“I wasn’t helping! I swear, I had no idea,” Marco swore.
“I know, son. But you were helping. You were introducing Leo to all the people he needed to set up this drug and money laundering scheme. You didn’t do it with ill intentions, but with the best of intentions. They took advantage. It was I who failed, not you.”
Mr. Strinati bowed his head for a moment and Camila saw him blink his eyes several times. “I failed my sister, too.”
“Dad,” Marco said with tears in his voice as he wrapped his father in a hug.
“Come on,” Camila whispered to Wyatt. “Let’s go.”
“Wait,” Marco said as he lifted his head from the hug. He walked over to them. “I am sorry for bringing Leo into your lives. I understand if you don’t want to work with me any further.”
“You did nothing wrong but love your family,” Camila said, looking up at Wyatt and imploring him with her eyes.
“You and your father are always welcome at Wyatt Farm. I expect we’ll be seeing you soon to begin training.” Wyatt held out his hand to Marco and Camila’s whole body swelled with pride for the man she loved.
“There will be a scandal,” Mr. Strinati said softly as he came to join him.
“As my Nana Ruth always said, a scandal is nothing but something to talk about over bourbon.” Wyatt shook Marco’s hand, then dropped it before turning to his father. “And I have enough bourbon to get us through many long nights of talking.”
“I am sorry I was rude to you both earlier. I didn’t know what kind of people you were. But I am glad that you are friends with my son.”
Wyatt shook Mr. Strinati’s hand before Camila did the same. Then she slid her hand into Wyatt’s. “I’m ready to go home.”
“I like the sound of that. I love you.”
“I love you, too,” Camila said as they stepped from the office, leaving the scandal behind them. After all, she had a Derby to train for.
27
Camila and Wyatt were late to their own victory party. They’d stayed behind and packed up the stables. Bud was happy to drive the horses home and Carter’s crew let them load the gear into their truck and promised to bring it by the next day. After the events of the past weeks, they were both ready to be home and stay there.
“You know, I could take Bud and Gent to the next stakes race to see if we can increase his times. Mike is already getting more phone calls to ride horses on the Florida circuit this winter,” Camila said as they pulled to a stop as close to the café as possible.
“You’re the trainer. Whatever you think he needs, you can do. I have enough from today’s purse to not only pay you more, but to enter more races.”
Wyatt got out of the truck and Camila watched as he rounded the hood of the truck before opening her door. As soon as she stood, her hand slipped into his as they made their way to the café. While still in the shadows of the early night, Wyatt pulled her to him and bent his head. “I love you, Camila.”
Her heart fluttered as it always did when he said those three words. “I love you, too. I can’t wait to find out what the future holds for us.”
Wyatt leaned down and moved his lips over hers. As with most of his kisses, they started off sweetly, like the gentleman he was. Then they went deeper, hotter, and Camila got to bask in the sensual, edgy man that only she knew underneath. It was why Blythe and Veronica gasped as they came upon them. Camila was leaning against the side of a truck with her legs wrapped around Wyatt’s waist, his hand on her breast, his tongue in her mouth, and nothing left to the imagination as they clung to each other.
“Well,” Veronica said with a smirk, “doesn’t that just heat things up on a first date?”
“Did you prepare Blythe for the café?” Wyatt asked Veronica as he set Camila down.
“Prepare me for what?” Blythe asked.
“Oh no,” Camila gasped, her eyes going wide. “The betting, the Rose sisters, the tea. Don’t drink more than two glasses!”
“Stop taking all the fun out of it,” Veronica said, shaking her head. “Let’s go. We’ll let Camila and Wyatt have a grand entrance.”
“No way,” Wyatt said, grabbing Camila’s hand and hurrying across the street. “I’m not missing this for anything.”
“Poor Blythe,” Camila said as they hurried up the sidewalk.
“Blythe can handle herself. And if she can’t put up with a couple questions, she’s not strong enough for Veronica.”
