He’s lost friends that were more like family, and he’s witnessed unspeakable things happen to innocent people.
With a broken spirit, he’s headed back to Indiana, where his best friend’s widow is alone.
He promised Kevin that if he made it back home, he’d see to it that she was taken care of, and that’s what he intends to do.
What he hadn’t planned on was falling in love…
Fallon Addington was mourning the greatest loss of her lifetime. While trying to help maintain the ranch her late husband loved so much.
Pregnant with their second child, she’s barely got the energy to keep it together most days—that is until Kevin's best friend, Beckett, shows up on her doorstep, insisting on giving her a hand.
A daily reminder of all Kevin was, Fallon is determined to avoid the soldier who’s taken up residence in the barn loft.
All too soon though, she begins to see past what’s on the surface and realizes that Beckett needs her more than he’s let on.
With a little help from her favorite horse, Ranger, the two are forced to work through their grief together.
Pregnant with their second child, Fallon Addington is mourning the loss of her husband, Kevin, while trying to maintain the ranch he loved. When Kevin’s best friend, Beckett Ivan, shows up on her doorstep, insisting on giving her a hand, Fallon is determined to avoid him at all costs—that is until she sees past what’s on the surface and realizes that Beckett needs her more than he’s let on. They say time heals all wounds but when Beckett’s time stateside is up, will Fallon be in for another broken heart? Readers who enjoy Yellowstone and Heartland will fall in love with Ranger by Aubree Valentine, a small-town, second-chance romance.
Excerpt
Copyright 2025, Aubree Valentine
“I wondered if you were planning on coming inside or if you planned to sleep in the barn tonight,” she whispered.
Beckett froze and locked eyes with her. “Sorry for sneaking in so late. I’ll admit, I did think about sleeping with Ranger. I was worried he’d snore and keep me up all night,” he joked and gave her a half smile.
“Are you done running?”
He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I…I…I don’t know. I guess I’m just fucking terrified about all of this.”
Fallon reached for his hand. “I know. I’m scared too. I feel like I’m somehow betraying Kevin. But there’s a part of me that can’t help but wonder…would it really be so bad if we gave in and saw where all of this goes?”
Beckett took a step toward her and brushed her hair back behind her ears. “And here I thought I’d eventually be the one trying to convince you we should give each other a chance.”
She shrugged and bit her lip. “A wise man told me I needed to let light in. And that I shouldn’t be so surprised by who I end up falling for.”
“You’re falling for me?” Beckett raised a brow.
Fallon playfully smacked his chest. “That’s what you took away from that?”
His wide grin took her breath away. “I may have gotten some much needed advice today too.”
“Kevin,” they both said at the same time.
“He called you a stubborn pain in the ass.”
Beckett scoffed. “He said it would take you longer to come around. Said not to give up on you.”
“I think we’re past coming around. Wouldn’t you say?”
“That depends.” His hands found her curvy hips. “There’s an awful lot to work through. Is this your way of telling me that you’re letting me in?”
“Only if you’re telling me that you want to be let in. And that you’re going to quit running away instead of letting me in when you’re freaking out.”
He took a deep breath and inhaled her calming scent. “I’m done running, Fallon. I’m still stubborn. Not sure that will ever change. For the first time in my life, though, I think I’m ready to let you in and fight through my demons. If you’ll have me.”
Fallon started to speak. Beckett put a finger to her lips instead.
“Let me finish. Please.”
She nodded.
“I’ll never be him, Fallon. I know I can never replace Kevin in your heart. But he seems to think you may just have enough space for me in there too. If you can accept that, then, damnit Fallon, I would love nothing more than to give us a real shot. Honestly, with Kevin gone, I want to be a father to his kids.”
“Can I speak now?” she smirked.
“Yes,” he grinned back.
“I need to know that you’re not just exploring things between us out of obligation or misplaced honor. I don’t want pity or a relationship built on a promise to someone else. The terms we agreed to when you offered to help us create our family still stands. Last chance to walk away, Beckett Ivan.”
Beckett shook his head. “We’ll never forget him, Fallon. I know that and I have to accept it. This?” He pointed between the two of them. “It's real and it’s between the two of us. If I’m being completely honest, I think I stopped hanging around because of that silly promise weeks ago. I just was too damn stupid to see it then.”
About Aubree Valentine
Aubree Valentine is a masterful storyteller who weaves tales of passion, heartbreak, and happily-ever-afters that leave readers swooning and coming back for more. A hopeless romantic at heart, Aubree channels her boundless imagination and appreciation for the complexities of romance into every book she writes. Her characters are as real as they are irresistible—flawed, relatable, and unforgettable—taking readers on journeys filled with sizzling chemistry, emotional twists, and moments that tug at the heartstrings. Whether it’s a steamy small-town romance or a friends-to-lovers tale, Aubree’s stories always promise: love, laughter and happily ever after. When she’s not penning her next novel, Aubree can be found binge-reading romance novels, borrowing her husband’s power tools for some over the top project, or spending quality time with her family and their fur babies. Connect with Aubree Valentine on social media, through her website, or sign up for her newsletter to stay up-to-date on new releases, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her writing
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