“Before we call it quits on the business today, we have one more question to discuss.” Fionola turned to her granddaughter. “Take a deep breath, sweet girl, because it involves you. I’m wondering, will you ride Bhetami for the Finale?”
“I’m sorry. Did you say the Finale?” Tyndal stammered, then burst into tears. Fionola had no idea if Tyndal would agree to the proposal, but upsetting her wasn’t what she’d hoped.
“Oh, child, no tears. We’ve had enough of those around here.”
“It’s about family, isn’t it?” Tyndal managed a watery smile. “This beautiful day, with all of us here together, making plans for the Classic. I’ve never thought of it like this, I suppose.”
“You care to explain what you mean?” Jared’s eyes were intent on Tyndal.
“I can try.” Her smile stayed steady. “Jared, Fee told me that love was all about trust. It’s no secret that I have issues with that. But the fact is, I love all of you. Some more than others.” Her eyes lit with mischief as she glanced at Jared.
“I came home because I missed it. I missed the love and all the stuff that goes into being home. I’d stayed away because Chase was gone. But he isn’t, not really. I hear his voice in my head and in my heart. He’s with me. And I wanted to be with you again.” She took hold of Seth’s and Fee’s hands. “Both of you. You were here for me after he died and that helped. And now, Jared, you’re back too.” She leaned forward, angled her body toward his, and kissed his cheek. “We’re all where we started. We’re different, but we’re still family. With love between us. And me, maybe learning I can trust again.” She took a deep breath. “Fee, I’d be honored to ride.”
****
The next morning, Jared waited for Tyndal at the barn. He was on a tight schedule, considering what he had in mind, but he’d make time for the important. “Got a minute?”
She had the ever-present clipboard in her hand, checking horses into stalls, directing riders wherever they needed to be. “That’s about all. I notice you’re dressed for work and I don’t need company. So what do you want?”
“To ask if you’d ride with me this afternoon. I’m giving a private lesson in a few minutes, and no”—he grinned at her expression—“it doesn’t have anything to do with community service. I’m doing my dad a favor.”
“How so?”
“A friend of his bought a horse and the two aren’t working together. I’ll check out the horse first to see what he knows, and then I’ll do the same with the guy. He’s threatened to sell and from what my dad said, that’d be a shame. Anyway, are you up for a little fun this afternoon?”
“Sure. Once I finish here, I plan to work Bhetami and then Bahadur. I should have time early this afternoon.”
“Could you make it closer to noon? If you can’t, that’s good enough, but I have plans for later in the day.”
“Like what?”
“Like that would be telling, wouldn’t it? You have to meet me if you want to know.”
“I hate secrets.”
“No, you don’t.” He tugged her ponytail, glanced at his watch. “Okay. I’m off. See you later.”
Fee was next on his agenda. He caught her as she opened her office. It took more time than he expected to explain his plan. More time to make sure Fee was good with what he had in mind. Fionola’s prediction that Tyndal would skin him alive if she caught a whisper of what he’d said was nothing less that the absolute truth.
“I’ll tell her it’s for a worthy cause.”
“Even so, you’d better be prepared.” Smiling, Fee shook her head. “Where do you want me to start?”
“With her clothes. I need you to pack for her, something formal for this evening. I have a couple of suites reserved at the Brown. She’ll likely want to change before dinner, as will I. Then I’ll have the limo take us to the concert hall from the restaurant. We’ll fly back here afterwards. I thought about coming home the next morning, but with the Classic, we’d better be here.” Mostly he figured Tyndal’s heart would’ve had all it could take.
Fionola nodded. “This will be your last chance for a break until the Classic is over,” she said. “Enjoy it, dear boy. Enjoy this evening. Now, let me scoot. I’ll hurry and…”
“Fee?” Jared stepped beside her, waited until she looked at him. “You know I’m going to marry Tyndal, don’t you? It may take some time to convince her to agree, but I’m working on it.”
“Jared”—she smiled—“I’ve known that for years. I’m just delighted you’re finally getting around to it. Dear boy,”—she she kissed him on the cheek—“you go take care of what you need to do while I work on getting our girl packed.”
