Lope Toward Home: Lope Along Books, #1

Lope Toward Home

Lope Along Books, Volume 1

IvyTrace Franklin

Published by IvyTrace Franklin, 2019.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

LOPE TOWARD HOME

First edition. December 1, 2019.

Copyright © 2019 IvyTrace Franklin.

ISBN: 978-1393592600

Written by IvyTrace Franklin.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Lope Toward Home

Also By IvyTrace Franklin

Lope Toward Home

By:  IvyTrace Franklin

Book One

Lope Along Books Series

Lope Toward Home

By:  IvyTrace Franklin

COPYRIGHT ORIGINALLY © 2012 by MaryBeth Gokee, writing under pen name  IvyTrace Franklin.

ISBN:  Ebook  978-1-4771-3753-6

New Release

December, 2019

MaryBeth Gokee, writing as pen name IvyTrace Franklin

Williston, FL

Important Characters

Taryn Simpson—main character, grew up in Yazoo City, MS. As an adult, lived in Franklin, TN and is just moving to Flower Mound, MS. She is a tortured soul, scared of her own shadow.

Doc Mike Hadley—secondary main character, local veterinarian in Flower Mound, MS. Taryn’s neighbor.

Bo Hadley—Doc Mike’s daddy; owns a Thoroughbred breeding farm down the road from Miss Taryn’s new place.

Miss Lola—Bo’s housekeeper; helps take care of Doc Mike when hurt.

Leesa, Doc Cal, Tommy—best friends of Taryn from Franklin, TN. The family owns the New Beginnings Farm. Cal is an equine vet. They helped Taryn get out of Tennessee and continue to help check on her Aunt June in Murfreesboro; they are VERY helpful to Taryn.

Mayor Bobby Bridgforth (Mayor B)—Old Fraternity brother of Cal. They went to Ole’ Miss together. Bobby is the Mayor of Flower Mound, MS, who helps Taryn get settled safely in town, with a job, a place to lease, introductions.

Glenda Bridforth—Mayor Bobby’s wife.

Ida Bridgforth—Bobby’s sister. Owns eclectic store in town that carries just about everything.

Ray—minor character, although big ramifications for Taryn. Her abusive ex-husband from Tennessee.

Miss Pepper—local eccentric Pepper Plantation owner; Taryn’s boss, of sorts.

Lope along ranch Crowd

Cissy—Owner of the Lope Along Ranch. Great new friend to Taryn.

Joe—Cissy’s husband, very supportive.

Andrew—Effervescent Trainer at Lope Along Ranch; Cissy’s best friend. Good friends to Charles, barn mgr.

Charles—Barn Manager at Lope Along Ranch; Andrew’s best friend.

Trisha—Customer of the Lope Along; very wealthy; loves her horses and dogs. Owns her own large farm.

Bill—Trisha’s husband. Local attorney.

Leonard—Trisha’s big brother, wealthy attorney in Jackson, MS. He grew up in Flower Mound.

Alice—Leonard’s wife of 35 years.

Miss Dimwee—is no longer alive; Taryn leases her old farm. Miss Dimwee owned Doodle, Beloved in town.

Aunt Jane—Taryn’s aunt (only living relative) who lives in assisted living facility up in Murfreesboro, TN. She has Alzheimer’s Disease.

Darryl—helper at the Feed and Seed store.

Mister Willis (known as Wills)—elderly and friendly old owner of Feed and Seed.

Sheriff Smith—local Sheriff in Flower Mound, MS. Supportive.

Brother Long—Preacher for the Lope Along Cowboy Church.

Mary Claire Hadley—Doc Mike’s ex-wife. Out of the picture.

Jocelyn—local older town’s lady who rides and boards her horse at Lope Along. (She wants her little sister to marry Doc Mike).

Riley—Jocelyn’s little sister; who has a crush on Doc Mike and pursues him aggressively.

Jonathan Bridgforth—brother to Ida and Mayor Bobby; in prison for killing their abusive step-father, even though the step-father put their momma in a coma. We don’t ever meet him; but we know of him because of how everyone feels about abusive men.

Places of Importance

Flower Mound, MS—fictional Delta town, close to Greenwood and Clarksdale.

Pepper Plantation—oldest functioning plantation in area; Lope Along Ranch is on one part of the plantation. Miss Pepper is last living person in the family (that anyone is aware of). Responsible for town Library; horse facilities; social venue.

Lope Along Ranch—huge equestrian facility that is part of Pepper Plantation. Cissy and Joe own it. Much of the town centers around this ranch, for horse shows, social events, Cowboy Church.

Ida’s Shop—eclectic shop in town with everything but the kitchen sink, and quite possibly, with that, too; as fun as Ida is!

Lurlene’s Diner—Miss Lurlene makes the best southern fried comfort foods, as well as the best dessert east of the Mississippi.

Four-Legged Friends in Town—

Zippy (Solo Zip)—Taryn’s beloved big Quarter Horse gelding.