Camila laughed and shook her head as they approached the door. “A few questions? The Spanish Inquisition was a few questions. This is something else altogether.”
Wyatt held open the door, and as they walked in, there were cheers and clapping when Wyatt pointed to Camila. She had gone through the interrogation and here she was, part of Keeneston. She wouldn’t trade it for anything.
“Can I ride Gent into my wedding?” Aniyah asked as she hugged Camila.
“You know,” Wyatt said thoughtfully, “Nana Ruth had a beautiful old carriage from the 1800s. With a little work, it would be as beautiful as you.”
Aniyah gasped and turned to DeAndre. “A carriage!”
“Yes!” DeAndre said immediately. “Not a hot air balloon, not men carrying you, not leaping out of a plane. A horse-drawn carriage is exactly what my queen deserves.”
“Oh, Sugarbear!” Aniyah wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest.
“I can come over tomorrow at five to look at it. I’m pretty handy at fixing things,” DeAndre told him.
“I can help you with some of it, too,” Wyatt said as DeAndre shook his hand.
“I can help, too,” Marshall said, joining the group.
“I’m good with a sander,” Miles added.
“I’ll join you, too,” Ahmed called out.
“I can help paint,” Sydney said as she, Reagan, and Riley joined the group.
“Us too,” added Reagan and Riley.
Aniyah let go of DeAndre and wrapped Riley up in a hug. Camila heard the sound of a sniffle as Aniyah hugged her boss. “This is all because of you and Matt. If it weren’t for you both, we’d never be part of this amazing family.” Aniyah looked around at the café. “And that’s what y’all are—family. I just love y’all.”
There were cheers, hugs, and then silence. Camila turned around to see Veronica standing at the door with Blythe. Blythe looked clueless as Veronica took a breath, smiled, and then reached for Blythe’s hand. “Poppy, can I have a table for two?”
“Finally!” Miss Lily said as she and her sisters high-fived.
“But first,” Miss Daisy started.
“Uh oh,” Camila whispered to Wyatt. “It’s about to begin and all I can think about is yelling for Blythe to run.”
“Just a couple of questions,” Miss Violet said with an innocent bat of her eyes.
“Where are you from?”
“What is your job?”
“How much do you make?”
“Can you support our Veronica?”
“Have you been married before?”
“Can you handle Veronica’s long hours?”
“Do you have hobbies?”
“Will you relocate to Keeneston?”
“What makes you think you’re good enough for our Veronica?”
Camila cringed as Blythe’s eyes widened in shock and fear. She probably thought long and hard about turning tail and running, but she straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin.
“I’m from Washington, DC. I’m in private security and work for Aiden Creed. I’ve never been married. I have had three long-term relationships that failed because I was away working. I make more than enough to do what I want, which includes supporting Veronica though she clearly doesn’t need that. I don’t see her as someone looking for a sugar momma. I can handle Veronica’s long hours because I too have long hours and assignments. I don’t know about relocating yet. Let’s see how the first date goes, shall we? But I can easily move anywhere in the world. And I don’t kno
w if I’m good enough for Veronica, but I’d sure like to see if I am.”
Clap . . . Clap. Henry stood, slow clapping as he smiled at the two of them. “I did that,” he told the café. “They’re together because of me.”
“Despite you is probably more accurate,” Blythe said back. The room went quiet for a split second before everyone cracked up.
“Welcome to Keeneston, Blythe,” Miss Lily called out.
“You’ll fit in just fine,” Poppy said, giving her a wink.
Camila and Wyatt joined them as Poppy got a table ready. But soon Mo, Zain, Gabe, Ahmed, and Kale surrounded Blythe.
“You know that Veronica is family to us,” Mo started to say.
“And if you were a man, we’d have a certain kind of discussion with you,” Zain continued.
“But my wife said that was sexist so we’re having the talk with you regardless of you not being a man,” Gabe said seriously. Camila saw Blythe’s lip twitch in amusement but she held it together.
