Page 91 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

Shane picks up on my concern, his hand finding mine and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "She'll be okay, my love. We've raised a strong, capable young woman."

I nod, knowing he's right. Ashanti has grown into an amazing person – smart, compassionate, and fiercely independent. Sometimes, I can hardly believe she's the same little girl who came to Silver Ridge with me all those years ago, scared and uncertain of our future.

The sound of hooves on gravel draws our attention. Ashanti comes into view, riding her favorite mare, Starlight—the very horse Shane gifted her when they moved to New York. She's a vision of grace and strength, her long braids flying behind her as she guides the horse towards the barn.

"Speaking of our capable young woman," Shane says with a grin. "I think she's been out for her morning ride."

We watch as Ashanti dismounts with practiced ease, patting Starlight's neck affectionately before leading her into the barn.There's a quiet confidence in her movements that wasn't there even a year ago.

"I'm going to go help her with Starlight," Shane says, pressing another kiss to my cheek before heading down the porch steps.

I watch him go, marveling at how naturally he's taken to ranch life. The corporate world of Innoventis seems like a distant memory now. Here, working the land and raising our family, Shane has found a peace I never thought possible for him.

The transformation of our lives still amazes me sometimes. When we first moved to Silver Ridge, buying and reestablishing this horse ranch seemed like an impossible dream. There were moments of doubt, of wondering if we'd made the right choice. But with hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of each other and our community, we've made it thrive.

I think back to those early days—the long hours spent repairing fences, the sleepless nights worrying about finances, and the challenges of integrating into a tight-knit community that was initially wary of newcomers. But we persevered, and slowly but surely, our vision came to life.

The sound of small feet pattering across the porch pulls me from my reverie. Mason appears at my side, his blue eyes wide with excitement like his father's.

"Mama, can I go help Dad and Ashanti with Starlight?" he asks, practically bouncing with energy.

I ruffle his curly hair, so much like my own. "Of course, buddy. Just be careful, okay?"

He nods solemnly before taking off down the steps, his little cowboy boots kicking up dust as he runs. I watch him go, my heart full of love for this life we've created.

Inside, I can hear Kamilah chattering away to her stuffed animals, no doubt regaling them with tales of her imaginary adventures. Our little cowgirl is full of spirit and sass.

As I head back inside to start breakfast, I catch sight of the family photo hanging in the entryway. It was taken just last year, all five of us grinning widely in front of the barn. My eyes linger on Shane's expression, and the love and contentment are clear.

I never could have imagined this life when I first came to Silver Ridge, scared and alone with Ashanti. But Shane... Shane changed everything.

The move here wasn't easy at first. There were moments of doubt, of wondering if we'd made the right choice. But as we settled into our new home, as we built our life together, those doubts faded away.

Shane threw himself into ranch life with the same passion and dedication he'd shown in his military career and at Innoventis. But this time, it was on his own terms. He came home every night with a lightness I'd never seen in him before, excited to tell us about his day working with the horses or the latest improvements he'd made to the property.

And me? I found my place, too. My workshop became my sanctuary, a place where I could let my creativity and mechanical skills run wild. It wasn't long before I had a thriving business, repurposing old farm equipment into functional art and practical tools for the ranching community.

But more than that, I found a way to give back. Remembering my own struggles as a single mother, I started offering workshops for women in the community, teaching them basic mechanical skills and the art of upcycling. Watching these women gain confidence and independence has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Ashanti blossomed in Silver Ridge. She made friends quickly, throwing herself into school and ranch life with an enthusiasmthat made my heart soar. When Mason and Kamilah came along, she became a big sister like she had been born for it.

As I start mixing pancake batter—a Saturday morning tradition in our house—I hear the back door open. Shane's voice carries down the hall, mingling with Mason's excited chatter and Ashanti's soft laughter.

"Smells good in here," Shane says as they enter the kitchen. He comes up behind me, dropping a kiss on my neck as he reaches around me to snag a piece of bacon cooling on the counter.

I swat his hand playfully. "You'll spoil your appetite."

He grins that boyish smile that still makes my heart flutter. "Never."

Ashanti rolls her eyes good-naturedly at our display of affection, but I catch the small smile on her lips. "I'm going to go get cleaned up," she says. "Call me when breakfast is ready?"

I nod, watching her go. There's something on her mind, I can tell. But I've learned over the years that pushing her only makes her retreat further. She'll come to us when she's ready.

As if reading my thoughts, Shane squeezes my shoulder. "She'll be okay. Whatever's on her mind, she knows we're here for her."

I lean into him, drawing strength from his steady presence. "I know. I just worry."

"That's what makes you such a great mom," he says softly.

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