As if showing off Beau tossed his head and threw a small buck, and as she broke to a trot and headed for the out-gate, a wave of emotion swallowed her up. By the time she reached Chad and Randy the tears were flowing, and slowly dismounting she didn’t know who she wanted to hug first.
“Frickin’ horse has wings,” Chad mumbled as she buried her face in his chest.
Not only did she have the fastest time by several seconds, after all the riders had completed the course, hers was the only clear round.
After a celebratory dinner at an outdoor cafe so Mickey could be included, an overwhelmingly relieved and proud Chad had driven Cassie home and drawn her a hot bath. Soaking in the tub, tired but still exhilarated, she closed her eyes, forcing herself to relax.
Finally lifting herself out of the bath she toweled off, donned her robe, and wandering into the bedroom she stared at her trophy. Chad had been laying on the bed reading as he’d waited for her, and ambling up behind her he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and gave her a warm hug.
“I’m so proud of you,” he whispered. “We should have the video tomorrow, you can see how amazin’ that was.”
“I know how amazing it was,” she giggled, “I was there.”
“You just wait, I swear my heart stopped. Randy’s did too, I saw it.”
“Beau’s a remarkable horse,” she said wistfully. “Shelby’s terrific too, she’s so nimble and quick, they’re both great, apples and oranges.”
“And now…” he said, turning her around.
“No, really?”
“I’ve gotta do it,” he nodded. “Slippery slope.”
Taking her hand he led her to the bed, and sitting on the edge of the mattress he waited as she crawled over his lap. As he lifted her robe, laying it across her back, and his hand began smacking her bottom, between her ouches, and her wriggles, Cassie let out a long, satisfied sigh.
EPILOGUE
The gathered crowd stared in amazement as the sun began to drop below the mountain, turning the lake into a pond of gold. Cassie and Chad were exchanging their wedding vows one year to the day that they had met, though Cassie was still holding back that, particular, small surprise.
Marty and Mickey, Mickey sporting a sharp black bow-tie, shared Best Man duties, and of course Hannah was Cassie’s Maid of Honor.
After the preacher pronounced them man and wife, Chad dipped Cassie backwards and kissed her passionately, causing the many blubbering onlookers to gratefully laugh. Not the least of these was Marty, who, in spite of a great effort, was unable to stop his joyful tears.
The cameraman had been snapping pictures, and finally stopping he held up his hand.
“I’ll meet you at Cassie’s barn as planned,” he said. “Just give me a few minutes.”
Chad helped Cassie into the Range Rover, and as he slowly drove forward Cassie looked across at him with a Cheshire Cat grin.
“You do know what today is?”
“Ah, yes, it’s our wedding day, isn’t it? Or are you asking me if I know it’s Saturday and therefore-”
“Don’t even say it,” she sparked back.
“Oh, you mean, do I know that it’s the one year anniversary of the day we met?”
“WHAT? You knew? Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I could ask you the same question,” he laughed, turning the Range Rover and parking alongside the barn.
“Seriously?” she asked, her eyes wide. “All this time? And here I thought-”
“You honestly didn’t think I would know that?” he smiled, locking her eyes.
“Okay, so now I’m just…shoot…I’m just happy,” she grinned. “Nothing can get to me today, I’m so happy I feel as if I’m going to burst.”
“That’s how a bride should feel,” he said softly, “and a groom too, but my heart has already exploded, It happened when I saw you walkin’ down the aisle.”
“Me and my meringue dress,” she sighed. “I hope it doesn’t scare the horses.”
“I don’t care what they think, I’m glad you went traditional,” he remarked, then climbing from the car he walked around and took her hand. “You look like a photograph from the cover of an old issue of Bride Magazine. You’re just gorgeous, Cassie, so damn beautiful…”
“Stop, you’ll make me cry and smear my makeup.”
As they wandered into the barn Chad held her hand tightly, more tightly than he usually did, and pulling her to a stop just inside the doors he turned her around and lightly kissed her.
“It took me a while to figure out what to get you for a wedding present, and to celebrate our first year together, and then it became so dang obvious…anyway…look over to your left.”
