Spirit of Love

By Darla Vasilas

“Spirit of Love” is a sequel to the book, “Spirit of the Law”. When Peggy Harris’ new love, Deputy Corey Hansen, was killed in the line of duty, he came back as a ghost. He was determined to help the Marshal capture the leader of the rustling gang that caused his demise. He also came back to protect Peggy. She has been using her passion, and instinct, for training horses to escape her loss. Now, he wants her to find a new love. Will it be the son of a nearby rancher, the young cavalry lieutenant, or, perhaps, someone else?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781664123557

Darla Vasilas

"I was raised in a small West Virginia town. After working part-time for a couple of years, then a couple of years in college, I joined the military serving as a US Navy Corpsman. Afterwards, I worked as an administrative assistant for a Government contractor, then in the construction industry. Now, at 70 years old, I am retired and enjoy doing things for which I have a passion...writing, artwork and ghost hunting. I may not be able to get around as fast as my younger teammates, but I love what I do, and that's what counts."

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Spirit of Love

By

Darla Vasilas

Copyright © 2020 by Darla Vasilas.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 08/27/2020

Xlibris

844-714-8691

www.Xlibris.com

816435

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

List of Characters

Prologue

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

Epilog

Acknowledgments

First, I want to thank Dorothy Eckert for her editorial assistance and for keeping me on the right track. And thanks to my husband, Stephen, for sketching the wedding dress and letting me bounce ideas off him. I also want to thank my brother-in-law, R. Seth Mann, Esq., for his guidance with the legal issues encountered within the storyline. And a special thanks to my niece, Sarah Mann, for agreeing to let me use her as my model for Peggy on the cover. Also, thanks to Dustin Springer for allowing me to use him in one of the photos.

List of Characters

Prologue

It had been a little over a year since Rio Madre’s deputy marshal, Corey Hansen, had died. Peggy Harris had thrown herself into working with her horses. They had known each other since grade school; but hadn’t started seeing each other romantically until it was almost too late. Although her romance with Corey had been brief, she knew that, deep inside, she had loved him very much. There had been something about him, something pure and honest. She couldn’t stop thinking about him. Actually, there were times that she could almost feel him with her, especially when she was working with Sunny, his palomino horse. Corey’s last request had been to make sure that Sunny would be given to her, and that she be told how special she was to him. At the time, Corey hadn’t known that, although his physical body would be buried in the town cemetery, his spirit would remain in Rio Madre. He was Bill Raines’s deputy, and he intended to keep his job, which included bringing down the leader of the band of rustlers responsible for his demise. Bill’s new deputy, Danny Wilde, was good at the job, but Corey was always there when they needed him. Danny had been a part of the rustler band. Then when Marshal Raines and the posse caught up with the band, he surrendered immediately. Later, while in jail, he saved the marshal’s life twice. He was given a one-year suspended sentence and parole into Bill’s custody. Bill decided that the best way to keep an eye on him was to make him a deputy. And with Corey still there, he had a pretty great team. Besides, who could be a better undercover operator than a ghost? So far, they were the only people that could actually see him other than Bill’s wife, Sally.

Corey now divided his time between the town and the Harris ranch, especially when Peggy was working with the horses. Although she didn’t know he was there, he couldn’t help watching out for her from the far side of the barn. He didn’t want the other horses to sense his presence and spook them, but Sunny knew when he was there and would always stand beside him, relishing the familiar scratches behind his ear he received.

I always knew she seemed to understand horses, Sunny, but what she has been doing lately … it’s beyond me. Sunny softly nickered and bobbed his head. So I guess you have known it all along? Again, Sunny bobbed his head as Corey smiled and gave the horse’s neck a big hug.

1

It was late September and today, Peggy’s long blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail braid as she walked around the corral with a two-year-old sorrel colt on a lunge line. She was wearing pants, a denim shirt, and a leather vest. Her father, Ken, walked up to the corral and stood there watching her for several minutes. He’s looking good, he called out to her.

Thanks, Dad, she replied. He’s responding better each day. By the time he’s ready for the cavalry delivery in the spring, they won’t have to do any training at all.

She led the horse over to where her father was leaning on the railing. Ken climbed between the rails and began to closely examine the colt.

I am going to start working with him carrying weight on his back in a couple of weeks, she said. Ken looked at her sharply. No, Papa, I’m just going to put a light saddle and blankets on him, then work it up to a regular saddle and a person’s weight when he’s ready. The final phase will include getting him used to the sound of gunfire and loud noises. When this training is complete, he will be ready for the final stage of training … combat moves.

Is that going to be the premise for all the horses in the delivery?

