Page 56

“I love you so much,” she mumbled as tears slipped from her eyes. “I did something really stupid today…it was bad, really bad. Blake saved me. Hereallysaved me.”

A nicker made her look around, and she saw Henry standing at the fence.

“Hello, you,” she exclaimed, stepping back and wiping her wet cheeks. “Don’t worry, I’ll come in and visit you too.”

As she climbed through the rails he lowered his head, then nudged her when she straightened up.

“You’re adorable, and so smart. You’ve already figured out we’re good people,” she murmured, stroking his face.

“Most horses are.”

“Blake!”

“Hey, darlin’,” he murmured, striding up and placing his arm around her shoulders. “How are you feelin’?”

“Better, but still a bit shaky. Spending a few minutes with these two has helped.”

“There’s nothing like bein’ around horses and dogs, but I think that applies to animals in general. Have you ever seen videos of the guys in South Africa lovin’ on the big cats?”

“I have, it’s amazing. I’d give anything to do that, though I think I’d be terrified.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“You? You’re not scared of anything.”

“I was scared today,” he murmured as a frown crossed his brow. “Real scared. Maybe as scared as I’ve ever been. Are you ready to come inside? Doug’s makin’ you that hot chocolate.”

“Ooh, yes, please. That sounds perfect.”

“I’ll be havin’ a double whiskey, and I think I might drop a little in your drink.”

“That might be a good idea. I’m still trembling,” she said, holding out her hand.

“I’m not surprised. We’ll see you two later,” he added, looking across at Apollo and patting Henry’s neck.

As they started back to the house he took her hand in a strong grip, and she leaned against his arm.

“Blake, the awful thing we just went through—it’s beginning to feel like a dream--or rather a nightmare,” she said softly.

“Yeah, I know what you mean.”

Climbing up the porch steps and entering the kitchen, they found her hot chocolate and his whiskey waiting on the table.

“Look at this,” she exclaimed. “What a thoughtful thing to do.”

“That’s Doug.”

“He’s awfully quiet though.”

“Yep.”

“Does he have a girlfriend?”

“Not that I know of.”

“He should.”

“Is that right,” Blake remarked, settling into a chair and picking up his drink.