This Billionaire's Ranch: This Billionaire, #17

By Rachel Foster

Tyler is a retired billionaire who spent some of his fortune on a farm in Nebraska. Determined to get away from the city life and out of the shadow of his older brother Paul, he gets into farming, something he wanted to do his whole life. He's hired a local farmer, Bart to help teach him all the ropes of running a successful ranch. Heidi is Bart's daughter. She's trying to help keep their own family farm afloat. When Bart brings Tyler out to their family farm, she finds herself falling for him. Just when things seem to be looking up, Heidi notices a foreclosure letter her dad left on the table. When she finds out that Tyler's brother Paul wants to buy their farm, she feels like Tyler betrayed them. Tyler will have to decide if he wants to support his brother's purchase, or support a family he just met. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: 3rd Publishing
• Release date: Mar 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215903278

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This Billionaire's Ranch

Rachel Foster

Copyright © 2018 by Rachel Foster

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Contents

1. Tyler POV Thursday

2. Heidi POV Friday

3. Tyler POV Friday Afternoon

4. Heidi POV Saturday

5. Tyler POV Monday

6. Heidi POV Tuesday

7. Tyler POV Thursday

8. Heidi POV Friday

9. Tyler POV Friday Afternoon

10. Heidi POV Saturday

11. Tyler POV Sunday

12. Heidi POV Monday

13. Tyler POV Wednesday

14. Heidi POV Friday

15. Tyler POV Saturday

16. Tyler POV Monday

17. Heidi POV Tuesday

18. Tyler POV Thursday

19. Heidi POV Saturday

20. Tyler POV Sunday

21. Heidi POV Tuesday

22. Tyler POV Tuesday Night

23. Heidi POV Wednesday

24. Tyler POV Thursday

25. Heidi POV Friday

26. Tyler POV Saturday Morning

27. Heidi POV Saturday

28. Tyler POV Sunday

29. Heidi POV Tuesday

30. Tyler POV Wednesday

31. Heidi POV Wednesday Evening

32. Tyler POV Friday

33. Tyler POV Friday

34. Heidi POV Saturday

35. Tyler POV Sunday

1

Tyler POV Thursday

I

t was another dreary morning in the Windy City. I had told myself for the last six months that I would be packed up and settled with the office once and for all by the end of May, but here I was, three weeks into the month, and I was still slouched over my desk, typing away to compete the quarterly review. For as much as I wanted to, I just couldn’t seem to break away from Chicago Banking. It was almost as if the spell of being a billionaire had ensnared me for good, and I was destined to spend the rest of my days in a massive city that had already sucked so much of my lifeblood away.

What’s up, man? Luke stared at me with a concerned expression. I looked up from the mound of paperwork spilling over on my desk.

Hey. I took a sip of my coffee, then stared back at the papers.

You look like you’re about to pass out. You okay? he asked with a chuckle.

I’m not. I shook my head and lifted up three folders, stacked them in a neat pile, and got up from my desk. I was supposed to have the quarterly review finished by the end of the week, and it isn’t going to happen. I have sixty-five emails clogging my inbox and three folders of new hire applications that need to be reviewed. To be honest? I’m swamped.

Yeah. But, you’re leaving the company, man. Why are you stressing over all this shit? Call Fiona, tell her that you’ll pay her some overtime, and then be done with it. Luke had a knack for making everything seem five calibers below the threshold of severity. It was positive, yet sometimes irritating characteristic.

Look. I can’t just walk out of here and leave the company a mess for Kale.

Who the hell is Kale?

He’s the new project manager. At least, I think he is. Didn’t you review the applications with Ginny last week?

I did. Yeah, said Luke with a scratch of his chin. But, the name Kale doesn’t ring a bell. He’s the new head honcho up here?

Yeah. He’ll be coming in on Friday, actually. I have Leonard getting him all set up with HR. They’ll do the tour, have a fancy lunch, then bingo. It’ll just be a matter of signing the paperwork. I clasped my hands behind my head and took a deep breath. Then, I stood up, circled around the office, looked at all the files that I’d need to move out, and sighed. I wish I had an assistant who could just help me get moved out of here. I cannot wait to be out of the city, man.

Yeah, I bet you’re gonna be in your element once you make it to the country.

