Page 28 of Captured by the Billionaire Cowboy (The Secret Billionaires #7)
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 a mystery.
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?
“If there’s a way to help Jasmine, we’ll make it happen, no matter the cost,” he promised. “The tests should unmask her condition and outline the most effective treatment. Most of all, you must be patient. You’re not alone.” He lowered his voice to a murmur. “You are never alone.”
Her expression lightened, tinted with a sliver of hope. “You’re right.” She gave the horse a tentative smile. The horse stopped stomping to gaze at her owner, her countenance calming ever-so-slightly. “That’s a good girl,” Ciara cooed. “You’re going to be okay.”
Rowan backed up to give Ciara a moment alone with the animal. The sun shone brighter, and both human and horse were noticeably less agitated. After a few minutes, he gently touched her shoulder. “Do you still want to meet Mrs. Murphy this afternoon? We could postpone.”
Ciara shook her head firmly. The spark was back.
“Too many horses are waiting to be saved. As much as I hate to leave Jasmine, the rescue also needs attention. Plus, she’s in good hands here.
” She nodded to a groom who had just entered, a friendly older man who had been caring for horses for the better part of three decades.
“Then let’s go make your dream a reality.” Touching the small of her back, he gestured her forward. This time she leaned into him, granting him the familiarity they’d possessed so long ago. Whether she admitted it or not, she was letting him back into her life.
And that was worth everything.
“That’s the proposal.” Ciara handed the binder to Mrs. Murphy, the final act in the performance of a lifetime.
She drew her hands together, resisted the urge to smooth down her royal blue blouse and pen skirt, the hair pulled back in a pedestrian approximation of a French twist. “We now have substantial seed money, prospective employees and an extensive list of potential customers. Everything is thoroughly explained in the business plan.”
Mrs. Murphy studied the papers, the written account of the presentation Ciara spent the last hour giving.
The banker shuffled the ivory linen sheets, her gaze shrewd as she traced every detail with a fire-engine red fingernail.
Her hands were as pale and crisp as the chilled room, which was scented of computer machinery and set to an orchestra of computer fans.
Ciara sat up straight in the cushionless metal chair, attempting to project confident businesswoman and likely achieving misbegotten youth waiting at the principal’s office.
She took a breath of artificially cooled air.
They were in the same office as last time, facing the same severe woman wearing the same severe expression and a severe black business suit.
Despite the similarities, it seemed different. This time, Mrs. Murphy couldn’t say no.
She hoped.
Mrs. Murphy looked up from the papers and removed her glasses. “I must say, I’m impressed. I didn’t expect this.” She lifted the spreadsheet outlining the contest earnings. “And I certainly didn’t anticipate this.”
Promising. “Yes, ma’am. This organization could do a great deal for a lot of people.
” She glanced over at Rowan; he smiled encouragingly.
“With the startup money and loan, we can save horses right away. Since the guest rooms are already built, it shouldn’t take long to host visitors. We’re ready to go.”
Mrs. Murphy looked at the paper in front of her, then back at Ciara. Then… she smiled.
Ciara couldn’t quite manage to hide her shock.
“I have to crunch numbers, but I can work with this.” The banker stood and held out her hand. “Congratulations, Ms. O’Connor. Your dream is coming true.”
For a moment, Ciara stayed frozen. Then… she squealed.
Rowan laughed, and even Mrs. Murphy chuckled, as Ciara pumped her hand. “Thank you so much!”
She turned to Rowan, but a handshake was not enough.
She wrapped her arms around him, pressing against that muscular chest, reaching around his broad shoulders and towering frame.
For once, she was in control, basking in the heat of the powerful man.
The bond between them surged, a link borne of pure instinct, as the past melted away.
He felt like home .
He hugged her back, surrounding her with powerful warmth.
His embrace was a haven, where she was cherished, adored and…
more. When she reluctantly pulled back a few seconds later, because although she’d considered it, she couldn’t stay there forever, he was grinning with unmistakable emotion. “Congratulations, Ciara. You did it.”
She smiled so widely it felt like the sun was shining through her.
“We did it. Without you, the horses wouldn’t have gotten a chance in the first place.
Thank you.” Rowan stayed by her side, as she turned back to the banker.
“According to our business plan, the income from visitors and donations should allow us to become self-sustaining in a short time. We plan to repay the loan as soon as possible.”
Mrs. Murphy nodded her approval as she arranged the presentation notes in a neat stack.
“It appears very well organized. I’d wish you luck, but I have a feeling you don’t need it.
” She glanced around the office and lowered her voice, even though no one else was there.
“Let me know when you’re taking reservations.
I could probably use a day in the fresh air. ”
Ciara laughed, as giddy as a jockey who’d just won her first race. Actually, she felt like she’d won the Preakness Stakes, Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot all in the same day. “Absolutely.”
“I’ll call you later today with specifics.” Mrs. Murphy shook hands with both of them. “You can stop by to sign the documents, and we’ll be all set.”
“Perfect!” Ciara beamed. “Thank you again.” With another ecstatic good-bye, they walked out of the office and into the warm summer day.
The world blazed brighter, full of hope, joy and unlimited possibilities.
Even Jasmine’s illness seemed less bleak.
Instead of resignation, optimism bloomed, certainty they would cure the beautiful horse. Then they would help so many others.
They reached the car, and Rowan unlocked it, as she ticked off tasks on her fingers.
“I have so much to do. I have to call Frank and tell him the good news. Then I have to call my boss and tell him I’m not coming back.
Sophia will be next, although she’s probably already figured that was the case.
Next, I have to call Teara to tell her the job is open.
We should inform the people who inquired about reservations that we’ll–”
“Hold on a minute.” Rowan held up his hands, but he was smiling. “Shouldn’t we first head to the diner?”
Ciara stopped short. “You’re right. We have to talk to Chelsea about the job. If she’s as experienced as Grandma Leigh says, we could use her right away.”
“We should speak to her,” he concurred, his eyes sparkling. “However, I was thinking about getting you something to eat. I noticed you missed breakfast in lieu of half a granola bar.”