“I know because I know what wasn’t right,” Hank said. “And it’s probably true that you know when you know. I think you two are both old enough. Besides, that girl blew her entire life up—gladly—for your ass. She’d never have done the same for me.”
“Oof, mate.”
“I tell the truth no matter how awful it feels to hear.” Hank rested his face on his hands. “We’ll be around. You’ll see her. I will put her on a plane as needed.”
I smiled, “Good.”
Betty stopped the horse in the arena, calling. “Can someone hold her while I adjust these standards?”
“I could if you weren’t such a diva!” Hank gave her shit.
I realized this was my moment, whether I wanted it or not. “I got you, älskling!”
“There you go, horse wife!” Hank teased as I trotted into the arena.
Betty hopped off the horse and raced towards a set of jumps, doing them just so. It took her far too long, but I appreciated how fastidious she was.
Betty gave me a quick kiss, “Can you give me leg up?”
“What? How?”
She demonstrated and I followed course, amazed by how quickly she hopped up atop the chestnut mare.
“You’re cute,” Betty said. “Thanks for being so sweet.”
“I guess I’m a horse wife now,” I said. “I’m stuck with the grunt work.”
“I love you for it.”
I patted her boot. “I love you for so much, Betty. Thanks for holding my hand through all of it and telling me I was worth it.”
She took her reins. “There was never a more deserving person. Live it up. I’ll always be here, elskling.”
And no matter what played on in my mind, belief in Betty’s love deafened the doubts. She was perfect. She was mine.
Epilogue
MARY
Ibowed deeply, trying to remember all the things I’d been taught over the past six months. I wasn’t a delicate flower. I struggled to be elegant. Hoping I soaked up even an ounce of Betty’s poise, I met the gaze of the woman before me. She was taller than I ever expected and altogether more jovial this morning.
“Welcome, Ms. Jensson,” Queen Natalie extended her hand. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you. I’ve heard only good things.”
I smiled and shook her hand, while a creeping red blush climbed my neck. “Thank you for the invitation, Your Majesty. I can say the same. Betty told me you are like her aunt.”
The Queen looked towards where Betty stood and chuckled. “Iamher aunt if you ask me. She’s dear to us. And we’re glad to honor you today.”
She handed me the badge—one I initially wanted to refuse.
“Thank you, ma’am.”
“This is for your continued contributions to music, culture,the LGBTQ+ community, and your desire to protect young artists in music.”
I blushed. “All I do is help empower people.”
“You do nothelp. Youempower.” The Queen pointed out my weaker language.
I nodded and bowed slightly. “Thank you, ma’am.”
