Page 3 of Rekindling Little River (Littles of Rawhide Ranch #14)

River

Seven Months Later

River had never seen such bright fall colors.

Evergreens mixed with the orange and yellow leaves of other trees.

They were backdropped by gray mountains heavily tipped in white, and before them were vast plains dotted occasionally with the bright blue waters of ponds, rivers, lakes, and streams. Just watching the scenery go by was lifting a weight from River’s shoulders that they weren’t even aware they’d been carrying.

As the road wound through the landscape, River wondered what they would find when they got to Rawhide Ranch. They’d done a bit of research but one couldn’t really know what to expect until they saw it for themself. River didn’t have much longer before they’d get their first look.

The car slowed and a large metal gate with two Rs on it came into view. A security guard walked out and asked the driver a question before looking back to River and asking, “What’s the name for your reservation?”

“River Arrow.”

The guard said something into an earpiece and waited a moment before leaning down and saying, “Welcome to Rawhide Ranch.” He gestured toward the gate as he spoke and it slowly swung open to allow them through.

At first River couldn’t see anything through the heavy layer of trees but it wasn’t long before the foliage cleared and River was treated to a stunning view of pastures dotted with horses, stables, and the largest ranch house River had ever seen.

It was absolutely massive, three stories tall, it seemed to go on forever.

There was a large porch spanning the front of the building with several areas for sitting and enjoying the view, and the gardens lining the porch bloomed with fall flowers so very beautiful it brought tears to their eyes.

What would it be like to have such a vast history in one place that it could grow to something so epic?

River hadn’t really felt like they’d belonged anywhere before, they’d definitely never felt a connection like the owner of the Ranch obviously felt here.

It was something they’d searched for but had never found.

Before River could contemplate it further, the car came to a stop at the bottom of six steps leading to the double doors that led into the building.

An imposing man in jeans and a cowboy hat started down the stairs to meet them.

Details of the man weren’t clear immediately, due to shadows cast from the sun on his hat, but as he grew closer, River made out his salt-and-pepper beard, and startling blue eyes.

As they exited the vehicle, the man seemed even more massive, either that or River was suddenly tiny. Had they shrunk on the plane? Like in that one movie. Not likely but either way, this guy was definitely not a small man.

“Welcome to Rawhide Ranch. I’m Master Derek.” As he held out his hand to shake, River found themself taking it on instinct rather than pre-planned intent.

“I’m River Arrow.”

“It’s nice to meet you, River. As you probably know, I’m the owner of Rawhide Ranch.

If you need anything you can always find my assistant, Erika, around and Luna is at the front desk during the day.

My wife and Little, Sadie, is usually ’round here somewhere.

Usually up to some mischief or another.”

As he spoke, a second, silent man came from seemingly nowhere and took River’s bags from the trunk, hefting them up the stairs as if it was the most natural thing in the world for him to do. As many guests as they likely had around here, River guessed it probably was second nature.

“I’ll take you to the check-in desk and they’ll get you all settled from there. You’ve already filled out all the forms and agreed to all the rules so there isn’t much to go over now.”

“Thank you.” River was aware they appeared distracted, but with Master Derek’s voice booming around them and their awe over their surroundings, they were having trouble forming complete sentences.

They were really too busy taking in the massive rustic-feeling lobby with its huge fireplace and comfy-looking seating.

They were so busy looking around that had Master Derek not stopped them, they might have walked straight into the front desk.

Their cheeks heated in embarrassment, but Master Derek simply addressed the lady behind the desk, instructing her to get River checked in and settled, before saying what a pleasure it was to have them and heading off to do whatever ranch owners did.

From there, the check-in was swift and easy and River was led to a room that screamed rustic elegance. As they flopped back onto the massive bed, River let out a deep breath and gloried in the complete lack of any obligations for the next week.

Dave

The familiar scents of livestock floating on the light breeze declared Rawhide Ranch to be a true working ranch despite it also being a vacation getaway.

Dave took a deep breath, relishing the smells of home, and made his way up the porch steps to meet the imposing man waiting for him.

He hardly paid attention as he was shown to the front desk.

His mind was too preoccupied with whether River had made it there already, and where they might be staying.

Would he be lucky enough to get a room close to theirs?

Something told Dave that, with the size of the Ranch, it was unlikely that he’d just randomly run into River quickly if he wasn’t staying somewhere close to them.

It wasn’t like he could ask without giving away his intent for this visit though, so Dave decided to cross his fingers and, if worse got to worst, he could always just scour the grounds until he found them.

Nothing was going to keep Dave from using this trip to try everything to convince River to be his.

The rest of the check-in process was a complete blur as Dave planned in his head.

He accepted the key to his room, was told his bags were waiting for him, and made his way down the hall he was pointed toward, checking room numbers as he went.

As he passed the room that should be the one before his, the door opened and Dave was shocked to realize luck was on his side as River stepped out, looking at the pamphlet map.

When they bumped into him, their dark-chocolate eyes widened, revealing surprising flecks of gold in their irises as they stammered their apology.

“I’m sorry. I was…”

If he thought their eyes were big before, once recognition set in, they became impossibly huge.

“Oh, hi.”

Was it just him, or did their tone hold a bit of disappointment at seeing him?

He thought it did, and it would make sense given their previous interactions, but Dave wasn’t going to let that stand for long.

He held no hope of being to River what he hoped he could be if the sight of him inspired disappointment.

“Hello, River.” He looked pointedly at the key in his hand, then the number on their door.

“Looks like we’re neighbors.” He pointed rather lamely at the door to his room and said, “Guess I know which neighbor to visit if I need a cup of sugar.” Oh, for fuck’s sake, had he really just said something so lame?

But the fact that River rolled their eyes hard enough to strain their retinas let him know he had indeed exposed his inner dork.

He was going to have to do a hell of a lot better if he was going to attract a person as amazing as River this week.