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      This novel is dedicated to

      Farzaneh Banki, M.D.

      Thank you so much for taking such special care of me

      during the most difficult time in my life.

      Allowing God to work through you and your gifted hands

      saved my life. I will always be grateful to the

      wonderful person and physician you are.

      God Bless You Always

      Chapter 1

      Pride filled Zaire Kingdom as he sat atop powerful Thunder, one of the most beautiful palominos out of his stable of numerous horses. His golden brown eyes stared down at the magnificent ranch below, as the orange sun slowly descended. The vast acreage where hilly land masses and skies appeared to meet was a sight to behold. The view from the highest ridge on the Brownsville, Texas, property was breathtaking. This was his home.

      Several of the nine beautiful lakes on Whispering Lakes Ranch offered great fishing experiences, one of Zaire’s favorite pastimes. The entire place was a relaxation haven for the successful corporate cowboy and his host of family members.

      Zaire’s eyes suddenly zeroed in on a car pulled off to the side of the road leading up to the main building where guests registered to check into the log cabin–style guest cottages. Spotting a slender figure standing next to the auto, it appeared to be a woman, but he was too far away to be certain. Why the driver had pulled over was his main concern. Guests didn’t normally check in this late in the day. He wondered if the car or possibly the driver was in distress. Either way, help was on the way.

      Pulling gently on the reins, turning Thunder around, Zaire headed in the direction of the automobile. With the horse’s hoofs flying across the familiar terrain, Zaire felt totally relaxed in the saddle, loving the feel of the wind. Out of the many entertainment venues offered at the ranch, he loved riding his horses and teaching his guests how to ride.

      Stopping Thunder a couple of feet away from the car, Zaire dismounted. Tethering the reins to a nearby fence, he walked over to where a young woman leaned against the driver’s door of a late-model Toyota convertible. An expression of total bewilderment was etched on her pretty face. “Is everything okay, Ma’am?”

      Embarrassment flashing in her sparkling chocolate brown eyes, China Braxton looked up at Zaire. “Would you believe I’m lost?”

      “That’s not so hard to believe.” Zaire chuckled. “Where you headed?”

      “Whispering Lakes Ranch. I have reservations there. Think you can point a lost city girl in the right direction?”

      Zaire grinned. “You’re already on the ranch.” He pointed ahead. “Another mile or so up the road is the registration building. I’ll lead the way on horseback.”

      China sighed with relief. “That’s so kind. Are you a guest, too?”

      “You could say that.” He was a permanent guest, but she’d find it out in due time.

      “My dad told me a lot about this place. I hope it lives up to all his hype. By the way, I’m China Braxton.” Looking over at the horse, she wished she had the nerve to stroke it. Being intimidated by such a powerful, beautiful animal made her feel silly.

      “I’m Zaire Kingdom, Ma’am.” He gave her a warm smile. “Ready?”

      “Lead the way.”

      Waiting until China was buckled up, Zaire mounted Thunder. Settling into a moderately paced gallop, he rode toward the main building. The area would be well lit in another couple of yards. She would’ve seen the huge neon sign welcoming guests to the property had she continued on. He gave thought to adding an additional mile or two of lights to the route, yet no previous problems with lighting had been reported.

      Even though Thunder wouldn’t stray far from its owner, Zaire tethered his horse. Bred, born and raised on this land, Thunder knew every square inch of the entire ranch.

      China looked toward the massive A-frame structure. Turning around, she faced Zaire. “Impressive piece of architecture! Wish I’d gotten here a long time ago. I stopped in town ‘cause I can’t resist browsing quaint little gift shops. Billboard advertisings are posted everywhere. Do you think someone’s inside to check me in?”

      He gave an assuring smile. “Don’t worry. You’ll be checked in. Come with me.”

      China lifted an eyebrow. “You seem to know the ropes around here.”

      “You could say that,” he answered.

      China

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