Page 23 of Something Stronger
“Not at all.” I smiled but went back to my book.
“I was wondering if you meant what you said about helping me with the costume?” He leaned closer. “I think I need help. I almost glued my fingers together last night when Hallie tried to show me what to do. We watched some YouTube videos, butI think my hands are just too big for those little stones.” He chuckled and I couldn’t help it, I laughed.
“Sure. I can help.” I giggled as I tried to hide it. “Do you know where Life in Bloom is?”
“That’s the flower shop right on the outskirts of town, right? I pass by that when I go home.”
“If you want to come by there tomorrow evening, I can meet you and we can do this together.” I smiled. “I finished Amy’s last week, so I have time.”
“That’s great. Thank you.” He seemed to sigh in relief.
“I could help if you need anything else?” Janet butted in.
“I think we’re covered.” Issac smiled back at her. I couldn’t help but smirk at the brush off she was getting. I’d known Janet since high school and it was like she needed to prove to herself every time she met a guy that he was into her. I could tell the fact that he was giving me attention was driving her crazy, but what she didn’t know is, I don’t care. I was not looking for anyone right now, and I’d made that clear to the last two men who had tried to pick me up. Dating was not in the cards. I had too much going on in my life right now to worry about that.
Ooooooooo
Issac
I was making a fool of myself. I shouldn’t have told her that I almost glued my fingers together. I mean, I did but she probably thought I was a complete moron now. I needed to rethink my wardrobe from now on, too. Even with being indoors in the AC, my jeans were sticking to me. I cuffed my shirt and rolled up the sleeves and just as I was getting ready to answer a text, my phone rang. “Craig, tell me you have good news.” I stood up and headed outside. It was hot as blazes but I didn’t want to have a conversation in the lobby surrounded by women who were probably hanging on every word.
“Great news, sir.” His voice had a bit of a sing-song sound to it. “She’s pregnant, sir.”
“The vet confirmed this?” My breath hitched. I’d sent Lucky Star out twice now and the first foal, she lost. With her bloodline and Eric’s prized studs, I’d been hoping that this would be a success.
“Just this morning, sir. He said he’d be back out next week to run some blood tests to make sure everything was good, but yeah. I think we’ll have a baby late spring or early summer.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’ve got to make sure she carries this one to full-term. Go ahead and get the farmhands in the stable to prepare a space for her. I want to keep her contained for a little while and we’ll schedule supervised exercises.”
“Yes, boss.” Craig hung up. I couldn’t help but feel relief. After last year’s loss of Lucky Star’s foal, I’d been hoping she’d be able to get pregnant again. This was our second meet up with Eric’s stallion, War Hero. He’d promised me that it would take, but I’d had my doubts until today. I stuffed my phone in my pocket as I went back inside.
Class was just letting out as I came through the door. I noticed Hallie chattering away to Lou’s daughter, Amy. “Right, Daddy?” She looked up at me all smiles and I had to remind myself to ask her what I was agreeing to before I said yes. Hallie had a way of making me forget that I could say no. “I told Amy that you had one of the fastest horses in the world.” She rocked on her feet.
“I don’t know about the world, but he’s pretty fast.” I chuckled.
“Really?” Amy gasped. “Mama? Did you hear that?” Amy slipped out of her ballet slippers and put on a pair of flip flops.
“Maybe you can come see him sometime. We have a racetrack in our back yard,” Hallie boasted.
“A racetrack?” Amy’s eyes went wide.
“It’s a practice track,” I clarified. “We use it for breezing.”
“What’s breezing?” Amy’s nose scrunched up.
“It’s like practice racing.” Hallie shrugged. “Daddy gets other people who have fast horses to bring them out and run against our horses. It gives them practice for the races.” She lifted her bag onto her shoulder. “Daddy, can we get ice cream on the way home?” She looked up at me. “Can we?”
“Sure.” I held out my hand for her. “Um, would you guys like to join us?” I motioned to Amy and Lou.
“I can teach you more about racing,” Hallie offered.
“I don’t know. We have a lot to do today.” Lou was obviously nervous.
“Please, Mama?” Amy stuck her lip out in a pout.
“Ok, fine—” she gave in “—but we can’t stay for long. I have to work this evening, and you need to clean your room.”
“Yay!” Amy fist-pumped and then the girls rushed ahead of us.
