Duke

With this modern update on the accidental pregnancy trope, Peterson returns to Lucky River Ranch (after Sawyer) to give another Rivers brother his happily ever after. Wheeler Rankin is becoming a regular visitor to the Lucky River Ranch now that her bestie and business partner Mollie is living there with her cowboy boyfriend, Cash. While Wheeler welcomes the attention of Cash’s sexy younger brother Duke, who’s eager to get to know her during a game of darts, she’s not in the market for a boyfriend. Busy running her fashion forward boot company and scarred by her parents’ recent divorce, Wheeler avoids their mutual attraction until a snow storm during a business trip traps them in very close proximity. It turns into an ultra-steamy weekend—the consequences of which are soon all-too apparent, forcing Wheeler and Duke to consider what their future means together or apart. Refreshingly, Peterson’s characters frankly consider abortion and contend with the limited reproductive health options in Texas. This grounded, emotional conversation between the leads, along with the time Peterson allows them to figure things out, reenforces the genuine strength of their connection. The result is a western romp with a surprising amount of heart. (Dec.)