Expecting to see a new show saddle, or some other type of expensive equipment, she could not believe her eyes when she spied a big red ribbon on the front of a stall door, and Beau Chavall’s large grey head looking out at her.
“No, it can’t be, you didn’t, Randy let you…?” she sputtered.
“It is, I did, and Randy let me,” he answered, dropping her hand to hug her. “He said you can go as far as you want, jump anything, compete anywhere with Beau.”
“Chad, I’m at a complete loss…thank you, thank you,” she managed, and holding his hand, walking over to the stall, she began to stroke the big grey’s head. “I can’t believe it. This has to be…this will be the best day of my life. Nothing can top this, nothing.”
“We’ll have many great days,” he said, “but you might be right.”
“Chad,” she whispered, looking up at him, her eyes sparkling.
“What, Cassie? Why are you looking at me like that?”
She moved her eyes around the barn, looking at her four horses, Beau, Rembrandt, Dominic and Shelby, and Hannah’s horse, Maverick, then gazed back up at him.
“I’m deliriously happy that this is a six horse barn,” she whispered.
He could see she was having trouble talking, as if she was having difficulty controlling her emotions.
“Hey, we guessed right,” he grinned, “and there’s even a stall left for us to fool around in. That makes me deliriously happy too!”
“You don’t understand,” she breathed.
“Cassie, why are you whispering?”
“I, uh, the thing is…”
“The thing is…? Do you need to whisper it?”
She nodded earnestly, then shook her head.
“No, I need to see your face,” she breathed.
“Should I be scared?” he asked, wondering why her voice was so tight.
She coughed, took a deep breath, then began again, her voice a little clearer.
“Remember I said I felt something magical after our night in the van?”
“Yep.”
“Well, um, in about seven months or so, we’ll need that sixth stall.”
“Why?” he frowned.
“You can be such a dope,” she managed as the tears finally broke free and spilled down her cheeks. “Something magical? Seven months? We’ll need it for a pony.”
* * * * * * * * *
FIVE STAR REVIEWS FOR
MAGGIE CARPENTER
THE STRICT BRITISH BARRISTER
Review: CF
Just bought this a day or so ago, and I've already finished reading it. I buy books to escape into fantasy, and Ms. Carpenter never fails to fulfill that. This book is absolutely awesome. And I like the action right up front. Brittany and Duncan sizzle. (It's almost embarrassing what it does to me, too.) One of the best books by one of the best BDSM Romance authors out there. Well written. Thoughtful story. And it's hot. Loved it.
THE WANTED COWBOY
Review: Anonymous
What more could a book offer? Great read and I loved the plot. Luke and Tess are a fun couple and I want more of their story. I hope this is just the first book with them, and we can follow them as their relationship develops. This book has romance, intrigue, some truly entertaining secondary characters, and plenty of spanking and h
ot sex. Absolutely loved it, and will be reading it again (and again…).
THE HOURGLASS
Review: Laurel
Maggie Carpenter tops herself again. Every time I read one of her books, I think there’s no way she can top this, but she does. This book has everything, romance, mysticism, coincidence, spanking and sensual sex and more. Beth had a crush on Michael for years but didn’t have the nerve to talk to him. Michael fell in love with Beth but they never met. After the purchase of an hourglass, things begin to happen. Coincidence? Maybe, read and find out.
THE COWBOY’S RULES: 2
Review: Dimples
What an entertaining story. The people were great, the dog fantastic. Please write a continuing story. A very happy read. Loved every page.
THE COWBOY’S SECRET
Review: Love’s Kitten
No one writes sex scenes like Maggie Carpenter! I’ve said it before and I will keep saying it so long as she keeps writing these smokin’ hot page turners! You will be drawn in by the storyline that is fast paced and imaginative, and the sex scenes will make you weep with wanting. Trust me. A MUST read, perfect for the beach or a cold, rainy day!
A PROMISE OF PASSION
Reviewer: James
From the first word, I was spellbound by Maggie Carpenter’s wonderful tale. Her wonderful story flows beautifully and you will fall in love with her characters, because they truly come to life and leap off the pages! This book has everything you could want in a story: romance, an exciting plot and a handsome, dominant hero who will capture your heart. This book not only promises passion, it delivers!! A must read!
