Katie's Heart ~~ Part One of the Montana Series

~Prolouge~

March 2006

"You know I have to go don't you?" Colten asked as he caressed Katie's cheek watching her intently.

"Yes," she whispers shutting her eyes willing for the tears not to fall, "But that doesn't mean I have to like this."

"I know Katie Bug, but I can't let this opportunity pass. It's not everyday a bull rider wins a PBR final and is asked to be in a movie. Think about what this will do for us, for our future."  Colten smiles wiping a single tear off her cheek.

Katie sighs. She knows that he's right, this is really the opportunity of a lifetime. Colten was too full of life and charisma to not be noticed. His stunning good looks helped him too in the arena and out of it. Finally someone from Hollywood had noticed him. This was his chance, his dream and Katie knew she wouldn't stand in his way. Looking at him, she brushed his auburn hair to the side staring intently into his emerald green eyes. Colten watched her closely, her cornflower blue eyes wet with tears.

"You promise we will still talk everyday, right?" Katie responds watching Colten grin slightly knowing he'd won the argument.

"Of course, Bug," he states giving her the impish smile she fell in love with her sophomore year of school. "I promise, I'd never forget my girl." And with that he took Katie into his arms and took everything she had to offer, including her heart.

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May 2006

Katie knocked on the office door of the K Rocker Ranch and entered the room waiting for Justin to finish his paperwork . At 29, Justin Haynes was the opposite of his younger brother. While Colten was blessed with dark auburn hair and green eyes Justin had sandy blonde hair and hazel eyes that sparkled with laughter a sharp contrast to his often quiet and reserved nature. Both men had similar builds, although Justin was more muscular from working so hard on the ranch everyday. Justin sat his pencil down and grinned at his visitor.

"Katie!" Justin exclaimed coming out from behind his desk to give her a hug. "It's been almost two months since we've seen ya last, what have you been up to?"

Katie hung her head taking a few deep breaths, her eyes misting with tears. "Hey Justin," she responded quietly. He immediately noticed that she was thinner than when he'd last seen her. Her beautiful blue eyes had dark circles under them and he swore he felt her ribs when he hugged her.

"I take it this isn't a social call," Justin stated perching on the end of his desk watching her closely. "What's going on Katie?" He asked her in the same tone of voice she had heard him use when he was working with skittish horses. "Are you okay? You're not sick are you?"

Katie couldn't help the tears that rushed to her eyes. It had been almost two weeks since she'd been given the news that had changed her life. She was exhausted, having slept in her car these last four nights and she felt totally abandoned and alone. Her life was falling apart and Katie had fought to be strong. Justin's tone was her undoing. She shook her head as the tears started to fall. Deep sobs wracked her tiny frame and Justin sprang into action. He grabbed a tissue box and handed it to her before wrapping her fragile body in his strong arms, rocking her back and forth whispering words of nonsense while she sobbed.

After a few minutes, Katie dried her eyes and looked at Justin. The pain and heartache he saw broke his heart.

"Have you heard from Colt?" She whispered as she dabbed her eyes. "I can't get ahold of him and I've been trying for weeks."

"No," Justin answered watching her closely. "Katie what's going on? I've never seen you like this."

"I'm pregnant," Katie whispered more tears gathering in her blue eyes. Justin blinked. He knew that Colten was reckless and careless but he had seemingly changed when he'd introduced Justin to Katie. She was the daughter of the local Methodist preacher and was a good influence on Colten or so Justin thought.