The Country Duet
H.J. Bellus
Wild Country
“Dirt, Passion, & Heart”
Based on a True Story
HJ Bellus
Wild Country
Copyright ? 2017 by HJ Bellus. Small Town Girl Books, LLC.
Edited by: Emma Mack, Ultra Editing Formatting: HJ Bellus
Cover Designer: Dana @Designs by Dana Photographer: Golden Czermak, Furious Fotog Model: Andrew James
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Thank you for respecting the hard work of HJ Bellus.
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 locales, events, business establishments, or actual persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.
Dedication-
To a young man who has inspired me to write this set of novels.He’s a simple man, from a small town with a heart of gold. Perfection carved from beauty.
I consider it an honor to have watched him grow up over the years and then to share his adventures with me. I can tell you this, the heart, kindness, and dazzling smile of Hunter Yates, is one hundred percent accurate to the real person.
This story is based on a true story. The process of translating it into a novel has pushed me as an author. Not only has Hunter given me an amazing story to write, but has helped me grow as a person. I appreciate the individual referred to as Hunter Yates, sharing intimate details of his story. I chose to make the romance part fictional, however, the rest is as true as it comes.
I’ll never be able to explain how important this project is to me. I’m honored beyond belief.
Okay, that was one long ass dedication, but a very well deserved one. Enjoy Wild Country.
Prologue
Present Day
I was on top of the world. Everything was perfect. My country roots had found a place on the University of Idaho’s campus. It took time, but everything fell into place. The empty part of my soul flowing over the brim. Then one word took it all away, devastating my world in the blink of an eye. The force vicious and inevitably shattering everything in its way.
“Hello.”
I answer my phone while gripping the steering wheel, fighting to not break apart.
“This is Mrs. Marshall from St. Luke’s Hospital…”
I cut her off before she can even continue on. “Is he okay?”
Panic surges in with devastation, making my vision blurry.
“He’s been brought in.”
“I’m on my way.” I end the call and send it sailing into the dashboard.
“Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.” –John Wayne
School Journal Entry
April 2, 2005
What I did over spring break.
I helped Dad, Uncle, and Grandpa work cattle. It was fun. I love riding my horse, Remi. He’s real strong and my favorite color, buckskin. My nose got sunburned even though I was wearing my cowboy hat.
We first had to go down to the east pasture to gather up the momma cows, then herd them to the corrals. Dad and Grandpa Scott vaccinated them while I got Tux some water. Tux is the best cow dog around and my best friend. Got him last year for my birthday. We’re both young, but real cowboys.
Then we had to hook up the trailer to the truck and load some cows. They were sent to town to the livestock yard. Finally, we got to ride on the horses again, taking the cows to a new pasture.
One day I’ll ride like Grandpa Scott. He’s the best and my role model. I always try to keep Remi right up next to Grandpa, following all of his moves. Next, we had to ride home. My mom had my favorite meal ready. Steak and potatoes. I always pass on the salad and vegetables. Grandpa told me I’d become a nerd if I didn’t eat them, but I just can’t.
Quinn begged me to play a stupid game with them. I didn’t. Abby just still poops way too much in her diaper. My younger sisters are annoying. I can only handle them so much. I sat on the couch watching an old western movie with my dad.
I was nervous but asked him. I want to join 4-H and show an animal. Dad works really hard. I know the time will be hard on him. But when I got enough courage to ask him if I could weigh in an animal, he just grumbled and said yes.
I just didn’t tell him that I wanted to take a pig. That might be a huge problem since we live on cattle ranch. I could take a steer real easy to the fair. But my best friend Burton takes pigs, and we want to do it together.
I just want to be a cowboy and ride my horse.
That’s what I did on my spring break.
Hunter Yates
3rd Grade
8 Years Old
Chapter 1
Hunter
Sophomore Year of College
September
I need a job. University work has been no challenge at all. Hell, I’m half tempted to go to a random farmer or rancher’s house and knock on their door asking for a job. Never thought I’d miss the ranch as much as I do. My hands and soul desperately miss the work and way of life.