I can’t tell you enough times. I loved this work when I first got into it but now? I shook my head and laughed. I think I’ll scream if I hear another banker give his take on Wall Street or stocks or bonds...or any of that shit. I laughed, sat back down at my desk, and took a sip of my coffee.

You’ve worked hard. You deserve to say goodbye to all this. Luke nodded, taking a seat on one of the folding chairs that we used for conferences. I gotta tell you. He looked down at the floor, then straightened his tie and looked back at me. I’ll miss you.

Thanks, man. You can come out to Omaha and visit me any time. I closed my eyes and imagined what the wide, open spaces would do to me once I got out there. I’d probably feel as if I’d just died and gone to Heaven.

Well, I hope that if I ever get a day off from this place, I’ll be able to take a trip out. Luke sighed and walked to the window. Have you told anyone in your family yet? he asked. I laughed.

Nope. And, I’m not going to until I’m on the plane taking off.

Why? he asked with a laugh.

Because my mother will freak out. She thought I’d stay here, work fifty years till retirement, then die in this city.

So? he asked. You can always just let her know that you had a change of heart.

Yeah... But, the way she is with things? I can’t let her know until I’m already gone. She’ll be disappointed in me, and I can’t see it. I think it’ll just serve she and I both better if I wait until I’m gone.

Hmmm, said Luke. I guess. I mean, she’ll be sad, I’m sure. But, not about the business side of it.

I know. The whole thing is going to be an adjustment, but I think the only way to do it is with a clean break.

I guess that means no bankers convention in the fall? he asked with a grin. I shook my head and chuckled.

Absolutely not. Because if all goes according to plan, I’ll have a pitchfork in one hand and a hoe in the other this fall, not a binder or a laptop. You couldn’t pay me to attend another bankers convention, I said with a shudder. Luke laughed.

I hear you. He nodded and took a sip of his coffee. I bet it’ll be a really nice change of pace to be out in the Midwest, where the air is clean ad the sun is bright. Forget all this overcast bullshit. He laughed as he looked out the window. Anyway, he said, walking toward the door. I brought in cinnamon rolls from Aggie’s if you want one. They’re in the conference room. And there’s a box of coffee, too.

Thanks, man. I’ll head down that way in a few minutes, I said as I looked around the room. Moving to Nebraska was going to be a radical change. I was so used to holing up inside my office, staring outside at bustling sidewalks, that being in the middle of the country, miles away from bars and cafes, would be a welcome change of scenery.

I took a deep breath and walked back to my desk. Luke was right, I thought. Why was I breaking my back trying to see a million tasks to completion when in a matter of days, I would no longer be associate with the company, anyway? I was programmed by a long-standing line of men who valued a steadfast and diligent work ethic. Even with such a short time left as a banker, I simply couldn’t leave a job unfinished.

Hey, Tyler, called Fiona. I heard you’re officially leaving us on Friday, she said, peeking her head inside my office.

Yes. You heard correct. I’m actually putting together a memo to send out in a few minutes, I said, walking toward her.

Well, I know that you put your heart and soul into this place. She stood with her hands on her hips, nodding her head. I hear the new project manager is a great guy, but you know how much everyone here will miss you.

Thanks, Fee. I nodded and sighed. I think, it’s just one of those things. I’ve created a fair share of memories here, and I’ll always consider this a special place, in some weird way, I said with a crinkle of my nose. She laughed.

Well, what can I say? I’m glad that your path has landed you on greener pastures, shall we say?

I think that’s a good description. I nodded. If you ever need a recommendation, you know where to find me, I said.

Thanks. She smiled then backed out into the hall.

I clasped my hands together and looked up at the ceiling. I was really going to do this. I was finally leaving Chicago, once and for all. I drew in a deep breath and realized that I still hadn’t completed any of the work I’d only minutes ago told Luke about in great detail. I decided to get busy with whatever I could and dove right into the emails.

It wasn’t until around one o’clock that I decided to take a break and go get some lunch. Lollipop’s was right down the street and always had killer specials, so I headed straight to my Lexus, which was parked in the VIP spot on the left of the parking lot.

Chicago, we’ve got another rainy afternoon on our hands, but don’t you worry. DJ Spindrift has the right mix of music to get you through the work day. I listened to the radio as I pulled out of my parking spot.

