Quest for Love

JM Dragon & Erin O’Reilly

Affinity E-Book Press NZ LTD

Back of the Book

In the world of thoroughbred racing, brilliant business woman Kate Lawrence is in the market to buy the Wagoner horse farm to add to her numerous other stables. Lena Corkhill is a noted horse trainer and a member of the Wagoner staff. She must make the decision to either accept the offer of becoming Kate’s trainer and go to the Merridoc Estate in Florida or find other employment in Lexington, Kentucky.

The two women are attracted to each other yet each afraid to make the first move. When a person from Lena's past appears, it threatens to wreak havoc on the budding relationship. As the wind gently swirls around them, it could, to a poet with imagination, sound like the a line in a poem; The quest for love starts as a slow trot gently beating in two hearts before it gallops headlong into a full blown race.

Can Kate and Lena find the love they are looking for or will Lena’s past cause an abrupt end to what could have been?

A Quest for Love

© JM Dragon 2000

2nd edition © 2005 JM Dragon & Erin O’Reilly

Affinity E-Book Press NZ LTD

Canterbury, New Zealand

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the express permission of the author or publisher.

Please note that piracy of copyrighted materials violate the author’s right and is illegal.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Cover Design: Helen Hayes

Author’s Note

Back in the year 2000, I wrote a story suggested to me by a beta reader in the form of a three page synopsis dealing with ‘fictitious’ character and a story outline. The original story I wrote from that synopsis was around fifty-one pages and was submitted and duly rejected for publication. The story lay on my shelf waiting for more work until I enlisted Erin in 2005 to collaborate with me in finishing the story from its original state. This is the result of our work together. I hope you enjoy our tale.

All characters are fictitious; any resemblance to any person living or dead is coincidental.

Dedication

For Carmen for not only being a fabulous cook, but a wonderful friend.

Prologue

“Keep away from her you sorry bitch.” Lena Corkill yelled as she entered the display room of the Horseman’s Club.

Corneila Cambridge, a veterinarian, had Kate Lawrence captured in her arms in the dark recess of the room. She turned toward away from her prey with a surprised expression.

Lena’s blue eyes captured the vet’s with a look full of hatred and distaste. When she saw Corneila’s smirk of satisfaction before she turned back to the struggling woman, Lena balled her hands. There was no way she would let Corneila manhandle Kate. She walked with purpose toward the two women. “I said get away from her.”

“Oh I’m so scared, Lena, see me shaking?” Corneila sneered and increased the pressure on the woman’s arms. “Try and stop me.” She leaned closer to Kate’s tempting lips.

“Stop. I’m going to break every single bone in your body if you don’t let her go now.” Lena could feel her body’s menacing aggression as she closed in on Corneila. It would be her pleasure to knock the woman upside the head.

“Corneila, please let me go, it will be for the best,” Kate said.

Lena was almost on top of them.

“No way, I want a taste of what you give her,” Corneila spat.

Lena heard the venom in the words and became more enraged. She was ready to pick the woman up and throw her through the plate glass window into the street. As Corneila bent to kiss Kate, Lena grabbed the woman around the waist and yanked her forcibly away.

The suddenness of the action made Corneila release her grip so Kate could back away.

Lena lifted the woman and threw her across the room before stalking after her as the vet flew through the air before hitting the side of a display cabinet.

Corneila collapsed on the floor and closed her eyes in what looked like fear of the dark menacing figure coming toward her.

“No, Lena, no.” Kate grabbed the tall, dark woman’s arm.

Lena, closing in on the prone figure stopped and looked down at the hand holding her arm. “Why? She deserves it.” Lena shook off Kate’s hand and moved closer to her prey. She fully intended to beat the crap out of Corneila.

Kate moved between Lena and the prone body on the floor. “She might deserve it, but she’s certainly not worth you getting thrown out of the club. Besides, I don’t want you all mussed up and sweaty. We still have a beautiful night of dancing and partying to attend. Don’t we?” Kate, maintaining eye contact, draped her arms around Lena.

Lena looked first at Kate, and saw her warm loving gaze, then to the sorry looking Corneila leaning heavily against the display cabinet groaning. She felt her shoulders relax as she enclosed the woman in her arms and placed a gentle kiss on the red lips. “I love you, Kate. I will do anything for you—anything.”

Kate heaved a sigh of relief and returned the tender kiss. “I love you too, Lena. Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” Lena gently disengaged from Kate and side stepped her. She stood towering over Corneila who looked like she was cringing in fear as Lena pulled her into a standing position. Lena grabbed the neck of the gown that the vet wore in a tight grip and twisted the cloth hard. “If you ever so much as look at Kate or come within touching distance of her again, I will suffer temporary amnesia and forget all the promises I made to Kate about violence and skin you alive. Do you hear me?”

Corneila looked up into the cold, blue eyes and nodded. “Yes, I understand perfectly.”

“Good.” Lena let go of the gown and the vet once again hit the display cabinet.

When Lena heard the Corneila’s low groan, she grinned before wiping the expression from her face—Kate would be upset. “If the Veterinary board decides that surgery you carried out on Brownsley was unnecessary, I will have you prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” She saw what looked like doubt on the vet’s face. “Don’t underestimate me and think I won’t.”

Lena turned toward Kate who she would defend to the ends of the earth and beyond. She gave her a beaming smile before opening her arms wide.

Kate fell into the embrace.

“Kate, do you remember the first day we met?” Lena smiled and looked at Kate spellbound all over again when she saw the green eyes flicker with remembered emotion and memories.

“Lena, what a question—of course I do.” Kate laughed softly. “It was the day that changed my life forever…

Chapter One

Introductions

Lena Corkill, the thirty one-year-old thoroughbred horse trainer for the Wagoner estate in Lexington, Kentucky, contemplated her options for the next entrant into a prestigious horserace. When one of the two mares she selected for today’s trials galloped past her at a remarkable speed she swiped her stop watch. The change of jockey worked. She raised a well-defined eyebrow when the next filly galloped past. The filly should have beaten the other horses by at least three lengths. Perhaps she needs a change her diet. Lena chewed on her lips as she considered her options with the high strung filly as she watched the jockeys steer the fillies toward the stable fence.

Lena’s attention turned toward the outbuildings when she saw her employer, Louis Wagoner, accompanied by a blonde woman, heading in her direction. They were too far away for her to make out the features of the woman or her age. It really didn’t make any difference who the stranger was since she knew if it were important to the farm, she would be informed. She paused only seconds to retrieve her hat from the fence post before flipping it casually on top of her head. She walked toward the stable with her long gait taking up the strides evenly and at a remarkably, graceful speed.

Anyone watching her would easily imagine her to be a thoroughbred among women. Her six-foot tall figure moved fluidly, which only enhanced the attraction she had to the onlooker. The woman was simply breathtaking, a true specimen of perfection of the female form.

There was only one fault with this model of perfection, she had a wicked sense of humor, and when in full force it could be hilarious to many or utterly humiliating to others. Many would consider that another of her many skills and Lena Corkill appeared to have skills in abundance. This ensured her a stream of willing admirers, many wanting the beautiful woman for a one-night stand only, afraid they couldn't handle her on a full time basis. Lena, unfortunately for them, rarely obliged. She hadn't found anyone remotely interesting enough to consider a long-term relationship. After experiencing a couple of bad romantic attachments when she was in college she wasn’t about to jump into a relationship and from time to time she wondered if she ever would find that certain someone.

“I wonder what happened to Alice Kimball.” Lena and Alice were in a two-year love affair that suddenly snuffed out like a candle in the breeze. Alice hooked up with some socialite at a horse auction that she attended with Lena her dad, Seymour. It had hurt, as all love affairs that come to an abrupt end often do. For Lena, she learned important lessons and made sure that never happened to her again.

Lena’s feet crunched on the gravel as she went inside the stable to begin the tasks of the busy day. Tomorrow, she and Louis would be attending an auction and she knew of one or two interesting lots that she wanted her boss to bid on.

†

Katherine Anne Lawrence watched the tall retreating back of the woman who had been timing the horses in a six-furlong race. She tried to enhance her five foot six inch frame by bouncing on her toes to see the woman more clearly. Even by straining her eyes, still didn't get the view she wanted. If the face was anything like the body, she saw draped over the rail, she knew she was going to enjoy the negotiation to purchase the Wagoner farm. She gave Louis Wagoner a dazzling smile that lit up her green eyes to great effect as they continued on the inspection of the rest of the property.

Kate, the only daughter of Carl and Belinda Lawrence, with a maturity that belied her twenty-six years, was beautiful in a quiet way and was brilliant in her business undertakings. Her background as a member of the super wealthy had not jaded the young woman. In fact, she reveled in the ownership, in her own right, of the Merridoc Estate. On today's market, Katherine Lawrence was worth over one hundred and twenty million dollars. She owned several properties, one of which was a large farm in Ocala, called Merridoc Farms, along with a couple of race courses, one in Florida and the other in New York. Her mother, who had several stables in California and New York, had passed Kate her love of horses. Her father indulged her mother shamelessly in her passion for the horseracing trade. He was much happier being the industrial giant, which he had worked hard to achieve in the last thirty years. The only women in his life were his lovely wife, and his beautiful daughter. He indulged them completely giving in to whatever whim they had.

Kate knew that the one element that was missing for her parents was an heir to the kingdoms, which each had built not to mention Kate's considerable wealth. Once they learned of their daughter’s preferences, they knew she would have to resort to unconventional methods of creating an heir. At some stage, when the time was right, she would tackle the problem.

Now, being shown around the beautifully ran Wagoner Farm, Kate looked at the man and her eyebrows knitted. “May I ask why you want to sell such a magnificent property?”

“Well, I lost my wife and our son several years back when a fire burnt down our house.” Louis Wagoner rubbed a scared hand over his face then held it out and looked at it. “Burnt both my hands and chest trying to save them.”

Kate, seeing the deep sorrow etching the man’s face looked away.

“No sense mournin’ something that can’t be undone.” Louis turned as his hands swept over the land before him. “After that, I concentrated on building the largest training facility in Lexington along with rebuilding that mansion. I’ve entertained the famous and not so famous in that house. We’ve housed horse breeders, friends, racing enthusiasts and the like.” He shook his head. “My wife, Martha was sure one for parties—she loved everyone.”

“You’ve done a magnificent job, Mr. Wagoner.”

“My head trainer, Seymour Corkill, and I worked night and day figurin’ out what winnin’ thoroughbreds needed and how to make that happen.” He smiled and kicked the dirt with the toe of his boot. “It was the farm’s good fortune when Seymour and his family moved here from Ocala. The whole family was into trainin’ horses.”

“I’ve heard of the family. Wasn’t Seymour hurt working with a horse?”

Louis nodded. “We had this crazed stallion and he reared up on Seymour and broke his back. Never was the same after that. Being confined to a wheelchair broke his spirit for a long while.” He lifted his chin to the woman walking toward the barn. “The one good thing that came out of the accident was Lena's promotion to head trainer. I’ve known Lena since she was four. All she ever wanted to do was be with the horses just like her dad. Her dad trained her to follow in his footsteps and now she’s my head trainer.”

“Didn’t her mother’s family own Osogill Farms. She must have had lots of experience too. That particular farm is known for breeding studs that sire winners.”

“Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont—Anna’s family had the knack of breedin’ winnin’ horses for all the big races.” Louis smiled. “It was a fortunate day indeed, when Seymour and I signed a contract.” He grinned. “Now, I have Seymour’s headstrong but talented daughter runnin’ things. Lena is a natural.”

“I’ve heard only good things about her methods.”

“You asked why I was sellin’. Well, I love this place it’s home to me …” His eyes darted to the mansion. “My family is gone and I’m not gettin’ any younger. The doc told me my ticker is gonna give out if I don’t slow down. I’ll surely miss this place along with Lena who I think of as a daughter.” His toe kicked a small pebble and he watched it skitter across the ground before he looked straight at Kate. “I have no choice.”

“Leaving something you love behind, Mr. Wagoner is always difficult.”

The farm impressed Kate. She had carefully researched the Wagoner Farm by using all the resources available to her through her family’s Corporation. After today’s tour, she knew that her original gut feeling on the project was correct. Tomorrow she would attend the area’s annual auction with Louis Wagoner and make her final decision as to whether the property was worth the investment?

Chapter Two

Decisions Are Made

It was another blisteringly hot day as Louis showed Kate around Lexington's Arena with its many corrals of fine horses on display. The smell of horseflesh and the fresh hay and oats were strangely enticing to the young prospective buyer, who was enjoying the bustling activities coupled with the numerous people roaming around the venue. There were throngs of prospective buyers. Some had money to burn, others were serious bidders with the majority onlookers who had an appetite to sit back and watch the bidding. The result was a quiet euphoria that filled the air in anticipation of what was to come.

Louis escorted Kate to the auction area where they took seats in his private box across from the auctioneer along with the officials who presided over the twice a year thoroughbred sale. “Does this seating come with the farm or will you still attend the auctions?”

“No, to both. Oh, I might come here just to feel close to the action, but probably not. You’ll have to make arrangements with the arena for the seating.”

A tall figure with a lithe gait approached the Wagoner box and nodded at the occupants.

Louis smiled. “Kate, this is Lena my head trainer and just about anything else I need on the farm. Lena, meet Kate Lawrence. I'm sure you have heard of the name; has as good a reputation in New York and California as we have here in Kentucky.”

Lena saw her employer chatting amiably with the blonde she saw the day before at the ranch and seeing her close up she realized just how young she was—much too young for Louis. Is he losing his mind and dating bimbos who are only after his money? Lena reached out her hand and gave the shorter, blonde what she expected to be a brief smile of acknowledgement. When their hands touched, Lena’s smile became fixed and warm.

“Pleased to meet you Ms Lawrence

“I'm more than happy to meet you too, Ms Corkill. Lena is rather an unusual name, is it short for anything?” Kate grinned.

 “Yep, it’s short for Salena. Named after a distant relative, but I like the shorter version better kinda suits me wouldn't you say?” Lena gave Kate a lopsided grin of her own.

“Lena, what have you decided to buy today?” Louis smiled warmly at his head trainer.

Lena acknowledged the older man's smile with a brief one of her own, as the discreetly watched Kate Lawrence who she could now see was a stunningly beautiful woman with cobalt blue eyes. “Louis I suggest you bid for numbers three, fifteen, and twenty-seven.”

“Consider it done.”

“Would I ever steer you wrong?” Lena lifted of one of her eyebrows.