After she left, Jared remained in her office looking at the painting of Chase and thought of Tyndal. Of how a little girl loved being carried on her grandfather’s shoulders.
Chase was a big man, well over six-feet. Built square and strong, with eyes that never missed a thing. He was the first one to know Jared hadn’t wanted to be a cattleman like his father, that he was a kid with a dream of horses and the Olympics. Somehow Chase and Fee worked it out with his parents so Jared could spend as much time at Morgan’s Walk as he wanted, learning to be a horseman, then a rider. Chase gave him the chance to make the first of his dreams come true. Jared grinned up at the painting, now that he planned to try for another.
“I know she doesn’t trust me yet. But this time, I promise I won’t break her heart.”
They’re fierce creatures, these Morgan women. Strong and independent. They may bend, but they don’t break easily. They lean, as women do, but a smart man can lean on them too. You just need to stay on your toes, son.
Jared saluted the memory of the man who’d taught him so much, and got busy.
****
Tyndal, if nothing else, was prompt. She was in the arena with a full-of-himself Arabian horse that appeared as headstrong as the woman on his back. “Are you ready?”
Jared grinned. She was a sight. Purple sweatshirt, her hair still up in a flyaway ponytail, tall black boots on buff-colored tights. He thought of the elegant ensemble she wore when she and Bhetami were in competition. In either outfit, she took his breath.
“Tyndal, would you dismount for a minute? There’s something I need to talk over with you.” Jared reached for her horse as she slid to the ground.
“What about your timeline? Don’t you want to ride?”
“I do. And we will.”
“So, where’s Pyralis?”
“By this time, I’d say he’s happily munching grain.” Jared spoke to one of the grooms that stood by, handed him the reins of her horse.
“Wait a minute. I heard that. You just said ‘stable him.’ Why? What’s going on?” She rounded to him. “Jared, you’d better start talking. My horse is being led away and I feel like a complete idiot.”
Jared cupped his hand under her elbow. “Tyndal, when I asked you to accompany me on a ride this afternoon, I don’t think I mentioned anything about it including a horse. Let’s go, love. Time’s a-wasting, so they say.”
“But…”
“I told you once before, everything will work out fine.”
“Yeah, and I still don’t know what you’re up to. What’s going to work out fine?”
“Trust me, love.” Beside a small, exotic car, he stopped, held the passenger door open, and motioned her inside.
“Why didn’t you tell me you wanted to ride in a car? This is gorgeous. I can tell you the generations and bloodlines for almost all our horses, but I’m useless with cars. I have an idea though that the guy who designed this wouldn’t have such a mundane view.”
“No, his view is quite select. Someday I’ll introduce you to a carmaker in Italy who knows vehicles they way you know bloodlines. Do you like it?”
“I’m not sure ‘like’ is the right word. I’m wondering which gives you a bigger thrill, taking Pyralis over the rails or flying this down a long, open stretch of road.”
“Let’s say they both ha
ve their merits.” He smiled at her as he climbed in. “You’re thinking, Tyndal. I feel that brain of yours spinning with questions. Something’s happening you didn’t plan. What are we doing? Where’s he taking me? Maybe you’re worrying a bit. You don’t have to.” He squeezed her hand.
“Is that supposed to be reassuring?”
“Guess that’s up to you. Ready?”
She nodded. Jared figured the next hurdle would be when she saw the silver aircraft with the Morgan’s Walk crest on each side waiting for them at the airstrip.
The pilot greeted them by name. “Jared, Tyndal, the weather in Denver is fine and we’re cleared whenever you’re ready.”
“Denver?” Tyndal looked from the pilot to Jared, folded her arms across her chest. “I think there’s been a miscommunication somewhere because we’re certainly not ready.”
Jared grinned. “Thanks, Greg. Give us a minute.”
“No, don’t. There’s no discussion.” She glared at Jared. “Whatever led you to think I’d be going with you to Denver today?” She marched back toward the car.
“Tyndal?”
