this is a done deal. We’re fifty-fifty partners, remember? That means I get an equal say.

      I know that. They’d been fortunate in their partnership, always agreeing about major decisions and the direction of the company. This was the first major road block they’d hit in the thirteen years since the inception of their business. That’s why I’m coming to you now, so we can work this out.

      Well, you tell me how we’re gonna do that.

      We could offer everyone the option to transfer to the new headquarters. Though Wes knew it was unlikely most people would uproot their lives and families for the sake of a job. Our online business is strong. We’ve been talking about expanding. We could find homes for some people in that area.

      Sounds like you’ve thought about this from all angles, Colt said, shaking his head. I can’t believe this is the first I’m hearing about it.

      Wes understood his friend’s confusion, even his sense of betrayal that he’d been considering this idea for so long before talking to him about it, but he wouldn’t be pushing for this if he didn’t believe it was the best thing for Colt too.

      How long have you been telling me you’re getting tired of the rat-race… that you’d love to slow down and get back to basics? Their head office was in Houston, and as much as they loved the city, they missed the simplicity of small town life.

      Having a flagship store in a town the size of Vista Falls doesn’t even make sense, man.

      He’d already considered that and knew his partner was right. Vista Falls didn’t have the population to support a huge store. So our flagship stores remains here. We can open a smaller store in Vista Falls. We know the need exists. There are more avid outdoorsman there than anywhere and they have to drive damn near an hour when they want to buy their gear, or order it online. But we all know you can’t buy guns and shit online. You need to hold it in your hands, get a feel for it—

      Yeah, yeah, you’re preaching to the choir, Colt said, raising his hands on a sigh.

      Wes knew his friend’s reasons for wanting to stay away were as good as his reasons for wanting to go back, but he’d been watching Colt wrestle with his past for years, claiming he didn’t need his family in his life. But one bad relationship after another proved that his childhood continued to haunt him, making the stability he claimed to want damn near impossible.

      What are you afraid of? Wes asked, quietly. Facing your old man again?

      Colt’s dad had been a raging drunk while they were growing up, often taking his anger out on his wife and kids. Colt left town first chance he got, but his mother and siblings stayed. Alzheimer’s finally got the best of his dad and Colt now foot the bill for his round the clock care at a facility just outside of town.

      He probably won’t even remember me, Colt said, his face an impassive mask. Which just might be for the best.

      But you remember every shitty thing he did to you, your mom, brother and sister. You’ve cut them out of your life too. Is that fair?

      They rarely talked about Colt’s family, mainly because Wes felt guilty that his father had been the kind of man his best friend deserved as a parent.

      Dude, sometimes you just need to leave all that behind, start over. That’s what I’ve been trying to do.

      How’s that been working out for you?

      Wes thought of the girlfriend Colt had recently broken up with. They couldn’t have been more different. She’d rather spend an afternoon at the salon than on the water. She hated Colt’s cabin, turned her nose up at camo, and wouldn’t get in his pick-up truck until it had been washed and waxed.

      Just because you want to take a trip down memory lane doesn’t mean I do.

      You’re thinking about Gabrielle now, aren’t you?

      Gabrielle was Colt’s high school girlfriend and Sage’s best friend. The four of them had been inseparable for three long years, until Sage’s pregnancy drove them apart. Gabby sided with her best friend. Colt sided with Wes. And the rift gave Colt the excuse he needed to get the hell out of town.

      Are you kidding? I haven’t thought about that girl in years. Their eyes met and Wes would have bet every last dime he had that his best friend was lying through his teeth. Just because you haven’t been able to leave the past behind, doesn’t mean I haven’t.

      So you’ve never looked her up, huh? Wes asked, sliding a pen through his fingers. No idea whether she’s got a husband or kids?

      What makes you think I’d even care? That was a lifetime ago. I’ve had a hundred girlfriends since then.

      Yeah, and you’ve never loved one of them the way you did Gabby.

      Colt swallowed, glancing out the expansive window that looked out on the forest behind their building. It’s all water under the bridge now. We can’t go back and re-write history, Wes.

      No, we can’t. But we can make things right with the people we hurt.

      Colt glared at him. I left home for you, because you couldn’t stand to be there anymore. And now you’re trying to drag me back, claiming I’ve got unfinished business with my family… and some chick I haven’t thought about in over a decade?

      Then you won’t care that Gabby’s married. Wes watched the color drain from his partner’s face, confirming his belief that Colt was living in denial.

      She is?

      You really haven’t looked her up on social media? Apparently not. If he had, he would have seen the photos of Gabby with her husband: hunting, fishing, camping, doing all of the things she used to love to do with Colt. Maybe it was for the best. No matter what he claimed, Wes knew seeing those pictures would sting.

      No. You have?

      She friended me on Facebook a while back, so I see her posts from time to time.

      And?

      Married. No kids.

      Colt sucked in a sharp breath, looking pained. Good for her. I’m happy she found someone. He looked Wes in the eye. Anyone we know?

      Wes shook his head. No, he moved to town after we left.

