Wildest Dreams: A Small Town, Single Dad Romance (The Wilds of Montana Book 3)

“This was great,” London says with a smile as she passes the reins on Ladybug to Jake and then brushes her dark hair back from her face. “I don’t remember the last time I was on a horse. I was probably a kid.”

“Can we live here?” Caleb, her son, pats Lullaby’s neck lovingly. “It’s the best.”

“No, but we can visit,” Drew replies with a laugh. “And we can help Jake get these ladies cleaned up so they can rest for a while after that ride.”

“Can we?” Caleb stares up at Jake hopefully.

“Sure, come on.” Jake leads Drew and Caleb into the stables, and I hang back with London.

“I’d like to ask you something.”

“Shoot,” she says, brushing some grass off of her jeans.

“How do I get an invitation to fashion week in Paris? I know that you can’t just show up for that.”

“You’re right, you can’t. Please tell me that you’re going to surprise Polly with a trip. I know that she wants to go so bad, but she won’t let me take her.” London props her hand on her hip and looks out at the mountains. “I’d love to take her shopping in Paris.”

“I’m taking her,” I confirm. “Haven’t told her that yet. And that’s if I can get an invitation.”

A slow smile spreads over London’s lips. “I know people, Ryan. Hell, you probably know people.”

“Not in the fashion world,” I reply, shaking my head. “Tech? Finance? Automobiles and even sports? Yeah, I have contacts, but not in fashion. That is, except you.”

“Then you’re in luck because I can make that happen for you. Plan on going a few days early so we can shop.”

“Are you horning in on my Parisian vacation with my girl?”

“Hell yes, because shopping is important, and I’ve been dying to take her since I met her.” She laughs, and we both turn to the stables when we hear Caleb laughing. “I’ll email you all the information when I have it. You’ll want to call the Ritz right away because they’re probably already booked.”

“I want the Chanel suite.”

Her eyes widen. “That’s definitely already taken. I have it on good authority that Anna Wintour takes that suite.”

She taps her chin thoughtfully, and I push my hand through my hair in agitation.

“You know,” London says, “I’ll call Anna. She’s a tough old broad, but if I explain the situation, she might give the suite up for another.”

“Let’s pull out all the stops,” I reply with a nod. “I don’t give a shit what it costs.”

“Obviously, and that’s good because it’s going to cost a lot. Also, I love that about you. Now, just so you’re prepared, Polly will balk. She’s proud, and she won’t want you to spend the kind of money you’re going to drop on this. Because, like I said, it’s a lot, and she’s not stupid.”

“I’m not about to give up my fortune for her or anyone else, London. The money just is what it is, and if I have it and can enjoy it with her, why wouldn’t I do that?”

“Hey, I agree.” She holds her hands up in surrender. “I’m on your side here. I’m just telling you to be prepared to talk her into the trip of a lifetime. Because she’ll want it, but she won’t want to take it.”

“I’ll talk her into it,” I reply evenly. “And I’ll be in touch with you so we can arrange that shopping trip and everything else.”

“I’m so excited,” she says and pulls me to her so she can kiss my cheek.

“Hey, don’t make me kill Ryan,” Drew says as he and the other guys walk out to join us. “I actually like him.”

“No need to worry,” London replies with a laugh. “I was just thanking him because Paris is about to be even more fun. Now, we should head out. We have a flight back to Seattle to catch.”

“We own the plane,” Caleb reminds his mom. “They can’t leave without us.”

“That’s a good point,” Drew agrees and ruffles the boy’s hair. “Thank you both for a fun time. Your ranch is beautiful.”

“It was our pleasure,” I reply.

“Come back any time,” Jake adds and smiles at Caleb. “Whenever you’re in town, I’ll give you more lessons.”

“That’s rad,” Caleb exclaims and bounces on his toes. “Thanks, Jake. You’re the best.”

The three of them climb into their SUV and, with a wave, drive away from the stables.

“That was fun,” Jake says as we walk back inside to see to the horses. “Caleb’s pretty nice, and he catches on fast and respects the animals. I’ll work with him.”

“He’ll love that.”

“Hey.” Jake picks up a brush and starts brushing Cowboy. “Did I hear that you’re taking Polly to Paris?”

I eye my boy as I fill the feeder for Blossom. “I’d like to, yeah. It’s something that Polly’s always wanted to do. How do you feel about that? I’d be gone for about a week.”