“Excuse me, ladies, I see Hank Briscoe, and I need to speak with him.” Louis stood and walked toward a tall man wearing a Stetson.

“Yeah, I certainly think Lena has an appeal.”

“You here for business or pleasure?” Lena moved closer to Kate and her eyes lingered on her before turning to the horses parading around the paddock.

“Well, originally I would have said for business, but as with everything in life, there is always a silver lining and I have found one.”

Lena turned to face the very confident woman who had a soft drawl. It was obvious that Kate was flirting with her and she felt a shiver. “Does that silver lining happen to have a name?” Lena chuckled as she saw the faint trace of a blush appear on Kate's cheeks.

Louis Wagoner strolled up to the two women at that moment. “You two ladies found something interesting to talk about while I was gone

Lena let out a deep belly laugh and passed Kate an amused glance. “Yeah we did, Louis. Ms Lawrence likes it here. It appears to have something to do with a silver lining.”

Kate laughed.

The laugh was musical notes to Lena's ears. I certainly wouldn't mind listening to her laugh more often, especially if it is solely in my direction.

“Is that so, Miss Lawrence? Perhaps at some stage today you will enlighten me?” Louis smiled.

Lena saw a look in Kate’s eyes that implied there would be a payback and wondered exactly what kind of payback Kate Lawrence had in mind. She saw one of their jockeys who were standing in a group motion her to join them. “Excuse me.”

Louis and Kate watched as Lena moved toward a woman standing near the fence.

“That’s one of the jockeys that rides for us,” Louis said.

“I figured she was a jockey by her size. Do you know whether she will want to stay on after the sale?”

“I really don’t know. She doesn’t know you are here as a possible buyer. Have you had a chance to speak with her about staying on?””

Kate shrugged. “No, if I decided to buy I will speak to her about that. I've been considering my options and know that it's important that she stays on.”

†

After the auction, Louis took both Kate and Lena to a steak house attached to the arena where the jockeys and trainers liked to congregate. Their table was near a window that afforded them a view of the arena. After they all ordered New York strip steaks, Lena excused herself and went to the bar area where she began speaking with the same woman she spoke to at the auction.

Kate watched Lena talking animatedly and laughing at something the woman said. The interaction between them sparked jealousy and she shook her head at the feeling. Yes, she was attracted to Lena and she couldn’t deny the draw of her penetrating gaze—it was, as though the existence of the outside world became a mere flurry of peripheral activity on the fringes of her boundaries.

“She’s quite a looker isn’t she,” Louis said.

“What,” Kate said.

“Lena is very good looking don’t you agree?”

“Oh, yes she is.” Kate turned her attention to what was happening at the bar and smiled at Louis. “I want her to stay on as my trainer.”

“I told her earlier that I was planning on selling my place.”

“What was her reaction?”

“Well, I’d say she wasn’t happy but more for me than her.”

“That’s understandable. It’s obvious you love your place, Louis. Are you certain you want to sell?”

“I have no other choice. If I keep on like I am I’ll be dead and there is more I want to do. As for Lena, she’s been at the farm for most of her life and she knows what I’ve gone through during that time.”

“After dinner I will speak with her about staying on.”

Lena rejoined them when their meals arrived.

Kate watched and listened as Louis and Lena spoke about the mares they bid on and won. She knew that the three mares they just purchased had champion potential. Lena was a gifted trainer and with an astute eye for horse flesh.

As soon as they completed the meal, Lena stood and smiled at the other two at the table. “If you will excuse me, I promised to Jamie about a horse.” She grinned and winked before leaving for the bar.

From her seat by the window, Kate studied the body language between Lena and the jockey Lena talked to earlier at the auction. Kate could tell that the two women were familiar with each other by how they stood close with their heads nearly touching.

“Jamie Hanson is one of our best,” Louis said.

Kate turned and looked at Louis. “They seem to know each other quite well.”

Louis chuckled. “Lena mentors a lot of the younguns’ coming up. They all idolize her.”

“Yes, I can believe that.” Kate scraped her chair along the worn wooden floor and stood. “Thank you for the meal and allowing me to accompany you to the auction. It was quite insightful. I would like to speak with your trainer before I make you an offer.”

“I understand that, Ms Corkill.”

“I’ll see you later, Louis.” Kate smiled and left striding with purpose toward the unsuspecting Lena.

†

Kate hovered next to the female jockey, her presence immediately catching Lena's eye. “Ms Lawrence, may I help you?” Lena let her voice drop an octave.

“Have you a few minutes to spare me, Ms Corkill? In private,” Kate said.

Lena cocked her head to one side and smiled at the woman's request. “For you anything, Ms Lawrence. Jamie, let Daisy May have her head next time on the flat and we will clock her time then. I'll be back to the farm a little later.”

The jockey gave Lena a smile. “Sure, see you later, Lena.”

Lena nodded in the direction of Kate. “Your place or mine?” Lena asked with a chuckle.

Kate turned back toward Lena. “Yours, unless you plan on joining me in my Florida home,” Kate said.

“Guess mine it is then. Come on, I’ll drive you back to the farm.”

Ten minutes later, Lena pulled her truck outside of a home left of the stables. “Until my dad’s accident this was our family home. They moved back to y mom’s family farm in Ocala four years ago. Now they are breeding prizewinning horses of their own.”

“Do you get to see them often?”

“Not as much as I’d like to.” Lena shrugged. “I don’t like to leave the horses for too long and it is difficult for my dad to travel so we keep in touch by phone mainly.”

Once inside Lena’s home, they went into a large airy room.

“I like the color scheme in here,” Kate said. “It’s very easy on the eyes

“This is my favorite place to come and relax or read or listen to music.”

Without invitation, Kate walked over to a baby grand that took up more than its share of the cozy room, and lifted the lid and placed her fingers over them.

Lena watched in fascination. She never let anyone else near the piano for it was too much a part of her personal life to allow just anyone that luxury. Kate was different. Lena suspected that she walked into a place much as she walked into people’s lives—nonchalantly as if she belonged there. “You play?” Lena asked.

“Yes, do you?”

Lena noted that Kate never let her gaze falter as their eyes locked. “Yes, it's a passion of mine.” She turned her gaze over to the entrance to her kitchen. “Would you like coffee, tea, a soft drink, or maybe water?”

Kate smiled. “Sure, water will be fine. Thanks.”

Lena felt unnerved as she moved swiftly into the kitchen to find a glass and fill it with water. No sooner than she opened the cupboard door, she felt a warm presence at her back. She turned and came face to face with Kate. “Did you change your mind and want something else?” Lena’s whole body became aware of the shorter woman's close proximity.

“No, I thought I would talk to you as you fetched the water.”

“Talk, yeah sure, go ahead.” Lena looked Kate’s brown, silky hair and tried to take a deep breath without Kate noticing. Of course, the woman was only inches away, which caused a stray erotic thought to cross her mind. The close proximity was creating havoc throughout her body.

Kate moved slightly away when Lena who held out a glass of water. Kate took the glass and placed it on the table next to her. “I'm not sure how much you know about me or my reason for being here these past few days. I thought perhaps it was wise to enlighten you, especially as you are very important to the events about to happen.”

With Kate still standing close enough to touch, Lena quirked a smile. “If I didn't know better, Ms Lawrence, I would say you're flirting with me

“I think you need to know me quite a bit better, Ms Corkill, to know if I am or am not flirting with you. As a purely innocent question … if I was, would you be receptive?”

Lena felt her cheeks turn hot. “Now you would need to know more about me to find the answer to that question, Ms Lawrence.” Pleased with the way they interacted with each other, Lena smiled.

Kate traced a slim finger gently across Lena's collarbone where her shirt hung open. “I think we can dispense with the Ms Corkill and Lawrence. What do you say, Lena?”

Lena mesmerized by the gentle caress to her body from the enticing woman, knew that Kate could literally ask her to do anything and knew that she might capitulate. “Sounds like a very good idea to me, Kate.” Lena knew her voice mirrored her body's reaction to the seductive finger that trailed with confidence along her collarbone.

“Now that I have your undivided attention, I want to know if you would consider working for me if I bought Louis’s farm.”

Kate's tone seductive, the words didn't immediately register with Lena. Her heart was jumping at continuing caresses of Kate’s finger and the green eyes that she knew were holding her captive. With resolve, Lena said, “Louis told me he was considering selling his farm. Have you already struck a deal with him?”

“No, I wanted to speak with you before I made my final decision.”

“But you do know that Louis holds a ten year contract for my services that still has another six years to run.” Lena purposely omitted mentioning the amendment to the agreement made several years earlier that would release her from the contract, at any time, if she so chose.

“Yes he told me you have a contract, but I want you to work for me because you want to, not because of some stuffy contract.

Lena noticed the ease with which Kate asked questions. She appreciated the sincerity in Kate’s voice that told her she wouldn’t enforce the contract if she declined the offer. It was obvious that Kate learned her powers of persuasion well. Lena wondered if Kate could seduce others with just a few words. She longed for Kate’s fingers to trace every single pulse spot on her body for she was enjoying the attention and hoped it would last. In any other circumstance, she would have been disgusted and offended by the arrogance of the woman—Kate was different. Lena felt her body betraying her brain and her heart was going along for the ride.

“You had better let me know the conditions of this move to work for you and what benefits I can expect if I agree?” Lena moved her body in a sensuous motion to the fingers tracing along her body.

“Conditions—benefits—yeah, I guess I'd better.”

“Cat got your tongue?” Lena wondered if she placed her lips on the mouth that held the tongue, would the feline within her that captured it or ... No better not go there.

“I guess I'd better briefly outline my plans for the stables and you can let me know if you're interested. Does that sound feasible?” She took a step back and picked up the glass of water before taking a sip.

Lena listened as Kate explained her plans to move the operation from Lexington to Merridoc Farms in Ocala. She also watched Kate’s expression to see if there was any sign of deception or insincerity—she saw none. When she was finished, Kate looked at her with a calm repose and Lena marveled at the beauty of the woman and the feelings she brought out.

“What do you think?” Kate asked.

Lena perceived that Kate, for the first time since they'd entered the house, appeared apprehensive. “You've explained what your plans are and the conditions of employment, but I'm still waiting to hear what the benefits are? If they don’t outclass what the condition of employment I don’t think I’d be interested.” She really did not intend to go anywhere but with Kate to Ocala. It would give her a chance to see her family more frequently although she had to admit that the most appealing attraction was Kate.

“You have a beautiful place here, Lena. I can offer you a more spacious ranch house with a far greater element of privacy than you have here.  I'm sure you could use that to your advantage.” Kate said.

The seductive nature of Kate’s voice made Lena’s body quiver before she raised an expressive eyebrow and a smiled. “I'm sure you can think of a suitable candidate that might enjoy a few private sessions with me should I accept your offer?”

Kate grinned. “I can certainly think of at least one person who would be pretty damn upset if an invitation wasn't forthcoming.”

“Does this person have anything to do with being attracted to a silver lining hereabouts?” This time Lena laughed softly and turned her head to face Kate.

“I think the person would agree with my answer and hopes ardently that the silver lining might follow to Florida. Are you interested?”

“You have a deal. How do you propose we seal it?” Lena challenged Kate who she suspected was just as aroused as she was.

Kate moved with graceful speed around the breakfast table and sat down clutching at her glass of water. “How about we find Louis and discuss the sale and the move.”

Lena frowned at Kate’s sudden move to sit at the table. Her body pulsed to another beat, timeless in its origin, as she tried to quench the fire building inside her. Kate’s trembling hand that held the glass of water wasn’t lost to her. “Sure, Kate, that sounds like a good idea to me.” Lena grinned. “Tell me, do you negotiate with all your prospective employees in this way?”

Kate glanced up, looked at Lena, and took a deep breath. “Oh, no, Lena, the only time this ever takes place is if I really want that person in my life. It's a rare occurrence, I can assure you.”

Lena smirked at Kate’s down turned face, sat down gracefully opposite the woman, and waited for her to bring her head up. “I'm very pleased to hear that and I think it’s likely that this could be the last time you have to use this ploy. Wouldn't you agree?” Lena knew her comment had a double meaning.

Kate smiled. “You could well be right on that one, Lena. It’s definitely something to consider in the future.”

Lena spoke directly to Kate as she lifted her glass. “To the future and my new boss.”

Kate’s glass met Lena’s and they clinked in a salute. “To the future and my new head trainer.” Kate stood up and went toward the door. “I'd better go and confirm with Louis and ensure everything is in place for a speedy conclusion to this monumental purchase.”

Lena watched her move lithely toward the door. “Sure I'll catch up with you later.” Lena didn't move as she heard the door open and close within a few seconds—the house suddenly appeared empty. Kate Lawrence was quite something and Lena was going to enjoy getting to know her. Becoming friends was only the start in her mind. Lena whistled a jaunty tune as she placed the glasses in the sink. Her heart felt light and strangely giddy.

Chapter Three

A New Start

Kate anxiously awaited the arrival of her head trainer from Lexington; it had been three months since the formalities of the sale. Kate was supervising the operation at Merridoc while Lena closed the stables in Lexington and supervised the transportation of the horses. Everything had gone remarkably well and now she waited for Lena’s arrival. Kate was not only anxious to set her eyes on Lena again, but craved the woman she hadn't stopped thinking about from the first day they met.

A vehicle rounded the drive and Kate lifted her hand to shade her eyes from the sun's rays as she caught her first glimpse of the elusive Lena Corkill. Or, that's how it had seemed to Kate after three months with only a voice at the end of a telephone line. The pickup truck, that appeared to be brand new, skidded to a halt within a couple of yards of Kate, who was standing at the bottom step of the newly remodeled stone and stucco ranch house.

The driver's door swinging open with negligent ease as a pair of long legs, encased in tight fitting denim jeans, slid out. Lena glanced lazily toward the woman standing with her hands on her hips and a serene expression on her face.

Kate smiled broadly.

Lena returned a similar smile and walked toward Kate. “Hi, Katherine Lawrence, I’m finally here.”

Kate knew why she hadn't been able to get this woman off her mind—she flowed with sexuality from every pore. “Hi yourself, Lena Corkill, how was the drive? Find it okay?” Kate’s eyes never left Lena fearing that she might suddenly disappear.

“No problem. My dad knew exactly where you were located. I've been visiting with my family for the last few days.” Lena smiled.

Kate felt a stab in her heart that Lena had been in the vicinity for several days and hadn't called. I am her boss and not the girlfriend so I have no right to be upset, right? “I'm sure you had a great time going over family news. They now run the Osogill Farm and Stud Ranch don't they? I’m impressed. It is a first rate operation.”

