by Maggie Way
She stroked his muzzle and whispered to him, “You’re halfway to being a daddy.” She and Austin had bred him with Austin’s horse, Bella Donna. She couldn’t wait until the foal was born.
Breeding them was the first step in their long-range plan for developing a racehorse-breeding program. They were also getting ready to break ground for a new training facility. Even though Austin was a Keller, his role in the family business had diminished when his mother remarried after his father’s death. Austin’s joint venture with Cassi would guarantee them both a place in the racing world.
Daydreaming about their future, Cassi slowly twirled her engagement ring. Austin had chosen a simple thin band with diamond stones all the way around. It was the only reasonable option since she worked with horses and cleaned the stables. A single stone diamond would have gotten in her way, and she would have wound up not wearing it. Such thoughtful gestures meant the world to her.
Unlooping the horse’s reins, Cassi mounted him for the ride back to the stable, this time taking a leisurely pace. Once home, she’d prepare a meal for Austin and her to share during a quiet night together before the next day’s obligations.
Tomorrow was Sunday. Every week they were expected to attend the Keller family’s formal Sunday dinner. She knew there would be certain duties that came with marrying a Keller. But Cassi was still learning to adjust to that part of Austin’s life.
Chapter Two
Entering the Keller home was no longer as intimidating to Cassi as it had once been. The foyer was still just as grand, of course. The ornate chandelier caught the sunlight and cast dozens of rainbows on the diamond-patterned, black-and-white marble tiles.
Walking beside Austin and holding his hand made all the difference. He led her into the dining room to the right of the front door. His grandmother was already seated at the head of the massive table that could easily seat twenty people.
“Austin, Cassi,” Eleanor smiled at them. “It’s so good to see you.”
Austin placed a kiss on his grandmother’s cheek, “Good to see you, too. I’m sorry I’ve been so busy this week.”
“Oh, you’ve got lots on your plate. Starting a business, remodeling a house, planning a wedding.” She grinned.
When Austin backed away, Cassi bent to give Eleanor a hug. “Good to see you again.” The more she got to know the older woman, the more she liked her. They still hadn’t gone shopping for clothes together, as they’d discussed, but Cassi was looking forward to it.
Austin pulled out a chair to the right of his grandmother, and Cassi sat down. He took the seat next to her.
“I thought Mother and Rex were going to join us,” Austin said as he took a bottle of opened white wine from the table and filled their glasses.
Cassi knew his mother’s lack of promptness was a sore subject for him. It seemed like the woman was always attending a function or shopping or lunching with friends.
“They’ll be here shortly. In the meantime, why don’t the two of you tell me more about your vision of your wedding day.”
Cassi and Austin grinned at each other, and he put his arm on the back of her chair.
“Oh, did I hear someone say ‘wedding plans’?” Bonnie said as she entered the room, Austin’s stepfather, Rex Laramie, close on her heels.
The woman amazed Cassi. She had yet to see her with a hair out of place or anything but perfectly, air-brushed make-up. She was of average height and slender, her black hair stylishly short and her blue eyes sparkled with merriment.
Cassi knew Austin didn’t care for his step-father, but it was equally apparent his mother was happy with him. Rex Laramie was short of stature, the same height as Bonnie. His gray hair was receding and he had a slight paunch. He was dressed in a red cashmere sweater and black trousers. He nodded at everyone in greeting.
“Cassi was just going to tell me about their wedding plans,” Eleanor said as Bonnie pecked her cheek. Rex sat down across from Austin, and Bonnie took the seat opposite Cassi.
“I haven’t had a chance to call the Anatheum to see what dates they have available,” Bonnie said. Rex poured wine into both of their glasses while she continued without taking a breath. “I have a great caterer we can use. The Lexington Ladies League uses them for all our events. Their food is to die for.”
“Mother,” Austin interjected while Bonnie took a sip of wine, “We want a simple wedding.”