“I think it’s cool,” Jake replies and kisses Cowboy on the cheek. “You’ve been seeing Polly all summer. I guess it’s pretty serious?”

Now I turn and give the teenager my full attention.

“I don’t see it ending any time soon, and I like her a lot, so yeah, I’d say it’s gotten serious.”

He nods. “I like her, too. I know I told you that before, but I’ve gotten to know her more this summer, and I think she’s pretty okay. I suppose you’re having sex and stuff.”

Now I shove my hands into my pockets, not sure I want to have this conversation with my kid, but also not willing to lie to him.

“We’re intimate, yeah, but I’m not using her for that, and it’s completely consensual.”

“I know,” he says and laughs. “I get it. Thanks for not making me listen to it. That’s…gross.”

“Unless you ask, you’ll never know that Polly and I are physical. That’s between me and her, and I know it’s not something you want to be privy to. Nor should you. Jake, how are you? How do you feel about everything? You’ve been here for more than half a year, and I want to make sure that you’re happy.”

“I am.” He looks over at me now and takes off his gloves. “I have the best home there is. Have you seen that house? And these girls?” He waves at the horses, who are busy eating oats. “The difference in my life from last year at this time and now is crazy, and I am completely happy. Plus, I have you and a million aunts and uncles and all the people. What’s not to be happy about?”

“I just want to check in now and then to make sure because you’re the priority, and I don’t want you to forget that.”

He grins at me and shrugs a shoulder. “I don’t feel ignored or anything, if that’s what you’re thinking. I don’t care if you go on dates and stuff. We hang out a lot, and we always have our breakfast meetings.”

“Yeah.” I nod and reach out to clap him on the shoulder. “Yeah, we do. Well, I’m glad to hear that we’re cool. I feel great about everything. Having you here, having Polly in my life, this ranch, our family. It’s all pretty amazing.”

“Totally,” he agrees. “And you’ll have a blast spoiling Polly in Paris. She likes all that girly shi—stuff.”

“Nice save.”

“I’m going to the rodeo with Brady next weekend. I forgot to mention it to you, but he invited me to go, and I’m curious to see it. Is that cool?”

That surprises me. Brady never lets any of the family see him ride.

“Sure, just be careful, and don’t let him get you on an animal that intends to throw you off.”

Jake nods. “I don’t want to ride, but if I’m going to be a vet for horses, there might be times that I have to work at the rodeo, you know?”

I narrow my eyes at him. “I know you have two years of school left, but you’re still thinking that’s what you want to do?”

“Yeah, I do. I’m looking at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. It’s one of the best schools of veterinary medicine in the country.”

“Don’t you have to get a bachelor’s first?” I ask him.

“Yeah. I think I want to stick close to home for that. Maybe the University of Montana in Missoula. That’s only like four hours away.”

“I just got you here and you’re already talking about leaving me.”

“Aww, don’t cry.” Jake grins. “I’ll probably come home to visit once in a while, especially when I put you in the old folks’ home.”

“I’m going to smack you around for that.” I move to chase after him, and Jake laughs and runs away from me. He doesn’t look scared in the least, because he knows I’m full of shit.

“It’s okay, old-timer. You can’t catch me.”

“Wanna bet?”

Now I do chase after him, and we run out of the stables and through the pasture to the treeline, in a full-out sprint. I catch up to him, and we tumble to the ground, then roll onto our backs and stare at the blue sky as we try to catch our breath.

“You’re pretty fast for an old guy.”

“I’m not that old, smartass.” I swallow hard, still panting. “I can still catch you.”

“Took you long enough.” But he’s laughing, and then he turns to me, those dark eyes full of humor. “Yeah, I like it here. Dad. Still getting used to saying that.”

“Still getting used to hearing it.” I grin at him. “But damn if I don’t like it.”

With a successful morning behind me, I make myself a sandwich and head up to the office to take some meetings and speak with Arthur.

Since our talk on the plane, he’s been professional and aloof. Cold. Not disrespectful or untrustworthy, but there’s now a rift in our relationship that wasn’t there before.

And honestly, I don’t care.

I treat him the same as I always have. I needed to put him in his place on that trip and remind him that I’m the boss. Not the other way around. I’d rather not have to train a new PA, but I will if I have to.

Just as I sit down at my desk, the phone rings, and I see that it’s London.

“Did you even have time to get back to your condo?” I ask her.

