by Alice Ward
My words just made her cry harder. I could feel the eyes of the other diners on us as they tried to figure out what was going on at our table.
“It’s never crossed your mind because you’ve never had a mother,” Renee said, wiping her eyes. “I know I’ve shown up a little late in your life, and I’d never try to replace Rose, but I wanted to show you what it’s like to have a mom. I should have been sitting next to you in that waiting room. I should have held you, and stroked your hair, and told you that we’d get through it no matter what happened. Instead, I refused to even look at you. I failed you when you needed me most.”
I stared at her, speechless for a moment, moved by her words. “I wasn’t exactly on my best behavior that day,” I admitted, thinking of how I’d accused her of wanting Daddy to die. I shrank a little in my seat. “I owe you an apology too.”
Renee shook her head. “You were lashing out because you were frustrated with me. And you had every right to be. I’m the parent, but I acted like a selfish child and left you to be the adult. I want you to know that will never happen again. I really do love you, Willow, and not just because you’re Cole’s daughter. If I wasn’t going to be your stepmother, I’d still very much like to be your friend.”
“Thank you, Renee,” I said, squeezing her hand again. “What do you say we forget about the last few weeks and make a fresh start?”
“I’d love that.” She beamed back at me. She released my hand and wiped her eyes with a napkin. “I know that you and James are both adults,” she continued. “And it’s a little late in the game for a new family. But I really hope that’s what we’ll become. In my ideal world, you’ll both build on the ranch and we’ll always be together. Just think of how wonderful it would be. Your kids and James’s kids would grow up like brothers and sisters!”
Every cell in my body cringed, but kept a smile on my face. “That would be wonderful,” I agreed, desperate to change the subject. “But first, we have to focus on the wedding. What are you and Daddy thinking about as far as reception food?”
Renee started describing the new heart healthy reception menu and I let my mind wander.
This woman really loves my father. And I think she’s sincere. She wants us all to be a normal, happy family. She wants to treat me like a daughter… and I think I want to let her. James and I have to come clean soon. It’s not fair to let Renee think she’s getting her dream family. As soon as we get the paternity test results, we’ll tell them… and figure out how to be a family from there…
***
“So when are you two leaving for New York?” Mason asked as he let one of the round pin panels fall to the ground. It was Saturday afternoon, a week before Belmont Stakes, and Mason, Matt, and I were moving our outdoor equipment to make room for the barn expansion.
“I’m not sure I’m going to the race,” I said. I wiped my neck with a bandana and wished I could get away with going shirtless like the guys. The air was heavy and humid after the storm we’d had the night before, and the ranch was spotted with pools of standing water. But the sky was clear and the hot sun shone down upon us, turning nature into a steamy sauna.
“Of course you’re going,” Matt insisted. “We all are. Next Saturday could be the biggest day of our lives.”
I shook my head and helped Mason take down another panel. “Daddy can’t go. Dr. Gulley says he’s not ready to travel. And with the wedding the week after, there’s just so much to get done. I was thinking about staying home next weekend, watching the race on TV.”
Matt raised an eyebrow. “What does Cole think about that plan?” he asked.
I frowned back at him. “I haven’t told him yet,” I admitted.
“Because you know he’ll tell you to go,” Matt finished. “I know you don’t want to go without your Dad. But how will you feel if Mondo does it? What if he wins the Triple Crown and you’re not there to see it?”
“You and I both know the chances of that happening are slim to none,” I said, wiping my neck again. I shook off my leather work gloves and fetched a bottle of water from the nearby cooler.
“Last week, you were convinced he could take it all,” Matt reminded me. He and Mason dropped the final panel and joined me at the cooler.
“Why the sudden loss of confidence?” Matt asked as he dug through the ice for another bottle of water. He found two and tossed one to Mason, who turned to me with a knowing look.
“You’ve seen the final race list,” he said without a hint of question in his voice. “How bad is it?”
