Dorrie thought about that as they all walked to the edge of the racetrack. They had no wish to sit in the stands for this event. They would be as close to Warwick as they could get, urging him on.
Somer pressed a hand to her stomach. “I am nervous again, as I was when Eden raced.”
“As am I, but Warwick is an excellent rider.”
Gus arrived and put his arm around Somer’s waist.
“Thank you for standing up for my brother, even if he wishes you did not.” He bent to whisper the words in Dorrie’s ear, then kissed her cheek.
“He is a man unused to anyone helping him,” she replied.
“Very much so, and I am unsure even this family can change that.”
She heard the sadness in Gus’s voice, but as the race was about to start, Dorrie said nothing further. Pushing Ashford Charlton from her head, she looked for Warwick and Zach among the riders lining up at the start.
“He’s third from the right,” Dev said so they could all hear. “Zach is the last on the left.”
“How is it he can see that?” Ash asked.
He was standing behind her now.
“He has good eyesight.”
“As do I, but not that good.”
Dorrie shrugged.
“I’m sorry. I should not have spoken to you as I did.”
“Again,” Dorrie added.
He sighed. “Yes, again.”
“Thank you for helping my brother,” Dorrie said.
“But not helping you?”
“I did not need your help; I had a whip.”
His laugh sounded like a rusty door hinge. She turned and saw it changed his face completely. He seemed younger and his eyes softer.
“You should do that more often.”
The smile fell away. “I have not had a lot of reason to laugh, Miss Sinclair.”
“Oh well, at least now you do.” It made her feel sad that no one in his life made him smile or laugh. “But I will add to that I think Baron would have tried to make you laugh upon occasion, as he can be a humorous man.”
“He is a good man.”
He moved to her side then, and they watched as the race began.
“I worry those three men may hurt him or Zach,” she whispered.
“Your brother is a smart man. Deville I do not know.”
“He is a smart man also.”
“Well then, I’m sure they will stay out of trouble, and if not, I’m sure Warwick has a few tricks up his sleeve. If that fails, there is a large contingent of angry family awaiting those who would harm one of theirs at the finish line.”