“Are you kidding? We’re headed to the airport. I wanted to let you know that I got you that invite to fashion week, via Dior, which is at the top of Polly’s favorite fashion houses, and I spoke with Anna. You owe me, Wild. Big time.”

I lean back in my chair and look out the window, watching Jake drive the side-by-side back to the house. “It’s all set, then?”

“All set in spades. Give me your travel itinerary when you know it, and I’ll get appointments set up for shopping at the fashion houses before the shows start. Polly will want to be dressed to the nines. Then, we’ll have appointments after the shows to buy what was shown for the new season. It’s so freaking awesome, Ryan.”

“I’ll email you when I have things ironed out.”

“You’ll want to call the Ritz right away,” she continues. “They know it’s you that’s taking the suite, but just to be sure.”

“I’ll call as soon as we hang up,” I assure her. “Thanks again.”

“Thank you. You just made Paris even better than usual, and that’s saying a lot. Oh, and I talked Drew into joining us, so double dates in France are on the docket.”

I laugh and shake my head. “Even better. Have a safe flight.”

“Talk later.”

She hangs up, and I immediately call the Ritz and make the arrangements for the suite, and also give them Arthur’s name so he can make further plans for me directly with the hotel.

With that settled, I call the man himself.

“Hello, sir,” he says stiffly.

“Good afternoon, Arthur. I want to let you know that I’ll be out of the office all of next week. Actually, make that ten days.”

He’s quiet for a moment. “You’re taking a vacation?”

“Sort of.” I explain my plans for Paris, and when I’m finished, I can hear him clapping his hands.

“This is fabulous,” he says. “Leave the details to me. I’ll be in contact with the hotel to make sure there are extra touches in place.”

“I appreciate it. Now, how much do I have to work over the next four days to make sure I’m uninterrupted during this impromptu getaway?”

“You can sleep on the plane.”

And now, for the most challenging piece of this plan.

I’ve been working around the clock for the past twenty-four hours, and I’m picking Polly up to take her on a date. I’m as nervous as a teenager who just got his license and is picking up the girl he’s had a crush on the whole school year.

It’s ridiculous. Jake even gave me a pep talk on my way out the door.

I knock on her door and wait for her to answer, and when she does, she gifts me with one of her bright, amazing smiles.

“Hey,” she says and steps back to let me inside.

“I’m sorry I’m late.” I pull her to me and kiss her long and slow, my fingers running through her amazing, thick red hair. “Work has been crazy.”

“We didn’t have to do this tonight.” She cups my cheek and narrows her eyes. “You’re exhausted. Ryan, you need some rest.”

“I’m fine.” I take her hand and kiss her palm. “Really, it’s nothing I haven’t done before. But how do you feel about staying in tonight?”

“I’m all for it. I was actually craving a burger from The Wolf Den. What do you say we order in delivery?”

“I say you’re a goddess, and I’ll offer you all I have in exchange for that burger.”

She smirks and reaches for her phone. “No need to get that dramatic over a burger. I’ll hook us up.”

She places the order, and then we curl up on the couch together, Polly tucked into my side and resting her head on my chest.

“How are you?” I ask her.

“I’m also a little tired. It’s been busy at the shop. Things will start slowing down a bit now that summer is almost over.”

“Are you fully staffed right now?”

“Yeah.” She frowns up at me. “Why do you ask?”

“I have a surprise for you, but I have to tell you a couple of days early so you can make arrangements of your own because you also own a business.” I drag my fingertips down her jawline. “We’re going to Paris, babe.”

She blinks and then frowns. “Excuse me?”

“You. Me. Paris. We leave in two days.”

She stands and paces the living room, still scowling. “Ryan, I can’t just up and go to Paris.”

“Why not?” I stand, as well, and shove my hands into my pockets. “You own the business, and you have people who can handle the shop. You don’t have kids or pets, so why can’t you go?”

“Because.” She flings her hands in the air. “Because I can’t afford to, okay? Is that what you want to hear? I can’t afford to go to Paris. Trust me, I wish I could, and maybe if I can save up over the next year, I can go next fall, but⁠—”

“You can afford to.” My voice is level again. I want to pull her to me, but I know she needs to walk off the energy. “Because you’re not paying for it. I am.”

“No.” She shakes her head and paces around the living room. “Absolutely not.”

“Give me one good reason why not.”

“Because I will not take advantage of you like that.”