I sighed. “Denver’s Pride and Jupiter’s Starlight are both running, and they’ve both been resting since the Derby. The rest of the horses didn’t compete in either of the other races.”
Mason nodded, his eyes sympathetic. “This always happens when a horse wins the Derby and Preakness. For the other owners, Belmont isn’t about winning this year. It’s about Mondo losing. But for what it’s worth, I think he still has an excellent chance,” he finished with a grin. He gulped down his water and tossed the empty bottle back into the cooler.
“I’ll go get the Bobcat and move these panels to the far fence line,” Mason said as he walked towards the barn. “When I finish that, I’ll start taking the walker apart.”
“Thanks for working late today,” I called after him. “With all of the storms in the forecast, this may be our only chance to move things before the expansion starts.”
“No problem, Willow,” he replied over his shoulder. “And if you change your mind about going to New York, I’ll be happy to cover for you while you’re gone.”
“You have to go,” Matt said again, begging me with his eyes. “I know you don’t want to leave your dad. What if we fly in Saturday morning and come home Saturday night? It’ll be great, like a very expensive double date.”
“I’ll think about it,” I agreed just to get him to drop the subject. I took another drink and then poured the remainder of the cold water down the legs of my jeans, which were clinging to my skin, drenched in sweat. I breathed a sigh of relief as the cool fluid rushed over my boiling skin.
Matt looked me up and down and I realized that I probably looked ridiculous. “The weather is killing me this year,” I said. “And I think it’s only going to get worse.”
He nodded. “I went for a ride last night. The creek running off of the mountain is about to come over the bank. Dallas said if it gets much higher, we may have to sandbag it.”
“All the more reason to get this done today,” I said, gesturing to the walker. “I need to sit down and cool off for a few minutes, and then we can start breaking that down.”
“Mason and I can take care of it,” he offered. “You look like you’re going to melt if you stay out here much longer.” The idea made me so happy I would have hugged him if we weren’t so sticky and hot.
“You’re not going to hear me argue with that today,” I said with a grateful smile. “Thanks, Matt.”
Normally, I’d insist on staying and helping no matter how miserable I was. But the heat had exhausted me and all I wanted to do was take a cold shower and sit in my air conditioned kitchen with a giant glass of iced tea.
“You’re welcome. Get some rest,” Matt said. “I’ll see you on Monday… and think about Belmont,” he called after me as I made my way to the barn.
I walked through the barn, checking on all of the horses as I passed their stalls. I was just about to leave for the house when I spotted a dark blue pickup truck coming down the driveway.
God, who in the world could this be?
My nerves danced in my stomach as I remembered the last unexpected visitor who showed up at the house.
It can’t be Katelyn… surely she can’t afford a car and a truck. Definitely not a truck that nice…
The truck grew nearer and I realized that a man was behind the wheel. I still had no idea who he was. All I could make out were broad shoulders and a large black cowboy hat. I leaned against the doorframe as the truck slowed to a stop in front of me. Th
e driver’s door opened and one of the sexiest men I’d ever seen stepped out. He had on khaki linen slacks, leather loafers, and an immaculate white button-up.
“Hi… can I help you?” I greeted him. He looked familiar, but I couldn’t place where I’d met him.
“Yes ma’am, I hope so,” he replied with a thick, Southern accent. His green eyes sparkled with confidence and he carried himself like a man who was used to hearing the word “yes”.
“I’m looking for Willow Rogers,” he continued. “Do you know where I could find her?”
What could he possibly want with me…?
“I’m Willow,” I said. I did my best to sound confident, but I was suddenly even more aware of my appearance. The man in front of me looked like he’d just walked off a yacht and I looked like I’d just climbed out of a pig pen.
The man stared at me, an amused smile on his face.
“How can I help you?” I asked. I crossed my arms over my chest and stared just to the side of his face. When I looked directly at him, the thoughts that raced through my head made me feel like I was cheating on James.