“Nonsense,” Bonnie said, making a dismissive gesture. “There are so many people we have to invite. The country club members, my Lexington Ladies League group. I’m assuming Don will be your best man, so I assume you’ll be inviting his father and their family?”
“You assume correctly that Don will be my best man.” Austin cleared his throat. “But this is our wedding, not a Derby party. And I don’t think it would be appropriate to invite Don’s father, even if he is the Governor. Or had you forgotten he expected me to marry his daughter Annie Mae?”
“Even so, Austin, you know perfectly well there are expectations to be met for your wedding.” When his expression didn’t waver, she turned to Cassi. “Dear, I’m sure you’ve always dreamed of a big wedding since you were young, and well, Austin is the catch of the decade.”
“Of course, I’ve always dreamed of falling in love and getting married. But Austin and I want it to be intimate and meaningful.”
“We want to get married at Cassi’s place.” He turned to Cassi and said, “Our place.”
The way he said it warmed her from head to toe.
“Cassi’s place?” his mother batted her eyes in incredulousness. “You two can’t be serious.”
“We are,” Cassi said. “We only want close family and friends, probably no more than fifty people.”
Bonnie squeaked, “Fifty?”
“Oh, here comes dinner,” Eleanor said as the Keller cook, Hilda, rolled a tray of heavenly smelling food into the room. Cassi wanted to hug her. It was a relief that the subject of the wedding could be tabled for the time being.
“My mouth is watering in anticipation.” Austin shook his napkin onto his lap in preparation.
“Today is roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables.” Hilda placed the platter of chicken and steaming bowls onto the table.
“Thank you, Hilda,” Eleanor said. “I’m sure it’s divine.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The stout cook wheeled the cart out of the room, and Rex started to pass the food around the table.
The meal was spent talking mostly about the horse business and upcoming races. But the conversation eventually came back around to the wedding.
“Cassi, dear,” Bonnie began, “I don’t want you to worry one minute about the cost of the wedding. Rex and I plan on paying for everything. It’s what Austin’s father would have wanted.”
“That is very generous,” Cassi rested her fork on her plate, “but it’s really not about the money. It’s about the intimacy of our vows.”
“I understand that. But you know, it’s also an opportunity to showcase that Keller Farms is still the most prestigious horse farm around.”
“It’s what we want, Mom.” Austin said. “Actually, we want to get married in the stables.”
Bonnie’s mouth gaped open. Then she closed it and opened it again. “I—I just don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. Just be happy for us.” Austin turned in his seat and smiled at Cassi.
“Why don’t we finish dinner and leave the wedding plans for another discussion?” Eleanor said.
“Austin,” Bonnie said, her voice strained, “do you really want to get married in a stable?”
“Yeah, actually I do. Cassi and I have spent so much time together there, and it’s the foundation for our future life together.”
Cassi couldn’t help but remember it was where they had made love for the first time, with the raging thunderstorm all around them-when she saw the passionate and tender side of Austin-and fell in love.
“But if you’re planning on a December wedding, it will be a bit cold, don’t you think?”
“We’re planning on renting some additional space heaters to take the chill off.”
“Mmm-hmm,” Bonnie said as she refilled her wine glass.
“And we’re going to have bales of hay covered in burlap for seats,” Cassi added, hopeful the information wouldn’t send Bonnie over the edge.
Her future mother-in-law filled her glass to the brim.
“I think it sounds lovely,” Eleanor said. “When you’re in love, it really doesn’t matter where you get married. It’s all about making a commitment to spend the rest of your lives together.”
Bonnie took a gulp of wine. “We need to finalize plans. Do you have an exact date picked out? It’s already the end of September, and most of the best vendors are probably already booked up. I can pull some strings, but you two are running out of time.”
“Once Cassi and I decide on the final details, we’ll let you know how you can help us.” Austin said as he squeezed Cassi’s hand under the table. It was a reminder that they were in this together, that he was done putting Keller Farms first.