I made a left out of the lot. All I could do was think about my move. Would I love it out in the Midwest? Would it be the change of scenery that I had wanted for months now? I hoped that would be everything I had envisioned and more. And, if it wasn’t? Well, it would be a new landscape for me to explore while I made another plan.

Sir, what can I get you? As soon as I got to Lollipop’s the bartender handed me a menu.

I think I’m going to have that Reuben special with a side of fries and a pint of the stout. I smiled and looked down at my phone. There was a slew of texts from various co-workers, acquaintances, and friends. I shook my head, realizing that I’d truly let my work life dictate the ins and outs of my existence. It seemed like sometimes I didn’t even have enough time to breathe, let alone respond to text messages.

Here you go, said the bartender as she sat the stout before me.

Thanks. I took a sip right away, feeling the muscles in my shoulders loosen up. I looked out the window and watched as the large, gray clouds that had followed me to the café finally let loose with large, ominous drops of rain. I glanced down at my phone once more and opened up Google. I typed in the realty company I had hired, then logged into my account. The house I had bid on in Omaha popped up as soon as soon as the page opened. I sat back and stared at it for a moment, smiling as I looked over the listing. I called the office. Hello. Is this Amelia?

Yes. I see this is Tyler Crosby. How can I help you?

Well, I just wanted to check in and see if you’ve had any other bids. I took a sip of my stout and leaned forward, watching as the rain continued to fall.

Not as of yet, said Amelia. Although, that is subject to change at any moment. Let me just take a look here and see where we’re at.

I just want to make sure you have me on the top of the list. I love that property, and I’ve got deep enough pockets to give you what it takes.

Yes. I understand that you have your hopes set on this one, and I can certainly see why. This style of rancher is pretty unique, especially out here. I especially like the extra outbuildings and other structures on the property, she added.

Yep. That’s part of the reason why I selected this one. I’m looking for lots of space. Coming from the cramped city life of Chicago, I’m sure you understand the appeal.

Oh. Believe me. I was born and raised in New York, so I can feel your pain.

Well, this is my cell, so if you could, please text me if you have another bid come in? I asked, hopeful.

Yes. I can keep you posted. Now, keep in mind that you only put in this offer a few weeks ago, so it could take me a few days to get all of the recent inquiries and updates.

That’s okay with me. I knew I wouldn’t find out all of the information I needed right away, but I was happy with the response she had given me. I’m a patient kind of guy.

Okay, said Amelia with a laugh. I will set my reminders to keep you updated with the recent information as it comes in.

Sounds good, I said, just as my Reuben arrived. Thank you for all of your help.

You’re more than welcome, said Amelia.

I hung up my phone, tucked it in my shirt pocket, then took another sip of my beer. I was just about to take a bite of my sandwich when my phone buzzed. I took it out of my pocket and saw Amelia’s number. Hey, I said.

Hi, she said with a sigh. Listen. As soon as I hung up with you, I saw that there were two other bids on the property. They were made on Monday, but just came through in the system.

Okay. Well, what does that mean? I asked. Do I need to up my offer?

That’s up to you. There are several fees associated with this property, which I’m sure you already know about. But if you want to stay in the game and you’re okay with paying the extras, then I’d say do something quick.

Okay, I said, taking a sip of my beer. I’ll get you the updated bid by tomorrow morning.

Sounds good, she said. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks, Amelia.

I hung up the phone and sighed. I wasn’t crazy about paying a slew of exorbitant fees, but there was nothing else for me to do if I wanted the house. I opened up the browser on my phone once more, looking at the pictures. It sure would be a change from the high rise I lived in now. This home had a solid brick exterior and a large bay window in the front of the living room. The property was extensive and reached beyond the rolling hills in the photo. I smiled, taking a sip of my beer. I wanted this place, and I was going to do whatever it took to make it happen.

2

Heidi POV Friday

I

twiddled my thumbs as I sat at the large, walnut table. I’d gotten up at the crack of dawn, fed the chickens, and dragged down a bale of hay from the barn. All I wanted to do right now was enjoy a cup of coffee. I got up from my seat and reached for a mug. I had no so sooner placed my hand on the creamer in the fridge when the lights went out in the kitchen.