“What? Where’d you leave the keys?” Her hands on her hips, she spun around, and faced him.
Without a word, he stepped to one side so she could see her luggage stowed beside his in the baggage compartment.
“I’m packed?” She stared at her bags as if they were new. “But how?” She took a step backward. “You had help.” It wasn’t a question. An accusation, perhaps. Jared wanted to laugh, but knew better. “Fionola? My grandmother is in on this?”
“I did and she is.” He allowed himself the briefest grin. “So, lady, are you coming?” Jared held out his hand, pleased at how the temper warred with curiosity in her eyes.
“And miss what you two dreamed up?” She ignored his hand, climbed aboard, and took a seat.
Jared sat beside her.
“All I can say,” she fumed, “is this had better be good.”
“It is, love. It’s very good.”
****
A couple of hours later, alone in her suite, Tyndal found the note Fionola tucked inside the jeweler’s case containing the pearls Chase gave his bride as a wedding present. It merely said,
These are yours now, darling girl. Enjoy!
By the way, have fun this evening!
“Have fun,” Tyndal muttered. “I’m not some poodle that can be ordered about. I make my own decisions.” She held the pearls, felt their warmth. Remembered how Chase fastened them around Fionola’s neck every time she wore them. How he’d whisper something in her ear that made her smile. How Jared looked at her when he left her at her hotel door. He pressed the keycard in her hand, his eyes dark and unreadable. He trailed his fingers across her cheek, down her neck. Fastened his mouth to the pulse that beat in the hollow of her throat.
All she knew was that he was either a thief or a magician, or maybe both, because once again, he’d stolen her heart. The awareness came with hardly any pain at all, just the smallest sigh.
She believed him when he said he’d returned to Morgan’s Walk to stay. That he’d come home. But making a home with him?
Suspicion said that was entirely different. Her heart, on the other hand, wanted to trust without hesitation.
Still, the question nagged at her. What if she wanted the forever and ever? She pressed her hand to her heart. Jared was so much part of her past, of her present. And the future? Who knows anything about the future? Was anything for sure? She had no idea, but her breath hitched as she thought of a future without him. Thinking of that, she walked from her room to meet the man who might just be the center of that unknown.
He wore a black tuxedo that fit his broad shoulders like it was made for him. In his hands he carried a single white rose. She wondered at that, but stopped wondering as he turned toward her. She didn’t miss how his eyes lit as he took in the midnight blue silk gown Fionola packed.
Because the style was familiar, and because her hands shook too much for her to try anything new, she’d pulled her hair into a chignon, fastened the glorious pearl rope at her neck and draped the floor length wrap of matching silk across one arm.
Saying nothing, Jared touched her chin with his fingertip, turning her face one way and then the other in the candlelit lobby. “Tyndal, you are exquisite, absolutely exquisite.” He placed the fragrant rose in her hands. “Come, love. We have reservations.” Folding the silk around her shoulders, he led her toward the waiting limousine, and seated her himself.
She recognized the restaurant as one of the most exclusive in Denver, which for the evening, was surprisingly empty. In fact, as far as Tyndal could see, they were the only ones present. Only a handful of servers were in attendance, and it wasn’t until dinner was served and the chef came out to greet them that she realized Jared arranged for the restaurant to have only two patrons for the evening.
“Jared, what are you doing?” She was more than a little flustered. The cost must have been staggering. And for him to have gone to such trouble for her? Why? It was complicated. Confusing. She dropped her head.
Why wasn’t anything ever simple?
****
“Easy, love. What I’m doing, Tyndal, is loving you. Only you. The reason? Because I want to. I want to share an evening like this with you. If we had stayed at the farm, we’d be working. You know that. So do I.”
At her soft breath, he lifted her chin, and waited until she met his eyes. “And no, I don’t want or need you to respond. What is, is. I can handle knowing what I feel for you. I love you. Period. Bottom line. I love you.”
“But…”
“Wait, love. Hear me out. Tonight, we’re having a wonderful dinner and then I’m taking you to a concert. After that, whenever you’re ready, we’ll take the limo to the airport and fly back to Morgan’s Walk.”
