Larina couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes, but don’t get your hopes up. I am working here, so I don’t know how much free time I‘ll have.”
“It’s a working ranch; I’ll work right along with you. See you soon.”
Larina went inside, smiling and excited. She ate a big breakfast and headed toward the stables to begin her work.
Chapter 10
T he weekend passed slowly for Shane. He could not wait to see Larina’s face and hold her in his arms. She probably needs another hug by now. Shane put down the phone, smiling thoughtfully. He had gathered a file of information about amnesia and had a list of doctors and clinics that helped with regaining memories. He put the file in his briefcase and had the help pack his luggage.
Shane’s mother knocked on the door. “Come on in, Mom, the door is open.”
“Hello, dear, I have something to say. Dad and I have been talking about this girl and the dangerous situation you are in.” His mother sat across from him in the living room. She had previously turned her nose up at his furnishings until she saw the restorations. Now he could hardly have any peace when they had company. His home was always part of the tour.
“Well, Mom, I know it’s going to be difficult. Why do you think it’s dangerous?” He knew his mother loved him. His parents should have had counseling after his brothers died; they never really overcame the deaths. He loved them and wanted to make them happy, but he was going to be the one to choose who he spent the rest of his life with.
“Shane, think about it. This woman was in South America. No one with any influence is hunting for her, or they would have found her by now. You don’t know anything about her background. Nothing about her people.”
At this point, Shane started laughing. “Well, Mother, amnesia does that to a person. I know her, and that is what is important.” But Shane worried if she would change into a different person from the one he loved once she recovered her memories.
“This is not humorous, Shane.” She got up and left.
He knew as soon as they found out who she was, the PI’s would be working overtime, finding out her pedigree and anything else they could dig up to report to his parents.
Shane went out to the stables and saddled Jasper. He needed a long ride. As he rode out past the corral, he stopped and put a harness and rope on Black. “You look like you could use a long ride too.” He let Jasper set the pace and just went along for the ride. When they reached the foothills, he stopped and sat under a tree. Both Jasper and Black came over, stomping their feet impatiently.
“I know I shouldn’t do this, but why not?” He took all the tack off both horses and watched to see what they would do. Black took off like a bolt of lightning and raced across the pasture, tail high in the air. Jasper looked at Shane and then watched Black. “Go ahead, you can play too.” He pointed and gave him a little swat. Jasper tore across the field after Black.
The race was on. They took turns chasing each other, measuring each other. He smiled as he thought over the call he had made to Larina. He loved teasing her about the swim. That memory was keeping him awake nights, but the memory of holding her while she slept in his arms gave him a peace and comfort he hadn’t known existed. That was when he’d decided he wanted this woman to share his life.
The horses wandered back when they had exhausted their energy. Shane saddled them up and headed back home. They felt better, and he felt ready for the challenge ahead.
The family driver took him to the airport hangar where the Stapley jets were located. He climbed up the stairs and into the back lounge. His luggage was carried up and given to the steward. The steward returned with a menu for his lunch. “How are you today, sir?”
“I am good, what is our flight time to Houston?” Shane looked over the menu. He checked off the steak and shrimp with salad and desert and handed it back to the steward.
“It’s about a two-hour flight. Your limo will be waiting at the hangar as usual.” The steward gave him a tray with snacks and drinks to choose from.
“Call in and change that to a pickup truck. I will drive myself, and I want the truck fully loaded.”
He ate some pate and crackers, with a few raspberries and sliced mango.
“Yes sir, it will be waiting.” The steward went back to the kitchen area. During the flight, Shane read through the file, taking in everything he could about amnesia, while he ate lunch. He wanted to be prepared when he offered to help Larina. This was a risk, but he was excited about it too. He wanted to learn more about the woman he loved.
They landed, and a white pickup with all the bells and whistles sat outside his jet door. Once his luggage was loaded, he drove west on HWY 10.
The traffic out of Houston was horrible. There is something to be said for riding in a limo. You can take a nap, read the paper, watch the news, eat or drink. But in spite of the traffic, he did like the truck. He texted his steward, “Jack, I like this truck. Buy it and arrange to have it delivered to the ranch once I get back to the airport.”
Finally he drove into the ranch, somewhat concerned by the look of the place. five star my eye. What in the world was Larina doing in a place like this? However, as he paid more attention driving in, he noticed top-of-the-line security and a fortune of horses in the pasture.
By the time he arrived at the main entrance to the ranch house, he felt much better. The valet greeted him and had some men take his bags while he took the truck. Shane smiled at the valet’s look of appreciation as he climbed up behind the wheel.
He looked over to the corral and saw Larina with an anxious stallion. He needed to see this. As he walked over, her back was to him. Man, it was good to see her again. He couldn’t keep the smile off of his face. Just then, a man practically accosted him. “Excuse me, sir, but guests are not invited over when we are working a horse.” A very tall, crusty-looking man with steel for eyes looked down at him.
“I’m sorry. I know Larina and wanted to watch her work. She is amazing with these animals. We met in Argentina when I purchased a stallion there.” Shane was a bit miffed but covered it well. Who was this man trying to keep him from her?