Lena grinned. “Yeah, that's right; their Dustwind stud service will be getting under way in the next couple of weeks. It keeps my folks busy.”

“Didn't Dustwind win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness?” Kate moved closer to Lena who hadn't moved.

“Yes that's the boy and he's doing well that's for sure. Dad nets a cool sum for each studding service … at the last count they had ten mares lined up to keep the stallion happy.” Lena frowned. “It took my dad a long time to get past being in a wheelchair … I’m happy that he is doing so well.”

Kate had to catch her tongue, as she was about to ask if her dad supported a similar service of his daughter after hearing Lena’s statement about her father. Still, the wicked image that formed in her mind brought color to her cheeks. Get your mind out of the gutter Lawrence. “I'm glad to hear that. So, how about I show you your new home then I thought I would let you get acquainted with the vet I've managed to secure for the farm; I think you'll like her.” Kate sounded pleased at the prospect of Lena meeting Corneila Cambridge. It was quite a coup for her to have the noted vet attached to the farm.

“Sounds like a plan to me.”

†

Soon they were on their way to Lena's new abode.

The ranch house was everything that Kate had promised and more. The view out of the windows gave her in the southerly direction a remarkable scene of the pastures with horses peacefully grazing. Then, in the northerly direction, the windows faced a garden, which housed flowers and a patch of lawn for human pleasure rather than the hooves of horses. It was quite a charming set up and the rooms did outclass the house in Lexington. With consummate pleasure, Lena spied just the location for the baby grand piano, which was due to ship later in the week along with the few pieces of furniture that she had accumulated in the past five years. After seeing all the rooms, Lena went back to the room she was going to use for the piano. She smiled as she caught Kate off guard lounging on the sofa with one leg swinging over the edge of the sofa arm in an obviously very relaxed mood.

“I see you've made yourself at home?” Lena couldn't help the gentle teasing of her new boss.

Kate suddenly looked up in the direction of the voice and tried to sit up gracefully on the sofa. As it was overly stuffed, it didn't help the graceful part as she sunk further down and her legs flayed around.

Lena watched the display with laughter and warm affection as she went across to hold out her hand in support. “Would you like some help?”

Kate demurely offered her hand and smiled back. “Thank you. I'll remember how gallant you are in the future.”

Lena pulled Kate to within a couple of inches of her face and felt her breath catch. “Anytime,” she answered.

“Do you think you have everything you need here—do you like it?” Kate asked. “Before I knew you would live here I had the house made to my specifications. When you agreed to move here, I immediately thought of this place for your home. I had it redecorated in the same pastel shades you had at the Wagoner Farm. If it doesn’t suit you, let me know and we can change the color scheme.

“I do believe you have covered every eventuality, Kate, not to mention some I don't think I've thought of yet.” Lena found it hard to believe she warranted such lavish accommodations.

“Well, when you do think of them, please, by all means, call me—I'm sure I would enjoy finding out exactly what those would be.” Kate winked.

Again, Lena had no choice but to smile back at the lovely woman. “I might well take you up on that offer, Kate. I think you mentioned a vet, how about you introduce me to her?” Lena would have been happy to spend the rest of the day in the other woman's company, but she had come there to work and she knew that a busy veterinarian couldn't wait all day.

“Yeah, I almost forgot her. Come on, Lena, she should be in the main stable looking over the horses you shipped earlier this week.”

Kate's enthusiasm was infectious and Lena smiled as the woman hurried out the door. “Guess she likes the vet, wonder what she's like?” Lena followed Kate at a slower pace and felt a pang of jealousy of a possible relationship between Kate and the vet.

†

The stables were located a couple hundred yards from the main ranch house. Lena's new home was a hundred yards back and secluded under the crest of a gentle rolling hill. It was certainly a spacious property and very well maintained. The new buildings had the the most up to date equipment. Money certainly was no object at Merridoc.

Kate was reminding Lena of a skittish filly going through the first initiations into the starting gate. She was so full of energy that it was difficult not to go with the flow.

“Come on, Lena, you'll like Corneila.”

Kate flung her remark over her shoulder and didn't see Lena flinch at the name. No it can't be. Can it? Damn, I hoped not. She knew that Corneila Cambridge moved her operation to the Miami area and Lena hope it was a coincidence. As she walked slowly toward the stables, she contemplated a piece of her past that she hadn't thought of in years. Yet, the mere mention of the name filled her with bitterness—it obviously hadn't been long enough. The memories flowed unabated…

Corneila Cambridge, renowned for her surgery techniques on horse's legs and hooves was an excellent veterinarian who reached the top of her profession at the young age of thirty-one. For Lena, at twenty-two, she was ripe for the picking when the beautiful, yet cold woman, made advances in her direction. Over the period of a year, they had settled into a comfortable and steamy sexual adventure.

Although drawn sexually to the older woman, Lena knew love hadn’t entered into the equation. Corneila, who was reputed to be cold hearted and ruthless, dismissed love preferring the explosive passion they shared two or three evenings every couple of weeks when Corneila's schedule allowed.

The auction Lena attended with her father went better than expected so they returned home a day earlier.

She felt excitement building as she walked the mile to the place Louis gave her to live while she worked on the farm. When she saw Corneila's Porsche, the old, familiar feelings of lust invaded her body and felt the need for relief. Corneila was just the woman to do that. Lena walked noiselessly into the house unbuttoning her shirt. She was unprepared for the sight of Corneila, naked in her bed with Louis Wagoner’s niece, Carol who was feasting between the vet’s legs.

Lena stood there as Corneila’s eyes lifted as she pressed on the head between her legs. “Oh, baby, make me come.” She growled out as a sardonic smile crossed her face. “No one does that like you do.” Then, with her lover looking on, she let out a scream of pleasure as her hands pulled the head up and kissed the woman passionately. “No one tastes as good, do they? Oh look, we have company.”

Carol twisted around and her face turned ashen seeing Lena standing there. “Oh, my, God, Lena. This isn’t what you think.”

Lena let out a caustic laugh. “It is exactly as it looks. Get yourself up and get dressed.” Her eyes fixed on Corneila. “And, you, slut, get your sorry ass out of my bed.”

“Sure you don’t want to come and taste what little Carol here tastes like?”

Lena lunged and savagely pulled Corneila off the bed and onto the floor. “Get the hell out of here, you bitch.”

Corneila gathered her clothes and dressed. “I’ll leave gladly. You weren’t that good. In fact, you were the worse fuck I ever had.”

Lena could hear Corneila’s parting shot still ringing in her ears. Once all the vet’s devious entanglements were in the open, it was clear that Corneila was an unfeeling bitch who used people for her own personal gain and gratification. Lena’s abhorrence of anything to do with Corneila Cambridge made it so distasteful for the vet among the Lexington horse crowd, that she moved her entire operation to Florida. Lena never saw the woman again. As for Carol Wagoner, who was about to be married to a noted businessman and owner of a string of stables in California, she convinced Lena to keep everything quiet and not rock the boat.

“Surely, there are other vets by the name of Corneila.” Lena damn well hoped, otherwise, there were going to be fireworks after only an hour at Merridoc. Lena noticed Kate by the stable door beckoning her to hurry.

†

Corneila Cambridge’s lips curled briefly in a smile as she watched the beautiful young owner of Merridoc enter the stables. Kate had left earlier to greet Merridoc’s new trainer who was about to arrive. She knew the reaction the horse trainer from Lexington would be and calculated how she would handle the situation. It had been eight years ago and there was always the chance the trainer didn’t remember her but she knew that was highly unlikely. She watched Kate stroll inside then saw Lena turn the corner and enter the stable.

Kate approached the vet. “Lena, I want you to meet Dr. Corneila Cambridge, she's the vet I have retained for the farm. Come on over here and say hello?”

Corneila, acted in accordance with plan and made the first move. She held out her slim hand and stopped herself from gawking at the positively gorgeous specimen of womanhood that stood a few feet away from her. My, God, she is even more ravishing than I remember. “Hello again, Lena.” Corneila smiled and gave the trainer a once over. There was no doubt that the trainer was seething.

“I see you two have met before?” Kate said breaking the silence.

“I hoped I'd never have to see your cold hearted face again.” Lena growled.

Corneila smiled. “Can’t you let bygone be just that? What happened was in the past and I am willing to forgive and forget.” She grinned knowing that she’d effectively turned the tables on the trainer. Her eyes moved to Kate and she shrugged. “I’m willing to if you will, Lena.”

Lena snarled, turned, and left the stable.

“Well that went well.” Corneila laughed. “I tried. I’m sorry it didn’t work.”

“I will speak with her. I’m sorry to have taken up so much of your time today. How about I call you later and we can meet up for a drink and discuss your responsibilities here at Merridoc?”

Corneila moved closer to Kate, took a hand in one of her own, and smiled sweetly. “I’ll look forward to it. Right now, I need to get back to work. I’ll talk with you later, Kate.”

Kate nodded and left the stable in search of her head trainer.

†

Kate had watched the interchange between the vet and her trainer and could feel the animosity coming from Lena. It was obvious that Lena didn’t like the vet and she wondered why. Corneila had an excellent reputation and Kate felt lucky to have her as Merridoc’s vet. Her eyes rested on Lena who was standing by the exercise corral and walked toward her. “Hey, are you okay?”

“If I’m to be the head trainer here, Kate, than I expect you to consult me on any decisions that concern the horses.” Lena’s nostrils flared. “That includes who is hired as the resident veterinarian. If you don’t trust me enough to consult me in such matters then you best look for another head trainer.”

“Lena I’m running a business not a popularity contest. Dr. Cambridge is a well respected veterinarian and Merridoc is lucky to have her associated with it. Yes, I should have consulted you but you weren’t here and I needed to hire a vet.”

“You could have called me. For, God’s sake, Kate the woman is a piranha.”

“That sounds personal, Lena. As I said, I am running a business and I cannot make decisions on personal feelings … I need to do what I think is the best for Merridoc and Corneila is who we need as a vet.”

Kate didn’t want to have this discussion within the hearing distance of others. She glanced at the set expression on Lena's face and gingerly placed a gentle, but firm hand on her arm.

Lena shook the hand off.

“You and I need to talk and this time we’ll go to my place.” Kate said firmly as she walked toward the main ranch house.

†

“Yes, we certainly do.” Lena flexed her jaw before clamping it shut in anger. She had watched as that snake in the grass Corneila tried her forked tongued seduction on Kate. “I won’t let that happen.” She turned away from the corral and followed Kate.

Several minutes later Lena paced in the study of Kate’s home occasionally growling in anger.

“Are you going to sit down? I’m getting dizzy watching you fly around the room,” Kate said.

Lena looked directly at Kate and leveled her with a cold glance. “Why didn't you consult me over the resident vet?  It's usually the head trainer’s prerogative to chose.”

“I did think about it initially and you were busy in Lexington. When the opportunity arose to hire Dr. Cambridge, I thought would benefit the farm and the horses we plan to concentrate on here. I believe the retainer of a vet to be paramount to the successful running of the operation and to be frank, Lena, Dr. Cambridge has an excellent reputation.” Kate looked directly at Lena. “It’s in the best interest of Merridoc.”

Lena seethed. “You? You thought it was an excellent opportunity. Tell me exactly what experience you have to make that determination.” Lena slammed her hand on the desk. “You say she has a reputation … that’s hilarious. You betcha she has a reputation. Do you know what that will cost? Have you any idea the number of horses she treated that had a semi-serious injury that are still alive? The woman is a ruthless, cold-hearted bitch, who will not sully her reputation with sick horses. If there is the slightest chance that a horse won't survive or fully recover, she puts them down. If, Doctor Lawrence is the type of vet you want working for you, then by all means keep her and you’ll have the most famous one.” Lena ignored Kate shuddering at the accusations.

“I must admit that in spite of your obvious bitterness and sarcasm your words do hold a ring of truth. At no time, in our relatively brief relationship have is suspected you were lying to me about anything. And, your reputation as a trainer tells me you wouldn’t let your personal feelings interfere with what was best for the horses.” Kate shrugged. “Is there more to your hatred of Dr. Cambridge than your alleged understanding of her treatment program? From what I saw in the stable there is more to the story.”

Lena went over to the window and watched a handler rub down the back of a chestnut mare who appeared to have tints of gold as the sun reflected from its back. She considered Kate’s comments and her question. She knew she had to be honest about Corneila or they would start their working relationship, as well as the personal one she hoped would develop, on bad footing. “We have a history … let’s leave it at that, okay.”

“Okay.”

“It was eight years ago and I certainly grew up fast after that episode in my life. I do not want her tending any of the horses that I handle and that has nothing to do with my personal feelings for the woman.”

“I'm glad you told me, Lena. I'm sorry we have to disagree on this point. Business being what it is, means that Corneila has signed a binding contract for six months. My hands are tied and unless she does something untoward, she will be with us for the next six months. How about you letting it ride for six months and if she doesn't come up to your stringent levels, you can change to a vet of your choice after that. Is that satisfactory with you?”

Lena listened to the words Kate spoke and was amazed at how the woman's gentle insistence broke down every rule in her book. She should be on her way back to her parent's farm having torn the worthless contract up in Kate's face. It was preposterous and quite simply remarkable how she reacted to Kate—the woman had her in the palm of her hands and hopefully, Kate didn't realize it. “I have a condition to the six months.”

Kate cocked her head to the side and Lena thought it endearing and couldn't help the brief smile that passed over her serious countenance.

“Go ahead.”

“I decide if an animal has to have surgery or be put down and no one else. Not you or the vet … only me. If you agree to that, I will agree to the six months. But, you should know that t after that she's out of here. I will not endanger our horses by having her here.” Lena backed up her original statement.

Kate gave her a bright smile. “You have a deal.” Kate held out her hand to shake on it.

Lena turned from her observations of the horses, and shook the proffered hand in a strong grasp. As the hands touched, it was electrifying much like when they first met. Lena didn’t want to break the contact deciding that there had been enough emotional charges detonated around them for one day. After all, there is always another day. “I'll go and unpack and take a look around on my own if that's okay with you?” Lena would have enjoyed the company of the Kate, but decided that they both needed their personal space.

“Sure, how would you like to have breakfast with me tomorrow morning at say five thirty? And, will you let me know if you need anything.”

Lena grinned back at the woman who was now swinging in the swivel chair at her desk. Doesn't she ever keep still? She let out a much-needed chuckle. “Sounds like a good idea to me. Where do you want me?”

