“No,” I shook my head. “He’s far too old. He’s a dressage superstar still. I use him to learn things. We keep him in rotation with some of the intermediate riders, but he’s earned a retirement from international events for now.”
“So, who is the horse?”
“Lady Jane Grey.”
“Like… the short-lived queen?”
“Well, yes. But I rode her in Florida and we’re moving her to put some miles on her. Ingrid’s dressage coach is going to work her a bit. By the time I arrive down there, I’ll be ready to hopefully ride her at Burghley.”
Mary fell silent, watching me as I worked. I wondered what was on her mind, but gave her time to compose her thoughts.
Tentatively, Mary asked, “So, does that mean you’re coming to London? For a while?”
I shrugged. “I don’t quite know yet. I figured I’d wait until Lars and Rose had their baby before I made any big moves. But… maybe if youwantedme to?—”
“Of course I want you to.” She didn’t give me achance to finish.
Marywantedme in the UK, but wasshestaying?
“Are you staying in London or moving back to Stockholm?”
Mary laughed. “I’m staying in London. No part of me wants to permanently move up here.”
“Oh. Okay. Well, that’s… good to know. I will end up in Florida this winter, then back in the UK. I won’t lie to you, Mary, it will be a busy year for us both. I don’t think it will be super easy, but I do think we’ll be okay.”
She hesitantly patted Juneau’s shoulder. “I think we will be. We’re both independent enough to make it work for us.”
Independent.
I furrowed my brow. “Is it independent or are we just self-assured now?”
Mary shrugged. “Does it matter? I trust you. You trust me.”
I smiled. Hearing the words made all the difference. Mary focused on straightening Juneau’s fluffy forelock. I let them bond, secretly loving that she tried.
“You know, you’re right.” I agreed. “We survived it. And in a way, everything thatcouldhave gone wrong,did.”
Mary turned, cocking her head.
“Look, you worried about Max destroying the band’s run. He tried to in the most terrifying way, but you held him accountable. We got outed at theworsttime but survived it. People are obsessed with us, and I doubt that will end anytime soon; but we both know we’ll weather it, Mary. All the things that freaked you out? They didn’t end us.”
Mary patted Juneau’s neck. “You say, ‘I told you so’ in the nicest way, älskling.”
“I’m not wrong.”
“No, you’re not,” Mary shook her head. “I suppose I was once more trying to get in my own way. I am glad I listened to everyone who wanted to strangle me—yourself included.”
I stepped forward, kissing her gently. “I’m going to go get my tack. I’m saying nothing more.”
Chapter 58
Horse Wife
MARY
Leaning on the arena fence, I took in Betty’s face on ride number two. I knew I could return to the house, but wanted to soak her up. Betty was in her element. Her youth afforded her the ability to ride horses for hours after being drunk for two days in a way it did not for me. Still, her happiness was infectious as ever. I ignored the sinking feeling that I’d have to go in a few days and who knew when I’d see her again. I knew I would. I trusted it would be imperfect most of all the time, as all things were with us, but that the perfect moments would make up for all the lulls.
“She’s on a roll today.” Hank sidled up, resting his arms on the rail. “Boundless energy.”
