Page 50 of Captured by the Billionaire Cowboy (The Secret Billionaires #7)
Rowan had always thought he’d been responsible by working so much, but maybe he’d cheated them – and himself. “I made the same mistakes he did, by not showing you my true emotions. I’d like to think Father loved us in his own way. Still the words matter.” He breathed deeply. “I love you guys, too.”
Quinn and Spencer smiled widely. Rowan stepped forward, and for the first time in years, embraced his brothers.
“I haven’t spent enough time with family, and that’s something I intend to change.
” He wiped his eyes, where dust must’ve moistened them.
“Thank you for never giving up on me. You may not have noticed, but things are already changing.”
“We did notice.” Spencer nodded at the sleeping woman. “We’re pretty sure we know why.”
Rowan softened as he regarded his beautiful love. “Is it that obvious?”
“Yes,” Quinn and Spencer answered in unison, and Rowan hung his head. Obviously, he hadn’t fooled anybody with his feelings.
He didn’t want to anymore.
“So what exactly is going on with you two?” Spencer grinned. “I assume you’re not going to answer that.”
“Actually, I am.” Rowan stood tall. He no longer wanted to hide his feelings. “I’m going to marry her.”
Had he really just said that?
Oh yes.
He’d shocked them into silence. Hell, he’d shocked himself. If he was already being honest… “I love her. Even if I have to move across the ocean, I want to be with her.”
Only would she agree? He’d already hurt her once. Would she accept him back?
Somehow, he would convince her.
“Wow,” Spencer finally said when he could speak. “That’s amazing. Congratulations, Rowan.”
Quinn appeared just as shocked… and thrilled. “We’re truly happy for you.”
“Don’t be happy yet. She still has to say yes.” If she turned him down… no, he wouldn’t consider that. Surely, she could feel the bond between them.
Quinn didn’t look worried. “I don’t think that’s going to be a problem with how she looks at you.”
“How does she look at me?”
“Kind of like you look at her.”
Satisfaction rose, pure joy and newfound optimism. Hopefully, they were right, because as soon as this crisis was over, he was going to pose one very important question.
The answer would change his life.
The parade of well-wishers commenced at 8 a.m.
Grandma Leigh was the first to arrive, armed with shamrock shortbread cookies and traditional Irish Whiskey truffles still warm from the oven.
She arrived only fifteen minutes after Ciara awoke and five after she got an update from the vet, which brought no additional news.
Ciara held back tears as the older lady embraced her, whispering words of comfort.
“How is she?” Grandma Leigh asked.
Ciara gave a watery smile, even as she shook her head. “She made it through the night, which is more than I’d hoped, but she’s not out of danger. The vet won’t know much until he runs some tests.”
Grandma Leigh rubbed her back. “Were you able to see her?”
“I didn’t want to disturb her. She’s sleeping now.”
“I hope you got some rest, as well.”
In the corner, Rowan shifted in the hard chair.
The normally impeccable man looked quite rumpled, his hair adorably tousled and his face boasting more a midnight shadow instead of a five o’clock one, but he’d never looked more handsome.
He’d promised to stay up all night for her, and he had. “I slept a bit.”
“I’m glad. You would’ve been in trouble otherwise,” Grandma Leigh intoned in mock sternness.
Ciara laughed, and Grandma Leigh spent a few minutes distracting her with humorous stories and lighthearted conversation.
Ciara even managed to drink some juice and eat a truffle, which was, of course, delicious.
By the time Grandma Leigh left with the promise to return soon, the world seemed a little less dim.
Now fully awake, Rowan approached with a gentle smile. “How are you doing?”
She shrugged lightly, gave a fake smile he could probably see through. “Right now, Jasmine is doing okay, which means I’m doing okay.”
He brought his arms around her, pulling her close against his warm chest. “You can’t lie to me.”
No, she couldn’t. She sniffed, nodded. “I’m just glad you’re here,” she whispered.