Kate grinned and shook her head. “I’m not touching that one with a ten foot pole. Why don’t you meet me here and I'll show you around the house before we sit down for the meal. Oh, you better make it five-fifteen if you're getting the ten cent tour.”

“See you tomorrow, Kate.” Lena gathered momentum and quickly left Kate to the rest of her day.

†

Kate considered what had happened and wondered if Lena and Corneila had been lovers. The volatility between them would relate to past lovers who had a falling out. It was not lost to Kate that Corneila looked at Lena possessively. She didn’t like that. Corneila was a very attractive woman and probably made conquests quite easily. Over the past several months, the vet had pursued her by asking her on dates numerous times. Perhaps it is time to take her up on her offer. On the other hand, if Lena asked her on a date, it would take only request and she would jump through hoops to say yes.

Lena’s words about the vet tried to raise a red flag and Kate ignored the warning. She was certain that Corneila must have changed since Lena knew her. She isn't as bad as Lena depicted … in fact, the vet was positively charming and very good company. Lena would come round and realize that the woman was different now.

Kate smiled as she opened the desk drawer and pulled out her personal telephone book. Lena was going to be busy. Perhaps tonight would be as good a time as any to try out the famous Cambridge seduction routine. She picked up her phone and punched the numbers that would connect her to the vet.

Chapter Four

Getting To Know You

Lena tossed and turned unable to get comfortable. Every time she closed her eyes, a vision of Kate drifted into her mind. Over the last three months away from Kate, she tried distancing herself from the blonde beauty, but seeing her again, only intensified what she struggled to forget. Dragging herself out of bed, she pulled on her jeans, shirt, shoes, and ventured outside for some fresh, night air.

It’s still early, she thought, as her footsteps took her in the direction of Kate’s house. Perhaps she’s still awake. “Fool, she’s your boss keep away—oh, but what a lovely boss she is.” Her musings stopped as she heard a car approach and ducked into the shadows. Corneila’s BMW pulled up in front of Kate’s home. No sooner did the car stop then the door opened and Kate exited.

Kate held the door open and spoke into the car. “Thanks for the nice time. I’ll see you again sometime. Bye.”

Lena watched as Kate pushed the door shut she rapidly walked away. The thought of that woman with Kate made Lena furious as pangs of jealousy filled her heart. At least she didn’t invite her in for a drink. She saw a light go on in, what she assumed was, Kate’s bedroom. Tomorrow they’d have breakfast together and the idea brought a brilliant smile to her face. She yawned and once she was certain, that Corneila left the area, she turned back to her house—now she would sleep.

†

Lena stretched when she woke as she always did, at four in the morning. She would go for her run, check out the stables, and still have time to shower before meeting Kate. A smile crossed her face as an image of her boss filled her mind and body with emotions and feelings she thought she’d tucked away. This is going to be a great day.

Kate stood in the well-equipped kitchen as she discussed with Carmen, her housekeeper, what to prepare for her special breakfast guest. Once she had that settled, she went outside for her early morning walk. Lena would arrive in less than an hour and the thought brought on a smile. This is going to be a great day.

†

At the knock on the door, Kate opened it and saw a radiant Lena, in the early morning light.

“Hey, good morning,” Lena said.

“Hey there yourself you’re right on time.” The dazzling smile Kate received sent her senses reeling. Kate took a step closer. “I love coming on time,” she whispered.

Lena cleared her throat. “Hmm … ah …something smells good.”

Kate laughed and moved to give Lena space. “Hope you’re hungry. I had Carmen cook a large variety.” She took Lena by the hand and led her into the house. “Ready for the grand tour?”

“Lead on my, fair lady.”

Kate kept hold of Lena’s hand as she let her around her spacious home. She gestured to the Spanish motif that had comfortable furniture, Berber carpets, and the superb wall treatments.

“Your home is wonderful and warm, Kate. I saw some rather inviting rooms.”

“Oh, really, and just which ones caught your attention.” Kate purred as she moved so their bodies rubbed against each other. She grabbed Lena’s hand once again and pulled her toward the breakfast room. “Come on, let’s eat,” she let out a hearty laugh, “breakfast that is.”

Lena went willingly shaking her head while she walked.

Over breakfast, the two chatted amicably about the farm, horses, and the training routines. Carmen entered and began clearing the table eyeing Lena the entire time.

Once Carmen left, a dark eyebrow rose in question. “She doesn’t like me, does she?”

Kate let out a laugh. “She thinks she’s my mother.”

“Why? You’ve just moved here.”

“Carmen has been with my family ever since I was born. When I spread my wings and moved out on my own, my mother insisted on her coming with me.” She smiled. “She said that way I would always have family with me.”

Once again Lena felt a sense of rightness as she sat there listening to the melody of Kate’s voice. “How do you think I measured up?”

“Hard to say. Shall I bring her in and ask her? Or, you can just go with what I think.”

Lena grinned. “We could, hmm, which opinion do you think I will like best?”

Kate’s hand captured the one resting on the table and began what Lena thought was an erotic massage. “That’s hard to say, depends on what you find appealing—good cooking or—very, very good.”

Lena’s heart was pounding, profoundly aware of the hand on hers. “Good? Good at what?”

Kate winked. “That, you will have to find out for yourself.”

The whinny of the horses as the handlers began taking them to the ring echoed in the room.

Lena shook her head and let out a half laugh. “As much as I would like to continue this conversation, I think work is calling my name.”

“Are you sure only work is calling your name?” Kate let go of Lena’s hand. She drew in closer and whispered, “Lena Corkill.”

With her body trembling and her heart beating take me, take me now, Lena got up from the table. “I really need to go.” Then she hurriedly headed for the door. Just as she was about to leave she heard Kate say, Two doors down on the left, before she began to laugh.

“Very funny, ha ha,” Lena said over her shoulder. “I’ll catch you later,” she added before she opened the door and practically ran to the barn.

†

Several days later when the sun had yet made itself known, Kate leisurely walked around the property. Out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw motion and changed her direction. She crept toward the track where she sensed that someone was lurking. There, in the warm, early morning dawn, she encountered a stimulating vision of Lena running. Once she climbed atop the fence, she sat down and watched the graceful body as it effortlessly ran the dirt track.

Lena passed her once and didn’t seem to notice. The next time around, she slowly trotted up to the fence. “Good morning, beautiful.”

Just seeing her trainer in the early morning light, a feeling of joy overcame Kate. “Good morning. Out for your early morning run, I see.” She smiled down at the sweaty woman. “Maybe, if you don’t mind, I could run with you some morning.”

“A beautiful running companion is welcome anytime.” Lena smiled as she scrambled up the fence to sit next to Kate. “You must do something else to keep that exquisite shape.”

Kate closed her green eyes at the comment. “Why, Ms Corkill, whatever do you mean?”

A wide grin appeared on Lena’s face as she moved closer to her fence companion. An errant finger traced the muscle of the arm next to her. “You certainly didn’t get these at finishing school.”

As a shiver went up her back, Kate’s face filled with a mischievous smile. She took Lena’s hand and moved it from her arm to her thigh where she moved it slowly along the flesh. “I developed this muscle kickboxing.” Then she moved the hand over her abdomen. “And I developed this one lifting in my gym. Care to join me sometime?”

Lena leaned into Kate. “Oh, I would love to work out with you, Kate.”

Kate turned her head so their lips were but a whisper apart and smiled. “What about now?”

In a flash, Lena jumped off the fence and offered Kate her hand. “Show me the way, I’m all yours.”

†

Kate allowed herself a complacent smile as she looked across the breakfast table at her regular morning guest. It had been three months since Lena arrived and they had begun, in earnest, the development of Merridoc as a place where thoroughbreds w. They also worked out an exercise schedule and faithfully kept to it every day except Sunday. It was also remarkable at how much the two of them had in common, which aided in the already growing friendship.

“What have you got planned for today, Lena?” Kate had to go into town herself and see the lawyers about the acquisition of more land for her place in Montana, which was a horse ranch, but only for pleasure, not racing.

Lena looking across at Kate, smiled. “You know it’s wonderful to see your bright optimism every morning.” She grinned. “To answer your question, a friend of mine gave me a tip about a horse, so I thought I would go and see her for myself, then perhaps consult you on the possible purchase. You should be really busy today preparing for tonight.”

Kate pursed her lips. “I wish that was all I’m doing today. I need to visit my lawyers early about that patch of land I told you about in Montana. Then, I will come back to finish the preparations for tonight.” Kate felt a sudden panic. “You’ll be back in time, won’t you?” The evening promised to be one of the top social events in the area. Kate invited a variety of farm and horse owners to a Merridoc open house. She saw this as an opportunity to showcase the farm and get to know her competition.

Lena winked. “Now why would any of those snooty people care if I was there or not?”

Kate laughed and gently slapped Lena’s hand. “Oh, you, they all envy that I have you. Don’t you know that you’re the star here?” She let a lascivious smile cross as her voice dropped an octave. “You’re mine.”

“Well, in that case, I don’t have a choice do I?”

“Not really.”

Kate looked away first. At some moment, during every breakfast meeting of the last three months, Kate realized that they often gazed longingly into each other’s eyes.

“Will your parents be coming tonight? I really would like to get to know them.” Kate went to a neutral subject to cool the intense feelings coursing throughout her body and mind.

Lena grinned and her eyes lit up with warmth at the mention of meeting her parents. “No, they won’t be able to be here. What would you say about going with me Sunday to my family’s farm for supper? Dad has been hassling me for weeks to invite you.”

Kate looked at Lena surprised that Lena’s family knew of their friendship. “Sure, sounds like a great idea. Why does your dad want to meet me I wonder?” Kate laughed as she saw a blush stain Lena's cheeks.

“Could be that you have a reputation in these parts for being very beautiful, charming, and friendly. Guess he wants to find out if that's true.” Lena laughed softly.

Kate felt her cheeks heat up at the compliment. “Let's hope I meet their expectations then.” Kate locked her gaze with her friend's and she noticed that Lena too had trouble breathing for a few seconds.

Lena turned away first, stood, and snagged a piece of toast before going to the door. “I better get moving if I want to get anything done around here today. Promise I will be back in time for tonight, Kate.”

Kate didn't have time to answer as the door closed with a thud on the taller woman's retreating form. One day soon, I'm going to experience exactly what it feels like when you take me in your arms, Lena Corkill, because it's going to happen, I'm sure of it. Kate got up and went to the kitchen to go over the plans for the evening before heading for town.

†

“Hi Sue, how are things going around here?” Lena grinned as her long time friend rushed down the steps to where she was leaning against her pickup truck.

Sue Richardson grabbed Lena around the waist and hugged her tightly. “It's been a while since you set foot on our property, Lena. What have you been doing with yourself since you came back to these parts?” The woman was around five foot three and therefore just came up to Lena's shoulder.

“Ah, Sue, you know me. When there are races to run I have to be in there in the thick of things. So, what have you to show me that you want me to convince my boss lady to buy?” Lena chuckled at the thought of Kate and the number of potential ways she could convince her boss, none of which would be practical in this situation. It did, however, fill her with a warm glow just thinking about the other possibilities.

“I heard that Ms Lawrence might have captured your heart as well as your talents.” Sue's eyes twinkled.

Lena gave her a shy glance. “I bet I know who the matchmaker is too.” Lena thought of her father and grinned.

“Yeah, well, he has your best interests at heart as we all do.”

Lena looked fondly at Sue. She couldn’t remember a time that she didn’t know Sue and her husband, Paul who worked on her family’s farm since he was fifteen. Sue was the farm’s bookkeeper. Lena was their daughter’s godmother. Several years earlier, Paul was in a riding accident that caused the amputation of one leg. This hadn't deterred his determination to continue with the Osogill farm or his own.

“How’s Fiona?” Lena smiled as she mentioned Sue and Paul's seven-year-old daughter.

“She's very well and will be upset that she hasn't seen you this time around. . .you know how she loves to ride with you?” Sue reproached the tall woman with a chuckle.

“I know, perhaps we can all go to lunch one day. I bet she still loves ice cream.” Lena remembered a time when that was all the youngster would eat and Lena had indulged the little girl.

“Good idea, I think it's time I called Paul and have him show you our little secret.” Sue walked toward the barn and called for her husband.

“She’s two years old and the daughter of Lucky Chances and Wind Runner, Lena. She is almost sixteen hands and with the right trainer, I think she will be a formidable contender for the big races.

Once Lena saw the thoroughbred move through her paces, she was convinced that the mare had potential. The horse, a chestnut filly, on first sight seemed somewhat ungainly to her, but Lena saw the glint in her eyes and a jaunt in her step that said winner. The filly defiantly had potential. She knew the horse would be an asset to Merridoc and its owner. A vision of Kate came to her mind, bringing a smile to her face and an increase in her heart rate.

After saying her goodbyes, she drove back in the direction of Merridoc. She looked at the time and was pleased that she would arrive back at her house at five thirty and that would give her enough time to have a quick shower and change. She promised Kate she’d be there for the open house and she would. She didn’t particularly care for large gatherings but for Kate she’d make the sacrifice. It is going to be an interesting evening.

†

As guests arrived, Kate greeted each one by name, mentioning their farm or business. The room filled with her light as she glided among her guests smiling and chatting amicably. The group was a nice mix of local horse breeders, stable owners, and local dignitaries. Kate’s charisma enchanted even Terry Maxwell, her chief competition in the area. Kate learned early on from her father about winning over people with charm and grace. He told her that if her competition liked her personally, they would never begrudge her a win.

Corneila Cambridge arrived early and kept close to her frequently touching her arm or possessively pulling her close completely ignoring Kate’s rebuke. Corneila’s determination to win her over was obvious but Kate wasn’t interested. Her sights were set on Lena Corkill and only Lena Corkill.

Kate, surrounded by several people, was telling an amusing story of a horse that threw her when the front door opened. She stopped in mid sentence and stood breathless watching a vision entering her home. Lena was standing in the entry dressed in a long, tight fitting black skirt, slit up the side and a ribbon tie that set off a white silk shirt. Her long black locks flowed down her shoulders resting just above her breast. Kate let out a breath when her eyes connected with Lena’s eyes.

Their smiles were only for each other.

“Excuse me. I see a new visitor has arrived.” Kate began moving toward her guest never losing sight of the cobalt blue eyes. People would speak to her, but she did not hear. Her eyes were watching Lena drawing closer.

Lena’s height played to her advantage as she moved effortlessly through the crowded room toward the shining green eyes.