“If you hurt her, we’ll hurt you,” Ahmed said, crossing his arms over his muscled chest. The look he gave Blythe was enough to give Camila chills.
“You’d hit a girl?” Blythe asked sweetly.
Ahmed cleared his throat. “No, I’d have my wife do it. But don’t underestimate her. She can knock you out.”
“Veronica is like my sister, and I don’t want her hurt,” Zain said, giving Veronica a sweet look before turning a hard look to Blythe. “We like you. Don’t screw this up.”
“I won’t,” Blythe said, letting her lips go up into a smile.
“Your table’s ready if they’re done threatening you,” Poppy called out.
* * *
“I need to make a phone call,” Wyatt whispered to Camila as Blythe and Veronica headed to their table. “Can you see if my cousins can squeeze us in?”
“Sure.” Camila looked at him and narrowed her eyes. “Is something the matter?”
“Not at all. Just need to make a quick call.” Wyatt kissed her on the cheek and then Sydney called her over to join them.
Wyatt headed outside and searched online for a phone number. A minute later, he waited as the phone rang.
“Hello?” a sleepy voice asked.
“Hello, Mr. Callahan. This is Wyatt Davies in Kentucky. I’m sorry to have woken you.”
“That’s all right. What are you about?” Camila’s father asked with a deep brogue.
“Who is it?” He heard Camila’s mother asking.
“It’s Cami’s boss,” Mr. Callahan told his wife.
“What’s he doing calling this late? What’s wrong? Is it Cami?”
“Well, if you don’t stop talking, I won’t be able to find out,” Mr. Callahan said.
“I didn’t mean to worry you,” Wyatt said, instantly loving the nickname. “Cami is perfect. That’s actually why I’m calling.”
“Because Cami’s perfect?” Mr. Callahan asked.
“How sweet,” Mrs. Callahan gasped.
“Well, yes. Cami and I have been dating for some time now. I’m calling to introduce myself and to make sure you have my number. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me.”
“Oh, Sean,” Mrs. Callahan gasped. “We have to go to Kentucky sooner than May!”
“I’m in the middle of the circuit, lovey. We have to wait until May. But Dr. Davies . . .”
“Please, call me Wyatt.”
“Wyatt, I am honored and impressed you called. As soon as Cami told me where she was working, I looked you up. As far as I can see, you’re quite an accomplished young man. I look forward to meeting you in May.”
“There will be a party here in Keeneston after the Derby. I would like to invite both of you as my guests. I hope you can make it.”
“We’d love that!” Mrs. Callahan told him.
“We’ll video call with you both very soon.” Wyatt looked back to the café to make sure Cami was still inside.
“And congratulations, Wyatt. It was a big win today,” Sean said, and Wyatt could practically hear him smiling.
“Thank you.”
“If you beat me at the Derby, I’m not so sure I’ll let you date Cami,” her father chuckled.
“Oh hush, Sean.”
Wyatt smiled at Mrs. Callahan’s words. “Well, I don’t think I can stop Mike from trying to win with everything she has.”
Sean sighed. “I have heard about it all night from her father. But I watched the race. She’s even better than her father. I’ll deny saying that if you ever tell anyone, though.”
Wyatt laughed out loud then. “She’s a natural. Just like your daughter.”
“At least she’s stopped asking me about becoming a trainer. It’s such a hard world for a woman to break into and no one will give her a chance. Well, you gave Michaela a chance, but most anyone else won’t give a female trainer a try. I’ve heard the lads talking about it forever. Only rejection awaited if Cami had gone that way. I heard my friend met C.C. Callahan today.”
“Yes. C.C. is the most amazing trainer. I’m looking forward to hearing your opinions on it.” Wyatt wanted to scream it was Camila but he knew she wasn’t ready to tell her family yet. She enjoyed staying under the radar.
“I saw today. I might have a run for my money from some American. We’ll talk soon, lad. I have a horse to train so I can whoop you in May. You just take care of my little girl.”
“I will,” Wyatt promised.
