Travis is a nice guy: approachable, a good listener, has strong morals, and is so ready for a committed relationship when feisty farrier Lacy Doyle shows up at the Bar C ranch.

Travis isn’t the only one with eyes for Lacy. Cocky cowboy Jake proposes a challenge to see who can get the girl.

Jake pulls out all the stops, gaslighting, emotional blackmail, using flattery, triangulation and withholding information to manipulate others. Meanwhile, Travis does every “nice” thing he can think of. He shows up for Lacy in ways Jake won’t. And it doesn’t seem to get him anywhere.

Travis’s story is about being the underdog in a world where bullies regularly win.

This is Part One. Part Two published August 15, 2025.

Mountain Town: Travis, Part One post on Substack

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