Not going to happen without the right woman. And he’d tired of the dating game, because that’s exactly how it felt.

Women had become a convenient date for whatever business or social obligation he had to attend and a warm body in his bed to fulfill his physical needs. Even the sex felt stale, a moment’s distraction. All of it left him empty in more ways than one.

He’d let it happen.

He’d made it happen.

Which is why he’d stopped dating months ago.

He’d really wanted to try with his last girlfriend, but she lived in Silicon Valley and the drive out to the ranch in Carmel and back to Silicon Valley grew to be a chore for both of them. She found excuses to be there while he made it clear his place was at the ranch. The whole thing fizzled out. At least she hadn’t stolen his credit card and racked up a huge bill like the woman he dated before her.

But the thief and the relationship-going-nowhere punctuated Luke’s dating bad luck. So he focused on the ranch, giving himself time to be alone and figure out what he really wanted.

A kind, loving woman who would be a best friend and partner and a house full of happiness and sweet—and a little wild—kids.

Nick turned to him. “Are you watching?”

“I am, buddy. Great job.”

Pride lit Nick’s eyes and he sat up straighter.

It felt damn good to give Nick that sense of accomplishment and be a part of his life if only in a small way. Luke hoped Nick remembered today and how brave and free he felt riding.

“Sit up in the saddle, Jack. You guys are doing great. Wait until your mom sees you.”

“Where is Mommy?” Nick asked.

Luke tried not to let his worry for Sarah overwhelm him. “She’ll be here soon.”

At that moment, Ace sprinted across the road and into the field with Sarah riding bareback low over his neck. Her hair flew out behind her like Ace’s tail. Woman and horse appeared to be in flight.

His heart raced. True fear clamped his lungs tight and stopped his heart. Sarah was a little bit of a thing, and Ace was a huge stallion. If she fell, she could be seriously injured or killed at the speed Ace galloped.

Just when he was about to go after her, Jack called out to him, “Look at Mommy go. I want to ride like that.”

Jack set his feet wide to kick his horse and make her take off, but Luke scolded, “Don’t!” Jack slowly lowered his feet. “It’s dangerous. You could get hurt. Remember the rules we talked about?”

“Yes. No going faster than a walk, or I could fall and hurt myself.”

“That’s right. We’ll have to tell your mommy that when she gets back.” Luke had a few other choice words for her about being reckless with his horse and her life.

His anger simmered, but he continued instructing the boys, watching their progress around the arena. Fifteen minutes later, Ace and Sarah returned from the field and headed for the arena entrance. She trotted in, and although Luke was steaming mad, he couldn’t help but notice Sarah looked magnificent. Flushed from the ride, a huge smile graced her beautiful face for the boys. She matched Ace’s pace to that of the boys and their horses.