“I said one good reason,” I counter. “Polly, you’re not taking advantage of shit. I’m having to talk you into it. It’s all set up. Everything. All you have to do is pack, and don’t do much of that because you’ll be shopping for some new things with London.”

That stops her in her tracks, and she stares at me with wide, emerald eyes.

“London is in on this?”

“Yeah, and she’s actually really excited about it. She’s like a kid at Christmas. She kissed me and everything.”

“I feel like an idiot.” She drops her face into her hands and sighs as she lowers herself onto the couch.

“What? Why?”

“I feel like a complete charity case.”

“Whoa.”

“I feel like⁠—”

“Unless you follow that up with loved and cared for, you’re going to want to stop right there. Stop it, Polly.” I squat before her and pull her hands away from her face, kiss them, and hold on to them tightly. “I’m taking you because I want to. I want to.”

“But—”

“No buts. And yes, London knows because I needed her help with a few things, and she’s thrilled to shop with you and show you everything there is to see at this thing. She knows more about it than me and has more contacts. Of course, I’d ask her for help so I can make it special for you.”

“I can’t afford⁠—”

“Hey.” I pull her to me now. She’s so damn short, so I sit and plant her on my lap and hook her hair behind her ear. “I don’t want you to think about the money for another second. Don’t, babe. This is my gift to you.”

“I guess my birthday is coming up.” She nibbles on her lip.

“If that’s what you want to call this, fine. But it’s not for your birthday. It’s just because. I’d love to show you Paris and see it through your eyes. Hell, I’ve never been to fashion week, and maybe I should see what all the fuss is about. London talked Drew into coming, so there will be more testosterone there. Apparently, double dates are in our future, and that’s cool with me because we like them.”

She smiles, just a little, but her eyes are still uncertain. “You’re sure this isn’t too much?”

“It’s absolutely not too much.” If I tell her that I’ll never even feel the loss in my account, it’ll just freak her out, so I keep that to myself. “Let me do this for you. For us. Hell, this will be the first vacation I’ve taken in…ever.”

“Ever? Jesus, Ryan, that’s crazy. Just don’t go overboard,” she says, like she did when she agreed to let me make over her kitchen. “I know you didn’t stick to your word about that with my kitchen.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I know about the top-of-the-line appliances,” she informs me, narrowing her eyes, but there is humor there.

“You need quality appliances,” I counter and plant a kiss on her chin. “You know you want to go.”

“More than just about anything,” she admits, not bothering to deny it.

She straddles me now, and her smile turns…naughty.

“I think I’ll show you how much I appreciate you.” She bites my lower lip.

“Fuck yes. Show me, babe.”

But before we can get naked, the doorbell rings, signaling that our food is here, and Polly shimmies off of my lap and hurries to the door. She pays the delivery kid with cash and then motions for me to follow her through the kitchen and out to the patio in the backyard.

She lowers the screens, and we sit side by side on the swing, to-go boxes of burgers and fries on our laps.

“Is that why you’ve been working so much?” she asks as she chews on a fry. “Because you’re going to be out of the office for so long?”

“Yeah, I’m trying to get ahead so I can take the time off.” I don’t want her to think that it’s a hardship for me to do this with her, so I shrug and take a bite of my burger.

“Will you still be behind when you get home? And don’t lie to me, Wild.”

“Behind? Not much. I’m the boss, remember?”

“I know from experience that just because you’re the boss, it doesn’t mean that your workload isn’t massive. In fact, the bigger the boss, the more work you have.” She leans over to kiss my shoulder. “So, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“What about Jake?”

I love that my kid is never far from her mind. “He’s cool with it. More than, actually. He’ll have the village looking out for him. He encouraged me to take you.”

“Yeah, I love him,” she says, and hearing those words warms me, even if it is in reference to my teenager.

“He’s a lovable kid.”

“So, we leave in two days?”

“That’s right.”

“What time does the flight leave?”

“Whenever we want it to.” Polly pauses in wiping her mouth and stares at me. “We’re taking my jet, so we choose the flight time.”

“You’re kidding.”

“No, ma’am. It’s the most convenient and, I have to admit, it’s quite comfortable. You’ll like it.”

“I’ll like it.” She giggles and shakes her head. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure I’m going to like it. Jesus, what is this life?”

“It’s a damn good one.”

“Yeah.” She sighs and then pops a fry into her mouth. “It is that.”

“There are a million groceries in this house, and your gas tank is full, but I put a grand in your bank account, in case you need anything.”

