Page 21 of A Baby for the Billionaire Cowboy

“It doesn’t seem like the money did you much good.”

His eyebrows went up. “What do you mean? Josh and Carly are building a new house so they have room for a family. TC got to buy his ranch and his llamas and ostriches. He’s doing some really interesting studies about transitioning to exotic meat in order to use less land and water, and he’s putting together a marketing collective to get consumer attention. Cody came home. He’s always wanted to fly, and he found a way, but with the lottery, he was able to give up crop-dusting and buy his own plane. Now he takes families across the country to see cancer experts and delivers animals from overcrowded shelters to ones that have room. He gives free flights to kids to introduce them to the wonder of flying, and he has a few private students now who wouldn’t normally be able to pay for flight training.”

“Those are all good things,” Daisy said gently, “but what about you? What has it done foryou?”

He frowned, gazing past her as if trying to see the answer written on the far wall. “Well, we got to catch up on all the things that needed to be done on the ranch, and we don’t have to worry about the bills anymore. You’ve seen the accounts. Most ranches are rich in land but poor in cash. A couple of bad years might mean the bank owns the ranch. We don’t have to worry.”

“So it’s taken away some stress.” She smiled. “Believe me, I know that’s valuable, the reduction in misery and worry. And you’re all helping other people too. That must feel good.”

He nodded. “Mama is having so much fun with the family foundation. I haven’t seen her this relaxed and happy in... ever, I guess.”

“We’re still mostly talking about other people. What about you? You, Xander, as an individual? Things have changed around you. Have you taken anything for yourself?”

“Um.” He looked gobsmacked. Daisy wasn’t sure what a gob was, or why you’d smack one, but she’d heard the word and it seemed to fit him now. “I don’t really want anything I don’t already have.”

She reached out to rub the calico’s head. The cat flopped on its side across Xander’s lap, purring. It was the closest Daisy could come to what she really wanted to do, which was to brush Xander’s hair back from his face and soothe him with gentle touches.

“Being happy with what you have is wonderful,” she said. “But maybe you’ve spent so long making sure everyone else has what they need that you’ve forgotten how to ask yourself what you need. You have money now, which means you can take the time to think about the question.”

He flashed her a wry smile. “You’re starting to sound like Carly. After we won the lottery, she kept asking us what we would do if we could do anything.”

“How did you answer her?”

“I didn’t. The nice thing about having three older brothers is they cause enough chaos that people forget about me. You’re right. It’s a good question. I’ll think about it.” He drank some hot cocoa. “But not tonight. I need to finish my chores and get some sleep.”

“We took care of the chickens and the outdoor rabbits. Your mama gave the bunnies in your room fresh food and water, but we didn’t know if they needed anything else.”

“Just to check how they’re doing.” He shifted the cat off his lap and stood. “I’ll take care of that and finish this cocoa in my room. Thanks. I feel better than when I got home. You should get to bed too.”

“I will. I’ll turn out the lights.” Actually, she needed quite desperately to pee. As Xander’s door closed behind him, Daisy scurried to the bathroom. With that done, she could finish her cocoa, turn out the lights, and get ready for bed.

The calico was curled up on the foot of the bed when she got back to her room. Daisy took a moment to stroke the soft back. “I wonder if he really will think about what he wants. He deserves so much happiness. I don’t think he’sunhappy, but he puts everyone else first, and I’m not sure they even notice.”

She sighed and crawled into bed, shifting around to find a comfortable position until the cat swiped at her feet through the blanket.

“All right, all right,” Daisy said. “Message received. We’ll all be able to think more clearly once we get some sleep.” She’d think of something nice to do for Xander the next day. He deserved it.

Chapter Ten

When Daisy gotup the next morning, Xander was already out doing chores, because of course a late and exhausting night was no excuse to sleep in. After breakfast, Daisy and Ava lingered over tea and coffee.

“I want to do something nice for Xander.” Daisy’s face heated. She hoped Ava wouldn’t get the wrong idea. “Yesterday was hard for him,” she hurried to explain, “and he’s been so nice to me. I’d like to show my appreciation. But I’m not sure what to get someone who could buy anything he’d want for himself.”

Ava nodded slowly. “It’s tricky. Holidays have become more challenging. We can’t simply buy the thing someone said they wanted but didn’t feel he could buy for himself. We have to find something the person doesn’t even know he wants or still wouldn’t think to get for himself.” She reached over to squeeze Daisy’s hand. “Not that you have to get him anything. He wouldn’t expect it.”

“No.” He never seemed to expect anything from anyone. “But do you think he’d appreciate it? He does so much for me and the animals. All of you do, of course, but...” She wasn’t about to tell Xander’s mother that she thought his family took him for granted sometimes. “He had to deal with some extra stuff yesterday. I can’t make that go away, but I’d like to make him smile.”

“Of course.”’ Ava put her hand over her heart and looked a little weepy. “What have you thought of so far?”

“Well, there are practical gifts. I get the impression he sometimes finds our chatter in the office distracting. Noise canceling headphones would help. But that’s maybe a littletoopractical.”

The good ones were awfully expensive as well. She hated pinching pennies when considering Xander’s happiness, but she had to think of her own future.

“I found an article with suggestions for gifts for a boss,” Daisy said. “One idea was simply to decorate his desk. Streamers, some plants, a nice card, maybe some candy.” She’d tried to picture Xander’s reaction. She had a feeling he’d be embarrassed, which would make her embarrassed. “I don’t know. I could make him cookies, but between you and Bernajean over at TC’s ranch, we’re fed awfully well.”

“I’m sure he’d still enjoy the thought, the fact it came from you.”

Daisy nodded, but cookies seemed so insignificant. “I had one other idea. I wasn’t sure if it would be thoughtful or if it might come across as nagging or rude.”

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