Hermes (Herman)—Taryn’s precious Welsh Corgi dog and best friend.

Doodle—miniature donkey who used to live on farm that Taryn leases in Flower Mound. Shows up and becomes Zippy’s best buddy.

Roxie—Paint mare that Taryn leases, daughter by surrogate to Miss Piggy, Trisha’s nice show horse.

Miss Piggy—beautiful paint horse that Trisha owns. Very successful in the show ring.

Jed—Cissy’s gelding horse.

One Cool Cajun—gorgeous Palomino horse at horse show; Taryn admires his looks and his success.

Hops—Doc Mike’s big bay gelding

**NUMEROUS other dogs, owned by other characters in book. ☺

WITH THANKS

I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all the folks in the Delta who led me to this place. Without their encouragement, I would never have started publishing. Of course, I have a few dear friends who held my hand during the tough times. You know who you are . . . thanks. My close family, and they know who they are, too. Thank you for listening. And for all those writers out there who have four-legged friends who seek attention when they’re trying to write, you know how much those long walks, or rides to clear your mind, helped your creativity. My pals did just that. I wrote most of this novel on the back of my beloved horse. He’s up in heaven now, cheering me on and waiting patiently to welcome me. For all of this, I’m truly thankful.

Auto Pilot~

Broken, but with a newfound fight to survive, Taryn pulled her well-used Silverado into her best friend’s farm for perhaps the last time in her life. Tears streaked her face, as she sniffled back the sobs that threatened to come. After hooking up her fifth-wheel horse trailer, Taryn pulled up the drive to the front of the horse barn. New Beginnings, an appropriate name for the farm. Too bad Taryn’s new beginnings wouldn’t happen at a place she loved so dearly . . . her best friend’s Quarter Horse breeding and show farm, where she’d spent the last 10 years riding and showing with her buddy and her husband, perhaps one of the best vets in Tennessee, if not in the south.

Gosh, Taryn, I just don’t believe what is going on, her friend Leesa said through hugs and tears. But I sure am glad we could help get you out of here in a hurry. You deserve this! Come on in, Zippy is wrapped and ready for you. Cal and Tommy will load up enough feed and hay to get you through the week, along with your tack trunk. Are your saddles and bridles all in your horse trailer tack room, still?

Yea, thanks, Leesa, Taryn said almost imperceptibly. I’ve got most everything. There’s room in the tack room for anything else. Thanks so much. I just can’t believe I’m going through this, Taryn sniffed. Everyone has been so helpful; but it’s happening really fast. Just think, last night I was going about things normally, thinking the Justice system and my restraining order would protect me from Ray. But now . . . .

Oh I know. Don’t dwell on that now, Taryn, Leesa said through a stronger than normal hug. You do what you gotta do. This isn’t the last you’ll see of us. But we’ve just got to get you somewhere far away and safe! And right away! They locked Ray up for what he’s done to others; but you know that won’t hold him for long. And next time he gets mad, I’m afraid he’ll kill you. That piece of paper isn’t going to stop him, once the crazy gets going in his head, ya’ know?

Taryn shrugged and gave her friend a weak nod in agreement, tears threatening to flow again. As Doc Cal and Tommy loaded everything up into the horse trailer tack room, Leesa helped Taryn get her beloved horse settled into the trailer, making sure to check the safety locks. The guys lifted the back ramp to the trailer in one final thud. The thud sent shudders through Taryn. Gosh, it seems so final, Taryn sobbed into Leesa’s strong arms.

Come on now, everyone is expecting you in Flower Mound, Cal said, as they all hugged good-bye. Mayor Bridgforth is a great guy, I knew it at Ole’ Miss and he still is. He’ll help you out with everything. And we’ll get all your mail, so if Ray does come sniffing around, you’ll be okay. I’ll make sure he sees the smart side of my rifle, if he comes around here!

I know, but what about the house? Taryn asked helplessly. You just walk away, Cal said. My lawyer is going to work on that one for you pro bono, and see if you can sell it without Ray. For now, you’ve got a place and you’ve got a little startup cash, after selling your share of our stallion. So, don’t you worry about that for now, my friends down there will take care of you. And even if you don’t sell the house, that cottage down there sounds perfectly safe and it’s cheap! Okay?

And remember, by not telling Aunt June, she can’t be forced into letting something slip, Leesa added. We’ve got you all set up with a little mifi and new cell phone and new laptop email address. I’ve put it all on a card on your seat, and Tommy set you up real good. We have the number and ours is programmed, as well. It’s all very secretive. For all Ray knows, you are just dropping off the face of the Earth, Leesa continued. You just be sure not to Tweet or use Facebook at all. We’ll have the mail come here, and will send it under the assumed name we discussed right to Mayor Bridgforth and he’ll screen things, so Ray can’t track it.

Yes, and my lawyer is working on a legal name change, too, Cal interrupted. So don’t open a bank account yet, until I give you the all’s clear, okay? You should have plenty in traveler’s checks, to get you by for now. Wow, I guess you all have thought of everything for me, Taryn whimpered. One last hug before I pull out, and then I’ll be in touch, she questioned? You got it, girl! Love you!

