She did as she stated and Hector stood there. Smiling triumphantly, she nodded to Marcus. “Hector, walk back to Blackmore House.” She flicked the reins and the horse started walking back the way they’d come.
Marcus and Ebba joined them. “I wonder if he could be trained to go to specific places.”
She stroked the horse, feeling proud of both herself and him. “I think he’s very smart. I wonder if a woman trained him.”
“We’ll never know. At least he has a safe home and a compassionate rider now.”
Warmth filled her. Since he called Blackmore House Hector’s home, that also meant it was her home. And for the first time since Marcus had been revealed as alive, she could think of Ravenridge as her home as well. No longer would she stay at Craymore Hall during the season or return to Thornwood Park for the winter. These would be her new homes.
She glanced over at Marcus, whose profile had changed in the last four years. Though she’d been in love with him before he left, her heart told her she loved him more now and understood him better.
He caught her looking at him and smiled. “What are you contemplating?”
“Just thinking about how in a few weeks, I will be living in a new home.” She gazed into his gray eyes appearing even lighter in the sun, the trickle of excitement in her chest catching her by surprise. “I’m also contemplating whether Hector could beat Ebba in a race.”
She leaned forward in her seat. “Hector, run like the wind!” She flicked the reins, tapped her foot against his side and he shot forward causing her bonnet to come off, held on only by the ribbon around her neck. She laughed loudly before the pounding of hooves behind her had her lowering her torso close to Hector’s neck.
Just as she reached the short drive, Ebba pulled alongside.
Quickly, she sat straight again. “Hector, slow.” She pulled the reins back a little, allowing the horse to slow at his own pace.
Marcus did the same. “He’s fast off the start. I wonder how long he could run full out.”
“I’m sure we will discover his endurance and many other things about him in the days to come. But mostly, I want him to be happy.” She patted the horse. “Hector you deserve to be happy here. Don’t you think?”
Hector’s left ear flicked, and he slowed to a stop before the stable.
Marcus jumped down from his horse and walked to her, holding his arms up. “I believe we all deserve to be happy.”
Now that, she could agree with. Slipping into his arms, she found she wished to stay there, but a groom came from the stable to meet them, so she reluctantly stepped back and turned to Hector. “You did very well. I’m so proud of you.” She gently stroked his nose then turned toward Marcus.
As he instructed the groom to fetch another to walk the horses, her bonnet was tugged from behind. Turning to look, Hector set his head on her shoulder. She stood frozen for a moment, shocked by the affection. Tears sprang to her eyes, and she patted the side of his face, leaning her own against him. She closed her eyes, too overwhelmed by the love she felt for her new animal.
“It appears we found you that horse you’ve been wanting. I would not have guessed he’d behave in such away after all he has gone through. I believe he is grateful.”
She opened her eyes to find Marcus gazing at her, his own love shining in his eyes. His support of her love for horses meant more, now that she could see what life would be like with him. “And I’m grateful to you for giving him to me.”
The grooms strode out and she let go of Hector’s head, but turned to give him reassurance. “We’ll go for another ride soon.”
As the grooms took the horses for a walk to cool and be rubbed down, a tear slipped down her cheek.
“Mariel, what is it?” Marcus was at her side in an instant.
She waved her hand in front of her face. “I’m just so happy.”
He pulled her into his embrace. “And I pledge to keep you happy at all times.”
She laughed at him. “Really, you cannot make such a pledge. That is impossible.”
“But I can try.”
Before she could respond, his lips descended upon hers and desire flamed to life. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back, loving how his kisses made her feel so weak. A need started to build inside and she pressed herself closer, wishing their clothes were off.
He broke the kiss. “I want to taste you.”
She let her head fall back as he kissed her neck. “I think you are.”
“No, not here.” He pulled away, leaving her a little lightheaded, but then grasped her hand firmly. “Inside.”