Carson offered his hand. “Carson, welcome to the ranch. Cortez is a tough negotiator.”
“Shane Stapley. Well, his prices were pretty good until he saw how good Larina made the stallion look. Then the price went sky high.”
Carson laughed and relaxed as he motioned Shane to come over to the corral with him. “That’s Jared for you. We can’t have tourists over here when we are working. You, though, are welcome.”
“Thanks. So what are your plans? I saw some amazing animals riding in.”
Carson nodded toward the corral. “Larina’s finished now. Why don’t you come over tomorrow to the office and I’d be happy to talk about it.” Carson headed back into the stable.
Larina turned just as Shane got to the corral. He climbed the fence. His heart filled and the world faded away. They were alone, walking slowly toward each other, both understanding their unspoken need.
As he reached her, he pulled her into his arms, kissed her head, and just held her tight. No words were spoken; none needed to be. Their bodies said all that they couldn’t, not until they knew she was free. He was complete. This was heaven—this was the life he wanted.
After a time, Larina leaned back and looked at him. “I have your cake.” She smiled up into his eyes, hers sparkling with mirth.
“It’s a good thing. I came a long way to get it.” I love you with all that I have in me. He gave her his most charming, loving smile. He looked down and raised his eyebrow.
This is not playing it cool. I am beyond that; it’s all or nothing now. She can see my soul. It’s here to be filled or crushed.
“I have my own little house, here. Would you like to have some dinner with your cake?” She grabbed his hand, and they started walking to the path around the ranch house.
As they turned the corner, the cottage came into view as did the tall swing hanging from the tree
s.
“Wait, is that your swing? We have to try this.” He grabbed her hand, and they ran over to the swing. About 60 feet in the air a large post had been attached between two trees and a long swing line hung between them.
She got on, and he started pushing. She squealed with delight as the swing went higher and higher, sailing through the air in long, fast swings. He was worn out by the time the swing came to a stop.
He pulled her up into his arms, but this time she met his lips. He felt the kiss become desperate as they held on to each other, hoping for a future together.
When he saw the tears in her eyes, he caught one on his finger. “I wonder if you remember how to play gin rummy?” They walked up to the porch.
“You would take advantage of a challenged opponent? I am sure I will pick it up quickly if I don’t.”
“We’ll see.” They stepped up onto the porch.
“Do you mind waiting here while I shower? I can grab you a soda.”
Shane sat in the bench swing. “Not at all. This will be great. And if you need any help with dinner, I’ll be happy to help.”
Shane was not sure how he would bring it up, but he did want to encourage Larina to try to find her past. They really could not go forward until that happened.
An Australian Shepherd came running up to the porch. “Hey, fella, where did you come from?” It was a beautiful mixed-color Shepherd. He put his paw on Shane’s knee. He reached down to pet the dog, admiring his shiny coat.
“Aussie, so this is where you went to.” Carson walked up. “Hey, Shane, how ya doing?”
“I am great. Larina invited me to dinner. She is inside, cleaning up.” Shane wondered if Carson was checking up on them. “This is a beautiful dog. I have been thinking about getting the breed for my ranch work.”
“Well, you won’t regret it. As a puppy, Aussie spent a lot of time over here. The Dugan’s daughter lived here for a time, and her son, Sam, babysat Aussie during the day. I think he was looking for them. When you stop by tomorrow, I will show you how he works. It makes my day a lot easier, that’s for sure.” Carson sat on the steps.
Larina came outside, her hair pulled back into a ponytail, looking fresh in her skinny jeans and slinky shirt. Shane was tongue-tied just looking at her. Carson stood and introduced her to Aussie. “He might come over now and then,” he explained. “He used to spend a lot of time over here with the Dugan’s grandson.”
“Oh, come here, boy.” She bent down to ruffle his head and neck. “You are welcome any time.”
Larina looked over to Shane and raised an eyebrow. He nodded.
“Carson, we are about to put some steaks on,” Larina said. “Would you stay for dinner? You and Shane have similar horse plans. I think you will enjoy sharing ideas.”
Carson looked over at Shane. “You sure I am not interrupting?”
Shane smiled and enthusiastically replied. “No, actually I would love to pick your brain. Mr. Cortez’s stallion is just the beginning of my plans. It would be helpful to hear what you are doing.”
“Well, I am much obliged. It’s hard to turn down a good Texas steak. I had an idea I wanted to float by Larina as well.”
Shane knew he would have time with Larina later, and it was a relief to be together with others around.
Shane and Carson chatted while they handled the grill. Larina was inside making a salad and checking her cupboards for a dessert. They all sat down to dinner at the beautifully carved dining room table.
Carson mentioned his trip to Argentina, and talked about when he’d first met the young Jared Cortez. “He was a rebellious one. His parents had sent him here to get him away from one girl, and he went home with another.” Carson laughed and continued, “He has made a great life there in South America.”
“The workers respect him and were careful not to make him unhappy.” Larina started gathering up the plates. Shane rose to help her. The table was cleared in one trip to the kitchen.
He pulled her close for a quick hug. “This was fantastic, thank you.” She handed him the ice cream and some glasses. They both returned, Shane holding a tray of root beer floats.