THE COWBOY’S RULES
Reviewer: Jule Kijek
This was my first book by this author but it will NOT be my last. I liked that it was a full sized novel. Chad is a super hot cowboy looking to help out a friend. Cassie is a spoiled rich girl in desperate need of a spanking. Toss in horses, horse shows and a lovable dog named McTavish and you have a runaway hit. I just LOVED it. So worth the time and money!
THE ROCK STAR AND THE COWGIRL
Reviewer: JoJo Bear
I’m a Maggie Carpenter fan, and I snatched this one up as soon as I saw it. NO disappointments here. Don’t want to give any spoilers, but a naughty “good” girl gets what she deserves and so does a very naughty bad girl. Plenty of hot sex, hot spankings and lots of romance.
THE BRITISH BILLIONAIRE BACHELOR
Reviewer: Desiree Holt
As one who usually reads and writes heavy BDSM books, I found Maggie Carpenter’s treatment light and refreshing. Simon, thank heavens, is NOT your usual stuffy, it’s-all-about-me billionaires, but a human with doubts and insecurities along with his self confidence. And Belle Somers, well, you just want to give her a hug. The story is entertaining but the strength is in the characters. The author makes them come alive for you and they stay with you long after you turn the last page. A fun read I recommend for anyone who wants to escape with a glass of wine and a good book.
THE BRITISH BILLIONAIRE BACHELOR - ACT II
Reviewer Paige Matthews
This is another wonderful read by Ms. Carpenter and I full believe readers will love Simon as much as I did. I am eagerly waiting for the third act of their story and anticipating Simon’s revenge. :) Want to find out what I am talking about? Pick up this read and find out!
THE BRITISH BILLIONAIRE BACHELOR - ACT III
Reivew: Emily Tilton
I’m going to level with you. I read D/s erotic romance for the D/s sex. Ms. Carpenter puts a great deal of plot and character around her D/s sex, and that stuff is solid, but I need to be honest and say that that’s not why I’m reading a book by Maggie Carpenter. I’m reading a book by Maggie Carpenter because she writes the transition from sweet romance to D/s better than almost anyone else I know. She doesn’t disappoint here: Belle (sweet submissive) and her sister Lucinda (brat) both go on D/s journeys with Simon (cultured billionaire) and Joseph (rough and tumble chauffeur) that provide plenty of hotness—especially (for my own taste) when Simon begins Belle’s training. If you like young women under tables servicing the men they call “Sir,” you’ll love this book.
THE SPANKING PSYCHIATRIST
Reviewer CF
Of all the dominant-submissive books I’ve read, this one is by far the most clever and the most captivating. The story is strong. It’s not just words wrapped around spanking scenes. It’s so believable, you can feel the emotions of the characters. And you’ll never expect the ending! Dr. Montgomery is simply irresistible, too. If I could find his office, I’d make an appointment.
Visit the author at:
www.maggiecarpenter.com
www.MaggieCarpenter.com/blog
www.facebook.com/MaggieCarpenterWriter
www.twitter.com/magcarpenter2
OTHER TITLES BY MAGGIE CARPENTER
The Strict British Barrister
The Wanted Cowboy
The Hourglass
The Cowboy’s Rules: 2
The Cowboy’s Secret
A Promise of Passion
The Cowboy From Down Under
The Romantic Dominant
The Cowboy’s Rules
The Rock Star and The Cowgirl
The British Billionaire Bachelor
The British Billionaire Bachelor Act II
The British Billionaire Bachelor Act III
The Spanking Psychiatrist
The Billionaire’s Daughter
Covert Cravings
Malibu Heat
Déjà Vu
An Eternal Flame - (Déjà Vu–Book Two)
Elizabeth’s Education
The Inheritance - (Elizabeth’s Education–Book Two)
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
CHAPTER THIRTY
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
CHAPTER THIRTY TWO
EPILOGUE
FIVE STAR REVIEWS FOR MAGGIE CARPENTER
THE COWBOY'S RULES: 3: THE SURPRISE (Cowboys After Dark Book 6) Page 19