Free Sharp Shootin' Cowboy by Victoria Vane Page B

program at Montana State.”
    He eyed her skeptically. “Sweetheart, while I fully understand a young person’s yen for adventure, are you really certain this is the career direction you wish to take?”
    â€œYes,” she insisted. Her work with the wolves had given her a feeling of purpose she’d never known before. “I’ve never been more certain of anything. You have no idea what it’s like to be out there in the wild. Wolves are unlike any other beings, Gramps. They’re affectionate, monogamous in their mating, and will die to protect their pack. They even mourn the loss of their loved ones. In some ways, I almost think they’re superior to us.”
    â€œWe appreciate your passion, Haley,” Grams interjected. “But perhaps you could work with wild animals in a more practical setting? How about in a zoo? They hire veterinarians, don’t they? All those creatures need care, and San Diego has a lovely zoo.”
    â€œBut they’re captive, Grams, don’t you see? Sure, they get food and medical care, but so do people in prison. It’s a miserable life for them. How could I ever be part of that?”
    â€œBut you could have a normal life,” her grandmother suggested with a look of concern.
    â€œIt’s my life, isn’t it? Shouldn’t I be allowed to decide? And what’s normal anyway, Grams? Maybe the wilderness is not what you would want, but living close to nature is normal for thousands of people.”
    â€œYou want to be one of them? With no electricity? No plumbing?” Gramps shook his head. “Why on earth would anyone want to go back to the Stone Age?”
    â€œMaybe technology hasn’t advanced society as much as you think it has. Our lives are so rushed that no one takes time out to care about anything or anyone anymore. That’s what impressed me most about the wolves, how they look after one another.”
    â€œSo you’re saying you want to give up your car, laptop, and iPhone?” Gramps asked. “All for the betterment of society, of course.”
    Haley flushed. “That’s not fair, Gramps. You know I need those things. How can I finish school otherwise?”
    â€œBut sweetheart, you just said…”
    â€œYou’re missing my whole point!”
    â€œThen maybe you can explain it to me a little better?”
    Haley exhaled a big sigh. “I’m just saying I want to make a positive impact in the world.”
    â€œThat’s admirable, Haley,” Grams interjected. “But perhaps you should take some time to think all this through. There are many careers that could give you a similar feeling of satisfaction. How about something in medicine? Nurses make a difference every day.”
    â€œThe universities are full of nursing students,” Haley argued. “But how many people are fighting to save the environment? Our wildlife? You can’t even begin to understand the magnitude of the issues until you’ve seen them with your own eyes. That’s why we’re making a documentary—to show the world what’s really happening.”
    â€œHaley,” her grandpa began, “you know we love you and have always encouraged you to follow your dreams, but this time—”
    She shook her head. “I love you too, Gramps, and know you only want the best for me, but I’m not a child anymore. This is what I want for my life. You’ll see. It’s not a mistake. I’ll make you proud. I promise.”
    On that note, Haley hauled her gear to her bedroom and began unpacking. She was home at last, but felt almost as if she was a stranger in the house she’d grown up in.
    She opened her closet to find Reid’s jacket still hanging there. She was suddenly reminded of his Christmas Eve phone call, almost four months ago. He hadn’t called her since. She wondered if he’d finally given up. She pulled the jacket from the hanger,