“My name is Colby Spencer,” he said. The smile on his face changed from amused to cocky and he continued. “I’d like to talk to you about buying some horses.”
That’s where I know him from! We haven’t met. I’ve seen him on TV.
The Spencer’s were an old Kentucky family that had been revered in the racing industry since the nineteen sixties. In six decades, they’d produced eighteen Kentucky Derby winners, eleven of which went on to win Preakness Stakes. And they were interested in my horses.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Spencer. I’d shake your hand, but as you can see, I’m a bit of a mess right now. I’m sorry, but none of my horses are for sale,” I said firmly.
“That’s what I’ve heard,” he replied undeterred. “That’s why I flew out here instead of calling you. Everything has a price, and I’ve been told that I’m much more persuasive in person,” he winked at me and I blushed against my will. I looked away and told him again that my horses weren’t for sale.
“Well… could I at least have a look at them?” he asked. “I mean, I came all this way…” he raised an eyebrow and gave me an innocent smile.
I met his eye again and stared a little too long before clearing my throat and replying. “Sure… I mean, letting you look at them won’t hurt anything. You can see what you’re going to be up against in a couple of years,” I added with a cocky smile of my own.
“Is that so?” he asked as he followed me into the barn. “So the foals are already spoken for… may I ask who bought them?”
“No one bought them. I’ll be racing them myself,” I said as I led him to Buttercup’s stall. “This is Thunder’s filly. And across the way is his colt,” I added, pointing at Blaze.
“May I?” he asked, his hand on the stall latch.
“Be my guest,” I replied, giving him a permissive wave.
He walked into Buttercup’s stall and offered her his hand to sniff. She studied him for a few moments, licked his fingers, and he approached her.
“That’s a good girl,” he said as he ran his hands over her leg muscles. The moment he reached her ankle, she lifted her hoof.
“How much work have you done with her?” Colby asked as he rose to his feet.
“They’ve both been handled every day since they were born,” I replied proudly.
He nodded but didn’t reply. He left Buttercup’s stall and stepped into Blaze’s.
“Are either of these foals out of Mondo’s dam?” he asked as he performed the same examination on the colt.
“No,” I told him. “Calliope is retired. Glory is Blaze’s dam,” I said, pointing at the mare. “And Clementine, the bay two stalls down, is Buttercup’s mom.”
“Do you mind if I take a closer look at them?” he asked.
“Knock yourself out, but you’re just wasting your time. The foals aren’t for sale,” I said for the third time.
“I’d still like to look over your stock,” he said as he left Blaze’s stall. “I’m very interested in purchasing one of your future productions. I’d like a horse sired by Thunder, specifically. I’d settle for a stud service, but I’m trying to add new blood to my program. What I’d really prefer is a colt.”
I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “That’s surprising. Forgive my candor, but I know how much money you’re family’s worth. Why don’t you just buy a stud service from Mondo? Thunder’s a champion, but Mondo’s the one who’s famous.”
“Yes, Mondo’s the one who’s famous. But he’s also unproven. My family earned its piles of money by making smart business decisions. And jumping on the bandwagon while Link Jackson whores out Mondo’s stud services is the last thing I’m interested in. Thunder’s already shown that he produces champions. And I want one of them.” He pulled a checkbook from his back pocket and I opened my mouth to protest. He held up a hand to silence me.
“I understand that if Mondo takes the crown, Thunder’s foals become more valuable. I’m willing to pay top price. Just name it.”
God, he’s never going to quit.
I put my hands on my hips and stared at him defiantly. “Listen, Colby, I appreciate your interest… more than you probably realize. It’s flattering that you’re so interested in my program. But the future breedings aren’t for sale either.”
“You’re closing his bloodline?” he asked with a frown.
I nodded back at him. “I’m sorry, but you’ve made this trip for nothing.”
His jaw clenched and I could tell that he was holding his tongue.
