Read Once a Rancher for Free Online Page A

Scared, too. There are things out there that could get him—”
    Grace nearly choked up; she was so moved by the tenderness in Ryder’s young and so often sullen face, but she kept smiling. There are things out there that could get him.
    Was that how Ryder felt, too? Alone in a big, dangerous world?
    Probably.
    Grace swallowed hard, forcing back the tears. “There are a few rules here,” she warned. “We’ll take the cat to the vet as soon as possible. He can’t come inside until he’s been checked out. He’ll need shots and neutering, and you’re going to have to do a few extra chores around here to pay me back. I’ll buy his food, but the rest is your responsibility, Ryder—and that includes cleaning the litter box. Do we have an agreement?”
    Ryder’s eyes were wide with disbelief. “You mean it, Grace? We can keep him?”
    She laughed, wanting to hug the boy, but sensing that the timing was off. So she gave him a light punch to the shoulder instead. “Did you hear anything I said just now?”
    How many times had this child been promised something and then been disappointed?
    â€œI heard,” Ryder said, very softly. “Thanks, Grace. I mean, really, thanks.”
    â€œMake sure you’re picking up what I’m saying here,” she said with mock sternness. “This is your cat, not mine. He’ll be dependent on you, and that’s a big responsibility.” She softened her tone. “Take good care of this little guy, and you’ll have a faithful friend for the duration. Can I count on you, Ryder? Can he?”
    Ryder’s voice was hoarse when he replied, and his eyes glistened slightly. “Yes,” he said, and then cleared his throat.
    He was growing up, Grace thought suddenly.
    Or just growing.
    When had he gotten so tall? She needed to take him shopping for new clothes, and soon.
    â€œAll right, then,” she said, turning to unpack the other groceries so he wouldn’t see that her eyes were moist, too. “Go feed your cat.” A pause. This was the best conversation she and Ryder had had so far, and she didn’t want to let it go. She blinked and glanced back over her shoulder. “What’s his name, anyway? Has he got one yet?”
    Ryder’s grin practically lit up the room. “Bonaparte.”
    Definitely unexpected. Grace raised an eyebrow. “Interesting choice. Any particular logic behind it?”
    â€œSure,” Ryder said, plunking down the bag of kibble and opening the top to scoop out the cat’s dinner. “Napoleon Bonaparte started from humble beginnings and became one of the greatest generals the world’s ever known. And he declared himself emperor.” He took the second bowl to the sink and filled it with water. “I think that’s pretty awesome.”
    â€œAnd there’s a connection between the general and the cat because—”
    Ryder headed for the patio doors, bowls in hand, sloshing water on the floor as he moved. “I guess I just liked the story,” he said. “Look at it this way, Grace. I’ve been paying attention in history class.” He used one elbow to open the glass slider. “I told you I was going to try harder, remember?”
    Grace’s throat felt tight again. She nodded, watching as Ryder stepped out onto the patio, dropped to a crouch and set the bowls down. He turned his head to meet her eyes.
    â€œI didn’t want to come here,” he reminded her cheerfully. “But now I’m actually starting to like it—a little.”
    Grace chuckled.
    That was progress, anyway.
    â€œBonaparte’s a great name,” she said.
    She wasn’t sure if Ryder had heard her, not that it mattered. By then, the cat had come slinking across the flagstones on the patio, too scared to get close, but too starved to stay away.

CHAPTER THREE
    T HE STALLION , CHARCOAL - GRAY with a black mane and