Rivals In Love (Wild Creek Ranch Book 5)

Chapter Thirty-Six

The chauffeur of the Limousine, Jonathan, drove them to the outskirts of Vegas to a typical Wild West horse ranch. It was so different from theirs that it excited Georgia. There were many guests like them and the professional wranglers were busy matching everyone to a horse suitable for their skill level. Georgia and Ryan, however, were experts at riding, having lived at Fordsville all their lives, so finding a horse for them was relatively easy.

After a safety briefing, they all headed out on a horseback riding tour through the southern Nevada desert, following their experienced guide, Carl, who ensured everyone was comfortable.

It was a completely unique experience from riding through the lush greenery of Fordsville. Throughout the horseback trail ride, gorgeous mountains and Joshua trees surrounded them, silhouetted against the sunset. They marveled at the orange glow under the open skies as dusk descended. They caught sight of desert inhabitants like bighorn sheep, roadrunners, jackrabbits, and other wildlife native to the desert outside Las Vegas.

After an hour, they returned to the ranch and were served a classic country-style dinner. Hungrily, Ryan and Georgia dug into their food. There was juicy and tender steak accompanied by baked potato, corn on the cob, rolls, and a good old-fashioned apple pie. They were too full to even budge an inch after that hearty meal.

"Can we stay for a few minutes more? I love it here," said Georgia. Ryan nodded and spoke to their tour guide. He arranged for a cowboy campfire under the stars.

"Those two stars must be my parents looking down upon us," said Georgia, resting against Ryan and watching the numerous stars and constellations under the moonlight. Although she knew it wasn't true, the thought comforted her. Ryan looked at her instead, thinking of the difficult times she'd been through.

"They look happy, don't they?" Ryan said softly, playing along. Georgia looked at him with a smile.

"Yes, I'm glad that they're happy together at last, even if it's after death." Ryan nodded. He had heard how Georgia's dad treated her mom. Listening to her talk about her life at Fordsville, he swore he would try his best to provide her with all the happiness she deserved.

It seemed Brian was the one who had hurt her the most in her family. "That's why I just couldn't forgive Brian when he apologized," she whispered. Ryan caught her hand and stroked it to comfort her.

"It's okay, Georgia. You can't force yourself to forgive him. Let him earn your forgiveness," said Ryan. Georgia nodded, looking relieved. After an hour of star-gazing and discussing their dreams and aspirations, it was time to go home.

"We'll have more dates like this one, Georgia. It's getting late. We need to return," he reminded her. Georgia nodded, getting up.

"Yeah, you're right. Let's go," she agreed. Jonathan dropped them home, and after thanking him, Ryan led her up the elevator toward their apartment.

"So, what do you think of our date? Did you enjoy yourself?" he asked her with a smile, seeing her blissfully happy expression.

"Yes, Ryan. I loved it. So, where are you taking me tomorrow?" she asked teasingly. Ryan grinned.

"Tomorrow, Russell has invited us to dinner at his house." Georgia was immediately nervous.

"Do I have to go? I'm scared that he would judge me for being a McLean girl," she said nervously. Ryan waved her off. They reached their apartment and unlocked the door.

"Rubbish! Russell's quite cool. He doesn't believe in such things. You'll like him and his family. My brother Rowland is also similar. He and his family also live here," informed Ryan. Georgia nodded but deep in her heart, she was a little apprehensive about this family dinner thing.