His mother fiddled with her fork, her large diamond ring and gold charm bracelet sparkling with the movement. “Austin, you’re my only child. I’m begging you, please think about this. I’ll hire Jasmine. I hear she’s the best wedding planner in the country. She’s known for working out compromises that will make everyone happy.”
Austin began to answer, but his mother put her hand up in a stopping gesture. “Please, before you answer, think about it.”
“I think it’s a splendid idea,” Eleanor agreed. “You two have your hands full with renovating Cassi’s house and building the new training facility. It will take off some pressure if you have help planning the event.”
Austin looked at his grandmother, then gazed down at Cassi, “What do you think? I’ll only agree to it if it’s okay with you.”
She sighed. Her first reaction was to say no—there was no need for a fancy wedding planner—but maybe this Jasmine could get her mother-in-law to relent on her plan to create a wedding extravaganza. Besides, as Eleanor had pointed out, it would provide Cassi and Austin the time they needed to keep working on their future without the additional stress of planning a wedding.
Cassi nodded in agreement. “Let’s do it.”
“Magnificent!” Bonnie exclaimed. “I’ll contact her this evening to see if she’s available.”
Cassi hoped hiring a wedding planner wouldn’t turn out to be a big mistake, another ally for Bonnie to get the wedding she wanted them to have.
Chapter Three
Once they got home, they changed into their standard work clothes: jeans, T-shirts and boots. Walking hand in hand, they headed to the stables to feed the horses before calling it a night.
Cassi’s mind was still churning from their conversation with Austin’s mother. She wanted their wedding to be special, intimate. But her future mother-in-law, Bonnie, wanted to put on a three-ring, high-society circus. Cassi was torn because she wanted to please Bonnie, but she didn’t want a bunch of strangers in attendance.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Austin said as he forked some fresh hay into the stalls.
“I don’t think a penny will get you much.” She busied herself with cleaning and refreshing a bucket of water.
“How about a quarter then?” Austin leaned his tall muscular frame against the stall opening, resting his hands on the top of the pitchfork.
Cassi slipped her working gloves off and stuck them in her back pockets. Walking over to Austin, she placed her hand on top of his, and gazed into his eyes.
“I’m thinking about how I’m the luckiest girl in the world.”
“Hmm,” Austin murmured, his gaze smoldering. Cassi removed the pitchfork from his grip and tossed it aside.
Austin arched an eyebrow and his arms encircled her shoulders and pulled her up against him. The smell of hay and leather mixed with his musky male scent flooded her senses, and her breath hitched in anticipation.
He began walking her backward to an unoccupied stall while holding her in the embrace. As soon as they were inside, he was all over her. The feel of his hands on her back, his lips kissing her, and the firm erection pressed against her abdomen had her trembling like it was their first time making love.
He pulled back and grazed her cheek with his calloused hand, but she grabbed his rear, pressing him into her, causing her core to ache with a need to have him inside her. He pressed his erection to her, his desire just as bold as hers.
Cassi pulled his T-shirt from the waistband of his jeans. He helped her pull it off him, his glistening skin bare for her. Only her. Hers to touch, feel, kiss anytime she wanted. For the rest of her life.
She sprinkled light kisses haphazardly on his chest while Austin tugged at her T-shirt. She raised her head and arms and let him lift it away. For a moment, they stood like that, gazing into each other’s eyes, enjoying the animalistic attraction arcing between them.
While Austin languidly watched, she slowly unclasped her bra from behind and let it slide down her arms until it fell to the ground.
Satisfaction rushed through her when Austin’s eyes narrowed to slits. Stepping forward until they were toe to toe, she waited, longed for his touch.
“Exquisite,” he murmured. Bending down, he kissed her nipple, his tongue circling it until it tightened in response. Slowly his lips pulled away, but before she could voice an objection they closed over her other breast, teasing her nipple to attention.
