Page 15 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
Rowan held up a small wicker basket. “I brought this for you.”
All resistance evaporated when Rowan handed her the smooth container that smelled like freshly baked bread and sugar cookies. He could still read her like a horse racing cheat sheet. “Thank you.” She peeked inside. There was a neatly wrapped sandwich, crispy potato wedges and a small piece of chocolate ganache cake with a thick cookie topping.
Something thick lodged in her throat. When was the last time someone besides Sophia made her lunch?
Do not fall again.
“The cake isn’t from me,” he admitted. “That’s all Grandma Leigh. It’s what remained after my brothers got ahold of it. They couldn’t stop talking about how delicious it was.”
“Everything Grandma Leigh makes is delicious.” Frank stepped forward, agreeing with a soft smile. How unusual. Her uncle rarely granted compliments.
“Frank told me about the rescue horses.” Grandma Leigh rubbed her granddaughter’s back. “I hope you don’t mind me bringing Shannon.”
“Of course not.” Ciara leaned down until she was eye level with the little girl. “Do you like horses?”
The little girl nodded shyly. She bit her lip, darting her gaze back to the horses. One of the mares neighed, and she giggled.
“Shannon loves horses.” Grandma Leigh put her hands on the little girl’s shoulders, squeezing affectionately. “They’re an important part of her life.”
“Can I go to her?” Shannon pointed at Cinnamon, a friendly mare ready for immediate adoption, despite her ordeal. The horse whinnied softly, as if beckoning the girl over.
Ciara grinned. “If your grandma says it’s okay.”
The little girl jumped in excitement when Leigh gestured her over. Her shyness forgotten, she skipped over to the waiting horse. They locked eyes, then Shannon smiled softly. “Would you like to be my friend?”
Grandma Leigh gazed at the child, her expression tempered by an unmistakable hint of sadness. “I meant it when I said horses have been an important part of her life. She suffered a huge loss last year. Her dad…” Her voice cracked. “My son.”
Ciara’s heart shuddered, sorrow for the tiny girl so sweet and gentle with Cinnamon.Fatherless.“I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you,” Grandma Leigh took another breath, before straightening. “We all endured a rough time, but she took it harder than anyone. She was barely speaking, and we didn’t know what to do. Finally, her mother took her to a horse ranch. We hoped getting away from it all would bring a miracle. And we got it.” Now her grin was as exuberant as her granddaughter’s. “We couldn’t believe the change in her. The horses got her through the worst of the grief, and although she’ll always mourn her father, she’s a happy little girl again.”
Watery emotion blurred Ciara’s vision, as Rowan stood perfectly stoic, his expression unreadable. The little girl stroked Cinnamon, at perfect peace with the serene animal. Rowan opened his mouth to say something, hesitated. There was little emotion in his voice, as he remarked, “She gets along well with them.”
Grandma Leigh’s cheeks turned ruddy. “When Frank told me you had horses at the ranch up for adoption, I was thrilled. I’ve wanted to get Shannon her own horse for a while now, and I’d love nothing more than to adopt a rescue animal.”
Wow.She’d rescued the horses less than twenty-four hours ago, and already she was on the brink of her first success. Leigh and her granddaughter were exactly the sort of owners she had imagined for the deserving animals. “That’s wonderful. We haveseveral beautiful horses that would be perfect, some of which are ready for adoption.”
“What about that one?” Grandma Leigh pointed at Cinnamon, who was showing off while the little girl watched in adoration. A tangle of happy whinnying and childish giggles filled the air.
“Cinnamon is ready for her forever home now.” Ciara reached for the tablet and swiped to the right section. “She was cleared by the vet and has no lasting consequences of the mistreatment. She’s about three years old, possesses a friendly temperament and will give her owner many years of happiness.”
“She sounds perfect.” Grandma Leigh winked. “Shall we ask Shannon?”
Yet clearly it wasn’t necessary. They approached just as the little girl whispered, “I already love you.”
Grandma Leigh’s eyes turned misty. She took a moment to compose herself, then gave a bright smile. “I’m ready to fill out the paperwork. Frank told me about the adoption fee, and I’d like to contribute a little more, to help with your rescue center.”
Ciara smiled. “Thank you, but we’re not a rescue center.”
“You should be.”
Ciara froze… as a million possibilities raced from the gate.
You should be.
Could they be?
Something sparked in her, as the possibilities expanded and multiplied,what ifsthat could change everything.