Yes. I think so. We’ve got plenty of time before the delivery, almost six months. Ben and Kevan have been great helpers when they’ve had the time. But I still don’t see why we can’t have twenty horses trained and ready by then.

Peggy, I know we have talked about this before—Ken turned to her as he placed his arm across the horse’s withers—but are you sure you want to do this? It’s not going to leave much time for a personal life.

I know that, Dad. I’m just not interested in seeing anyone right now.

Corey wouldn’t want you to feel this way …

I don’t care … It’s the way I want it. Besides, I like what I’m doing. I know it sounds strange, but I can feel how they feel. Sometimes, it seems like I know what they’re thinking.

When did you figure out you had this gift? Was it when you started working with Sunny?

No! I’ve known for a long time. Firefly and I have always been able to talk to each other.

She turned away, leading the colt back to the adjoining corral where she removed the halter and put it on a bay filly, and led her back to the training corral. I’m sorry, Papa, but I want to work with this filly and then the black colt before supper.

OK, honey. He hesitated for a moment. By the way, Steve was over at the Wyatt place today. He invited Roy and Doug to supper tomorrow.

So?

I just thought you might want to think about wearing something besides pants for a change. I don’t think I’ve seen you in a dress in the last six months.

Have you ever tried to train horses in a dress? It doesn’t work.

I just meant …

I KNOW what you meant. I’ll think about it.

She turned and began giving her full attention to the filly. With nothing else he could do right then, Ken turned and headed back into the house.

*     *     *

Late the next afternoon, Roy and Doug Wyatt rode up to the Harris house. Steve had been leaning on the holding corral, watching the horses as they walked around and fed on the hay that had been put out for them. He was twenty-one years old, six feet two inches, with black hair and brown eyes. He had been working on the ranch since he was able to walk and had built a well-sculptured frame, and since then, he had decided that he was going to be Peggy’s protector. And if matchmaking was a part of it, he could do that too. He turned as he heard the other horses approaching and walked over to meet his friends. Hi, Doug, Mr. Wyatt, he said as he extended his hand.

Hello, Steve. Thanks for inviting us over, Roy said, shaking his hand.

Come on. Let’s go inside, Steve said and motioned for them to follow him into the house. I think Carmen prepared a small feast for you today.

Nothing against our housekeeper, but Carmen’s cooking … you are one lucky family, that’s for sure, Roy said, slapping Steve on the shoulder as they walked through the door. The aroma of the roast beef almost grabbed them and pulled them into the dining room, but Steve led the two into the living room where Ken was pouring drinks for all of them.

Where’s Peggy? Doug asked as he took the glass Ken offered to him. He was twenty-two with sandy-colored hair and green eyes. And at six feet tall, he was a man with whom any woman would be proud to call a friend, if not more.

She was out working with the horses all day, Ken replied. She should be down in a few minutes.

Steve’s been telling us about her work. Do you think that’s wise? Roy asked him, not sure if it was a sensitive subject or not.

She’s really submerged herself in it since Corey’s death, Steve answered him.

I hadn’t realized they were that close.

I don’t think she realized it until it was too late. Ken couldn’t help glancing up the stairs toward her room. When it finally hit her … well, it seems like she tried to find something else … anything else to take her mind off it.

You have to give it to her though, Dad. She knows what she’s doing. I don’t know exactly how, but she has a feeling for the horses. She can almost talk to them … Hell, I think she does talk to them. I’ve watched her. One of them will start acting up, and she will walk over to it and start talking. Minutes later, she has the animal eating out of her hand, literally and physically.

That is a real gift, Ken. Better be careful … I just might try to get her to come to work for me. He chuckled then turned when he heard someone behind him.

Thank you, Mr. Wyatt. I’ll keep that in mind. Peggy stood there with a raised eyebrow. She was wearing a white long-sleeved blouse and black skirt, and her hair was loose but pulled behind her ears with a white ribbon. She walked over to Steve and whispered, Thanks, brother. Just maybe, you’re not as bad as I thought!

Steve almost choked on his drink and quickly sat the glass down on the coffee table, causing the other men to start snickering.

Supper is ready, Mr. Harris, Carmen said as she stood in the doorway. She then turned and went back toward the dining room. Carmen Ortega was thirty-five years old with coal-black hair and eyes. She had been widowed three years earlier when her husband, Diego, one of Ken’s ranch hands, had been killed during a stampede.

Ken hadn’t wanted her to have to make it on her own. So believing that Peggy would be finding her own beau and leaving the ranch in a couple of years, he asked her to become their housekeeper. Besides, he felt it was only proper that Peggy has someone in the house that she could talk to about female things.