WELL, HERMES, IT LOOKS like it’s just you, me, and Zippy, Taryn said through short, tearful breaths as she pulled out onto the highway that would lead her to a new life. Hopefully, a safer one. Peace is not something Taryn was used to anymore, since marrying Ray. After driving in a mental haze from Nashville down Interstate 40 towards Memphis, Taryn realized just how exhausted she was. After hopping on I-55 headed to Oxford, she made up her mind to stop for a break just north of town, so she and Hermes could stretch their legs, and she could check on Zippy. He was always a good traveler, and for all he knew, they were just headed to another horse show. But Taryn knew different. And although her GPS was telling her exactly where to turn, Taryn was still not really sure where she was going—directionally or spiritually. So Hermes, looks like we’re on an adventure, Taryn tried to sound cheerful to her sweet corgi, so he wouldn’t worry. Corgis are such smart dogs and she knew if she kept crying, he’d get awfully upset. You ready for an adventure? She joked with her dog. It seemed to do the trick because Hermes gave her the normal Yipp response, which meant he was excited. Good boy, now let’s stop and tinkle and check your big brother, Taryn talked to her dog as if he was her child. He was, in a sense. This adorable dog and her sweet Quarter Horse were really the only things that mattered in her life to Taryn anymore. Them, and of course, trying to stay alive. One step at a time, Taryn said to herself absent-mindedly, as she walked her dog around the edge of the truck stop. Good boy, Zippy, I’m so glad to see you haven’t lost your appetite for peppermints, and that you’re drinking the electrolytes! She patted his deep chestnut neck and stroked his long, wavy mane. We’ll be there soon; I promise.

THERE. WHERE EVER THAT was. Taryn knew from Cal and Leesa that she was headed to a small, rural town deep in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Flower Mound. Supposed to be a real quiet, simple place. Great horse show community, too, from what Doc Cal told her. That suited Taryn just fine. She knew Cal had arranged details with his old Frat brother from Ole’ Miss, for her to live there in a small cottage, and take over the town librarian’s position.

Taryn was aware it would be a lot of work, since it had been closed down since Hurricane Katrina when a huge Cottonwood tree crashed through the roof, devastating the pre-Civil War structure, leaving it in much needed of repair. And she’d be helping a local matriarch of the town, Miss Pepper, log all of the old Pepper Plantation’s journals and help create a sort of historical museum in the library. But other than that, Taryn was headed into unchartered waters. Alone, except for her animals. Alone, and headed into a town where folks would expect her to be normal. She wondered if she could pull it off. Normal. Her life hadn’t been normal since she made the mistake of marrying Ray at the Justice of the Peace office in Spring Hill. She had believed Ray that he loved her, that his temper was just due to stress, that she’d be safe and happy. She was wrong to believe that. She knew that now, all too well. Her Silverado ate up the miles, as the Interstate turned into winding Delta roads and into small town after small town, cotton field after cotton field. Until she heard, Your destination is on the left. You have arrived at your destination. Flower Mound, Mississippi. Her new home. Her new, uncertain life. Taryn quickly exited her navigation program, so she didn’t have to hear the annoying voice in the box any longer. Realizing just how tightly wound she was from the trip. Well, Herman, let’s stop at the beginning of the town square. I’m supposed to meet Mayor Bridgforth at his office and get the key to where we’ll be staying, Taryn said through clenched teeth. She hadn’t realized that she’d been gritting her teeth ever since she left Spring Hill. Her jaw was in desperate need of some herbal Arnica cream for relaxation, at this point. Come on, buddy, Taryn said as she attached the leash to Hermes’ thick, black dog harness. Let’s go start our new life.

Town Square~

You must be Taryn and Hermes, boomed a tall, dignified-looking gentleman wearing khaki slacks, a light blue button-up oxford, and slip-on leather loafers. His slightly silver-streaked hair was cut short and kept neat, brown tinges still sneaking through. He seemed like what you might expect in a small, Southern town, except he wasn’t wearing a pastel sear-sucker suit. I’m so glad you made the trip down. It looks like you made good time, he said. Cal texted me, and I thought it would be after dinner when you got here. He was still shaking her hand vigorously with both of his. Very Southern and very gentlemanly. Taryn was so drained, all she could do was say yes and let him shake her limp hand. Hermes was already watering the lavender-blue hydrangea bushes on the edge of the sidewalk, making himself at home. Zippy nickered through the window of the trailer. And this nice big boy, he seems ready to get to his new home and out in a paddock, the Mayor said, as he looked through the window and gave the horse a generous pat. Nice looking fella, what’s his name? Zippy, Solo Zip, Taryn faltered, unsure how much information to give out. Well, he’ll fit in just fine around here, he said. "Won’t you, boy? You know, Taryn, we have an active horse show circuit around here, folks will just love having another gal to