Page 44 of Captured by the Billionaire Cowboy (The Secret Billionaires #7)

“And we’re here to help,” Chelsea added.

“I appreciate that.” Ciara squeezed Leigh’s hand.

Unfortunately, Frank would be her only family present today.

Her parents were in America celebrating a close friend’s wedding, and Sophia had taken a large catering order, substantial enough to boost her fledgling business.

She’d offered to turn it down, but Ciara couldn’t let her sister give up such a rare opportunity.

None of her other relatives were close enough to attend on such short notice, but they showed great enthusiasm at Ciara’s invitation to visit in the future.

“Will you look at that?” Frank pointed to something behind her.

Ciara turned, blinked. “Sophia?”

No matter how many times she closed and opened her eyes, her sister was still there. Wearing a lavender dress and a smile as bright as the impending day, she held her arms out wide. “Surprise!”

Ciara raced forward and embraced the sister who would always be her best friend.

She smelled like sunshine, sugar and love.

“I can’t believe you’re here.” She hugged her again, as best she could around a huge white basket.

She peeked down through the quilted cover to the pink frosted cupcakes underneath. “And with your famous cupcakes, too!”

As everyone welcomed Sophia with wide smiles and gracious words, Ciara pulled back. “What are you doing here? What about your big contract?”

Sophia grinned widely. “I turned it down.”

“Sophia, no–”

“Don’t get upset until you hear the entire story.” Sophia patted her arm. “This is the biggest event in your life. I couldn’t miss it.”

“But what about your career?” Ciara groaned. “The contract could’ve meant big things for your business. Even if you moved back to America, the order would boost your resume.”

“Still not as important as my sister.” Balancing the cupcakes in one hand, Sophia gave her a side hug. “The customer was a family man, so I explained the situation. I couldn’t do the cakes since they had to be prepared right before delivery, but I offered my gourmet cookies at cost instead.”

“Cost?” Ciara’s groan was even louder.

Her sister laughed. “Let me finish. He was so impressed with my focus on family, he took the cookies and paid full price. Then he put in two more orders for upcoming events. Plus, he holds events all over Ireland so even if I move here, I’ll still be able to keep him as a customer.

He even promised to share my name with his associates. ”

“Move here ?” Ciara stopped. “What do you mean? You’re – we’re – moving back to America in a few months.”

Only… was she?

“Are we?” her sister murmured, studying her carefully.

“I wasn’t so sure. Ireland has grown on me, and it seems some things have grown on you, too.

” She paused, with a not-so-subtle raised eyebrow.

“Whether or not it’s just for a few months, I wouldn’t mind a little change of scenery.

Plus, the landlord offered to end the lease early after I told him about the horse rescue. I want be near my only sister.”

“I’m thrilled you may move here.” Frank placed an arm around each of the ladies. “Having my two lovely nieces so close would be wonderful.”

What had she done to deserve such a loving family? “If you relocate, we could offer your baked goods at the retreat,” Ciara suggested. She turned to Grandma Leigh. “This won’t affect our deal since you mostly provide entrees and side dishes.”

“Oh honey, don’t worry.” Grandma Leigh eyed the cupcakes. “If those taste as good as they look, I may order some for the diner. We’ve been so busy, I’ve been looking for a little help with the baking.”

“They taste even better than they look.” Ciara winked at her sister. “I just earned you new business, which means I earn a commission.”

“Oh really?” Her sister donned her stern face, yet her eyes sparkled. “I know where this is going.”

“What should be my reward?” Ciara tapped a finger on her chin. She smiled widely. “Three dozen cupcakes should do it.”

Sophia clutched the cupcakes tightly as Ciara made a pretend grab for them. Frank shook his head, while the others laughed. Shannon thought it was hysterical.

“These are for everyone. Well, everyone who works here,” Sophia clarified.

“I didn’t have time to bake for the thousands of guests you’re expecting.

But you can have one.” She carefully opened the lid and removed a bright pink cupcake.

Before she handed it to Ciara, she turned to the rest of the group. “Would anyone else like one?”

