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Not only did the festival continue to thrive under her watchful care, but the ideas she had to keep Foxwood prosperous had been better than any of the Wintours could have dreamed—and she still had two months left.

Of course, after that, who knew what would happen? The only thing Matthew could say for certain was that he would do whatever it took to keep his relationship with Winnie alive and well. She truly was one-of-a-kind, and he could never say enough prayers of gratitude that she had chosen to stay with him.

They stood in the same manner for a minute, staring at each other in the stables until her eyes clouded over, and he knew where her thoughts had strayed.

Winnie had received a call from her dad only a few minutes before—the first since she’d chosen to stay in England. She’d slipped out to take it while Matthew had stayed behind to finally message his friends.

“How was it?” he asked gently.

“It was all right,” she replied with a shrug. “He was still clearly upset with me, but he actually apologized for making me feel like I had to do whatever he wanted me to. I don’t know if he was sincere, but it’s a step in the right direction.” She looked away. “Of course he ended the call with sharing how well everyone was doing in their own jobs, so that was the same as usual.”

Matthew tightened his hold of her. Standing up to her dad had been a long time coming for Winnie, but that didn’t mean it was any less difficult to do. In truth, it had taken its toll on her. He could see it in her eyes.

He would never be able to fully understand having a father like Mr. Knox. Only yesterday, Matthew’s own dad had pulled him and Winnie aside, telling them both yet again how pleased he was.

“You both did such a wonderful job with the festival,” he’d said. “I still can’t express how proud I am of both of you.”

Matthew had never been more grateful for his father’s kindness. He and his whole family would give anything to have Winnie experience the same sort of love and acceptance from her own father, but until she did, Matthew would be there for her, every step of the way.

“Anyway,” Winnie said, pulling on a smile as Matthew departed from his thoughts. “Sarah’s been awesome throughout the whole thing. I told her she needs to find herself a boyfriend now and stand up to Dad next. Oh, and did I tell you Scott messaged me?”

Matthew shook his head. “What did he say?”

“He told me he was proud of me for standing up for myself and that he hoped I would be happy.”

“That’s kind of him,” Matthew said.

Winnie nodded, her eyes taking on a distant look before returning to Matthew. “Well, are you ready to ride?”

“I’m ready if you are,” he said, and he returned her smile.

Matthew was hesitant to so readily set aside something that still clearly pained her, but he trusted her. She would talk to him when she was ready to, just like she always did.

In a matter of minutes, the two of them set off across the countryside, taking a break near their tree and admiring the effect the sunshine had on the green grass, brightening each blade like glass and warming the very air around them.

Of course, Matthew was more taken with Winnie. Her long hair blowing in the soft breeze. Her eyes taking in the world around her.

He couldn’t believe his luck. He couldn’t believe the blessing she was in his life.

“What are you staring at, Sir Matthew?” Winnie asked, watching him from the corner of her eye.

“Only the most beautiful lady I have ever beheld.”

She rolled her eyes, though a smile spread across her lips. She directed Prince to face Matthew, her legs brushing against his as she leaned forward, placing a hand to his cheek and kissing him soundly on the lips.

When she pulled back, a wistful look had taken root in her eye. “Thank you,” she said.

“For the kiss?”

She laughed. “No. For being there for me. And for always wanting my happiness.”

He sobered, nodding his head. “I’ll always want that for you, Winnie.”

“I know.”

Then the two of them shared another kiss, relishing the love between them and the future before them—because they both knew their future together would be as bright as the sunshine after an English rain.

One Month Later