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?”

armour, come to carry you off for happily-ever-afters in

I laugh. “Not me.”

knight on his white charger, come to carry me away. Yes, he was there all the time, wasn’t he? I just

tearful and joyful… surrounded by those who love

with complete clarity, I

to face Ryan. His forehead wrinkles as I hook arms up around his neck, reaching

release stiff fingers, I grope into

my palm: a small plastic ring.

he offered it to me, with everything else

breathing. His fingertips

hand,

up, his smile

“I will.”

to see him punching the air.

Charlie’s nickered protest. She runs to me,

both stride forward, arms outstretched, competing to be the

wears a slight smile. “Congratulations, Kirstie,” he says

“What about you?”

“Oh, I’m

and Mom.” She scuttles back to her horse, hugging her head and kissing her on the nose. “I’ll be back

*****

with the same enthusiasm as everyone else, giving me a squeeze and a kiss on the

hand when he tries to stop her. “I can stand,” she mutters.

“Coming right up.”

by, almost