Page 49 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
Ciara gestured to the field, where several horses strolled with trainers. “A more pressing need is to process the families interested in adoption. The ultimate goal is to get these beauties into safe, comfortable homes.”
“We already have more people interested than horses available.” Rowan swiped through files. “Of course, not everyone who inquires about a horse can or will adopt, but the numbers are promising. We should give all serious applicants a phone interview, even if there are too many eligible families. That way we’ll be ready when we obtain more animals.”
Of all the good news, that was the best. If they placed the horses, they could help others in need. “I still check my rescue websites daily, and there are many in dire situations. I’d like to pursue more as soon as possible.”
“I can take care of calling people,” Frank offered. “Tomorrow is my day off, and I don’t have any plans.”
Ciara nodded eagerly. Frank knew more about horses than anyone, and he was excellent at reading people. He’d be great at vetting the applicants.
“If you want to do it today during work hours, go for it,” Rowan extended. “With all the extra people at the ranch, we can spare you.”
Ciara smiled at Rowan. “Thank you,” she said simply.
“You’re welcome.”
For a moment, silence reigned as they locked eyes. Then someone cleared their throat. “We’d better get to it.” Rowangestured towards the door. “If you want, we can work in the stables so you can be near the horses.”
She nodded, amidst a bloom of satisfaction. Few people would suggest doing business in a stable just to keep the horses company. “That would be great.”
They split up, each embarking on the promised tasks. While the brothers and Frank set off to contact customers, Ciara and Rowan traveled to the stables, where they spent the next six hours forming a comprehensive business plan that would impress an MBA. They touched on every aspect of the plan, adding scrupulous details and methodical explanations. Through it all they kept mainly to business.
Well, expect for the two kisses Rowan stole.
And the three she stole.
By his obvious satisfaction, Rowan was well-aware of his effect on her. Her effect on him could not be denied. And, for once, she simply couldn’t convince herself that was a bad thing.
“Hi Sweetheart. You’re looking mighty pretty today,” Rowan cooed.Yes, actually cooed.The horse whinnied softly as she pranced around the large paddock, happily munching apple slices. By her behavior, no one would guess the trauma she’d endured at Old Man Darton’s ranch of horrors. Now she was friendly and active, socializing well with both humans and horses. She’d make a nice permanent addition to their horse rescue.
Theirhorse rescue. Somehow, he already considered it a certainty. Of course, he could’ve financed it himself, or simply created his own, yet he wanted to be part of this rescue, with Ciara. He loved her drive, her independence, even as it interfered with his instinct to take control. When they learned of the contest’s success, allowing her to build the horse rescue on her own terms, he worried she would reject his offer of thestables. Yet she hadn’t seemed to consider it. He’d been pleased, surprised and immensely satisfied.
Now they would work together, at least temporarily.Temporarily.Had he ever hated a word more? Like her, he couldn’t think of anything more fulfilling than helping horses, giving the deserving animals a second chance. Even if it was her organization, he thought of it as theirs, not that he would ever tell her that. He also wouldn’t share what else he was starting to consider his.
Her.
Yet a thousand obstacles separated them: the heartbreak of the past, his pledge to not be a father in the present, the separation so near in the future. Could he convince her he wouldn’t break her heart again? Persuade her to stay, or follow her across the ocean? Could he have a family, despite his similarities to his father?
Yet how could he give her up?
An uncomfortable neigh sounded from nearby. Pushing aside his reverie, he gave a fond farewell to Sweetheart, then turned and walked toward the distressing sound. There he found both the source of the turmoil and the object of his thoughts.
Ciara was standing in front of Jasmine, shoulders slumped, every feature heavy with concern. No vet was necessary to identify the animal’s severe discomfort. Rowan didn’t say anything, just stood behind her, providing comfort and support. She stiffened for a second, and then leaned back. He gave in to his urges and pulled her close.
A single tear escaped down her cheek.
“Hey, there.” He wiped wetness as soft as a shamrock’s leaves. “It’s going to be all right.”
“She’s getting worse.” She sniffed. “Even the vet doesn’t know what’s wrong. She’s hardly eating and is agitated all the time. Dr. Saunders still believes it’s colic, but what form is amystery. We’re waiting for test results before we move to more invasive procedures.” She shifted, but remained in his arms. “I don’t know what to do.”
Her eyes shimmered in the dappled sunlight. Tiny dust particles swirled in the air, a diamond aura that framed the beautiful woman like a fairy from ancient Irish folklore. “Even if we identify the cause, it doesn’t ensure a happy ending. The vet can’t fix everything, and some surgeries cost more than I can afford. But I’ll find a way, even if I have to work five extra jobs.”
At least he could relieve her concerns in that respect. “Don’t worry about that. I’ll take care of any costs.”
“Rowan–”
“Don’t argue,” he warned. “You’ve known me for decades. When I go after something, I do everything in my power to obtain it.”
Uncertainty flashed in those beautiful emerald eyes. Did she realize he meant more than the horse?