When they came together, the room dissolved into nothingness.

“Here I am,” Lena said.

Kate was certain she was lost in the sea of blue. “Yes, you are.” She took Lena’s hand and began back toward her guest, stopping to introduce her to each one.

When Kate caught sight of Corneila in a distant corner glaring at Lena, she felt the hair on the back of her neck rise. There was no way she wanted to have a relationship with the vet and she thought she made that fact perfectly clear. I guess I need to make her know in no uncertain terms that I am not interested in her.

†

Lena needed to get away from the crowded room in Kate’s house and went outside for some air. She heard a noise and looked in the direction it came from to find Corneila passionately kissing and groping one of the young Merridoc trainers. Once the young woman saw Lena, she quickly rearranged her clothes before leaving the patio.

She watched the young girl hurry away Lena laughed. “You’re getting a bit long in the tooth, to be chasing after teenagers, aren’t you, Corneila?”

The vet sneered and brushed past Lena only to stop and turn. “I wouldn’t be so cocky if I were you, Lena.”

Lena looked in the window and saw Corneila making her way toward Kate. “Oh, no you don’t.

†

Kate searched the crowd looking for Lena and was surprised when she heard someone speaking to her.

“Kate, I must say everyone here is taken with you.” Corneila touched Kate’s arm.

Startled, Kate looked at the vet. “Have you seen Lena? I have someone who wants to meet her.” Then she spied the object of her search and walked toward her leaving Corneila standing alone.

When Kate arrived at Lena’s side, she smiled. “Have I told you how ravishing you look?”

Lena laughed. “Several times.”

“Good I wouldn’t want you to go through the evening not knowing just how gorgeous you look.”

What looked like an enraged, Corneila pushed past them then stopped and moved so she was in Lena’s personal space and grabbed her arm. “You think this is over? It isn’t by a mile. You’ll pay count on it.

Kate moved between the two women. “Please, Corneila, you’re making a scene. This isn’t the time or place to air your grievances. Please leave my house.”

Corneila glared at Kate before storming out the door.

Embarrassed, Kate turned to her guests and grinned. “Maybe she didn’t like the finger food.” Everyone laughed.

“I’m sorry, Kate. I caught her outside with one of our young trainers and I goaded her…that’s probably why she made a scene.”

Kate hooked her arm in Lena’s bent arm. “It’s more like I wouldn’t let her rub up against me.” She shivered. “Come on, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

“Another someone? Kate, I am fairly certain I’ve met everyone here.”

With a grin, Kate started walking. “Not everyone.”

As the last guest left, Kate turned to Lena and gave her a hug. “Thank you.”

Arms draped around Kate as Lena rested her head on top of the golden locks. “For what?”

Kate pulled back and stared into the pool of blue. “For being here and charming all my guests.”

Lena chuckled. “Me, charming? I think you, my dear, wrote the book on that asset.”

“We make a good team don’t we, Lena?” Kate stepped out of the embrace and took Lena’s hand. “Want a nightcap?” She watched as the expression on Lena’s face looked as if she were debating something. “I won’t bite…well not much.”

“As tempting as that sounds, and believe me it is very tempting, I need to take a rain check. It’s getting late and the horses won’t care that I was out partying…they’ll still want attention before the sun comes up.”

Kate couldn’t disguise her disappointment. “You’re the head trainer and have others to take care of that.”

“I’d feel like I was shirking my responsibilities if I did that, Kate.” She bent and kissed Kate’s cheek. “Goodnight, beautiful. I’ll see you at breakfast…if you’re up.”

Kate stood there with her hand to her cheek, her heart racing, as electricity seemed to flow through her body. “One day, Lena.” She poured herself a drink before going out to the patio and sitting down. In the distance, she could hear, as she did every night, the lilting sounds of Lena’s piano. Kate closed her eyes as she listened to the haunting melody and wondering why Lena played every night. “Maybe it’s to relax before bed. I’ll have to remember to ask her.” She envisioned Lena sitting on the piano bench in her long skirt and in her white silk shirt and smiled.. One day, Lena, one day soon.

†

Happy laughter greeted the ears of the two people relaxing on the porch of the Osogill family residence. They both smiled.

Seymour Corkill was pleasantly surprised at the way Kate Lawrence literally waltzed into the house and captured the hearts of everyone who was there to have dinner. It was just the family—Lena's grandparents, Anna her mother, and him.

Within minutes of the introductions, Anna was regaling Kate with exploits of her daughter as a baby and then into childhood and adolescence. Lena had rolled her eyes at the stories, but had indulged her mother and grandparents, never once stopping them no matter how embarrassing they became.

When the meal was over, Anna said, “Go help your dad out to the porch while I tell Kate a few more stories.”

Lena smiled, kissed her mother’s cheek then took hold and pushed her father out onto the porch. “Looks like it is you and me out here, Dad.”

“You know damn well I can get myself out here. Your mother is just trying to. . . oh, I don’t know what she’s trying, but the word matchmaker comes to mind.”

Lena laughed. “Dad, mom has been doing that all my life so there’s nothing new there.”

Seymour pulled out a cigar from his shirt pocket and snipped the end before lighting it. “Every evening I come out here to smoke and every evening for thirty-three years she always joins me. Now that Kate is here. . . well, you best be on your guard.”

“Dad, Kate is my boss.”

“I know.” He puffed on the cigar the let the smoke make its way out of his mouth at a leisurely pace. “I’ve also seen the way she looks at you and you at her.” Seymour noticed how uncomfortable his daughter was and changed the subject. “Did you check out Paul’s horse, Brownsley?” Seymour asked interested in what she had to say about the mare.

“Yep, I did and I need to convince Kate that the mare will be a sound prospect for the future.” Lena glanced over to the screened door.

Seymour grinned as he heard his wife and Kate laughing together. “It’s good you’re your grandparents had said good night immediately after supper or Kate would know more stories about you.”

Lena rolled her eyes.

“You think Kate might say no to purchasing her?” Seymour was shocked as his daughter had quite a reputation for finding a gold nugget in the most unusual surroundings. He had it on good authority that Lena was an integral reason for Merridoc fast becoming the new rising star of the thoroughbred stables in Florida, if not the country in general.

“With Mom's cooking, no, she doesn't stand a chance of denying me.” Lena laughed softly. “She did have a second helping of mom’s apple pie so that nearly seals the deal.”

Seymour chuckled also delighting that his daughter had found a friend. “Would that be she can't deny you anything at all or just the horse?”

“Dad, really. Kate is a friend, nothing more.” Lena gave him an exasperated look. “What’s with you and mom?”

“Is that because you don't want her to be any more than a friend or because you haven't asked her yet?” Seymour noticed that Lena looked like she was about to jump the fence. He wanted her to continue the race and, if possible, come back with the top trophy.

Lena gave her father a rueful smile. “I haven't asked her yet.”

“Lena, what are you waiting for? That woman inside with your mother looks about ready to fall into your arms at the drop of a hat. Don't you think it's time you asked her?” Seymour watched the expression on his daughter’s face change from speculation to a brilliant smile.

“I'll work on it, Dad, trust me.”

The swinging of the door announced the arrival of Kate and Anna with coffee and tea to finish the night off and saved Lena from any more small talk with her father.

Seymour grinned when Anna sat next to him leaving the large armchair where his daughter sat as the only other seat place for Kate to sit. Kate looked perplexed and Lena smile wickedly.

“Would you like to share this large beast with me, Kate?”

Kate gave her a long, hard look and laughed. “Sure move over. I'm warning you, I don't want any frogs down the back of my neck, thank you.”

Lena eyed her mother and laughed.

Within a few seconds, Kate reclined into Lena and they nestled together quite comfortably.

“No, the frogs aren't in season and I could think of much better things to go down your neck. There again I could always get you another chair—your choice.”

“No, you stay right where you are so I can see you.” Kate placed Lena's hands around the front of her waist. “I now know where those mischievous hands of yours are.” Kate grinned then went back to her conversation with Lena's mother.

Lena sat in the chair with a bemused expression on her face, which greatly amused Seymour.

†

It had been comparatively easy to convince Kate to purchase Brownsley at a good liberal price from her family friends. Lena wasn’t sure if it was the good home cooking or the stories about her childhood that made Kate amicable to the purchase without opposition or question. In fact, Kate had remembered the three very successful purchases in Lexington therefore, she was extremely confident in her head trainer's ability and eye for just the right animal for the stables.

Brownsley, a favorite of Lena's, entered into an enhanced program to bring her gently up to the level of the other thoroughbreds. Eventually the mare would be ready to enter top-level races around the country. There was no doubt in her mind that when the time came, Brownsley would prove to be an exceptional winner.

For the time being, Brownsley would have to wait her turn, as Lena readied three other horses for races at Hialeah. They were the farm’s top contenders and Lena considered them good enough to win their respective races. It was time for Merridoc Farms to become a viable contender at horse racing venues and Lena was certain the three would not disappoint.

†

Kate watched Lena clock another of the mares destined for the races at Hialeah. It was a fascination of hers to sit on her horse and watch Lena from a distance. More recently, after dinner, Kate would join Lena at the fence and chat amiably as she went about her task. At no time did Lena ever act other than professional when it came to the horses and the position she held at Merridoc. To Kate, this was quite frustrating, as she had hoped to receive that invitation for a private session in Lena's ranch house by now. But, other than their growing friendship, neither of them had pushed to take it further—yet. Kate was sure that Lena would welcome a more intimate relationship and wondered if she should make the first move. She took in the tall form at the fence, cantered toward Lena, dropped down from her mare, and walked over to stand at Lena's shoulder. “Hi.”

Lena continued to watch the horses flash past her and looked at her stopwatch as she clocked the thoroughbreds the jockeys were putting thru their paces. She acknowledged Kate with a fleeting smile as her body language clearly relaxed when the Kate tucked in next to her. When the last of the horses completed the circuit, Lena turned to Kate, gave her a grin, and tousled her blonde hair.

“Lena, do you really have to do that to me?” Kate knew her irritation was evident in the tone of her voice.

Lena looked at her and gave her a brilliant smile. No matter how she tried, Kate couldn’t stay angry with her for longer than the moment it took her brain to register the smile.

“You know you love it really.” Lena put a friendly arm along Kate’s shoulders.

Kate surrendered to the touch of the arm and the closeness she always felt when Lena was within her range of senses. “Do you think we have a champion in our midst, Lena?”

Lena gave her a dazzling smile, bent her head closer to Kate, and whispered, “Can't let the spies know about this, but we have more than one champion in our midst, my dear, Kate.”

The low, gravelly voice made Kate feel as though she might swoon and clutched at Lena's arm to stop from falling. “Why are you whispering?” Kate trembled as she realized Lena's ear was close to her lips.

“My dear, Kate, don't you know we have the dreaded vet, Cruella Cambridge, on your property today. We can't have that knowledge getting out to the public. Can we?” Lena looked directly into Kate's green eyes for her reaction.

Kate put a hand to her mouth to stifle a giggle, but she wasn't sure if Lena actually meant what she said or it was a joke at Corneila's expense. “You don't really call her Cruella do you, Lena? Not to her face.”

Lena gave her a mock innocent glare from her cobalt blue eyes and smiled engagingly. “No, more the pity, but as she leaves I do say it to her back.”

Kate threw her head back and laughed before giving Lena a playful smack on the arm for her teasing. “What am I going to do with you, Lena? Corneila has been on her best behavior for months now. Surely you must have changed your mind about her by now.” It was true that Corneila had only suggested minor surgery on some of the horses that had needed treatment and Lena had agreed on each of the diagnosis. Kate thought Lena might be mellowing in her opinion of the vet.

Lena looked at Kate and shook her head. “I will never change my mind regarding that woman. You, on the other hand, are welcome to do whatever you care to with me.”

Kate gasped at the Lena's offhand comment that sent her heart hammering. “Lena, you’re going to Hialeah tomorrow early, aren't you?”

Lena gave her a nod as she placed her chin on top of Kate's head and placed her arms around her. As they both faced the training field, they could watch the young fillies gracefully run and frolic in natural play together. “Yes. Why? Have you changed your mind about coming to watch our first set of races from the new stock here at Merridoc?”

Kate relished the moments when Lena pulled her close into a friendly embrace. It reminded her of the first time that it happened—Lena appeared to take the action naturally. It had been a shock to her system the first time Lena displayed this cuddly attitude and it didn’t long for her to get used to how it felt. When Lena was preoccupied or busy, Kate missed the closeness. Now, she was pleased that Lena had taken the time to give her a few precious moments before she left for a week at Hialeah. “I can't. I have to fly to New York and see my parents for a couple of days. Then, I have some business to attend to in Baltimore. I'll have to watch our horses come in first place.” Kate snuggled closer and Lena pulled her into her tall body.

“Pity, you can’t be there at our first win as a team.”

Kate chose that moment to turn in the embrace and face her friend. “We can always celebrate when you come home. I'm still waiting for your invitation to check out the privacy of the ranch house.” Lena’s gaze held warmth and something that Kate desperately wanted to see. It’s probably my fanciful mind at work. Yet, maybe not.

“Then, I suggest you put the champagne on ice. When I get home, you and I can check out the full benefits of a private residence and see just how well your plans worked out.” Lena smiled rakishly at Kate and looked deep into Kate’s eyes.

“Champagne got that, no problem. If the privacy option doesn't work out I will play merry hell with the architects.” Kate released what she knew was a sultry smile.

Lena laughed.

Kate had a desperate urge to kiss Lena who was holding her in her arms. The temptation was creating havoc with her hormones and she didn't know how much longer she could stop herself from claiming Lena as her own.

“That I would pay to see, Kate.” Lena took a step back from Kate and gave the young horses another look before she turned to Kate and shrugged. “Guess I better go back to work, huh?”

Kate felt a pain in her heart as Lena released her back into the normal everyday world that didn't include the tender embrace of her friend. “Guess you'd better or you might be in trouble with the boss and we can't have that now, can we?” Kate smiled as she attempted to lighten the emotionally charged situation.

Lena stepped back toward Kate, placed a finger on her nose, and gently tapped it. “That we can't have. My boss, Ms Lawrence, is a slave driver and with that type, you just never know what she might request as a forfeit. See you later.”

Kate to ponder the remark and she shook her head at the retreating figure. I wonder what I could ask as a forfeit. She chuckled and mounted her patiently waiting horse before galloping off across the pasture to relieve some of her surging energy that Lena had managed to create.