“I want three!” Shannon said in a singsong voice. Her mother and grandmother chuckled, negotiating it down to one. The rest of the group took as well, and sighs of pleasure soon proved their delight. Sophia still held Ciara’s.

In the background, more trucks approached, an echoing reminder of the fair’s imminent arrival. Frank tipped his hat. “I’d better get back to work. If you’d like, I can take the rest of the cupcakes to the house. I promise not to eat them… well, not all of them.”

The sisters laughed. “That would be great.” Sophia handed him the container, but still kept Ciara’s treat. “It was a pleasure to meet everyone.” The smiling group returned the sentiment as they left, intent on their next tasks. She waved as they split up.

Although Ciara was still full from the pancakes, she could never resist Sophia’s dreamy concoctions. She held out her hand. “May I have my cupcake, please?”

Sophia wagged a finger. “I’m holding it for ransom. You have to listen to my proud big sister speech.”

Ciara flushed. “Sophia–”

“This won’t take long.” Love, warmth and endless emotion tinted her expression, as she turned serious. “I’m just so proud of you. All these years, you’ve worked to make a difference in the world.”

Ciara kicked the dirt, careful to avoid disturbing a tiny onyx snail. She’d embarked on dozens of campaigns, but it had never been enough.

“I know what you’re thinking,” Sophia softened. “But you’re wrong. With every cause, you helped someone; with every rescue, you changed lives. Some animal or person found a better life because of you. You don’t need to prove anything. You were always enough.”

The world turned blurry. The frustrations of the past, the lost opportunities, somehow seemed less. Was Sophia right? Did even small deeds make a difference?

“Do you know how much I love you?”

Ciara blinked back tears. “I love you, too.”

They embraced, bound by a sisterly bond that would never waver. When Ciara finally drew back, the anxiety and fear had softened, replaced by newfound optimism. With her family and friends beside her, today could be nothing less than a success. “Thank you. I needed that.”

Sophia’s eyes shimmered in the sun, mirroring her own emotion. Ciara lifted her chin cheekily. “So, do I get that cupcake?”

Sophia grinned in mischief. “You’ll have to catch me first.” All remaining angst disappeared, no doubt Sophia’s plan, as Ciara dove for the sweet concoction. Sophia held it high and turned…

Directly into the man behind her.

Everything happened at once. The cupcake flying. Ciara staring. And Spencer, standing perfectly still in blue jeans and….

A hot pink frosted shirt.

Rowan, who had accompanied Spencer, somehow kept his face perfectly somber. “Spencer, that’s a bold fashion choice.”

“Oh. My. Goodness.” Her cheeks tinged as pink as the frosting, Sophia grabbed a tissue from her purse. She rubbed the pink spot on Spencer’s shirt, only it smeared further across his chest. Spencer stayed perfectly still, his face uncharacteristically neutral, as Sophia “cleaned” the mess.

Finally, he reached down and grasped Sophia’s hand. “It’s all right,” he murmured. “I’ll change shirts.”

Sophia stilled, her hand splayed against the man’s chest. She blinked, as if suddenly aware of her actions, and the location of her hand. Ever-so-slowly, she drew away, her flush deepening beyond the cupcake’s hot pink hue.

How surprising… and uncharacteristic. Getting rattled was Ciara’s forte, not her cool and collected sister. And Spencer, who typically laughed and cracked jokes at awkward situations, simply stared in fascination at the flustered woman.

For a moment, no one moved, “If you give me your shirt, I can wash it for you,” Sophia blurted out.

She turned even pinker. “Later! I mean, if you bring it to me later, I can clean it. I wasn’t suggesting you take it off in the middle of the field.

Although if you wanted to, you certainly could. It’s not really my decision.”

What was happening to her sister? By Sophia’s pale features, she didn’t know either. Her gaze darted back and forth, as if looking for an escape. “What I’m trying to say is it’s entirely up to you whether to remove your shirt.”

Spencer still hadn’t taken his eyes off her. “I appreciate the offer, but it’s not necessary. I’ll take care of it.”

