Page 46 of Captured by the Billionaire Cowboy (The Secret Billionaires #7)

They each went their separate ways, except for Ciara and Rowan.

He stayed by her side as the next few hours passed in delightful chaos.

Ciara had never seen so many smiling faces, and even the banker Mrs. Murphy was present, sporting a lighthearted grin.

When she spotted her, she actually winked .

The workers went above and beyond, the volunteers gifted their time and the crowds supported her and the horses, as well as the local vendors.

Most of all, Rowan had made it all possible.

The crowd swelled as they approached the main event, the presentation where she’d speak on stage, not just to a live audience, but to a virtual crowd of thousands.

Apprehension begot restlessness, at the moment that could define everything.

Yet every time she became anxious, Rowan edged closer, whispering words of support.

Despite Rowan’s calming presence, her nervousness spiked as the minutes counted down.

She would speak about the rescue center’s current progress, as well as their plans for the future, now including the expansion.

After the speech, they would announce the winners of the raffle and the naming contest.

Finally, they entered the spacious tent where the party would be held.

Ciara stopped and stared at a world of whimsical enchantment, a romantic wonderland come to life.

Amber lights twinkled starry brilliance on wispy chiffon, next to emerald greenery dotted with lavender flowers.

Crisp white tablecloths covered the tables, accentuating filigree candles, lace napkins and large silver vases with fragrant white roses.

In the corner, a band played a lilting Celtic melody.

It was more than she could’ve imagined, more than she’d ever hoped. She blinked watery lashes. “It’s beautiful.”

“Yes, it is.” Yet Rowan was not looking at the adornments, but at her. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, holding her as if he would never let go. For that moment, she never wanted him to. “You did this.”

“Not just me. The whole town made this day a success.” And a success it was, as hundreds of people smiled as they walked past, as dozens congratulated them. Finally, it was time.

Rowan ascended the stage first, positioning himself in front of the podium.

Conversation ceased as everyone turned to the handsome man.

“Welcome, ladies and gentleman. We’re thrilled you could join us for the grand opening of our horse rescue.

Your support is what allows us to save these beautiful animals.

” He waited as the crowd applauded. “We’re excited to share all that we do.

First I’d like to talk about the amazing woman who started it all. ”

Ciara blinked as the crowd turned to her, a hundred warm smiles that brought her own.

This wasn’t the speech he’d practiced. “For years, Ciara O’Connor has dedicated her life to saving others.

Even as a child, she helped those in need, down to the smallest housefly.

She’s done so much for those around her, from saving lives to simply being a friend.

Now she’s turned her attention to these majestic animals.

If it wasn’t for her–” He paused. “They would have very different lives.”

Every expression turned starkly serious. They knew the dire fate the animals escaped. “But she saved them, and the future will bring many more success stories.” He lifted his glass as the applause started once more. “Please welcome to the stage, Ciara O’Connor.”

Ciara blinked back tears as she stepped forward to a sea of kind faces.

Some had supported her for years, like Frank and Sophia, while others, like Rowan and his brothers, had recently done so much, without payment or recompense.

Suddenly, all the fear and doubts, the anxiety and worry, disappeared.

Surrounded by hope, kindness and love, everything would be all right.

She stood tall. “Thank you so much. As Rowan said, none of this would be possible without your generous support. You gave these horses a second chance. You are the reason we can save lives.”

The clapping came again, loud and enthusiastic. “I created the rescue center to save horses with no hope, animals who were abused or neglected, either purposefully or inadvertently. So far, we’ve saved over thirty horses, but there are so many more. We hope to change their destiny.

“As you know, our center is not just for horses. We provide guests with the opportunity to learn about horses, interact with them and perhaps even find their own special animal to add to their family. We offer a chance to get away from it all, to live a life of simplicity and yet so much beauty. This horse rescue is my dream come true. Thank you for joining us as we change lives forever.” As the crowd cheered louder.

Rowan winked at her. She held up her hands.

“Now who wants to hear the results of the contests?”

A child in the front yelled, “Finally!” and everyone laughed. Spencer, now dressed in an icing-free shirt, handed her two crisp envelopes.

She opened the first and grasped the smooth paper.

“First, I’ll announce the winner of the all-expenses paid retreat for two.

Even if you don’t win, you can still redeem your ticket for a discount off the price of a retreat.

Are you ready?” Amid enthusiastic shouts, she leaned into the microphone. “The winners are Debbie and Don Lewis.”

For a moment there was silence. With thousands of entrants from near and far, Ciara didn’t expect the winners to be present, yet suddenly an excited squeal came from the back of the crowd.

An elderly couple jumped up and down like a pair of teenagers, then jogged up to the stage to accept their prize.

After taking their certificate, they gave everyone on stage a hug.

The crowd clapped even louder, thrilled with the announcement of the local winners.

“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis.” After the crowd finally calmed, Ciara held up the second envelope.

