My Cowboy Prince

Chapter 20

The early afternoon sun casts long shadows across the ranch as we make our way back to the stables. Luke had promised to give a group of guests, including a few children, their first horse-riding lesson, and I am tagging along to film it. My mind, however, is still reeling from the tense encounter with Kimberly earlier. The memory of her smug smile and biting words lingers, like a splinter, in my thoughts.

As we reach the stables, the children's excited chatter that fills the air, momentarily pushes aside my concerns. Luke greets the group with a warm smile as his usual charm shines through despite the earlier tension. He effortlessly shifts into his role as an instructor, explaining the basics of riding with a calm and steady voice. The kids, their faces full of awe and anticipation, hang on to his every word.

I watch him from behind my phone camera that captures his every move. There's a natural ease to the way he interacts with the children, a kindness that makes my heart swell. But as I focus the lens on his face, I can't help but notice the shadow in his eyes and the lingering tension in his posture.

The lesson proceeds smoothly nonetheless. Luke guides each child with patience and care, his hands are gentle as he helps them onto the horses. The children's laughter rings out as they trot around the paddock with infectious joy. I can't help but smile at the sight, but the knot in my stomach tightens when I think about what Kimberly said.

Luke catches my eye during a brief lull in the lesson and offers a small, reassuring smile. It's a silent promise that we'll talk, that he'll explain.

After the lesson, as the guests and their children head back to the main house, Luke approaches me. His expression is soft, but there's a seriousness in his eyes that makes my heart skip a beat.

"Amelia," he begins, his voice low and earnest. "I know Kimberly's words earlier... they stirred up some things. I don't want you to worry about what she said. She's always been good at twisting things to get a reaction."

I nod in Hope's it will keep my voice steady. "I know, but it felt like there was more to it. Like there's something you're not telling me."

Luke sighs and runs a hand through his hair. He looks away for a moment, his gaze fixed on the horizon before he meets my eyes again. "There is something I haven't told you. It's about the company my father wants me to take over. I haven't made any decisions yet, but it's not as simple as she made it sound. It's a big responsibility, and... there are complications."

He pauses as if his words are carefully being chosen. I can see the struggle in his eyes, it's like there's weight to whatever he's keeping from me. But he doesn't mention where the company is or if it has any connection to my own life.

"I want to figure this out without dragging you into the mess," he continues. "But I don't want you to think I'm hiding things from you either. I just need some time to sort everything out."

His honesty, even if incomplete, eases some of the tension in my chest. I reach out and take his hand in mine. "I understand, Luke. I just want you to know that you don't have to carry this alone. I'm here, and I want to help, even if it's just by listening."

Luke squeezes my hand, there's a grateful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thank you, I don't deserve you, ya know that?"

"You do," I reply, my voice is firm with conviction. "You really do."

We stand there for a moment, the warmth of his hand in mine grounds me. The tension from earlier slowly ebbs away and now is replaced by a fragile but growing sense of understanding. There's still so much left unsaid, so much we need to work through, but for now, this is enough.

Luke steps closer, his thumb gently brushes over my knuckles. "I was thinking... maybe we could still go see those fireflies tonight. Get away from all this, just for a little while."