felt free and in touch with everything around me when I was on the back of a horse. We weren’t holding back as we rode. The intense cold and deep snow of winter had stopped us from being able to enjoy many long rides.
During those months, we went outside only to do the work we had to do. We fed the animals and made sure they were comfortable and warm. We did any repairs around the ranch that needed to get done, then went back inside as fast as we could to warm back up. I found myself missing just being able to get on a horse and ride out over the seemingly endless ranch.
Now the warmth was finally back, and even though we had to wear jackets to ward off the remaining chill, there was nothing that could keep me inside anymore. I wanted to be out there as much as possible. Just like this.
I could feel the laughter rumbling in my chest but couldn’t hear it. It was silent in my ears as the wind whipped it away. I rode hard and fast, letting the massive, beautiful animal under me display its incredible power. I loved the sound of the horse’s hooves pounding against the earth. It made me imagine all the other people who rode around here in the years before me. All of Sawyer’s family and even those who came before the generations who ran the ranch.
It was a sense of unity and belonging, of being a part of something bigger than myself. Suddenly, Sawyer pulled out in front of me and pushed his horse to go faster. He left me in the dust and I gritted my teeth. In the short time I had been on the ranch, I had developed fairly impressive riding skills but was definitely still learning.
I ached for the day when I would be able to ride as well as him. Sawyer didn’t know it, but I was practicing. His brother Wade was giving me lessons, helping me gain more confidence and control in the saddle. Soon, I would be ready to give Sawyer a run for his money.
Even though it frustrated me to watch Sawyer ride with such impressive skill and grace, I couldn’t help but appreciate watching. As he rode out in front of me and I caught sight of him against the backdrop of the gorgeous Montana wilderness, I had a moment of gratitude. This was truly an epic moment, something I never would have imagined I could have for myself.
I couldn’t believe this was my life. I never would have been able to imagine that my days would be spent this way. Just six months ago, I had no idea something like this even existed. The only things I cared about were making sure I was keeping up with the newest fashion, coordinating charity events, and socializing.
In my mind, the most important thing in the world was appearances. I networked to increase social standing and build my father’s business. I associated with the same people I always had and never broadened my mind. Mornings were lazy, afternoons often empty, and evenings spent partying or attending events.
Now, I woke with the sun or even earlier. I went out into the first moments of the new day and breathed in air so fresh and clean it was like it was only just created. My days were filled with taking care of animals, working as hard as my body allowed, and spending time with Sawyer. Evenings were for supper with the family and relaxing on the porch. Night ushered in an early bedtime, but I was always happy for it.
This life was everything I always needed and never knew I was missing.
I slowed the horse and took a moment to tilt my head back and let the sun pool on my face as I inhaled the rich smell of the wild I’d grown to love so much.
“Come on, now,” Sawyer called out from ahead of me.
I looked up and saw him holding his horse steady a few dozen yards away. I planted my hand on my hip and gave my best glare, though I doubted he would be able to see it at the distance.
“Don’t you rush me,” I said. “I’ll come when I want to.”
He laughed and I got the horse moving, catching up with him. I brought the horse close enough to lean over and kiss him. We rode for a little while longer and soon arrived at one of the bunkhouses we stayed in during the tour with my family. It felt familiar and comfortable now, especially since the start of spring and the new year of Dude Ranch Experience tours.
Every two weeks, a new group arrived and I rode out with Sawyer and Colt to lead them. One was arriving soon and we were at the bunkhouse to get it ready. We brought the horses to their area and dismounted, then released the saddlebags and blanket rolls from the horses.
I couldn’t help but smile as we went to work preparing the campsite. I loved leading the tours. I loved all the work and all the new people I got to meet. Getting to spend so much time with Sawyer definitely didn’t hurt. We got to be out there on the ranch together all day and spend the nights in each other’s arms.
We dropped off the supplies and checked the area to make sure it was in good condition. I’d learned quickly that a lot could happen out in the wild parts of the ranch and to never take it for granted the preparations we did would still be in place when we went back for our final check before the tour got there. Weather damage, wildlife, and anything else could lead to problems we needed to fix.
I never minded. It was worth seeing the people who came out to the ranch and looked at it with the same awe I felt. Every time I watched their eyes light up and the amazement fill them, I felt grateful and unbelievably fortunate that I didn’t have to leave at the end of the tour. This was my home, my life, and it was incredible.
When we were finished, Sawyer got one of the blankets and spread it out on the ground so we could take a rest. It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon and we had some time to kill. He stretched out on the blanket and I lay down beside him, cuddling up close and resting my head on his chest. His hand stroked up and down my back, and for a few moments, we just laid there and savored the beauty around us.
I lifted my head and looked at him.
“What?” he asked.
I shook my head, smiling. “Nothing. I just love you.”
“And I love you.” He sat up enough to kiss me. “I’m going to make you my wife one of these days, you know.”
I giggled. “You better. Otherwise, I’m going to have to switch back to CEOs and realtors.”
Sawyer laughed. “I dare you.”
I grinned as I kissed him again and settled back down against him. I knew I would never trade him or this way of life in for what I had before. Back then, I thought I had everything. But looking back, I realized I had nothing.
But now?
Now I had it all. I was fulfilled and loved fiercely by an old-fashioned cowboy who had truly given me everything.
The End
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Jessica Mills is a hometown country girl from Texas, who loves a good love story and a bar of chocolate more than should be legal. She's been a writer for most of her adult life and spends her days dreaming up new characters and various ways to make you blush.
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His Fierce Possession
The Montgomery Boys 4
Copyright © 2020 by Jessica Mills
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
The novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and plot are all either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons – living or dead – is purely coincidental.
First Edition.
Editor: Eric Martinez
Cover Art: Kellie Dennis at Book Cover by Design