She felt her body respond as she stood there—she was hot and wet, ready for him. Her back arched to give him better access to her chest and her fingers held onto his belt loops for extra support. While Austin kissed one breast, he kneaded the other, rolling her nipple between his fingers. A shiver of desire coursed through her.
“Where’s a damn blanket at when you need one?” Austin’s frustrated voice broke the silence.
Cassi giggled. “I’m thinking maybe we need to leave them hanging everywhere in here. Like, in case of emergency, just throw one on the ground.”
Austin turned and found one hanging just outside the stall. He spread it across the fresh-raked bed of straw.
“Top or bottom?” she asked.
“Decisions, decisions,” Austin grinned. He quickly undid his jeans and shimmied out of them. Then he kicked his underwear off and dove onto the hay pile.
He was like a sculpted Greek Adonis. Rock-hard muscles were outlined in his strong arms and legs. His grin was sexy as hell, and his eyes were dark and hooded with desire.
Impatient now, Cassi pulled off her own jeans and panties. She crouched down until her knees were on either side of his hips and eased herself down until his erection touched her opening.
She rotated around it, teasing him. He closed his eyes, and his intake of breath let her know he was enjoying this slow tantalizing dance as much as she was.
Ever so slowly, she slid inch by agonizing inch onto his shaft, until he was fully engulfed by her. She began gliding up and down, keeping the pace agonizingly slow—pleasured torture for them both.
“Two can play this game,” Austin growled and slid a finger into her while she rocked against him. It was her turn to gasp, an exhalation that quickly turned to a groan.
Her pace quickened—harder, deeper, faster—as her body tightened around him. Then he was pumping along with her, and their breath was coming in pants.
When Austin placed his thumb on her mound, she cried out, barely able to keep their rhythm going. Her pulse quickened with every thrust until they came together, climaxing in each other’s arms. Then Cassi laid her chest on top of his and he stroked her back until their breathing returned to normal.
Chapter Four
Cassi pivoted in front of the dressing room mirror in the upscale department store. She and Austin’s grandmother were at the mall in search of a new wardrobe for the future Mrs. Austin Keller.
Cassi looked at herself in the mirror. She liked the way the cream suit and peach chiffon blouse seemed to enhance her fair coloring. With Cassi’s auburn hair and complexion, beiges, brown and peaches were always flattering choices.
Finding the right items was easy. Eleanor encouraged her to stick with a few basic colors that could be easily mixed and matched. They were careful to choose fabrics that could be worn in all seasons. Simply tailored pieces in classic cuts that didn’t fit into trends were less likely to go out of style. Cassi would only need to swap out jewelry and purses every couple of years to update the outfits with the fashionable styles and colors of the day.
Cassi was enjoying the quality time with Eleanor. Austin’s grandmother was easy to like, and she didn’t seem particularly concerned about her status in the horse community. Austin’s mother, Bonnie, was another story. Cassi worried she would never be able to please her future mother-in-law.
Cassi changed back into her own clothes. She hung up the outfit she had just tried on, and walked out with two handfuls of hanging clothes to buy. The clerk who had been assisting them seemed pleased.
“I’ll take all these,” Cassi said as she passed the clothing to the saleswoman.
Cassi waited for Eleanor before heading to the checkout register. She felt uncomfortable accepting more gifts from Eleanor, but the older woman had insisted it would be her treat.
The total bill was much higher than what Cassi had spent in her last decade of clothes shopping, but Eleanor didn’t seem to notice. She simply swiped her card and scribbled her signature.
While the clerk hung the suits, and put the folded tops into several bags, Cassi tried not to hyperventilate. Money had always been such an issue for her, juggling Peter to pay Paul. Cassi didn’t know if she’d ever get used to the Kellers’ easy spending.
“Now dear,” Eleanor turned to Cassi and said, “I don’t know about you, but all this shopping has worked up an appetite. You don’t mind if we grab some lunch at Center Cut Steakhouse, do you? I have a hankering for their salad.”