Chapter Five

Misunderstandings Abound

Kate was agitated. Her flight to New York left in less than two hours and Corneila was explaining in a bored professional voice exactly what was wrong with the horse and why she needed to do minor surgery. Under normal circumstances, that wouldn't have caused Kate any major distraction, but this wasn't normal conditions—this was Brownsley. Lena was away so she couldn't consult with her head trainer. Lena had a soft spot for the mare, which she had been personally training and Kate didn’t want to make that kind of decision without consulting her head trainer. “Look, run it by me again slowly, Corneila. I need to know exactly what you want to do.”

“Okay, the bottom line is that Brownsley's form and stride are not favorable for the longer races that Merridoc is known for. I can do a little minor surgery on one hoof to correct the problem It’s simple really.”

Kate's shook her head. “I’m not sure I can sanction that.”

“It needs to be done sooner rather than later. If you allow me, I can do the surgery this afternoon and by the time you're back, the horse will be well on the road to recovery. In no time she will be running like the wind again, Kate. I need to do it immediately. Putting it off will only delay the horse’s training. It's your call, but I highly recommend the surgery now. What’s your decision, Kate?”

Kate considered the pros and cons of the situation. Brownsley was a favorite of Lena’s and she would be pleased, surely, that the horse had the corrective surgery and by the time, she came back everything will be finished. In the future, she would insist that Lena take a cell phone with her, no matter how much she disliked them. At least that way, she could run things by her. Now she had to decide. She turned back to Corneila. “Go ahead, but I want a bulletin when I get off the flight in New York and Corneila. . .please make sure nothing happens to Brownsley. She's important not only to Lena, but too me also.” Kate still was ill at ease with her decision, but knew that she took it in good faith and with professional advice.

Corneila smiled at Kate reassuringly and nodded her head at the request. “You will get your bulletin and don't worry, Kate. I'm an expert in this field. If I say the horse needs the surgery, I'm certain you would get the same opinion if you asked another of my fellow professionals.”

Kate accepted the statement and left Corneila to her deliberations over the horse's medical care. She had enough time to shower, change, and get to the airport for her flight. Guess there’s no point in calling the track and having Lena worry over the horse. It’s better that she comes home with everything already taken care of. With the happy thought of Lena’s homecoming in her mind, she jogged toward the main ranch house.

†

Corneila had watched the owner of Merridoc and the head trainer become closer and closer. She repeatedly asked Kate on dates but she always declined—not good for her ego. Kate was her quest and she resented Lena’s increasing intrusion into the woman’s life. Lena had barely spoken to her in the months since she'd arrived on Merridoc and that was another blow to her pride. She recalled how explosive a lover Lena had been and could only imagine what she must be like now. She had grown into a beautiful, self-assured woman that had people falling for her at every turn. It was amazing that no one caught her by now. Although, with the presence of Kate Lawrence perched on her shoulder, it wasn't too surprising.

She eyed the young owner of Merridoc jog away and Corneila smiled knowing she at last had the opportunity to carry out her plan. This would surely drive the two women apart and Corneila would be there to pick up the pieces. Yes, she would enjoy the fireworks she was sure would occur. After all, she was the qualified vet with the training and knowledge, who could fault her? An evil laugh ensued as she prepared for the surgery.

†

Lena had arrived two days ahead of schedule with three first place ribbons and trophies in hand. To say she was ecstatic over the outcome, was putting it mildly, the only downside was Kate’s not being there to share it with her. Tonight she had, what she considered to be, a cast iron date with Kate that would be the icing on the cake for her. Lena whistled as she drove up to the main house. She was disappointed to learn from Carmen that Kate wasn't due back from Baltimore until that afternoon.

Disappointed, Lena headed for the stables to check out the unloading of the horses and find out what happened in her absence. She was eager to take Brownsley for a training session and Kate’s delay would give her time to take care of the horses with enough left over to shower and change before seeking out her friend for their date.

At Brownsley's stall, Lena saw a handler gently swabbing the horse's left hoof. “What's happened to her?”

The young trainer turned at the voice of the head trainer and flashed a smile of welcome.

“Ms Corkill, Brownsley will be pleased to see you. She's recovering from the surgery that Ms Lawrence had the vet carry out. Hopefully she can go back into training next week.”

Lena jerked her head at the mention of Kate and the vet in the same sentence. “What the hell is going on here?” She opened the stall door and moved closer to the mare before gently soothing her flanks in a friendly gesture. “Let me get closer, Jimmy.”

The lad moved closer to the gate.

Lena crouched and gently picked up the hoof and studied the results of the surgery. Lena said nothing as she let the lad complete his tendering. She walked briskly to the fence where young horses were playing in the field and she shaded her eyes from the glare of the sunlight. Why did Kate give permission to Corneila to carry out this obviously unnecessary surgery on my horse? Kate had gone too far. We agreed that Corneila wouldn't practice any surgery on any of the horses unless I specified that it was okay. Her heart was racing as righteous anger filled her mind. Did she even bother to get a second opinion? I doubt it.

She jogged to her ranch house and went inside. It didn’t take her long to rifled through her desk until she found the document. It is time that Kate realized she couldn't toy with her when it came down to her professionalism, integrity, and work ethic. “Kate will be home in a few hours and then we will talk. . .by, God, we'll talk specifically about this little episode.”

Lena sat at her piano taking deep breaths as she tried to squelch her anger. She began playing Arabesque by Debussy in hopes of quieting the rage that didn’t want to dissipate. How could Kate do this? Her anger increased. She continued to play running her fingers over the keys letting the music reflect the anger and betrayal she felt. The music stopped and Lena got up. She’d wait at Kate’s house for her return.

†

The flight had been relaxing as Kate found herself lost in fantasies of Lena and their upcoming date. Now, entering her house, Carmen informed her that Lena was waiting in the study. It was an unexpected surprise but since all three horses had won their individual races, she didn’t find it alarming. She looking forward to seeing her friend and the anticipation of the night of privacy they planned.

Kate was grinning as she opened the door to the study and noticed Lena standing rigid at the window. The stance clearly indicated that she wasn't a happy.

“Lena you're earlier than I expected.”

Lena moved in a whirl and surprised Kate when she held her shoulders in a vice like grip. “Why? Why did you disregard everything we agree to when I came here?” Lena glowered at Kate.

Kate looked into cold blue eyes hurt at the accusation thrown in her direction. “I haven't. I didn't. What are you talking about, Lena?” She felt the trainer’s grip tighten and her body reacted with tension.

“Brownsley. You let Corneila do unnecessary surgery on my horse.”

Kate gasped at the continued pressure on her on her shoulders and the anger emanating from Lena. “Corneila said she needed surgery and I thought that you would be pleased that you didn't have to worry about it as it would all be over by the time you came back.” Kate tried to rationalize her decision. “She said she needed it or she wouldn't be capable of going the long distances.”

Kate could see what she thought was disgust in Lena’s eyes and voice.

“You trusted her with one of my horses when we specifically agreed that I would be consulted. But you went right ahead and let that woman operate on Brownsley. Who gave you the right?”

Kate’s anger escalated. The physical pain that Lena was inflicting was nothing in comparison to the insult to her reasoning powers. It was after all, her property and her horses. “I gave me the right, Lena. I own Merridoc and all the horses on the farm. Have you had forgotten that small point. I had every right to make that decision. I made it in a rational and professional manner. Will you please release my shoulders?” Angry blue eyes bore into her. “Lena, you're hurting me.” She felt tears began to well.

Lena released her grip. Kate staggered and Lena caught her and released her gently once Kate regained her equilibrium. “You're right of course, Ms Lawrence. This is your property and they are your horses. Forgive me for my lack of attention to that detail. One thing I do know for sure—you don't own me and I'm no longer going to work here. As of now, you can find yourself another trainer and farm manager.” Lena turned on her heels.

Kate, shocked at Lena's dismissal of the airtight contract, took in a sharp intake of breath. “You can't do that, Lena. I have a contract that still has some years to run.”

Lena turned back to the Kate and gave her a superficial smile that didn't reach her eyes. “Yes we did have a contract, but I have just revoked it as per the amendment schedule I have here in my hand.”

Kate couldn’t keep the shock from showing on her face.

Lena gave a cold laugh. “Did Louis forget to mention the small amendment we agreed upon? It stipulates I can leave at any time if I see fit.” Lena paused. “I see by the astounded look on your face  he didn't.”

Kate was shocked, upset, and wounded by the betrayal and dishonesty of her friend in not coming clean on the amendment to the contract earlier. “You're leaving?” She saw Lena open the door.

“Right first time, Kate, see you around.” With that, Lena went out of the door. Kate saw the three trophies and ribbons in a row on her desk and the sight caused her tears to flow and her heart to break. What will happen now? Kate stood at the window watched Lena get in her truck and drive away. Her tears flowed for losing what could have been.

†

In the dark shadows of the barn, Corneila watched as the truck drove away and sneered before it grew into an evil grin. Her plan was in motion and she would bide her time before moving in on the heart broken owner. Then, she will be mine.

Chapter Six

Jealousy, Hurt, and Anger

For all of her success in business, Kate failed miserably in her relationship with the farm’s trainer. She paced around Lena’s ranch house touching the grand piano lovingly as she fantasized about silver linings and the privacy of the ranch house. What am I going to do to get Lena back in my life? What a fool I was. She wanted to blame Lena for pushing her to anger but she knew that it was her fault and hers alone. She had made a bargain with Lena and had broken it and now she was paying the consequences of her actions. How do I get her back? She crawled into Lena’s bed and took in the wonderful aroma that she recognized. Soon she was fast asleep, dreaming of the woman who had her heart only to wake and realize her grievous mistake.

It didn’t take long after Lena left Merridoc, for Kate’s father to call. “Kate, you know the reputation of a farm relies heavily on the trainer. It’s as important as the horses, maybe more so.”

“I know, Dad.” Kate sat at the baby grand, gently touching the keys.

“What are you going to do for a trainer? Better yet, what are you going to do to get Corkill back?”

Kate sighed. Please don’t lecture me. Merridoc is my venture, Dad, and I will take care of it.” Her heart was breaking and the farm and business held no interest for her.

“Well someone needs to lecture you, Kate. How did you let this happen? You have too much invested and losing your top notch trainer can ruin everything you’ve worked so hard for.”

“I know. Don’t worry, you know me, I always bounce back.” She wanted to sound light and unconcerned and knew she failed miserably.  She heard her dad sigh and she knew he would not pursue the conversation any further. For that, she was grateful.

“Okay, I will trust you to make it right. Why don’t you give your mom a call? She’d like to hear from you.”

“I will, Dad. Bye.”

Kate knew that she needed to talk with someone who understood and could give her sound advice. She dialed a familiar number.

†

“Hello.”

“Mom, what am I going to do?”

“Katie, what’s happened?”

“I lost her, Mom. She’s gone and I don’t know what to do.”

Thanks to Carmen, Belinda Lawrence knew what her daughter was speaking about, but wanted her to tell the story. “Lost? Who did you lose, honey?”

“Lena, I’ve lost Lena, she’s left.”

Belinda recalled Kate’s face when she spoke of the trainer—it shone with happiness. “Lena? Your trainer at Merridoc is gone. I’m surprised, especially after the three wins at Hialeah. What happened?”

“I messed up big time, Mom.”

“How?”

“I betrayed her. I let the vet operate on  a horse she was personally training without consulting her.”

“Why would you do something like that, Kate? Was it an emergency?”

Kate blew out a breath. “No, it wasn’t. I was in a hurry to get to the airport and the vet came at me with this problem she thought needed to be fixed.” Kate sobbed. “And I let her. I could have called Hialeah and gotten a hold of her somehow but I didn’t.”

“Do you think she was out of line for being angry?”

“No, I know I messed up. . .I didn’t think she’d be so mad. What should I do, Mom? How do I get her back?”

Belinda smiled into the phone. For all her practical understanding in the business world, her daughter certainly lost in the relationship department. Kate was the consummate flirt who rarely followed up with actions. But, something was different when she spoke of the trainer. Belinda could tell that Kate was smitten, but at the same time, her daughter felt out of her element.

“Katie, have you tried to call her?”

“Mom, if you’d seen the look in her eyes, you wouldn’t ask that. I think she hates me.” Kate sobbed. “I don’t know what to do or how to act.”

“What are you feeling, sweetheart?”

“Sadness, anger, hurt, betrayal—most of all I feel empty. Does that make sense? I miss her, Mom.”

Belinda smiled again. She’s such a child in the affairs of the heart. “Yes, it makes perfect sense. Give it a few days and then give her a call. You will know what to do when you hear her voice.”

“I'm not sure I can do that. Merridoc belongs to me and I have the right to make any decision I want.”

“Katie, you just told me you were in the wrong so why are you so angry?”

“Because. . . oh, I don’t know. . .if I can’t make the decisions as I see them then what am I doing here?”

“Will you settle down for a moment and listen to me?”

“Sure.”

“If you do nothing, Katie, that's exactly what you'll get. If she's important to you, it doesn't matter who was right or wrong. Don't let pride ruin something special in your life.” She heard her daughter’s muffled intake of breath. “Katie, remember that when something is important it is worth the fight. Build a bridge before it is too late.”

“I will try. Thanks for listening, Mom. I love you.”

“Anytime, Katie, I love you too. Let me know how it works out.”

“I will. Bye.”

†

Kate hung up the phone and left Lena’s house. She was going to the barn to check on Brownsley vowing that the horse would come to no harm.

“Hello there, Kate.”

Startled, Kate turned to see Corneila standing in the shadows of Brownsley’s stall. “What the hell are you doing there?”

Corneila laughed. “I’m checking on the horse, I am the vet here.” She moved out of the darkness toward Kate. “The horse is coming along just fine. She should be ready for full training shortly.”

“Great, that's good to hear.” Kate looked the horse over.

“Kate, would you like to join me for dinner tonight? We could go from here when I’m done for the day. Of course, I will need to go by my home to shower, but then we could go to a quiet, out of the way place I know.”

Kate gave the vet her nicest smile. “Sorry, not tonight. I need to get going—looks like that bandage needs to be changed.” She pointed to Brownsley’s hoof. “Make sure you do that before you leave.” Kate almost got the barn door when she stopped and turned around. “Lena said the surgery was unnecessary, Corneila. I am going to consult another vet and if I find that you did an unnecessary surgery on Brownsley you will no longer work here.” She narrowed her eyes. “Do I make myself clear?”

“Completely.”

“Good, now change that bandage.” Kate turned on her heel and marched out of the barn.