Oh, no. I stood motionless and bit my lower lip. Now what? I wondered. I knew the breaker panel was just a few steps away, down the steps of the basement and on the left side of the wall. What I didn’t know was what switch to flick. I had seen my father restore power a number of times but I had no idea how he did it.

Dad? I called. He usually went out to the barn before seven, so I assumed her had already left.

When I didn’t hear a reply, I closed the fridge door and moved a few feet toward the basement. It is way too dark down there, I said after looking down the steps. Not doing it, I added with a shake of my head.

The wind howled outside the window, and I inched a few feet closer to the back door. I had seen tornados rip through this town before and leave an insurmountable heap of damage. I prayed this was just a small windstorm that had knocked out the power. I reached for my jacket that hung on the brass hook by the door.

Here goes, I said, sliding it on and zipping it up in the front. I stepped out back and wove through the high grass that seemed to swallow my legs. Dad! I called out as soon as I saw him on the tractor.

Hi, honey. What’s up? He slowed to a stop as soon as he saw me, wiping the sweat from under the bill of his green ball cap. What’s going on?

The power just went out. I was getting ready to have some coffee, and it just went black.

Yeah. There were some big winds just a second ago from out East, but I don’t seem to feel them anymore. My father looked up and cocked his head to the side. I’ll ride up now and get the breaker on.

Thanks, I said, looking up to see if the clouds might threaten us with rain. A few big gray ones ambled along, fading as soon as they reached the alcove of trees to the south. I watched for a minute longer, catching sight of the sunflowers that blew back and forth like a swatch of yellow paint on an artist’s canvass.

Hey, Heidi, called my father as he parked the tractor by the shed and flung his leg over the saddle. I just fed Ebert and Eddie. He wiped another bead of sweat from his face with a red handkerchief, then tucked it in his overalls pocket. I wanted to see if you could take care of Lissie and Jed later.

Yep. That’s fine, I said. They still getting the same amount of corn? I asked. My father nodded.

You got it. I left the tin cup by the water pump, so you just need to use that big barrel off by the fencing. I think there’s about a pound or two left over from last week. I’ll make a trip out to Tractor Supply later today and get a refill.

Okay. Let me know if you need me to help out with anything else, I said as I stepped into the kitchen. My father walked in behind me and went straight to the basement.

I need to get these steps fixed one of these days, too, he said as he wedged himself in the space between the door and the canning shelf. Be careful if you come down here, he added. I nodded.

I will. I gave it a gander before I came out to find you, I said, but I’m not brave enough to risk it. I chuckled as my father made his way down to the breaker box, then walked back to the counter where I’d left my coffee mug.

That’s when it hit me: we hadn’t paid the bill this month.

Hey, Heidi. Got any light up there yet? My father called up the steps.

You know, Dad? I was literally just standing here thinking about the bill. I don’t think we paid it. I’m almost certain because I remember taking the gas bill down to the post office, but I came back because I was missing stamp. I think I left the bill on the table. It bothered me that I couldn’t remember if it had been paid. It wouldn’t be unheard of, though. We weren’t always on time when it came to paying.

Well, I tripped the breaker, so if you still don’t have any light up there, then we know why. I looked down at the floor and shook my head. It was frustrating that we had to live so frugally during the off-season, but that was just part of farm life. As soon as the spring harvest was in full swing, we’d be back on our feet again. At least, I hoped so.

Dad, I think we should try to come up with a better plan than just crossing our fingers and hoping we get through winter. I chuckled softly and walked to the cupboard. I opened the yellow door and pulled out a half-burned candle, setting it on a saucer. You know what I mean?

Honey, if I had a better plan for the two of us, you know I’d be all over it. My father opened up the fridge and took out a pint of orange juice. Then he unscrewed the top and gulped what was left of it, right from the bottle. For now, all I can do is keep plugging along the best way I know how.

I know. You work hard. I didn’t want him to feel like I had just offended him, but it worried me when our bills were mailed out three weeks late. And now, it could be days before we had our electricity turned back on. Plus, added fees would mean paying even more than the original bill. I ran my hands through my hair and looked out the window as the passing winds blew across the tips of the sunflowers.

We’d be fine, I told myself. We always were.

One of these days, I’m gonna get that big old barn patched up so that we can get some thoroughbreds boarded, said my father as he came up the steps, his cap cockeyed. "I think I saw