“Now for the big decision – the name of our horse rescue. Thousands of people voted on the five finalists, and now we have the winner.” She opened the envelope and took out the index card.

She smiled widely as she announced her favorite choice, “Destiny’s Hope Horse Rescue. ”

Destiny’s Hope was the perfect name for their endeavor.

It was their destiny to save these horses, to provide hope for both horses and humans.

“Let me be the first to welcome everyone to Destiny’s Hope Horse Rescue.

Please stay and enjoy our old-fashioned country dance and delicious dinner catered by Grandma Leigh. Thank you so much.”

As the band commenced a festive tune, Ciara walked – or rather ran – to Rowan. She jumped into his arms, laughing as he spun her around. Together they descended the steps, stopping for countless congratulations and well wishes.

She lost count of how many people she talked to, making new friends, answering questions and sharing information about the rescue.

Rowan stayed by her side for hours before excusing himself for a “quick errand.” She’d just finished another retelling of their journey when he reappeared, holding two plates filled with Irish stew, soda bread and all the fixings.

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to steal this lovely lady,” he told the group. “She gets so busy she forgets to eat.”

The people laughed, and even Ciara cracked a smile. “This was your errand?” She tapped his arm as he led her to a round table covered in flower petals. “Dinner?”

He rubbed her back, subtlety pulling her closer. “I wanted to make sure you took care of yourself.” He set the plates down and held out her chair. “No skipping meals to work.”

She sank into the plush cushion, as exhaustion loosened taut muscles. The scent of the food made her mouth water. “Thank you.” She bit into the warm, buttery bread, then sighed. “This is amazing.”

She ate quickly, stopping when people approached.

She didn’t mind the interruptions – this was her chance to share the horse rescue with the community, or actually, with their live- stream connection, the world.

Finally, she finished, far more energized for the hearty meal.

“Thank you. I didn’t realize I was that hungry. ”

“I figured.” He finished his own plate. “You’re always helping people. I won’t let you neglect yourself.” The man was unapologetically overprotective, yet somehow it didn’t bother her anymore. Two people in a relationship should care for each other.

Was that what they were?

She wouldn’t define it now. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for the rescue.”

He reached across the table and took her hand. “It feels good to do something that matters. Your horse rescue is going to change lives.”

“ Our horse rescue.” She squeezed his fingers. Perhaps it was time to share more, and convince him to do the same. “Rowan, I know about your charities.”

He hesitated. Would he deny it, maintaining the distance between them?

Or would he finally open up? “Giving away money isn’t the same as actually working with people and animals, or seeing the results.

I like doing this, and I love doing it with you.

” It wasn’t exactly an admission, but it wasn’t a denial either. It was progress .

As the band started a fast-beat Irish melody, he gave a cheeky grin that reminded her of the kid she used to know. “Want to dance?”

She suppressed the urge to jump into his arms. “I should probably work.”

He shook his head firmly. “There’s nothing left for you to do, Ciara. This is the last event of the day. People want to see you having fun.” When she still hesitated, he took her hand. “Just give me a few minutes, and I’ll deliver you to your hordes of fans.”

Actually, the people were eyeing Rowan, the women with undisguised interest. Perhaps staying close was a good idea. “You have far more fans than me.”

He took her in his arms. “I disagree.” Before she could respond, he spun her around. In more ways than one, he captured her.

She laughed as they moved in perfect harmony, swaying with practiced grace.

He was an excellent dancer, and being with him was as natural as riding a horse.

She couldn’t bring herself to leave after the song ended, as a softer, slower Celtic song began.

When they began their third set, her gaze caught on Davey. “Would you look at that?”

He followed her gaze and grinned. Davey was dancing with Lisa, Mr. and Mrs. Baxter’s daughter from the The Bread Bowl. He looked sharp in a royal blue shirt and dress pants, the perfect complement to Lisa’s aqua sundress. He beamed as his partner giggled.

Ciara chuckled. “The Byrne brothers sure know how to sweep a lady off their feet.”

Rowan twirled her around. He leaned down, and the scent of spice reached her. “Are you admitting I swept you off your feet?”

He’d swept her off her feet and carried her away. “I admit nothing.” She blinked coyly. “But just in case, what are you going to do about it?”

“I have plans,” he said simply.

Her heart fluttered. Plans? Before she could demand details, he pointed across the room. “Looks like the O’Connor men do just fine, too.”

She followed his gaze. Uncail Frank and Grandma Leigh were holding each other sweetly, swaying to their own beat. Ciara smiled softly. “That’s so lovely.”

“So are you.”

She sighed, drifting closer to him. The evening light had softened with night’s arrival, enveloping the world in pure romance. Pressed against his expansive chest, nothing had ever felt so right.

For the remainder of the evening, they alternated between dancing and entertaining the guests. The visitors stayed far into the night, enjoying the music, food and enchantment. The grand opening had been a resounding success, and the possibilities were endless. She would share it all with Rowan.

And that was the most enchanting of all.