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Story: You'll Find Out

Becca bristled, but felt Brig’s strong hand on her arm.

“No one killed Sentimental Lady, Ms. Gordon. It was an unfortunate accident.”

“Not an accident—your brother drugged that horse,” Marian responded. “Was that with or without your knowledge?”

Brig took a step forward, but Becca held him back with the gleam of determination in her eyes. “What happened with my brother is very unfortunate, Ms. Gordon, and has nothing to do with me, or Gypsy Wind. It’s also old news. I suggest that you try writing something a little more topical.”

“Such as how Gypsy Wind almost went to her grave today?”

“Such as how that brave filly stood up against the colts.”

Before Marian could respond, another reporter edged forward and smiled fondly at Becca. “Mrs. Chambers, do you plan on breeding a sibling to Gypsy Wind?”

“No.”

“But you still will be breeding Thoroughbreds—for the future?” the young man insisted. Becca cast a speculative glance in Brig’s direction. His eyes were riveted to her face.

“I’m not sure—not right now.”

“How do you feel about it, Mr. Chambers?” the young reporter asked, turning his attention to Brig. A smile tugged at the corners of Brig’s mouth.

“I think my wife will make her own decision. She’s a very . . . independent woman,” he observed with a twinkle in his eye. “Now, if that’s all—”

The reporters realized that they had gotten as much of a story as they could and reluctantly backed away from Brig’s car. Once inside the Mercedes, Becca managed a weak laugh. “So you think I’m independent?”

“Not totally, I hope.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Brig maneuvered the car away from the racetrack and drove toward the hills surrounding Starlight Breeding Farm. “That means that I’d like to think that you depend on me—some of the time.”

“You know that I do.” She paused slightly. “What about you, Brig? Do you depend on me?”

His smile turned into a frown of disgust. “More than you would ever imagine,” he admitted. “I don’t know how I got along without you for the last six and a half years. I must have been out of my mind.”

The rest of the journey was finished in silence. Becca bathed in the warm glow of Brig’s love. When they pulled through the gates guarding Starlight Breeding Farm, Becca felt her heart swell in her chest. The new buildings, freshly painted a gleaming white, stood out against the surrounding green of the hills.

Brig helped Becca out of the car and they walked to the closest paddock. Two mares were grazing peacefully while young colts scampered nearby. The horses raised their inquiring heads at Becca and Brigg, flicked their dark ears and turned their attention back to the grass. The colts ran down the length of the fence, glad for an audience. As ungainly as they appeared, there was a grace in the sweep of the colts’ legs.

Becca leaned her head on the top rail of the fence. “I don’t know if I can give this up,” she sighed, studying the graceful lines of the colts’ bodies.

“I haven’t asked you to.”

“But I can see it in your eyes.” She turned to face him and caught the look of tenderness in his eyes. “I do love you,” she admitted, throwing her arms around his neck.

“No more than I love you.”

“But you want me to quit breeding horses and racing them,” she accused, smiling sadly.

“Not at all, Becca. I just want you to slow down. You’ve proved yourself today and purged yourself of Sentimental Lady’s tragedy. Go ahead and breed your horses—race them, if you want. But slow down and enjoy the rest of what life has to offer.”

Slowly his words began to sink into her tired mind. She cocked her head coquettishly to the side and her shimmering honey-colored hair fell away from her face. “Just what do you have in mind?” she asked as she observed him with an interested smile.

His eyes darkened mysteriously. “I thought I might be able to convince you to forget about breeding horses long enough to consider having a child.”

Her dark brows arched. “Oh you did, did you?” she returned, touching his chin lightly with her fingertips.

“We’ve waited too long already.”

“I might agree . . . but tell me, just how do you propose to convince me?”

“With my incredible powers of persuasion, Mrs. Chambers—” His head lowered and his lips captured hers in a kiss filled with passion and promise. She closed her eyes and sighed as she felt her bones melt with his gentle touch.

“Persuade away, Mr. Chambers,” she invited, her eyes filled with her overwhelming love. “Persuade away.”

“Dear God, lady, I love you,” he whispered as he scooped her into his arms, straightened, and carried her toward the house. “And I’m never going to let you get away from me again.”

With his final vow, he opened the door, carried her inside, and turned the lock.