A Billionaire for Christmas

Home on the ranch

*Aria*

As we drive towards Ryder's ranch, Rayne's excitement is palpable. And when we turn in to the long drive her eyes go wide with delight as she points out each horse we pass, her youthful energy filling the car with a contagious enthusiasm.

"Look at that one, Mom!" she exclaims, practically bouncing in her seat. "It's so beautiful!"

I smile, soaking in her joy. "I bet you'll get to see it up close soon, or maybe one that is even prettier."

The fields surrounding the ranch are expansive, dotted with cattle and horses grazing under the Texas winter sun. There's a peaceful serenity here, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of our everyday life.

As we pull up in front of a charming ranch house, Ryder emerges, descending the steps with a welcoming smile. He looks entirely at ease in this setting, the rugged cowboy charm more apparent than ever.

"Welcome to my humble abode," he says, opening the car door for us. "Ready for your ride, Rayne?"

Rayne nods enthusiastically, her eyes wide with excitement. "Yes! Thank you so much, Mr. Cassidy!"

"Just call me Ryder," he chuckles, leading us towards the stables. "We've got a few horses that I think you'll love."

As we walk, Ryder explains the different horses' personalities, pointing out which ones are more suited for beginners and which ones have a bit more spirit. Rayne listens intently, absorbing every word like a sponge.

I watch them interact, feeling a warmth spread through me. It's rare to see someone connect so easily with my daughter, and it fills me with gratitude.

Ryder stops in front of a stall, revealing a gentle-looking mare. "This is Daisy. She's a sweetheart and great with kids."

Rayne's face lights up, and she reaches out to stroke Daisy's nose. "Hi, Daisy," she whispers, her voice filled with awe.

Ryder shows Rayne how to saddle up, patiently guiding her through each step. Once she's ready, he helps her onto the horse, ensuring she's comfortable and secure.

"Remember, Daisy's gentle. Just hold on and let her guide you," Ryder advises, walking beside her as she takes her first tentative steps.

I watch, heart swelling with pride and gratitude. Rayne's smile is radiant, her laughter echoing across the open fields. It's a moment of pure joy, a memory that I know will stay with us both.

“Good day ma’am,” A voice says beside me and when I turn my head a weathered cowboy, “name is Flint McCoy, and I am the foreman here.”

I hold out man hand and he shakes it with a firm grip. “Nice to meet you Mr. McCoy, I am Aria Langston, and the young lady on the horse is my daughter Rayne.”

“She is in good hands, Daisy is the kinda horse who would turn around and apologise if you kick her in her rear,” he grins. “And Ryder is great with kids as well as horses.”

“Yeah I can see that,” I say, smiling as I watch my daughter shooting questions at Ryder who clearly has the patience of a saint. “It is so nice of him to do this.”

Flint nods, “enjoy your time here ma’am, I better get back to work.”

“Thank you,” I say with a nod and he tips his hat again before striding off with that rolling walk only real cowboys have.

As Rayne gains confidence, Ryder falls back to stand beside me, watching her with a satisfied smile. "She's a natural," he comments. “She has a connection with the horse.”

"Thank you for this," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "It means the world to us."

He nods, his expression sincere. "It's my pleasure, Aria. I meant what I said about wanting to help. And it really is no bother, I enjoy teaching anyone who wants to learn."

We stand in comfortable silence, watching as Rayne rides with increasing confidence, the afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the ranch.

*Ryder*

As Rayne dismounts from Daisy, her face flushed with excitement, I can't help but feel a warmth spread through me. It's moments like these that remind me why I love sharing my ranch with others. Seeing the pure joy on her face, and the pride in Aria's eyes, makes everything worthwhile.

"You did great, Rayne," I tell her, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Daisy seems to like you."

Rayne beams up at me, her smile infectious. "Thank you, Ryder! That was amazing!"

I glance over at Aria, who is watching her daughter with a look of contentment and happiness that tugs at something deep inside me. It's a simple scene, but it feels significant, like a piece of something larger that I want to be a part of.

As the afternoon sun dips lower, the air begins to carry a slight chill. "Why don't you both come inside for something warm to drink? Before heading home," I suggest. "I've got coffee for us and some hot cocoa for Rayne."

Aria nods, a grateful smile on her lips. "That sounds wonderful."

Inside the cozy warmth of the ranch house, I set about making the drinks. The kitchen is filled with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and rich chocolate. I add some slices of cake to the tray, admitting with a chuckle, "This is Sherlyn's doing, my housekeeper. She's the real talent around here when it comes to baking… and cooking too, honestly I can’t cook an egg without starting a fire."

Aria is giggling, “You own a restaurant but you can’t cook an egg?”

“Which is why I have hired people who can,” I wink, then notice how Rayne's eyes light up at the sight of the cake, and I can't help but grin. "Help yourself," I tell her, setting the tray down on the rustic wooden table.

While we sip our drinks, my two dogs, Max and Bella, come bounding into the room. Rayne is instantly captivated, dropping to the floor to play with them. The dogs, always eager for attention, happily oblige, wagging their tails and licking her hands.

Watching the scene unfold, I feel a sense of contentment wash over me. Moments like this, filled with warmth and laughter, makes it the kind of day where the ranch feel even more like home. I have a wish that every day Could be like this.

"You know," I say, turning to Aria, "you should bring Riley next time. We can all go for a trail ride together. There's plenty of beautiful trails around here. And if he isn’t into that I do have a pretty awesome entertainment room he can use while the rest of us is out."

Aria looks thoughtful For a moment, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I think they'd love that. Thank you, Ryder, for being so welcoming."

"It's my pleasure," I reply, meaning every word. "I enjoy the company and seeing the ranch enjoyed by others."

As the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow through the windows, I realize that this day has been as much a gift to me as it was to them. And I find myself looking forward to more days like this, with Aria and her kids.