“Jared, I don’t, I mean, I…” she stammered, looked at him. What was she supposed to say? Do? She wasn’t prepared for a situation like this.
“Tyndal, it’s okay.” He smoothed his hand along the side of her face.
“Easy for you to say. But I feel like I’m acting out a part in a movie. Or maybe, it’s a fairy tale. I don’t really know. One thing for sure, this is pure fantasy.”
Trying to see it through her eyes, he scanned the rooftop restaurant, the gorgeous antique basins overflowing with flowers, its huge planters holding olive trees that swayed gently in the wind, the candles surrounding them, and the stars overhead.
“An illusion,” Jared said, “perhaps. But not fantasy. You and I are quite real.” He reached for her hand and turning it palm-up, he stroked her sensitive fingers with his lips. Feeling her quiver at his touch, he grinned.
“See? Quite real. Tyndal, I’ve wanted to share an evening like this with you for a long time. A night to put stars in your eyes. One that maybe you’ll smile about when you remember it. I hope there’s wonder for you tonight. And love. Most of all, I hope you’ll know there’s love. All my love.”
She dropped her head. Sighed. When she looked up again, her face was wet.
“Tyndal, love, why the tears?” He gathered both of her hands, touched the corners of her eyes.
When she answered, he felt his world go still.
“Oh, Jared, after you left, I missed you so. I wrote letters but you never replied. You never called. I felt so lost. I missed my friend.” She paused, touched his face. “I missed you.”
“It was mutual. And I still have your letters. Tyndal, all I can say by way of explanation is that somehow I knew I needed to grow up. I needed to become the person I was supposed to be. Back then, I had no idea who that was. I just knew that every time I looked at you I didn’t want to leave. You’ve always held my heart. But I didn’t have much of one to offer you.”
She nodded. “I think I understand. I was young as well, we were just children and—”
He interrupted before she could finish. “The last thing I want is for you to make excuses for what I did. There are none. Y
ou couldn’t help being young. Neither could I. But I wasn’t so dense that I didn’t have some idea of what you felt for me. I just didn’t want to accept it. Or to feel responsible for how badly I’d handled everything. Tyndal, I hurt you. I’m sorry for that. I’ve waited years to say those words to you. I’m sorry I caused you pain.”
He met her eyes. “Someday, I hope you’ll find the grace to forgive the boy I was, and the mistakes I made.”
“Jared, you don’t have to ask for forgiveness. Chase explained why you left. I knew you couldn’t stay, I just couldn’t accept that you’d go.” She twisted the napkin in her hands. “Fee said we’re ‘growing together.’ Are we? Is that what we’re doing now?” Tyndal’s eyes locked with his. “I remember being a little girl who loved you heart and soul. I’m not that little girl anymore.”
“I’m not the kid who was so unsure of himself that he had to leave. Has it been that bad, having me here?”
“No.” The whisper was so soft he leaned forward to hear. “No, Jared. It’s made me listen to my heart again.”
His smile faded as he took her hand, met her eyes. “Tyndal, I did what I did because at the time, it felt like the only thing I could do. When I realized what I’d done, it seemed better if I kept my distance.”
“Which is why you decided to stay in Europe. In a way, that makes sense. I kept on with the show circuit longer than I imagined I would. But now you’re home again.”
“I am. And so, love, are you. Seems the circle is complete.” He touched his glass to hers. If necessary, he was prepared to wait forever for those beautiful eyes, which once met his with the love of a girl, to meet his this time with the love of a woman.
Jared held out a hand and led her across the balcony. The city lights shimmered at their feet. He continued in his quiet voice to tell her about the years apart. “I loved being part of the Olympics. When owners started asking me to ride their horses in competitions, I thought I was big stuff. Eventually I was so booked I could turn down requests. Along the way, I bought a little convertible and decided to give myself a vacation in Italy. You know, hot beaches, sand, and a kid hopped up on success. It was a deadly combination. I wound up being there longer than I wanted.”
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