“You would like the horse.” I cross my legs. “That’s another pet we’d probably have to consider having too—a horse.”
“I’m glad you think that way because I don’t think I’ll ever be able tonotbe around horses.” Sam stares at his glass. “Spending so many hours polishing and prepping for the Princess Alice Cup has given me a lot of time to think about the future. I’ve thought about my dad, my sisters... and you.”
“Are you reconsidering trying to become a riding master?”
“No, that’s something I still want. I was thinking more long term. What happens when my four years are up.” He hesitates. “I’d thought I might reenlist, but now, I think I’ve finally figured out what I want to do when I get out.”
“What’s that?”
“I’d like to become a mounted police officer.”
As soon as Sam says the words, I can instantlypicture him riding a majestic gray horse through Central London in a London Metropolitan Police uniform. Becoming a police officer, and a mounted one at that, would easily transfer the skills he’s gained from the army.
“It’s perfect for you.” I raise my glass to toast him. His glass meets mine with a gentle clink.
“I mean, I still have more than two years to figure things out, but I like the idea that I could stay in London, work with horses, and be near you, depending on what your plans are.”
“In the long term, I’d love to be able to stay here. London has felt more like home than any other place I’ve lived. I have real friends and a life here. If things go well with Clarissa Lee, I’m crossing my fingers she’ll consider keeping me on.”
Sam’s eyes widen. “I’ve heard that name before! She’s really big in the fashion world, isn’t she?”
“She is.” My cheeks burn. “She’s also the client I’ve been hired by.”
“Crackers. How did that happen?”
I explain to Sam the craziness of the last few weeks, and how our meeting and spilling my coffee led to my sketches getting into the hands of Lord Renbrook and his fiancée.
“Clarissa has been my fashion guru for years. I have to pinch myself whenever I walk into her atelier and see her in person.”
Sam grins. “Did you geek out when you met her?”
“What do you think?”
“You did!” he teases. “How badly?”
“Bad.” I cover my face with my hands. “I had a hard time finding my words around her and I blurted out that I loved her.”
He cackles even harder. I consider tossing a pillow at him, but don’t want to risk spilling our wine on the couch.
“At least your first meeting was memorable. I’ll wager she’ll never forget it either.” He places his glass down and pats the spot next to him. I scooch in and rest my head on his shoulder. “Obviously she still thinks highly of you. A person of Clarissa Lee’s standing wouldn’t let an untested designer create one of the most important garments they’ll ever wear without seeing something extra special in you.”
“Thanks for saying that.”
“I’m just saying what’s true.”
We sit in blissful silence for a few moments, Sam stroking my arm. “What else has been going on in your life, Min? I feel like even though we’ve talked, I’ve been absent a lot longer than three weeks. I’m only beginning to understand how self-centered I’ve been.”
“I have just under a month to find a new flat.” I wince. “I misread the dates on my lease.”
“What can I do to help you?”
“I’ve found a place I think might be right. It needs some work done to it, but that’s what makes it fit within my budget. I can take my time renovating it on the weekends. All I need is a mattress to sleep on during the week and a bathroom with hot water.”
“And have you gone to see it yet? Property in London moves fast.”
“I know. I’ve lost out on a few different places already,” I admit. “I’ve done a virtual viewing with the agent, and everything seemed great. I just need to wait for the bank to let me know if they’ll approve my mortgage.”
“Whoa, you’re jumping into buying a flat?”