†

Corneila felt the venom of Kate’s words but wasn’t worried and let a sly smile fill her lips. “Lena won’t come back. . .I should know. Once she makes up her mind—especially if she feels betrayed—she’ll have nothing to do with you. It will only be a matter of time, Kate, and then you will be mine.” An evil laugh filled the barn causing the horses to whinny and stomp their hooves. “Stop fighting what I have in store for you, Kate. And, what a delight it will be to take you.”

The vet turned back to the horse. “I wonder what would happen if this precious horse came up lame? Guess we’d have to put her down and that will finish them forever. Hmmm. I’ll have to think on that.

†

Seymour Corkill sat in his wheelchair on the front porch watching his daughter lean against the corral fence. She had arrived at the farm two weeks earlier angrier than he’d ever seen her. She acted like a bear with a sore head ever since steadfastly refusing to discuss why she was there and not at Merridoc. He heard her in the night roaming around the house before the screen door slammed indicating she went outside. From the looks of her she hadn’t eaten much either—more likely than not, she didn’t show up at meal times. His wife and in-laws tried to engage Lena in conversation but met with grunted one word answers.

“Hello, Seymour,” Sue Richardson said.

“Sue, you are a sight for sore eyes. Thanks for coming.”

“What happened, Seymour? Why is Lena here and not at Merridoc?”

“Damned if I know. She won’t tell any of us why she’s here. In fact, she says nothing at all most of the time.” Seymour readjusted himself in the wheelchair. “I’m worried about her. She doesn’t eat, she doesn’t sleep, she just stands out there by that corral or she’s off riding to God only knows where.”

“I’ll talk with her and see if I can find out what’s going on.”

“I’d appreciate that.”

Sue smiled at the man she saw as a father figure and began walking toward the corral and Lena.

†

Lena watched the prancing of Dustwind in the field noting that he certainly was a wonderful example of superior breeding. Although, it seemed she was concentrating on the stallion's activities, her mind was definitely on the blonde woman with the green eyes. Lena arrived unexpectedly at her family’s home after her altercation with Kate. In her hasty departure from Merridoc, she only brought what she could throw into a suitcase, along with the unpacked one from the Hialeah trip. All her other personal possessions were left behind, including her piano. In the past, she found solace in playing heavy pieces when relationships floundered and light ones when they flourished.

The sadness was different from any she had ever experienced before—the loss of Kate was consuming her life. She instigated the separation, but Kate completely disregarded her opinion when it came to the vet. It is obvious that she lacks trust in my skills as a trainer. If Kate can't trust my judgment, we can’t have much more than a superficial relationship. “Guess I was fooling myself in thinking Kate was interested in a long-term friendship that would evolve into a romance.”

So caught up in her thoughts, Lena didn’t notice her friend Sue approaching until Sue was standing next to her.

“Hi, Lena.” Sue smiled as she propped herself up against the fence next to the taller woman. “It’s not like you to let someone sneak up on you. Must have been some heavy thinking you were doing.”

Lena chose to ignore the remark. “Hi, yourself. How's the family?” Lena tried to smile—she couldn’t.

“Paul and Fiona are well, what about you?”

“Not doing bad.” Lena looked off into the distance. She needed a diversion from her anxiety over Kate and was glad for Sue’s visit. “Hey, how would you like to join me for lunch today?”

“Sure, thought you'd never ask.” Sue linked her arm in her friend’s and they moved away from the fence.

“How about the Western Spur?” It was a local favorite, known for great ambiance and excellent food.

“Works for me.” Sue climbed into Lena’s truck and smiled once again. “This is going to be great, just like old times. We can giggle and share secrets and do the fashion police thing.”

At last, a genuine smile crossed Lena’s face. “We did have good times, didn’t we? I’m glad you came by, Sue.” Then she turned the key and they set off for town. This was just what Lena needed—two old friends out together without the entanglements of love.

†

Outwardly, Kate was the beautiful, confident, and successful owner of Merridoc Farms; inwardly her heart was breaking. She hadn’t heeded her mother’s advice and stubbornly refused to call Lena and work things out. Although she knew in her heart she was mostly to blame for Lena leaving, she now blamed Lena for not respecting her as the owner of Merridoc—it was her farm and she didn’t have to ask others for permission to do anything regarding the farm or the horses.

Kate finally succumbed to Corneila Cambridge’s barrage of messages and phone calls and agreed to meet her for a meal. She had dressed specifically today to impress her lunch date but here heart wasn’t in cooperating. Her head said it might be time to move on—her heart didn’t agree. But, she would try to leave Lena behind. What will it hurt? It’s not as if she’s attempted to contact me even to take back her piano. That fact alone gave Kate a sliver of hope that she and Lena would reconcile.

Once the news spread that Lena had left Merridoc unexpectedly, Corneila pressed home her advantage and hounded Kate for a date until she eventually relented. She only needed to get her foot in the door. Considering Kate’s fragile state of mind, it would be easy to woo her and ultimately take her. It took two weeks and numerous invitations, but finally Kate relented and accepted a lunch date. Corneila smiled knowing that her plan was finally taking shape. She will be mine and I will exact my revenge on that bitch, Lena. Now, watching Kate walk toward her, she could feel herself react in anticipation of bedding the woman.

“Hi, Corneila. How are you today?” Kate asked.

“Great now that you’re here.” Corneila slid her arm into Kate’s as they walked toward the Western Spur and was pleasantly surprised when the gesture didn’t meet with rebuke.

Kate chatted amicably about the weather and the farm as they approached and entered the restaurant.

As Corneila spoke to the waiter about a table, Kate scanned the room and the occupants. Her senses picked up the tall presence of the woman who haunted her dreams. There, in a discreet corner, she and a companion were sitting, laughing and having, what appeared to be a good time. Lena's body language was relaxed and familiar with the woman opposite her. Kate's stomach flipped over several times and she felt the stab of jealousy aim itself, with precision, into her heart. Lena seems so happy—has she forgotten me already? I should go over there and douse her with water. Her emotions raged relentlessly.

Corneila gently touched her arm to indicate the waiter was ready to seat them.

Well two can play this game. Kate linked her arm in the vet’s and strolled leisurely toward the table intentionally steering Corneila past Lena’s table.

Shocked, Lena shook her head at the vision strolling toward her. There, on the arm of the vet, was the woman who had not been out of her thoughts for the past two weeks. Lena held her breath as Kate closed the distance between them. She desperately wanted to stand up and take Kate in her arms, but stopped as Kate silently glided by, neither speaking nor glancing in her direction. Lena remained glued to her seat with an unfocused, hurt expression on her face.

Is Kate seeing that woman? Her mind was whirling with so many possibilities that she had a hard time keeping up with them. Wasn't our friendship worth anything at all? Now I know why Kate allowed the surgery to Brownsley—she’s obviously involved with that woman. God, why does it hurt so much? I should just forget her and get on with my life. Lena was confused, injured and felt her world collapsing. How could I have been so wrong? Even now, seeing Kate with Corneila, Lena’s heart cried out for the woman. No matter what happened, she couldn’t stop thinking or dreaming of her.

Sue watched as Kate Lawrence had walked past their table. “Are you okay, Lena?”

Lena regained her composure and gave Sue a weak smile. “Yeah, guess I must have indigestion or something.”

Sue smiled at her friend and patted the hand resting on the table. “How about we leave and tomorrow we try again. I'll bring Fiona. What do you say?”

Lena smiled at the mention of her godchild. “Yeah, good idea.” She shrugged. “Maybe they'll take the reason for my indigestion off the menu.”

Sue looked at her friend and smiled. “You know that I am always here for you, Lena. You can tell me anything.”

“I know and I appreciate that but talking isn’t going to change anything.”

Sue touched Lena’s hand again. “If a horse had a shoe boil you’d drain it and treat the underlying cause but if you let it go it will eventually become infected. The longer you leave it the harder the treatment, Lena.” Her eyes fixed on Lena. “Don’t let that happen.”

Lena scrapped her chair back and stood. “Let’s go.” She knew the analogy her friend was drawing and but refused to acknowledge the truth behind the words. Kate did not trust her and until she gave her an apology, Lena refused to contact the woman.

Lena and Sue left the restaurant and its occupants.

Kate watched Lena and her friend leave the restaurant and her mind went into overdrive. Where are they going, what will they do? Did I mean so little to her that she could cast me aside so quickly? No matter how charming and attentive Corneila was, Kate’s heart was breaking, and that colored her lunch date. The meal became a chore as she carried the conversations on without enthusiasm. She didn’t notice the look on the vet’s face.

Corneila was fuming. She finally had Kate where she wanted her and who do they run into—the bitch. Everything she did or said received halfhearted replies and smiles. She will be mine. No way am I letting her go now that she’s accepted me into her life. Lena will pay for this big time. Her mind strayed back to Brownsley and the progress the mare was making. Yes, she will pay.

†

Kate arrived in town for an appointment with her lawyers with a half an hour to spare. While walking down the main street, she glanced into the shop windows with disinterest—her natural effervescent nature subdued. Her world shattered the day before, when she saw Lena and her date. She caught a reflection in a store’s window and turned her unbelieving eyes to what was happening on the street.

She saw the tall back of Lena Corkill putting a child’s bicycle into the back of a truck. The child then hugged the tall woman who lifted her off her feet and swung her round. They were obviously were having a good time as they were laughing at the playful display. Kate wasn't sure why she continued to watch, but she did, her heart rapidly beat to a tempo she tried to ignore.

Lena walked around to the driver’s side of the truck and hugged the woman Kate had seen her with the day before. Even though the woman and child were leaving separately, it was clear they were very friendly, and to Kate's jealous mind, too friendly—much too friendly.

Lena continued to wave to the child until the truck was out of sight. Lena turned and moved toward her truck.

Kate was angry, upset, jealous and in love. Nothing was more aggravating than to have your emotions revealed in the middle of Main Street. She took her emotions in hand and stomped toward Lena intent on getting to her before she left.

“You...you couldn't even wait a decent period of time could you?” Kate was inches from Lena's face as she threw out the accusation and pointed her finger at the dim outline of the vehicle, which held Lena's friends.

†

Stunned by the voracious attack, Lena didn’t have time to say anything since Kate turn on her heel and stomp away at break neck speed. What the hell just happened?

Lena shook her head and gave out a hearty laugh, as she finally understood the meaning of the words Kate angrily threw in her face. Kate was jealous, completely eaten up with the emotion. It was exactly how she acted yesterday when saw Kate with Corneila. Damn this feels good. Now we both know the score. The problem needed talking to clear up the issues and it didn’t look like that was going to happening any time soon. Damn, pride. I won’t be the first to give in—she started it by letting the vet do unnecessary surgery. Shit, what am I going to do? Lena considered all her available answers to this dilemma as she absently climbed into her truck for the ride home.

Chapter Seven

Who Says Don Quixote Was The Only One With A Quest?

Kate was miserable. She hadn't meant to confront Lena with her jealous anger, but it happened. Her hope, that Lena would contact her to discuss her comment, didn’t happen, which broke her heart even more. As hard as she tried, she couldn't muster the reserves necessary to banter with the employees as she had done in the past. On more than one occasion, the workers asked if Lena was coming back and if Kate was going to replace her soon. The training continued as per Lena’s rigorous schedule allowing the horses to be fit for this year at least. Kate knew that before winter, she needed a replacement for Lena, or the plans for Merridoc would fall by the wayside.

Now, Kate’s heart didn't care about Merridoc or its future. Her thoughts were on one stubborn and beautiful, blue-eyed woman who captured her heart and convinced it that it would only ever be happy when it was close to hers. Yet, we were only ever friends? I thought we were. Lena haunted her every thought and dream. How do I get her back?

She watched as Dr. Matlack, who was close to her father's age, was not only a friend of the family, but a reputable and noted veterinarian, came toward her.

“Kate, my dear, about the mare, Brownsley is the name, right?” He was a kind man whose arrival at Merridoc came at the request of her father.

Kate had meant to follow up on her threat to Kate about consulting another vet but with Lena occupying her ever thought she hadn’t done it yet. Her father had called her the day before and told her his friend Richard Matlack would be in the area and was coming to Merridoc to look at Brownsley. Her father didn’t allow any discussion on the matter. Kate was furious with him.

“She's fine, Kate, she's recovered very well from the surgery, but. . .” The older man looked at Kate who had her arms crossed.

“But?” Kate was aggravated with the situation with Lena, but also at the intrusion of her father in the events at Merridoc. She didn’t need Daddy interfering with her business decisions. But the man was there now and it would put to rest the controversy surrounding Brownsley’s surgery. And, she could go to Lena with the second opinion and prove to the trainer that she was right in what she did.

“It was an unnecessary procedure and could have caused difficulty if the mare hadn't been well tended after the surgery. Furthermore, I'm not sure further problems won't arise from this particular surgery. Why did your head trainer approve this? Lena Corkill is an excellent judge of form in a horse. It's not like her to miss something like this.”

Kate looked at him as her anger flared. “She didn't, I approved this treatment with the professional advice of Dr. Cambridge, Merridoc’s veterinarian.”

The older man smiled at her warmly. “I see. There have been rumors, of course, about some of Dr. Cambridge's decisions. . .especially when it comes to her professional reputation.”

Kate listened intently. This would either confirm or blow out of the water what Lena implied, that first day on Merridoc. I’m going to find out the truth one way or the other. “Go on.”

“Well, it's known in some circles that Dr. Cambridge considers that putting an animal down, rather than admitting her surgery hadn't cured the problem, is fairly common. Not to mention, you have one of the most powerful reasons for her wanting to hurt animals on your property—Lena Corkill.”

Kate sucked in a sharp intake of breath.

“There are rumors, and only Ms Corkill would be in a position to confirm them, of course, that Dr. Cambridge is exceptionally jealous of Lena for apparently dumping her years ago in Lexington. The problem was so severe that Dr. Cambridge had to move to Florida.” There was a slight hesitation. “She did have quite the reputation around the racing circuit there for her numerous affairs. There must have been fireworks when those two met up again.” He shook his head. “I imagine it was quite a scene.”

Kate turned her head away from the older man so he couldn't see the tears of frustration her ignorance and stupidity caused. “Yeah, fireworks is a good analogy. No one struck a match around those two. Do you know what Lena's nickname is for Corneila?”

Dr. Cambridge shook his head.

Cruella.”

The older man laughed. “An apt description.”

