THE GLITTER

A generational saga of love and legacy set on a timeless ranch in the American heartland.

PROLOGUE

Russell O’Connell slowed his horse to a gentle trot, the wide expanse of his ranch stretching around him. On this quiet side of the land, the only sounds were the breeze and the occasional rustle of cattle in the distance. He breathed deeply, filled with peace.
He had been born here, raised among the sun-scorched fields and golden hills. Except for his years in college, he had never left—and he never wanted to.
Lita had understood that. He smiled, remembering how she had gazed in awe when she first stepped foot on the ranch.
“It’s so large!” she had exclaimed, eyes shining. “This is my home now, Russell. I’m so glad. We’ll raise all our babies here.”
She was pregnant now, past her due date by two days. Russell turned his horse, deciding it was time to head back to the house. But a strange noise caught his attention—a low rumble, mechanical, unnatural.
He saw a machine in the distance, flanked by two men, cutting a line through the land as though dividing it. His eyes narrowed. One of the men was Cole Gallagher.
Fury surged in Russell’s chest. He spurred his horse forward, galloping straight toward them. As he dismounted in front of the intruders, his voice rang out.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Cole turned, startled, then smirked. “Just finishing what your father started.”
“You’ve got no right to be here. This is O’Connell land!”
“Half of it isn’t anymore,” Cole said, brushing dust off his shirt. “Your old man owed me. And this—” he gestured at the ridge being cut “—was our agreement.”
“You’re lying.”
“Ask him yourself.”
Russell’s fists clenched. One swift punch sent Cole crashing to the ground. Without another word, Russell mounted his horse and rode hard for the house.
He burst into his father’s study. Richard O’Connell looked up from a ledger, weariness in his eyes.
“Is it true?” Russell demanded.
Richard sighed. “Yes. I borrowed from Cole to send you to school. I thought I could repay him. I was wrong.”
“Five hundred acres? For that?”
“It was the only way.”
Russell shook his head in disbelief. “You should have told me.”
“What would you have done—dropped out? Stolen? I couldn’t let you give up your future.”
“I’m not using my degree, Father. I’m working this land!”
Richard stood, his voice tired but firm. “Education is a rule in this family. Like never selling the ranch.”
“You broke that rule.”
A sharp knock interrupted them.
“Mr. Russell?” It was Sarah, their housekeeper. “It’s your wife… It’s time.”
Russell ran.
He paced outside the bedroom, heart pounding. After hours of screams and silence, the door finally opened. Sarah carried a wrapped bundle.
“A baby girl,” she whispered.
Russell’s eyes lit up. “And Lita?”
The midwife stepped forward, face grave. “I’m sorry. She didn’t make it.”


CHAPTER ONE

“Papa! Papa!”
Catherine O’Connell’s voice rang clear through the crisp morning air. She waved at her father from her pony, sunlight glinting off her golden hair.
Russell leaned out the window, smiling. “Yes, sweetheart?”
“It’s almost sunset! Let’s go round up the cattle!”
He laughed. “Christopher’s got it handled.”
“I want to go with you!” she insisted.
He chuckled again, warmth in his chest. “Alright. Five minutes.”

They rode together, laughter echoing across the open land. As they reached the distant ridge, Russell slowed his horse.
“Why are we stopping?” Cathie asked.
“That ridge marks the boundary,” Russell said quietly. “Beyond that, the land belongs to the Gallaghers.”
“But isn’t it all ours?” she asked, confused.
“Your grandfather gave half of it away. To pay a debt.”
Her brows furrowed. “How much did he owe?”
Russell shook his head. “Not nearly enough to justify what he gave up.”
Cathie was silent, then looked up with fierce determination. “I’ll get it back one day.”
Russell stared at her, heart swelling with pride and sorrow. “How?”
She shrugged. “Only time can tell.”