Page 40 of An Unforeseen Kiss (Captivating Kisses #4)

E den was glad Lady Lia had suggested they all wear their riding habits today.

The fuller skirts had given her greater range of movement, as well as allowing her to move quickly about.

The only regret she had was the habit would also serve as her wedding gown.

She told herself not to worry about it. That Val would not focus on what she wore.

He would see the love she had for him shining in her eyes, and everything else would fade from view.

She collected the first group of competitors and lined them up, telling them to wait for her command.

Glancing across the field, she looked to Rollo, who gave her a thumbs up.

The groom would not be entering the racing event and had agreed to serve as a judge at the finish line in case there was a close call to be made.

At first, she had thought to put someone of high rank in the community at the end, but if two competitors were close, she did not want to sow seeds of discord in the community.

Better to let a man familiar with horses—and in the duke’s employ—make the call, with no hard feelings.

Seeing the riders were ready, Eden quietened the crowd and then signaled that the race was on.

The four men on horseback tore across the meadow, but the local doctor pulled ahead within seconds, easily winning victory.

She made a note on her list that he would move on to the next round and then gathered the second set of four riders.

The crowd had cheered the first racers on, and now they grew even louder, clapping, whistling, and stomping.

Again, Eden indicated for the race to begin, and those gathered shouted loudly for their favorite in the contest. This time, the winner proved to be one of Lord Arden’s grooms. As the riders turned and galloped back toward the crowd, she saw his two daughters jumping up and down with joy.

She thought Lord Arden a decent man, and she hoped the widower would find a wife.

The third group in the competition was the closest race yet, but a shopkeeper edged out the others, claiming victory. Now, only one race was left to run.

Suddenly, someone plucked her lists from her hands, and she turned to scold them, finding Val on the other end of the pages.

“You are racing next,” he said firmly.

“I did not even enter,” she protested.

His eyes gleamed. “I entered you—and Andromeda is waiting.”

She looked over his shoulder, seeing Miller had the horse in hand. If she argued with Val now, she would seem churlish, and it might put a damper on the day for all those in attendance.

“All right,” she said good-naturedly, heading to the horse, secretly excited she had been given a chance to race against a field of all men.

When she reached Andromeda, Eden stroked the horse’s neck and said quietly, so that only the horse could hear, “They are challenging us, Girl. All males in this race. Let us show them that it is not only men who can be filled with mettle.”

Kissing the horse’s nose, she allowed Miller to toss her into the saddle.

He handed her the reins. “Ride like bloody hell, Miss Snow. We’re all cheering you on.”

A warm glow filled her. “Thank you, Miller.”

Eden guided the horse to where the other three men were lining up.

“What’s this?” one cried. “A woman in the competition?”

She gazed at him steadily. “A woman who plans to leave you far behind.”

Val had taken over and shouted, “Racers, get ready.”

She wound up on the inside, a competitor on each side of her.

Eden patted Andromeda’s neck. Then, hands on the reins, she heard Val’s cry and took off.

The horse had always had speed, but as Eden rode, she could tell Andromeda was making an extra effort.

Leaning low into the horse, she focused on outrunning her competitors.

Moments later, she crossed the finish line as the victor.

The crowd went wild, and the applause and cheers were almost deafening. Eden turned her horse and trotted back to the start, giving Andromeda a few well-deserved love pats.

When she arrived, those still seated atop their horses and moving on in the competition all tipped their hats to her, and she felt good about having earned their respect. It was definitely a man’s world, but she felt as if her small victory had been one for all the women in the crowd.

She remained on Andromeda, letting Val gather the two winners from the first two races. As they went head-to-head, the doctor easily pulled in front, coasting to victory over Lord Arden’s groom. Then she and the shopkeeper trotted to the start mark.

“May the best man—or woman—win,” he told her, grinning.

The horse he rode was fast, but Andromeda was on fire, giving Eden the victory. She cantered back, and Val announced a five-minute respite, in order to give Andromeda a few minutes of rest, as the physician’s horse had received.

She looked about, seeing Justina waving at her. She returned the wave and thought how happy she was in this moment. Even if she did not win the final race of the day, she believed she had found a home at Millvale.