      Colt rubbed his eyes, letting his hands cover his face. And you really think I’d want to go back there so I could see my ex with her new man every time I turn around?

      I’m not sure he’ll be her man for much longer.

      What are you talking about?

      She sent me a private message last week, asked how we were. Wes watched his friend closely, half-expecting him to get up and walk out so he didn’t have to hear the rest. We went back and forth a bit before she told me that her husband got a job offer out of state.

      Is she going with him?

      Doesn’t look like it. It seems they’ve been having problems for a while now.

      What did she tell you about Sage? Colt asked. And don’t tell me you didn’t ask about her ‘cause I know you better than that.

      Her dad had a stroke a few months ago. She’s taken over his car dealership.

      Huh. A ghost of a smile played across his lips. She must hate that. Even in high school, she didn’t want to work there.

      Yeah, well I guess she doesn’t have much of a choice. Her brother’s in medical school and we all know her mama’s never worked a day in her life. Wes tried to keep the bitterness out of his voice, but it wasn’t easy. Sage’s parents had always looked down on him because his family had been honest, hard-working laborers, while they enjoyed the benefits of inheriting the only car dealership in town.

      I need time to think about this.

      You got it. At the end of the day, the business and their friendship came first. It was the only thing that had gotten Wes through the past decade and a half and he wouldn’t do anything to put it at risk. Just don’t take too long.

      Wes had already lost too many years with his son and he didn’t want to waste another day.

      Chapter 2

      It had been a hell of a long time since Wes set foot in Rusty’s bar. He’d been barely out of his teens with a penchant for trouble then. Now he was a grown-ass man… on a mission.

      Well, I’ll be damned, Rusty said, chuckling. Look what the cat done dragged in, Bernie.

      Rusty’s thick red hair was a little thinner and greyer than Wes remembered, his beer belly was a little bigger, his faded jeans sitting just a little lower, but he could have picked his father’s old friend out of a crowd any day.

      Good to see you, buddy, he said, shaking Rusty’s hand before leaning over the bar to kiss Rusty’s wife’s cheek. Bernice. You’re prettier than ever.

      She laughed, slapping his arm. You silver-tongued devil. What took you so long to show your face around here? Just ‘cause you’re some bigshot now, you ain’t got time for us little people anymore?

      You know that ain’t true. His eyes scanned the bar, settling on the real reason for his visit. It was nice to see his old family friends, but it was knowing that his ex-girlfriend was there that prompted him to leave work early.

      I’d have been here sooner. Just been so damn busy settin’ up shop.

      Between the time it had taken to convince Colt it was the right call, and working out the logistics, it had been a year since Wes got the ball rolling on the plan to re-locate their business. A year of planning what he would say to Sage when their paths finally crossed again.

      Tonight was the night.

      I hope you know how proud your dad was, Rusty said, his green eyes filling with tears. He talked about you all the time.

      Losing his father had been hard, but Wes was grateful every day that his dad had lived long enough to see him realize his dream. He’s the reason I do what I do, Rusty. You know that. If Dad hadn’t gotten me into hunting and fishing as a kid, who knows where I’d be. I sure as hell wouldn’t be running this company.

      Wes’s passion for the outdoors led him and Colt to drop out of a college and start a small retail shop for the outdoorsman. That led to a second store, then a third. He blinked and before he knew it they had almost forty stores throughout the states.

      I’ll catch up with you later, sugar, Bernice said, with a wink. We’re down a waitress tonight, so that means I gotta hustle.

      I guess I don’t have to ask why you’re back, Rusty said, smiling. You always did have a thing for that girl.

      It’s been a long time, Wes said, watching Sage chatting up the same girlfriends she’d had when they dated. A lot’s changed since then.

      This the first time you’ve seen her since you been back? Rusty asked, setting a bottle of Wes’s favorite beer on the counter. It was his old man’s favorite too. Wes was sure that was the only reason Rusty remembered.

      Yeah.

      I gotta say, I was shocked you guys decided to move your head office here, Rusty said, chuckling. It’s sure been good for the local economy, giving our folks jobs, but wouldn’t you be better off in a big city?

      We’ve been in a big city a long time. He looked around the local watering hole, thinking it hadn’t changed much since he left. It was time to come back home.

      Time to come back to her? Rusty asked, nodding his head in Sage’s direction.

      What’s she been up to since I left? Wes had always been curious, but he’d never had the guts to look her up on social media, in case he found a barrage of pictures of her with a smiling husband and kids.

      You know her daddy had a stroke a while back, right?

      Yeah, I heard about that. She’s still running her family’s dealership?

      She sure is. He smiled, his eyes softening when he looked at Sage. You know she’s a good girl. She’ll always try to do right by her family, but rumor has it her daddy left her with a real mess to clean up.

      Wes remembered a time when Sage’s old man told him he wasn’t fit to spit-shine his baby girl’s shoes, let alone father her child. Apparently Mr. Breville had fallen on hard times while Wes had been busting his ass to feel worthy of the girl he left behind.

      That can’t be easy. He watched Sage cross the crowded bar on her way to the

      Enjoying the preview?
      Page 1 of 1