Hot Revenge Box Set 2

James nods acknowledgement. “Yes, it needs care. But I'll go with her every time. And Eleanor sent a side-saddle for Charlotte to use for a while, until she's back in shape again.”

Charlotte turns a puzzled frown on him. “You’ll come with me? But…”

“Go inside.” Michael nods her indoors. “You’ve not seen it all yet.”

Charlotte unbolts the lower half of the door, clicking her tongue. “Back-up, Charlie.” The bay-roan mare reverses, letting everyone through, but shoves her nose firmly against Charlotte’s chest.

And there, at the back of the stable, up to his knees in clean straw, is another horse, a white gelding; much bigger than Charlie, heavily-built, but with a mild eye and manner. He snickers as we enter, his ears pricking forward.

Charlotte blinks.

James produces a carrot, then another, passing one to Charlotte. His own he offers to the gelding. “Meet Oliver. He’s Charlie’s son. He’s here to keep Charlie company and for me to ride with you.” Charlotte’s jaw drops.

There is something about seeing joy in another person. It’s infectious. It rubs off. Next to me, Ryan is smiling broadly.

Richard is positively beaming. “By the way, Charlotte, your Christmas gift from me and Elizabeth is the saddle and tack…”

She throws herself at him, streaming tears. Richard wraps arms around her, patting her back. He kisses her cheek. “Happy Christmas, Charlotte. You deserve it.”

Ryan, standing close behind me, winds an arm around my waist, pulling me in close, then slips his gloved hand into mine. His cheek resting by mine, he murmurs, “So Charlotte has her white horse then?”

For a moment I don’t understand him, then I remember…

That conversation we had, the very first night we met.

“So, no dreams of white horses then?”

“White horses?”

princes in shining armour, come to carry

I laugh. “Not me.”

white charger, come to carry me away. Yes, he was there all the time,

and tearful and joyful… surrounded by those who love her, it comes

complete clarity, I

face Ryan. His forehead wrinkles as I hook arms up around his neck, reaching for his lips with mine. I kiss him. “My Prince,”

fumbling off my gloves to release stiff fingers, I grope

moment, I simply look at it in my palm: a small plastic ring. Cheap and

he offered it to me, with everything

seems not to be breathing.

ring onto my left hand, fourth finger. “Yes, I

face lights up, his smile spreading wide

“I will.”

I turn to see him punching

excitement, to Charlie’s nickered protest. She runs to

stride forward, arms outstretched, competing to be

a slight smile. “Congratulations, Kirstie,” he

“What about you?”

I’m pleased for

“We have to tell Beth and Mom.” She scuttles back to her horse,

*****

in the house, Mitch greets the news with the same enthusiasm as everyone else, giving me a squeeze and a kiss

he tries to stop her. “I can stand,” she mutters. “James, Michael. Crack the champagne. And some

“Coming right up.”

almost immersed in, joyous