Page 21 of Rough Ride with the Grumpy Cowboy
When we pull apart, I wipe away her tears before we proceed to the kitchen where everyone is gathered.
“Good morning, family,” Ella cheerfully greets as if she wasn’t breaking down on the stairs a few moments ago.
“Morning, Auntie El,” Daisy replies.
Ella smothers her face with kisses while I say hello to Hank and Jace.
“How do you like your room?” Hank inquires.
“I love it. Thank you.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Do not hesitate to let me know if there’s anything we can do to make your stay here with us better,” he demands gently.
“This is already a dream, but I’ll keep that in mind,” I reply.
Jace pours me a cup of coffee and pushes the plate of toast closer to me. “Dig in.”
“Thank you.”
Ella settles down next to me, and I finally get to see and greet Daisy, who is in her school uniform. She looks adorable and is no longer shy around me, so I’m able to have a conversation with her. She’s in first grade, loves her teacher, and most of her classmates.
For some reason, I keep expecting Zane to come in, but he never does. I know I’ll have to face him at some point, and I’m dreading that moment.
“Word is, your mother moved back to Wrangler Creek? Are you planning on visiting her while you’re here?” Jace questions.
It’s a valid question from someone who has no idea what happened between us. Ella is aware, and the fact that her family doesn’t know means she didn’t tell them, which I appreciate. It means I can trust her with my secrets like I always have.
“We aren’t on speaking terms anymore,” I inform him.
I expect questions, but no one says anything—they just nod in understanding, which is surprising. When most people learn that my mother and I fell out, they always have questions, so this is a surprise.
“I’m sure you had your reasons,” Hank affirms.
“I did, so I’d appreciate it if you kept my presence here a secret. I don’t want her finding out that I’m around—she’ll only cause trouble,” I request.
“You are safe with us. No one will know you’re here,” Jace assures.
“Thank you.”
The warmth and acceptance I’m currently surrounded with brings tears to my eyes. Why couldn’t my mother be like the Morgans? My life would have been so much easier. But it’s water under the bridge now, and I’ve moved on.
Now I just need to fix things with Zane, and everything will be perfect.
8
ZANE
After quite the eventful morning, I was able to get things back on track by burying myself in my work. The thoroughbreds are leaving today, a task that ends up consuming most of my morning. Our client—an equestrian from Kentucky—decided to personally pick them up, and we just finished loading them up in the trailer for her.
She turns to me with a smile that lets me know this won’t be the last time we do business together.
“Thank you so much. They are beautiful,” she gushes.
Of course they are, given their bloodline is one of the best we have on the ranch and they have proven top racing records.
“We’re glad you approve.”
“I more than approve—I’m in love. They are definitely worth every penny,” she insists, turning to look at them, their heads poking out from the trailer.