The small group quickly followed her and proceeded to dine on a sumptuous meal of roast beef, baked potatoes, green vegetables, freshly baked bread, and apple pie for dessert. When the meal was finished, the men again gathered in the living room for coffee, or maybe something stronger as desired. Peggy immediately began to help Carmen clear the table.

Miss Peggy … I can do this …, Carmen said as she took a stance in the doorway to the kitchen. You get out there and keep those men in line. She grinned. Especially that young one, Mister Doug … He’s a fine-looking man.

Carmen! I’m surprised at you.

We women have to stick together. Now … get yourself out there and … mingle.

I do not mingle!

You don’t know what you can do until you try … Now, shoo … shoo! Carmen took her by the arm, pointed her toward the living room, and gave her a little swat on the backside.

Hey! Peggy yelped then, smiling, headed out to join the others. The men all stood as she came into the room. Oh, please … sit, sit. It seems like I have been banished from the kitchen, so I guess you’re going to have to put up with me.

I couldn’t think of anything nicer, Doug said as he offered her a glass of wine.

Why, thank you, kind sir. She took the glass and sat down in a chair near the fireplace as he sat in the chair across from her.

I’m really interested in what I’ve heard about you and your horses. Do you have any tips that I could use at our place?

Why thank you, Doug. It’s nice to have someone that appreciates what I have been doing. She glanced at her father. I don’t know how I do it. It just seems like I understand how they feel … how they think.

I’ve heard about men that have that ability. He saw her slightly stiffen. I don’t mean anything negative about you. I just mean it’s not something a young woman would do … I mean … He suddenly put his head in his hands as Peggy started to softly chuckle. You know, someday I’m going to learn to just keep my mouth shut. He looked up at the others who had suddenly stopped talking and started watching him. You know you could help me out here.

Steve burst out laughing. You got yourself into this … Just remember she’s a formidable opponent.

Meanwhile, Peggy had held it as long as she could and burst out laughing then stood up. Come on, Doug. Let’s go out to the barn, and I’ll show you THE HORSES!

She gave her father a look that told him exactly what she was thinking. Doug stood, offered her his arm, and they left the room.

This is going to get very interesting, Roy thought to himself as he took a sip of wine.

Doug helped Peggy open the barn door, and they went inside where Peggy led him over to Sunny and Firefly, who were in adjoining stalls.

Hello, boys, she said as she went to stand between them.

Both horses immediately put their heads over her shoulders, and Sunny softly whuffled in Doug’s direction. She softly stroked his muzzle. It’s OK, Sunny. He’s one of the good guys.

Sunny lifted his head and stretched it out toward Doug, who went to him and gently stroked Sunny’s forelock. Something suddenly dawned on Doug.

Sunny? This is … was … Corey’s horse.

Yes, Peggy said as she stroked Firefly’s neck. Dad told me that it was Corey’s last wish that he would go to me. It has helped … I still feel that Corey is with me through Sunny.

I didn’t realize you two were that close.

I don’t think we did either … not until it was too late. She could feel her eyes getting moist and knew she had to change the subject. Look … I brought you out here to talk about horses, OK?

Sure. Just one more thing, Peggy. He placed his hands on her shoulders. If you need to talk … just let me know, and I’ll be here for you.

I know. She turned back to the horses and took a deep breath. The first thing you have to remember is that the horses have feelings and emotions, just like people. You have to let them know that, although you’re their master, you’re also their friend. If you treat them like you treat your best friend … they’ll respond. And the old adage that they can smell fear … it’s true. You have to stay calm and focused. Spend time just talking to them. They can sense the kind of person you are. They’re herd animals. You have to convince them that you’re part of the herd.

But that could take weeks?

Months is more like it. It’s not something you can hurry, Doug. What I am doing is specialized training. When I’m through, the soldiers should be able to control their horses by a shift of the weight in the saddle or through a low-voiced command.

And this would be helpful … How?

Think about it, Doug. They would be able to control their horses without using the reins. The Indians have been doing it forever. We have to be able to match them. Use two hands to steady and fire a rifle. Have both hands available to reload. There are so many options that could put them on an even playing field and save a soldier’s life.

That’s quite an endeavor, Peggy. Who’s helping you?

He realized he had begun to stroke Sunny’s head almost methodically.

Ben and Kevan … a couple of the hands. But only part of the time. I haven’t been able to convince Dad that I can do this yet.

You know, you’ve got my curiosity piqued. Would you mind if I come over occasionally and watch what you do … maybe help out?

What would your father say?

I don’t think he would mind, especially if I tell him I’m learning new ways to handle our horses.

She couldn’t help but smile at him. I think I would like that, Doug. Come over anytime.

After giving final pats to the horses’ necks, Peggy took a quick look at the food and water buckets. When she found both to