Carson perked up. “It’s been years since I’ve enjoyed one of these. Thank you, dinner was great.”
They all started eating the ice cream from the floats. Carson put his glass down. “I was hoping I could ask a favor of you both. I would like to enter Caballo in a qualifying steeplechase competition in Connecticut at the end of this week. I am not expecting him to do well or even try hard, I just want him to have the experience and be challenged. I was hoping you, Shane, could go with Larina, and that, Larina, you could ride.”
“Well, that is going to make the next few days busy around here, getting him ready.” She looked over at Shane.
“I have the time and would find it very interesting.” This trip would be great as they could look around for something familiar while there, maybe find something from Larina’s past.
Carson stood and took his glass to the kitchen. “I will make the arrangements for hotel rooms and stables. Thank you both. I am too busy right now to get away, and I’d hate to miss this chance.” He tipped his hat and walked out the front door. Aussie, who had been resting on the front porch, followed close behind.
“Do you really want to do this, Shane?” Larina was clearing the rest of the table. He watched her thoughtfully.
Truth is I have mixed emotions. “Yes, I think it would be good for both of us. Good for me as I can learn something about this business, and good for you as you might find some memories there. And it would be a good experience for Caballo. How do you feel about it? You will find out your name one of these days, I am sure. This could be a chance for that to happen.”
They both went out to the front porch swing. The evening was cool, and a lovely gulf breeze was gently blowing. They could smell the honeysuckle planted up by the ranch house. It seemed the pungent, sweet smell was stronger in the evenings. The stars were shining through the trees, and a large moon gave light to the forest.
Shane put his arm around Larina and pulled her close. She rested her head on his shoulder. “It’s all going to work out, Larina. You just have to promise me, whatever happens, I get one more swimming date.” He reached down to tickle her ribs.
“Shane, is that all you think about?” Larina broke away, laughing, and went into the house.
“No, actually, I think about cake. And where was my cake tonight?” He came through the door to the kitchen and started putting dishes into the dishwasher. Larina stopped him, telling him he as he was doing it all wrong. They tried a few arrangements of the dishes before they felt confident enough to shut the machine and push the wash button. He knew he had very little experience with dishwashers, but he’d expected Larina would know how to load a dishwasher. He shook his head. They were both pathetic.
Larina went to the freezer and took out a frozen piece of frosted cake. “Here you go.”
He ate it with over-emphasized delight. Larina came over and tried to steal some.
Shane walked to the door. “Thank you for the cake.” He smiled as he reached down and pulled her close. “It will be fun tomorrow, working with Caballo.” She reached up for a quick kiss and then watched from the porch as he walked up the path toward the ranch house. He turned, tipped his hat, and lifted his hand to wave as he went out of sight.
The next two days were spent at the stables working Caballo and the other horses. Finally the day arrived to travel. They left early in the morning and drove for two days until they reached their final reservations, close to the stables. The day of the race, Larina and Shane had Caballo out on the track early in the morning. They passed many riders walking their horses around the track.
Shane leaned over to Larina. “This is exciting; these people are serious.”
It was a beautiful area. The rolling hills were green. Stately trees were scattered around the outbuildings. All the people looked like they came from money, big money.
�
�Yes, this all seems normal to me. I feel close to my past, here.” She looked at Shane with a worried look.
“It will be okay.” He was praying that it would be.
Chapter 11
Caballo’s head was up. Larina rode him to the starting position. She leaned down, patting his neck. “This will be great. You can do it.”
Caballo took off, gaining speed as he approached the first jump, and sailed right over without breaking his stride. He turned the corner at the same speed and took the second jump. She saw Shane standing by the fence. He was smiling and cheering. The power and grace of Caballo was remarkable. They came in third without errors..
Shane met Larina at the gate. He helped her down, and they walked Caballo to the stables. A man was quickly walking toward them.
“Kiki, is that you?” They stopped and waited for him to get closer. “Kiki, this is a miracle!”
Larina looked hard at him with a question on her face. “My name is Kiki?” She started to laugh, and the man seemed confused. “I am sorry. I had an accident, and I don’t remember my past.” She couldn’t seem to stop laughing. “I must know you. Please, how do I know you?”
The man looked crestfallen. “You were my fiancée.”
Shane suggested they all take a seat at the outdoor café and talk. He left them while he took Caballo back to the stables. Casandra could see the fear in Shane’s eyes. I have a fiancé. Ever the optimist, she thought, Well at least I’m not married. Willard answered her questions and when Shane returned she turned to him.
“Apparently my name is Casandra Hilton. I have a mother and a father, a brother and a sister. Shane, I even have a grandmother.” Tears were running down her face. She turned to the man. “This is Willard Manwaring.”
Shane reached over to shake his hand. “It is a pleasure to meet you, so amazing to find family.”
“Excuse me a minute.”Willard stepped away to make a call.
When he came back to the table, he put his phone away. “Your parents want you to come over now if you can. I think the news gave them quite a shock. This is such a miracle.”
Her Billionaire to Remember (A Texas Ranch Romance Book 5) Page 8