“You put a grand in my account?” Jake echoes with a laugh. “Jeez, you’re only going for a week, Dad.”

“Could be ten days,” I remind him. “And I want to make sure you have plenty of spending money.”

“Well, that should be plenty,” he says, shaking his head. “You do know that I hardly go anywhere, right? I’m pretty much a homebody.”

“Yeah, well, you’re covered for emergencies.” I don’t know why I’m so nervous about leaving him alone this time. It’s not the first time, and it probably won’t be the last. “Millie’s coming to stay for the first few nights.”

“I know. She already texted me.”

There’s a knock on the door, and Jake and I frown at each other.

“Are you expecting anyone?”

“Yeah, right,” he says, rolling his eyes as we both walk to the front door and open it to find Chase standing there with a grin.

“I have your table,” he announces proudly. “But I need both of you to help me muscle it inside.”

“Nice,” Jake exclaims and runs down the stairs to Chase’s truck.

“This thing is heavy,” I say as we lift it out of the bed of the truck. Chase is right: It does take all three of us to do it.

“Pure maple,” Chase says. “This table will never wear out. You’ll be able to pass it down to your grandkids.”

“It’s really nice,” Jake says as we make our way up the stairs with it and set it in the office, right where I envisioned that it would go in my head. “But we don’t have chairs.”

“Follow me.” I lead the men out to my detached garage, and there are four chairs waiting for us. “I bought these weeks ago so we’d be ready for the table.”

Jake takes two of them and immediately heads back to the house, and Chase and I follow with one chair each.

“He’s excited,” Chase murmurs to me.

“Breakfast is our favorite time of day,” I reply. “And he likes that I wanted a special table for it. And that you built it? Well, that’s extra cool to him.”

We find Jake already in the office, his chairs placed at the table, and Chase and I add ours, and then the three of us step back and admire our handiwork.

“This is fucking legit,” Jake says. “Sorry for the language, but it is.”

“Yeah, it is,” I agree and ruffle his hair. “You did an awesome job, Chase. Thank you.”

“It was my pleasure,” he replies. “Did I see suitcases downstairs?”

“You just caught me.” I lead them back down to the foyer. “I’m headed out to Paris for a week or so with Polly.”

“Well, aren’t you fancy?” Chase grins and then eyes Jake. “Who’s taking care of your child?”

“I’m not a child,” Jake insists, which is exactly what Chase wanted him to do. “Millie’s coming tonight.”

“Call me if you need anything,” Chase tells him. “Summer and I are ten minutes away. Is the security detail staying here, or are they with you, Ry?”

“They’re staying, and a different detail will be with us. Everything should be good here, but I’m glad you’re close by.”

“Why don’t you come out for dinner tomorrow?” Chase asks Jake. “We’ll do some fishing off of the dock afterward.”

“Cool,” Jake says with a shrug, but the smile on his face tells me that he’s happy to be invited. “Just let me know what time, and I’ll be there.”

“I’ll double-check with the wife and text you,” Chase replies and then turns to me. “Have fun.”

“Thanks. I plan to. And thanks again for the table. It’s really great, man.”

“You’re welcome.” With a wave, he’s off, and I turn back to Jake.

“Don’t be eating at that table without me.”

“No way. We’ll do it together when you get back.” He offers me his fist for a fist bump, which I happily oblige, and then I pull him in for a quick hug.

“You’re sure you’re okay with this?”

“Dude, why are you so weird about this one? You’ve been gone before, you know.”

“Yeah, but that was work, and this is fun, and you’re my kid, so I have dad guilt for leaving you behind when I’m going on a freaking vacation. Do you want to go with us?”

Jake’s eyebrows climb into his hairline. “Aww, that’s so sweet. You’re gonna miss me. But do I want to go shopping in Paris? No thanks. That sounds horrible to me. No offense. Besides, you guys can be all gooey and gross without a kid hanging around. Go have fun.”

“I’ll take you wherever you want to go. You and I can take a trip.”

He blinks at me. “Honestly? I’m fine here. Maybe we can take a hiking trip up to Glacier or something later, but I’m not worried about it. Like I said, go have fun. Be safe.”

He wiggles his eyebrows at me, and I laugh and ruffle his hair before grabbing my suitcases to load into the truck.

Jake helps me, and before long, I’m headed over to Polly’s to pick her up and take her to the airport.

Yeah, it’s going to be damn fun.