And the love of a wonderful man.

Before she moved to the start line, none other than the Duchess of Millbrooke came up to her.

“I expect you to win this race, Miss Snow,” Her Grace said. Then she motioned for Eden to lean down and softly said, “I would make Andromeda a wedding present, but the horse will be yours soon anyway. I must find something else special for you. In the meantime, know that you have my full support.”

Tears sprang to her eyes. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

Val motioned for her to take her position, and she guided Andromeda so that her horse and the doctor’s were alongside one another.

She readied herself and took off, knowing this was the ride of her life.

For half the race, she sensed they were neck-and-neck, but gradually, Eden pulled away.

She crossed the finish line moments before the doctor did, her heart pounding, the blood rushing in her ears.

“You ride superbly, Miss Snow,” her final competitor complimented. “I am not ashamed at all to have lost to a woman—and her splendid horse.”

“You were a hard competitor to beat, Doctor.” She offered her hand, and they shook before cantering back to the beginning.

Everywhere she looked, Eden saw smiling faces. Then Val was capturing her waist, bringing her down from Andromeda, and kissing her.

In front of everyone.

She could hear the noise die down around them as he ended the kiss. Looking out, she saw some people smiling, while others appeared confused.

His voice ringing loudly, Val said, “Thank you all for attending the first annual fete at Millvale. It was organized by my betrothed, Miss Eden Snow. We will award the prizes now for the two horse competitions.” He pulled out the special license he’d been carrying in his pocket.

“And then if Mr. Clarke is willing, we will hold our wedding ceremony immediately after. I hope you will all stay and act as witnesses to our union.”

Cheers erupted as he pulled her into his arms again for a lingering kiss.

When he broke it, she said, “You certainly know how to put on a fete, Your Grace.”

Smiling, he told her, “I could not have done it without you, Miss Snow. In fact, I do not wish to do anything unless you are by my side.”

They led the entire crowd back to the dais. He assisted her in mounting it and then helped his mother up to join them. As everyone gathered around, Val motioned for Rollo to mount the steps.

“Mama?” he said, handing her the five guineas which had been designated as the prize for the obstacle course winner.

The duchess accepted them. “This will be the only time I present the prizes. It will be the role of the Duchess of Millbrooke to do so each year in the future.” She smiled at Eden.

Her Grace thanked everyone for coming, and then she told those gathered that the fete would not have taken place without the efforts and patience exercised by her future daughter-in-law.

Eden knew her soon-to-be mother-in-law did so to show her support for the marriage.

Then the duchess gave Rollo the coins, and the groom held up both arms in victory, smiling as the crowd applauded.

The duchess looked out. “Mr. Clarke? Where are you? Get up here at once!”

The clergyman weaved through the crowd, a stunned look still on his face. Val presented him with the special license, and he agreed to officiate at the impromptu ceremony.

Just before he began, Val said to her, “You did not receive your prize, love.”

She gazed at him, tears misting her eyes. “My prize is you . You are everything I could ever want.”

They repeated their vows, and her groom pulled out a ring. Holding it up, he said, “I told you I would show you what I bought.”

She felt a warmth rush through her. “It is perfect.”

“I know. Simple and elegant—just like the woman who will wear it.”

Val repeated the words the vicar said, slipping the ring onto her finger. After another few minutes, Mr. Clarke announced they were husband and wife.

Her new husband gave Eden a lingering kiss as those in attendance cheered him on. Everything that had happened to her—the good and the bad—had led to this moment, when she committed herself body, heart, and soul to Val Worthington, the Duke of Millbrooke.

They were going to have a wonderful life together.

*

Much to Eden’s surprise, Val mounted Andromeda.

The usually frisky horse must have been tired after the three races she had run because she gave him not a hint of trouble.

He crooked his finger, and Eden came to him.

Her husband leaned down and lifted her up and onto his lap, riding back to the house.

A footman hurried outside to greet them.

Val lowered Eden to the ground and dismounted. Handing the reins to the footman, he said, “Walk Andromeda back to the stables. Do not attempt to ride her.”

“Oh, no, Your Grace,” the servant said, wide-eyed. “I’ve heard she’s a handful.”