He slid the blindfold over my eyes.
“Damn you, Phoenix.”
“That’s not what you said last time you had it on. I believe it was something to the effect of ‘put it in my’—”
“Stop.”
He laughed. The engine roared to life and we took off. To where, I had no idea. In a weak attempt to keep me preoccupied, Phoenix droned on about his security plan for my office. I zoned out thirty seconds in.
The road turned from smooth to bumpy, and finally, rolled to a stop.
“Hope you don’t like those heels.”
He helped me out of the truck and I cringed as my new Manolo Blahnik’s sank into what I imagined was a very muddy field. A breeze swept through my hair, silk over my skin. I can’t explain the sudden warmth that ran over my body, my soul. It was an instant happiness. Like I was exactly where I was supposed to be at that moment.
In my life.
I heard shuffles, maybe a few whispers, and a new scent carried through the wind—freshly chopped lumber.
We stopped.
“You ready?”
I sucked in a breath. “Ithinkso?”
The blindfold was removed—and my heart fell to my feet.
My mouth dropped as I looked at the newly constructed horse stables with a sign that readRose Flower Equine Therapy Centerover the double doors. It was bright red, with white trim, sparkling under the autumn sun. It was glorious.
Gage, Gunner, Axel, the rest of the Steele Shadows Security team, stood in front. Jagg, and a mirror image of the detective, that I could only assume to be his brother, stood to the side.
June stood proudly in the middle.
Tears filled my eyes. “Oh my God,” the words came out in a breathy whisper. “Phoenix.” I turned to him. “How did you do all this without me knowing? I can’t…”
“Yes you can. Consider this my rent payment for moving in with you. Your therapy clinic is all yours, this is just an extension of it. It’s a Steele Shadows Security investment in the community. In those in need of help.”
I was at a loss for words.
Gage stepped forward. “We’re all going to help. You’ll have more than enough volunteers and manpower. Your boy here,” he nodded to Phoenix, “convinced us of the healing power of horses, and between his and Spirit’s weird-ass love affair,” he winked, “I’m on board. We all are. We think it will be a great service to offer our clients at Steele Shadows as well.”
I turned and fell into Phoenix, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Thank you, thank you,thank you.”
I released and ran over to June. Tears streamed down my face.
She cupped my cheeks. “Congratulations on owning your own business, my dear.”
“Thank you, Mama.”
I wiped my tears and turned to the group around me, the team of former military veterans who’d helped make my dream come true.
“This center will be focused on treating PTSD, and will be free to all service men and women, and first responders.”
I looked at Phoenix. He dipped his chin—thank you.
I dipped my own—I love you.
“Let me show you around your new digs.” He said.
