Heart of a Rancher

The moonlight behind him created a beautifully sculpted cowboy silhouette, but even in the shadow, she could see the question in his eyes, the slight tilt in his face saying he wondered if she’d changed her mind. That couldn’t be further from the truth. On the contrary, after learning even more about this intriguing man tonight and seeing how deeply he cared for others and how strongly he felt about this beautiful ranch, she’d reaffirmed her decision.

“My father always said that when you invest, you aren’t investing in things, you’re investing in the heart behind the product, in the soul that makes it work. I’m not investing in an Alabama dude ranch. I’m investing in you.”

He took another step then turned, and even though his face was in shadow, Dana knew he smiled at her now. “I plan to show you that’s a wise investment,” he said.

She returned his smile. “I’m counting on it.”

Chapter Four

“Yay! I knew Uncle John would come watch me ride!” Abi waved wildly, toppled a little in the saddle and had to regain her balance on the brown mare. “Whoa!”

Dana’s cell phone buzzed in her pocket, but she ignored the interruption and watched Abi find her seat in the saddle again. Ryan had been texting ever since she woke up this morning, and she’d had enough business distractions. Today was Saturday, a day normal people relaxed and enjoyed life. Normal people, like the Cutter family. And she wanted to enjoy it, too, especially now that she saw John’s old blue pickup coming up the drive.

“Abi, you need to pay attention.” Georgiana stood next to Dana against the round pen railing. “I’m guessing she nearly fell off the horse trying to wave to John.”

“You’d guess right, but she’s back on track now.” Dana continued to be amazed with everything Georgiana could do and sense without sight. She’d even hiked the trail between the Cutter farm and Georgiana’s mother’s farm without assistance or complaint. But even though Dana answered Georgiana, her eyes hadn’t left the blue pickup nearing the barn. John didn’t wear his Stetson today, his brown waves ruffling in the breeze from the open truck window. “I thought you said he would sleep this morning since he worked all night.” Dana pulled her cell from her pocket, deleted Ryan’s text instructing her to call him and glanced at the time. “It’s only ten o’clock. Didn’t he work until seven?”