Page 84 of My Small Town Silver Fox Billionaire

“Robert, what are you—”

“I want you to finish school. You said it yourself; you can’t run a sanctuary without the right education.”

“Yeah, but May mentioned she’d take care of this,” I stammer. That’s what she told me. May never disclosed how much money Robert had given to the sanctuary, but I imagine it was enough to keep it running.

He shakes his head. “No, the money I gave to May was specifically for renovations and running the place. I knew one day she would ask you to take things over. Which is why I planned this.”

I nod, staring at the numbers. It’s enough to get me through all of my education, and without worrying about a job.

“This is so much, though! How can I accept?”

“A drop in the bucket, if it means that you’re happy,” he insists. “And remember we decided that we are going to be together for the long haul.”

I look back down at it. His being rich does make me a bit cautious, but there’s also something nice about it. He cares and doesn’t just use his wealth for selfish reasons.

“Thank you, Robert. Really . . . .” I’m stammering and can’t seem to get my words together.

“You’re very welcome. I also talked with my guys who take care of Orchid. They want to bring Orchid to your sanctuary to live, and they’ll take care of him there if that’s okay.”

“That’s great. But what about them? Do they need jobs?”

He shakes his head. “They’re actually working directly for me, and they personally take care of my horse when I’m not around. They can also give expert care to Clover and the other horses if you’d like.”

“That would be amazing! Thank you and yes!”

“It’s nothing, really. But yes, this is all for you. And eventually, I’d love to see you have your own sanctuary. I know May’s place means the world to you, but you should also look at building your own place too.”

I nod. “That is my dream after all, and I hope that it will be our combined dream, Robert.”

“Yes, I do want to help you follow that dream, and I will, to the ends of the earth.”

I can barely think of anything to say. This is truly a dream come true.

There’s something still bothering me about all this. I don’t want to pry, but it eats at my mind, almost like a festering wound. I turn to Robert, chewing my lips as I think about how to phrase this.

“There’s still something else I want to ask you.”

“Go ahead,” he encourages.

I flush, hoping it doesn’t sound rude of me to say this. “I’m just wondering why you’re doing this. Sure, I’ve got dreams, but you’re so invested. Why does it matter?”

He smiles, chuckling at my words.

“Well first and foremost because I care about you. And because, in a way, I see myself in you. I built my company to make money, lots of money. But deep down, there was always a desire to serve and help others. I never got a chance to.

No. that’s not right. I nevermadethe chance to. Maybe it’s my own penance for being selfish for so long, but I want to see you do well. My love language isn’t just money, Sara. It’s seeing others happy and thriving, following their dreams.”

His words shake me to the core, but I get it. He’s got his own ways of vicariously living through the dreams of others, which I respect. I giggle, happy to hear this.

“Really, it’s nice to hear. I promise I’ll follow the dreams I have. Oops, no, I mean we will follow our dreams together, right?”

“I can’t wait to see it,” he says.

He grabs me by the waist and pulls me close. Our eyes meet, and in those blues, I see life and fullness. I see a desire for tomorrow and a drive toward success.

Our lips meet in a kiss. It’s like a whirlwind, the most perfect moment I’ve ever felt. At first, I stand there astonished, but then I relax into it. His lips are soft and inviting, giving me a feeling of relief as we brush together.

I stay there, refusing to let him go. I don’t want this moment to end. He pulls me tight and our lips stay there in the most wonderful and tender moment. As he pulls back, he smiles.

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