He held her tight. “Me, too.”
They didn’t have time to talk more before the next visitor arrived.
Uncail Frank brought an entire farmer’s breakfast, complete with thick pancakes, scrambled eggs, crispy home fries and a mug of coffee.
After an exuberant thank-you, she took a sip of the delicious brew.
“How is everything at the ranch?” It stung that she wasn’t there as the guests woke the first morning, but she couldn’t leave Jasmine yet. “I’m so sorry to miss it.”
“You’re where you need to be.” Frank took her hands. “Everything is great. Grandma Leigh came in at 5 a.m. to prepare a veritable feast, and the guests couldn’t stop gushing about her blueberry scones and boxty.”
Ciara’s heart warmed. Grandma Leigh was supposed to drop off a continental breakfast, not spend hours preparing a grand meal. And in between, she’d managed to visit the animal hospital and offer support. What an amazing woman. “Where are the guests now?”
“They’re already with the horses, riding on the easy trails.” Frank dipped his head. “The horses are doing just fine. We’re rotating them so they don’t get overwhelmed by the attention. Of course, they love the exercise and activity.”
She exhaled. “Thank you for all this. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Frank waved away the compliment. “Teara and Chelsea deserve most of the credit. They were up well before dawn to prepare. I’ve never seen two more efficient women, present company excluded of course.”
“Please tell them how much I appreciate it.” Ciara glanced back at the hallway, where the clock ticked in agonizing slowness. “The vet said he’d be back sometime this afternoon. If everything goes okay, I’ll return to the ranch. If not…” She swallowed.
“We’re here for as long as you need.” Frank gently squeezed her shoulder. “I hope you don’t mind, but we told the guests what happened. We wanted to explain why you weren’t there.”
Tension gripped taut muscles. “Did they seem upset?”
“Actually, they were impressed by your dedication.”
Despite the situation, she smiled. Everyone had been so understanding, and so kind.
She talked to her uncail for a few more minutes, before Frank left to return to the ranch.
Yet even after he left, the visits – and kindness – continued.
It seemed half the town came, each bearing a little gift: a handmade snack wrapped in foil, a small bunch of flowers, a crossword puzzle to keep her occupied.
Sophia showed up with her favorite smoothie and a big hug, and her parents called twice from overseas.
The support buoyed her, so when Dr. Saunders walked out at precisely noon, Ciara stood tall, next to Rowan. She was ready for whatever he had to say. “How is she?”
For a moment Dr. Saunders was silent, and Ciara’s heart fluttered. Then he smiled . “She’s going to be fine.”
“She is?” she breathed. Was it possible? “Truly?”
“Truly.” The kindly vet grinned. “All the tests came back optimally, and she’s already awake. In a couple of days, she’ll be ready to go home.”
“That’s wonderful,” Rowan’s voice was heavy with emotion. He cleared his throat. “Good to hear.”
He didn’t fool her, not with eyes that shimmered in the artificial light. She moved to shake the vet’s hand, went in for a hug instead. Dr. Saunders laughed and patted her back, as the anxiety and guilt dissipated, leaving pure relief and endless hope. “Can I see her?”
“Absolutely. She’ll be glad to see you.”
She all but skipped behind him, through the hallway she’d stared at for so many hours, to a spacious room with raised ceilings, warm colors and proof that wishes came true.
Jasmine raised her head when she saw her, calm and comfortable and standing without aid.
When Ciara approached, she didn’t shy away like before, but edged forward, and even allowed her to touch her.
The difference was palpable, the improvement more than she could’ve ever dreamed.
Ciara spent another two hours with Jasmine and then, assured she was in good hands, left with Rowan for the ranch.
They smiled and laughed and talked about everything besides the epiphany that she’d fallen in love with him.
So much was now settled – her horse was going to be all right, the grand opening was a success and Hope’s Destiny Horse Ranch was off to a great start.
Now she just had to figure out how to reveal the truth to the man she loved.