“Okay, then.” Sophia backed up. “I’ll get you another cupcake, Sophia. Would anyone else like one?” Her eyes fixated on Spencer.

He folded his arms across his chest, covering the stain. “Perhaps later. They look absolutely delicious.”

Sophia visibly gulped, then, without another word, pivoted and hurried away. A second later, Spencer did the same.

Rowan grasped her hand. “That was a little strange.”

“Yes, it was.”

“Do you think they felt a spark?”

“Absolutely.”

They both grinned.

Together they walked from the building, into the bustling heart of the ranch.

People raced this way and that, some with horses, and others with supplies and equipment.

Ciara called to workers as they traveled, inquiring about their progress and offering assistance.

Rowan seemed content to stay beside her and added his own thoughtful queries.

A new vendor or worker arrived every minute, and soon the ranch was transformed into a wonderland of colorful tents, children’s rides and, of course, horses.

The animals roamed in paddocks around the ranch, spread over a large area to make them feel safe and secure.

The bounce houses had been inflated, the crafts and games set up and the workers in place.

There were several large sports fields set up for popular Irish games, including hurling, rounders and heads and volleys.

The large permanent stage held a podium, AV equipment and a large screen, all ready for the day’s events.

The hours raced as swiftly as a Preakness contender, and soon it was noon, the official opening of the horse rescue.

With everyone’s help, they were ready. Ciara squinted through the bright daylight at the parking lot, where several attendants were stationed to direct guests.

The day had warmed up nicely, and it was slightly milder than average, with a refreshing breeze.

The air was fragrant with magnolias, cotton candy and freshly baked bread.

“Don’t be nervous.”

“Is it that obvious?”

Rowan enveloped her in strong arms. She leaned into him, and he bent down to kiss her forehead. “You seem to be under the impression I can’t see how you feel. Today will be perfect.”

She nodded, but even he couldn’t stop her apprehension. She’d pursued many causes in the past, but this was her ultimate endeavor, the quest to help her beloved horses. “It’s just…. what if no one comes?”

“That’s impossible.” Rowan pointed behind her. “Look.”

Ciara followed his gaze. And there, a family of four was disembarking from a maroon minivan, her very first guests.

She squealed in delight, causing Rowan to chuckle, then again as another car pulled up right behind them.

Before she made it to the parking lot, two more cars had pulled in, then another three.

From then on, the flow was continuous, rapid even, as the main parking lot quickly filled, and the cars began to file into the huge field beyond.

License plates represented not just the local area, but out-of-towners, even from other counties.

There was no time to be nervous as Ciara welcomed each guest.

Minutes passed, and then an hour and more, as the crowd swelled to more than Ciara dared dream.

The workshops and activities began to great excitement.

The overnight guests gushed over the accommodations, and many of the visitors inquired about booking a retreat.

Of course, the horses were the main attraction, and dozens of families showed interest in adoption.

With their proactive safety measures, the horses did just fine with the attention, enjoying the joyous atmosphere.

Now Ciara was roaming the grounds, helping wherever she was needed. She stood off the path as a group of grinning people passed. “That was so cool!” a little girl gushed as the crowd dispersed from one of Frank’s presentations. “I’m now a horse expert.”

“Are you now?” Her dad laughed, lifting an adoption application off the table. He winked at his daughter. “It may just come in handy.”

As the child squealed, Ciara waved Uncail Frank over. “Your workshops are getting great reviews. I appreciate your help.”

Satisfaction lit his kindly face. “It’s great teaching people who are so eager to learn. I’m happy to do more anytime.”

It wasn’t a bad idea. They’d planned the workshops specifically for the festival, but perhaps it could be something they offered on a regular basis. Ciara had been looking for a way to give back to the community. The classes could be open to everyone, not just those adopting horses.

She gazed over the crowded field, stopping on the man who was rarely far from her mind. Rowan was speaking to a group, who watched with clear admiration, as he gestured with his muscular arms. He said something, and they all clapped.

How could she leave this place? How could she leave this man ? And yet the horse rescue’s commencement brought her departure all too close.

It was time to make a decision.