Wyatt hung up the phone and took a deep breath. Now he didn’t feel as if he were going behind Camila’s family’s back. And he knew Great-Grandpa Beauford would be proud of him. He loved her and he knew she was the one for him, the only one. Now he had months to find out if she felt the same.
28
Wyatt stopped outside the window of the café and looked inside. Camila was sitting with his cousins and laughing. His heart swelled, and he knew without a doubt she was the woman for him.
Wyatt saw the way his father placed his arm across the back of his mother’s chair and absently rubbed his thumb against her shoulder. Wyatt knew he’d found that kind of love. There was something exciting and, at the same time, scary about it. What if she wasn’t all-in, like he was? What if she thought it was too early to talk marriage? What if she wanted to focus on her career first?
Wyatt took a deep breath and entered the café. Carter motioned for him to hurry over, and Wyatt joined them as Poppy poured out so many shots of bourbon that Wyatt lost count. Poppy and Zinnia began to hand them out to everyone in the café as Lucas and Talon jumped up to help them. When the last shot was handed out, Carter stood up.
“To my cousin Wyatt, who put a lot on his shoulders trying to bring his family legacy back to prominence. Today he did just that, and even though he beat me, I’ve never been happier for him. And to Camila. My cousin was smart enough to snap you up . . . in more ways than one.” Wyatt slipped his arm around her waist as everyone chuckled. “Since I’m suddenly in the need of a trainer, I hope you don’t mind sharing her professionally as the new trainer for Blitz.”
Camila sucked in a surprised breath and looked up at Wyatt. Her eyes were wide with excitement, and right then Wyatt knew what he had to do. It was time for love, but marriage could wait. Camila’s dreams were coming true and he was going to do everything he could to make them happen.
So he gave her a smile and a small nod of his head silently telling her to take it.
“Yes!” Camila shook Carter’s hand and then turned back to Wyatt with a huge smile on her face.
“I’m going to race two horses in the Derby!”
“Yes, you will,” Wyatt laughed as he hugged her.
“You haven’t gotten Blitz into the Derby yet,” Reagan teased.
“But I will,” Camila said with complete confidence.
“To Camila and Wyatt!” Carter called out as he lifted his bourbon.
“To Camila and Wyatt!” the patrons responded among cheers, shots, and handshakes.
* * *
C
amila walked into the quiet home. It was her dream to train horses and her dream was coming true in Keeneston. She’d found her dream job and her dream love. The only thing was, she felt guilty taking on Carter’s horse after Wyatt has given her so much. And of course he wouldn’t be able to tell her to say no in the café in front of everyone. She had to know for sure if he was okay with her taking on another Derby contender.
“Wyatt,” she began as they walked into the living room.
“Yes?” Wyatt took a seat on the couch under the portrait of his great-grandparents.
“How do you really feel about me taking on Carter’s horse? I won’t do it if . . .”
“Why on earth wouldn’t you do it?”
“Well, he’s competition for Gent, and I’m your trainer first and foremost.”
Wyatt patted the couch next to him and Camila took a seat. “The biggest joy I have is seeing your dreams come true. Elite trainers often train competing horses. And I couldn’t be prouder to watch you fulfill your potential.”
“I’m going to have to go on the circuit to get Blitz qualified, and I think I should race Gent one more time to get some more points just to make sure we are above the cutoff line. We should be in for the Derby on this one win, but we’d be at the lower end. If the bigger wins get spread out among many horses and they continue to stack points, then we run the risk of being left out.”
Camila held her breath. She knew Wyatt wanted Gent home as much as possible, but she’d really been thinking about this as she researched the other Derby hopefuls.
“Do what you think is best. You’re his trainer. If he needs to race more, then race him more. My only condition is Mike, and only Mike, rides him.”
“Agreed. I’m going to talk to Carter tomorrow and also Mike. I’ll have a full schedule completed by the end of the day. But taking these jobs means I’m leaving you in a bad position. You need another farm manager.”
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