Page 28 of The Defiant Curse

She was worried.

“Is he okay now?” she asked, kissing the horse on the neck.

Michael nodded.

“Yeah, he saw a vet, and he’s better. It just took some wrapping, a good farrier, and some anti-inflammatories for a week.”

Elizabeth was so glad.

“I can’t believe they were going to kill them for a bad leg and an attitude. That’s me but with a shoulder and shit attitude.”

Yeah, he was aware.

“I know. It’s crazy.”

That annoyed her.

“Thank you for saving them. Can you save more?” she asked.

As soon as she said it, he laughed.

“Yeah, that’s the plan. My husband said we’re full at the inn, but I like animals. They are good and pure—unlike people. I’d rather surround myself with them any day of the week.”

Yeah, her too.

Tell her about it.

They heard stomping, and that had their attention. One of the other horses wanted them to come over, so they did.

Moving on, he introduced her to Romeo and Juliet.

“They are the bonded sibling pair,” he stated. “Callen named them. Thus, what began the insanity of naming them after Shakespearian characters.”

She shrugged.

Crazy to some wasn’t necessarily crazy to others. There were different strokes for different folks.

“I like it. I think you should keep doing it. I have to admit the security names are fun too. Each one of them would love knowing you named a goat after them. Plus, I’m sure you miss the team.”

Oh, he did.

“There are days I forget they’re not here,” he stated. “Sometimes, I want to call them, but I know they’re working and busy. Plus, with the time difference, I know how valuable sleep is for them.”

She tucked her arm through his.

Yeah, he was on the other side of the world, or that was what it felt like to them.

“They still talk about you like you’re one of them. You might live here, but you’re still part of their team and family. It’s never past tense.”

That made his heart light.

It had been a difficult decision to choose not to go back, but he loved his husband and life. In the end, it had been a no-brainer for him. This life he now had was spectacular, and he owed it all to the Blackhawks.

“They will forever be my family,” he admitted. “Until the day I die.”

She understood his feelings on that. Hers were very similar. They were each her child, and she’d love them forever.

“Everyone is coming for the wedding, so you’ll have to show Ivan the Demeter goat. He’ll be amused at his antics, despite the human Demeter’s antics.”