Billionaire Cowboy (Book 1 of Richland Series)

Chapter 2

STARTING OVER

Kyle spoke again, “Ash, we’ll tell people you grew apart and you’re focused on your career.” She hit the steering wheel feeling mortified and ashamed and leaned her head against the driver’s side window. She thought about Kyle's advice then whispered, “Yeah, let’s keep this between us. But then it hit her, "How do I deal with the aftermath? Everyone expected,” he cut her off, “Who cares what everyone expected. It’s time to enjoy life as a single hot chic.” Kyle always knew how to make her smile.

He tried to change the topic asking, “Are you in Beaverhead County yet?” “Ten miles out,” she replied. Hanging up the phone, she screamed releasing her anger but refused to shed anymore tears. Steve did this to her and she can not let him control her emotions. Relying on music to lift her spirits, she changed the song to a dance music playlist before returning to the road with a determined attitude.

Entering Beaverhead County smelled different as Ashley took a deep breath inhaling the rustic atmosphere. There’s no better state than Montana. The air was thick, the land was rough and only downhome people survived the unpredictable weather. She smiled deciding to push Steve aside like a distant fart and enjoy life without regrets.

Her quiet drive was interrupted when songs were paused as text messages arrived through her Bluetooth. Kyle must have talked to her family. The texts ranged from “How you doing?” to “I miss you,” to “You are an amazing person,” to “Hurry up and get home.” Having her family's support brought a smile to her face as she continued her drive.

Over the years, they have accepted Steve as her boyfriend but she wondered how Darren would react because he was always protective of her. The song paused as his text arrived, “He’s a piece of s**t, and doesn’t deserve you. You can do better than him.” She couldn’t help but laugh remembering how Darren beat the crap out of Steve when he found out she lost her virginity in the back of his truck.

The drive allowed Ashley to reflect on her new single status. A lot has happened over the past seven years and a lot has changed. On a good note, she never had bad dating experiences in college because she always turned down invites being loyal to her boyfriend. On a pathetic note, she only dated Steve. As a 25-year-old, she will be jumping into the dating pool without a lifejacket and against the current.

Pulling into her family's long driveway, she watched the fillies in the left pasture bounced around their mamas while the calves in the right pasture followed in a single line to the river’s edge. The number of animals in the front pastures have doubled since her last visit creating a smile on her face knowing she would visit each-and-every one of them. Reaching the front of the ranch house, she parked and pulled out of her bags when hooves pounding from behind caused her to turn.

Brothers Darren (26-years-old) and Luke (22-years-old) led the group while twin cousins Gage and Jim (25-years-old) raced across the pasture. Ah, the Richland family welcoming party has arrived. Swarmed in hugs, laughter filled the air as Ashley left her bags by the truck and walked with everyone to the stables. “How was college? Are you home for good?” they asked. Ashley petted Gage’s horse and answered, “Everything is submitted, now the wait begins and yes, I’m home for good.”

She looked out across the pastures and asked, “How’s Bryson?” Luke rubbed his neck before answering, “He’s doing good Ash. He’s really big. We need to talk about his future.” She interrupted, “I already have his future planned. He’s going to live a long life in our pastures.”

HOME SWEET HOME

After the saddles were put away and horses were brushed and fed, they entered the house to find the older ladies in the family baking for a feast. “Hi mama, I’m home,” Ashley announced as gasps bounced off the walls and flour caked hands hugged her. Smells of wild turkey, baked potatoes and green beans wafted through the air while apple pies sat on the windowsills sending a sweet fragrance outside. Washing her hands, Ashley joined the melee in the kitchen like she was never gone.

After answering questions about college and her future plans, Aunt Penny opened a can of worms by asking, “What’s going on with you and Steve?” Ashley took a big gulp, plastered a smile on her gentle face and answered, “We grew apart. I’m single and happy.” Silence filled the room until the matriarch of the family, Grandma Tilly, spoke her opinionated mind.

“Good, I never liked the kid. His parents might have raised him right, but he was never good enough for you, Sunshine.” Ashley smiled loving the nickname. She remained silent as the ladies voiced their opinions. Apparently no one liked Steve. She wished they would have shared their opinions years ago.

Dinner was delicious and entertaining as family members rallied for the guys they wanted Ashley to date. Even her brothers and cousins were part of the conversation. Darren and Jim are both in serious relationships. Are they finally allowing her to date? Keeping quiet while everyone talked, she began to build walls around her broken heart trying to ignore the shame of being cheated on.

Her father Scottie changed the topic by asking, “Ashley, we could use your help checking the new arrivals at the auction house, prices continue to increase attracting more buyers and we are expecting more Brahman and Black Angus bulls.” She listed to her father with a smile knowing he trusts few people to verify the health of the livestock and answered, “Yes, sir.”

Brahman bulls have a special place in Ashley’s heart. A couple years ago, she made a strong connection with a newborn bull and took him to Montana State University with her. Most of her peers focused on typical 4-H animals (calves, sheep, pigs, etc.), but Ashley stood out with a Brahman bull named Bryson.

Unable to socialize with other animals due to his large size and short temper, Bryson was given his own area with a large coral and isolated shaded pasture. He became a favorite among the collegiate bull riders, especially Ashley’s college friend Kyler who claimed he’d be the first to ride him. She always insisted Bryson was being raised for breeding, not rodeos.

Running the local auction house for the past three generations, Ashley’s family filled most of the required positions and hired a few experienced people to help with large events. “Yes, sir,” was echoed around the table as Scottie reminded everyone about working the auction. Cousin Mary Anne (23-year-old) spoke when the family’s business discussion ended, “With the rodeo being in town, I’m sure Jack could use your help in the back forty, Ashley.”

Ashley always returned home for their local rodeo knowing their small town puts on one of the largest rodeos in the state of Montana. Large cash prizes attracted competitors from all over creating a grueling ten-day event. Like many families in the community, they always volunteered and never complained especially with her father in line to be a future rodeo president.

Ashley smiled knowing Mary Anne was betting on Jack for her first date after returning home from college single. Changing the topic, Luke added, “Ashley, the rodeo concert is tomorrow night, and we have an extra ticket, you should go with us.” She used to go with Steve but it was time to start new traditions. She answered, “Yeah, count me in,” then smiled receiving a wink from Grandma Tilly.