Yep… he doesn’t hear no often.
Colby stared down the barn and his eyes fell on Locomotion. He approached the stall, a single eyebrow raised in curiosity.
“Who is this? He’s a beauty… I don’t know if I’m interested in his colts, but I’d certainly like to have a look at them as they arrive.” He stepped into the stall and studied the horse.
“This is Locomotion. His breedings aren’t for sale either,” I replied. “Though I’d certainly be happy to send you some pictures as his babies arrive. I expect them to be real showstoppers.”
Colby’s mouth fell open and he stared back at me in shock. “You’re creating your own bloodline,” he finally said. I couldn’t tell if he was more impressed or annoyed.
“Yes, I am,” I replied, my voice radiating with confidence.
He glanced around the barn again. “That takes decades, Willow. And you don’t have enough stock,” he challenged me, his voice full of doubt.
“Then I guess it’s a good thing I’m young, and I have plenty of race winnings to spend on an expansion,” I said smugly.
He stepped out of the stall and looked down at me, showing me his perfect teeth. “I like you, Willow Rogers. You’re a feisty one. I’m looking forward to getting to know you and kicking your ass on the track,” he said as I led him to the front of the barn.
“I’m looking forward to doing the same,” I quipped. “The ass kicking part, I mean,” I finished with a teasing smile. I walked him outside and he leaned against the driver’s door.
“I heard about your father,” he said, looking down at me. “I’m glad he’s recovering well. I hope his recent illness won’t keep you from New York next week.”
“I’m still thinking about it,” I confessed. “I was supposed to fly out on Thursday, but I may wait until Saturday and make it a day trip.”
“That would be a very long day,” he said. “And you deserve to enjoy yourself. My family has a place in the Hamptons.”
Of course you do…
“We’re flying up on Wednesday,” he continued. “I’d love for you to join us. We’ve hired drivers to take us to the city and back on Saturday.”
“If I do go, I’ll be with a group,” I explained. “But thank you for the offer.”
I was flattered by the invitation, but I didn’t trust Colby’s intentions. I didn’t know if he was interested in m
e, or interested in being seen with me on race day.
“Well if nothing else, find me at the park. I’d love to be the first one to buy you a drink after Mondo wins.” Before I realized what was happening, he leaned down and kissed me on the cheek.
“I’ll see you soon, Willow,” he said as he climbed into his truck. He turned the steering wheel towards the house, made a u-turn, and ambled down the driveway.
He has some balls, kissing me like that. And he’s so hot… but he’s not James. OH SHIT.
I recovered from the shock of the kiss and looked up at the house to find James standing on the porch, his arms folded across his chest. I had no idea how long he’d been standing there or what he’d seen. I raced to the porch to explain myself.
“Dinner’s ready,” he said as I started up the steps. “Mom sent me to find you, but I didn’t want to interrupt your date.” His shoulders were tense and he wouldn’t meet my eyes.
“That wasn’t what it looked like,” I said quickly. “That was Colby Spencer. His family owns a racing program in Kentucky. He was interested in the horses.”
“He was interested in a lot more than that,” James snapped. “And you seemed to be enjoying it.”
I opened my mouth to argue and Renee stepped out onto the porch.
“There you are,” she said with a hurried smile. “If you want your dinner hot, you better get in here.”
Damn it, I just need a few more minutes. I have to make him understand. If he stews on it for the next hour, it will only get worse.
“Sorry, Mom,” James replied. He moved past me and stepped into the house. I had no choice but to follow and hope for the best.
CHAPTER 5
I stood on the porch of James’s cabin, pounding on the door. “James… I know you’re in there. I watched you walk home, remember?”
My knocks went completely ignored. James had barely said a word during dinner. He told our parents that he had a headache and excused himself the moment Renee cleared the dishes. I was desperate to explain myself, so I grabbed a bottle of Advil from the cabinet and told Daddy and Renee I was going to check on him.