Once she had seen Dr. Matlack to his car, Kate walked back to her house with a heavy heart. The information she received from the doctor was overwhelming and distressing. Lena was right about everything. I was so blind and prideful that I didn't take the time to consider if Lena's information had any merit. Now, what am I going to do?

Kate didn’t have a clue or even a starting point.

†

Lena had been doing meaningless tasks for her father and it was getting on everyone's nerves. It was her miserable attitude that finally prompted Seymour to take his daughter aside and hope that he could talk some sense into her. He had to try.

“Look, Lena, we love you, but you're driving us all crazy. Either you go and talk to the girl or you get over it pronto.” Seymour saw the flash of anger appear in her cobalt blue eyes looking just like her mother when she was upset and angry.

“Dad, it's not that simple.”

“Isn't it? You love her, so go and tell her and stop all this meaningless heartache.”

“Dad, please. I want to talk to her, I really do, but it's hard. I was the one who exploded. I didn't even give her a chance to explain.” Lena collapsed to sit on the hard wood of the porch next to her father’s wheelchair.

He placed a gentle hand on her dark locks and stroked them much as he would a skittish, nervous filly. The wonderful woman sitting beside him was his pride and joy; yet, he knew in his heart that she was wrong. “I love you, Lena. I don't like seeing you like this. Wouldn’t it be better to go and talk to Kate instead of allowing this to escalate? Everything worth having in life, honey, comes with a price attached. Perhaps yours is shedding that damn pride and going cap in hand to win her back.”

“If that was all it asked of me, then I'd be there now.” Lena gazed toward the farm entrance.

“What else is there, Lena?”

Lena lowered her head and shook it. “I feel like…okay, I didn’t… Oh, I don’t know.”

“Why do you persist in putting obstacles in the way of wonderful opportunities? Kate Lawrence certainly is worth the effort, Lena.”

“I need to consider all the options, Dad. Think I'll go fishing I could do with the peace and quiet and it will give me time to think. Thanks for the advice, Dad. I love you too.” Lena pulled herself up from the deck and kissed her father's cheek before she walked toward the barn to collect her fishing rod and tackle box stored there.

Seymour shook his head as he watched her mount her horse and ride away toward the river.

When Anna brought out iced tea for Seymour and Lena, she glanced in the direction of her husband's gaze. “Will she be all right?”

Smiling at his wife, he held out his hand for her to hold, as she sat in the chair closest to his wheelchair. “Yes, of course she will, honey. She's our daughter and at some stage, she's going to take the initiative with that little lady over at Merridoc, who has captured her heart, and will never know what hit her.”

They both watched Lena and her horse become a small pinpoint in the distance. Although they were concerned, they knew that Lena would reach her own decision only after weighting every avenue.

The Love Avenue was new to her, and obviously, it would take a little getting used to on Lena's part.

†

Kate had finally given in to her other great love—riding her horse along the river. I would bring her a measure of peace that she sorely needed. Now, after her father’s vet had confirmed everything that Lena implied months ago was true, she was conflicted and confused. For Kate, the most distressing news was that Lena and Corneila were lovers. All she wanted was to love Lena and for Lena to return that love unconditionally.

Gently kicking her horse to a full gallop, she let the wind blow in her face as she tried to erase her thoughts. She needed her mind to be completely clear before she could make a judgment on what to do. Off in the distance, she saw a familiar horse. Kate reined her horse to a slow trot as they drew nearer. She was positive that under the cluster of old live oaks the grey horse tethered close to the river’s edge belonged to Lena. No other horse had the same coloring as the mare that Lena rode with arrogance as the horse and rider were at one with each other. Kate considered the problem—to move on or to stop and talk. Although she felt hesitant, she took a sharp intake of the thick afternoon air, and dismounted. As she approached the back of her tall friend, she saw the relaxed stance leaning back against a log with a fishing rod held leisurely in her hand.

Kate was feeling trepidation and a complex mix of other emotions as she approached her friend. Why is it always so simple in the movies?

“Lena.” Kate softly entreated the other woman to turn and look at her.

Lena turned, put her rod and reel down, moved from her position at the riverbank, and took a few steps to be closer to Kate. She pulled her into an embrace that left no doubt in Kate's mind that they both felt the same emotional upheaval.

Their first kiss was an exploration of the senses that burst any conceivable bubble of knowledge Kate had ever experienced in previous relationships. The melding of bodies that hungered for the touch of the other and only that one person could quench the torrent of fire that raced in her veins. When they finally came up for air, Kate attempted to speak but Lena refused and plundered her lips again and continued to stop each attempt Kate made to speak. The kisses were intimate and sensual.

Kate finally gave up all coherent attempts at speech and felt herself sinking down onto the lush ground. She became a willing prisoner joining Lena on the thick, green grass, underneath the ancient oaks. All the months of flirting and frustration came to a head as lips, hands and fingers feverishly moved over eager bodies. Kate laid her head on Lena's chest to still the tumult of emotions that threatened to wash them away.

“I love you, Lena.” Kate’s lips skimmed Lena’s collarbone. Lena’s checked shirt that lay open revealing perfect breasts making the temptation to suckle them irresistible.

Lena held her hand over her heart in what looked like an attempt to quiet it. “I love you too, Kate...the number of times I've wanted to tell you could go into the record books.” Her hand trailed through the locks of blonde, silky hair under her chin.

“I guess we've been kind of foolish.” Kate, not sure of Lena's reaction, was tentative with her reply. All her fears evaporated when Lena pulled her up so that their faces came close together before kissing her hungrily.

“Never again, Kate, not ever,” Lena said in a breathless voice after releasing Kate from the kiss.

“I'm sorry I didn't understand when you told me about Corneila.” Kate watched the cobalt blue eyes mirror a sadness, which appeared for a split second. Immediately the look became a warm affectionate stare that held her mesmerized.

“I understand, Kate, we can't have old Cruella spoiling this conversation now, can we?” Lena chuckled. “Let’s agree that this is the last time we ever discussed the bitch.”

“She's history, Lena, how can I think of anything or anyone else when you hold me this close.” Kate smiled knowing that particular disastrous event in her life was at an end. Corneila is toast.

“How are you progressing with the plans on Merridoc?” Lena asked her as she nuzzled the Kate's neck. “Mmm, how I’ve missed the familiar smell of your perfume, Kate. It smells of riding and to me is the essence of you.”

Kate tried to concentrate on the question, but couldn't due to Lena's exploration, which started as deep warm penetrating kisses at the side of her face extending down her throat with a gentle sucking of the vein and now Lena was placing numerous moist, kisses on her collarbone. Nothing was permeating her brain except that Kate's body was responding at fever pitch. “I...I...,Lena, you have to stop if you want me to answer anything else today.” Kate groaned as the sexually stimulating kisses stopped dramatically. Hell, she hadn't wanted her to cease the attention. It was only a minor comment.

“Oh, and I thought you were enjoying my brand of attention,” Lena said.

“I am, I was. Oh, God, Lena, what am I going to do with you?” Kate cradled the beautiful features of her friend in her hands.

“Anything at all, this time there will be no distraction, Kate. It's going to be you and me and a very private house that my boss has gallantly provided for me and she wants me to test out her theory of privacy.”

“Yeah, I think I remember that conversation and now would be as good a time as any to check out the theory. Can't upset the boss now, can we.” Kate tugged at Lena’s shirt as she buttoned it before they got up off the ground.

Lena pulled Kate into her arms, placing gentle, seductive kisses along Kate's jawbone. Arms wrapped around Kate pulling her closer. Lena stared l into the green eyes. “I never want to let you go. I love you, Kate. Please be patient with me for this is all so new.”

Kate stood on her toes and kissed Lena. “Only if you will be patient with me…the love I feel for you is so overwhelming.”

Lips met once again as searing kisses began anew, reigniting the smoldering fire Kate felt only moments before. Once they finally pulled apart, Kate cleared her throat. “What do you say we go find a more comfortable place?”

Lena smiled as she took the smaller hand and guided them toward the horses. Once they mounted their horses, they rode side by side holding hands.

Kate was euphoric at the warmth of Lena’s hand in hers as they chatted about everything under the sun. They were heading for Merridoc to test the privacy theory—she couldn’t hide her smile.

“I love seeing you smile.”

“It’s all because of you.”

The sun's rays chased away a rain cloud creating a warm glow for the afternoon ahead. They took the horses into the barn giving them over to the stable hand.

†

“Make sure you cool them down properly, Hank.” Lena said with a lilt in her voice.

“Welcome back, Lena.” Hank took the two horses.

Lena glanced at Kate, smiled, and spoke to her green eyes. “It’s good to be back.” She took Kate’s hand and kissed it gently. “Shall we go see what the ranch house has in store for us?”

Kate’s arms went around Lena’s neck as she kissed her soundly. “I’m more interested in what you have in store for me,” she whispered.

†

As Lena and Kate neared the entrance of the barn, a figure stepped further back into the dark recesses of a stall. Once they passed, she moved out of the darkness and her cold, hard eyes watched them walk away hand in hand. An audible growl filled the air as Corneila clenched her fist. “You’re going to be sorry, bitch. And, you, Kate, you will pay for this betrayal.” Her teeth clenched in rage as she walked purposely toward Brownsley’s stall.

Once she was in Brownsley’s stall, Corneila opened her medical bag and withdrew a syringe and a small vile. She stabbed the needle into the rubber stopper, pulled back on the syringe’s plunger, and withdrew a deadly amount from the vile.

Agitated, Brownsley began to snort and move around as though he was trying to escape. Corneila was far enough away from the tethered horse that she didn’t fear him stomping on her. “Won’t be long now…your days are about over.”

“Hey, girl, what’s got you so riled up?” Hank asked as he peered into the stall. “Oh, Doc it’s you.”

Corneila, caught off guard when she heard Hank’s voice began fumbling with the syringe that she managed to drop into the hay just as he looked at her. “Hi, Hank. I’m just checking on her hoof. She seems a bit spooked for some reason.”

Hank furled his brow. “Really? That’s strange—nothing ever seems to bother her.” He opened the gate and he began stroking the horse’s head. “I’ll take her out for a short walk that should settle her down.”

“Good idea, Hank. Go ahead and take him I’m done for now.”

“Okay, Come on big boy let’s get you some fresh air.”

Corneila watched the horse leave with a scowl on her face. Her chance was lost for the time being but she knew it was be only a matter of time before she made them pay. “And pay they will.” She retrieved the syringe and gathered the rest of her equipment before leaving the stall.

†

Their naked bodies entwined, as lips met in deep passionate kisses. The need for more was irresistible as tongues battled for dominance before they began a slow, beautiful dance. Fingers glided over the skin they longed to touch, as the bodies struggled to become even closer.

Gentle, yet arousing kisses were placed on cheeks, eyes, and necks. Each one lovingly placed before their lips, once again, locked in desire.

Pulling back from the ravenous lips, Lena gazed lovingly into Kate’s eyes. “I never knew I could feel like this.” She whispered. “I love you, Kate.”

Moving so her breast was dangling seductively over Kate’s face, she lowered her mouth onto a waiting nipple while Kate sucked in hers. Hungrily the women feasted on the delicious morsels regaling in the feel of the hard nub against their tongues. Fingers continued exploring and touching, never wanting to lose contact.

“I need you.” Kate growled as she pulled Lena in for a searing kiss.

Each set of fingers began exploring as they made their way down taut abdomens and through soft silky curls to the wet, sleek centers. It was as if they were one as fingers slid in time across the velvety skin. As fingers circled the swollen nub, the arousal each felt increased to a fever pitch. Each woman moaned when fingers lightly pinched, then twisted the engorged area. Their breathing ragged, as they cried out in delight from the powerful feelings.

The need for complete release reached a fever pitch as fingers slid into hot, wet recesses before sliding back out only to be plunged deep again. Fingers repeatedly worked their magic as they became lost in the primal feeling. As the tempo increased, their bodies arced into the relentless fingers, demanding release.

Their intimate world exploded as wave upon wave of desire rocked them. Each spasm built until one, final shattering explosion released them, quivering from the power. Lying nestled in each other’s arms, they continued to feel the tremors of their love.

“Hmm. I love you, Lena.” Kate whispered into Lena’s neck.

Turning her head, Lena kissed her lover’s forehead. “I love you, too, Kate.”

Soon lips found their way to each other and once again, they began to soar into the heights of passion.

Chapter Eight

When Love Rides Away With Your Heart

Lena and Kate walked hand in hand around the ranch in the early evening.

“You’re back to stay, aren’t you, Lena?” Kate’s voice held a tentative edge.

Lena turned and smiled and ran a finger across Kate’s cheek. “If that’s what you want, my love that is what I will do.”

“Oh, that’s what I want.” She pulled Lena in for a hug. “I was so lost without you here. The farm, business—everything—had no meaning. All I could do was think of you.”

Lena rested her chin on the blonde head. “Sounds like me. I think my parents wanted to thrash me for my brooding ways. Dad even told me to do something about it or get over it.” She laughed with the words. “He was right of course, and now I am right where I belong…in your arms.”

One more kiss and the couple continued their walk.

“I know for certain one thing needs to be done.” Kate said. “First thing tomorrow morning, I’m exercising my right as owner and kicking Cruella’s sorry ass off my property.”

“Want some help? I’ve done it before so I do have experience in ass kicking.” Lena smiled.

Kate stopped and turned to look into the blue eyes. “No, I hired her and I will fire her. Lena, will you tell me something?”

Cocking her head and raising an eyebrow, Lena nodded. “Okay, if I can.”

Kate heard the caution in Lena’s voice and knew she was taking a big chance, but she had to know. “What happened between you and Corneila?”

Sighing deeply, Lena cast her eyes downward before looking into Kate’s eyes. “Not much to tell, really. We were involved until I found her in bed with Simon’s niece. I threw her out…end of story.”

Kate could see the embarrassment on Lena’s face, but in her eyes, she saw something else—hurt. Her hand reached out and cupped the beautiful face gently. “I will never hurt you like that, Lena.”

“I know.” Lena took Kate in her arms and kissed her gently.

It wasn’t long before the kisses deepened and they once again found themselves exploding with passion.

“I think there are some other places in the house we haven’t explored.” Kate’s said in a low voice.

†

The morning was glorious as Kate walked toward the barn. Lena reluctantly left to take her horse back to her parent’s and get her belongings. Now, Kate needed to clear up the matter of the vet and close that chapter in her life.

“Good morning, Kate,” Corneila said.

“Please come to my office at the house in ten minutes.” Kate’s voice was frosty. “And, bring your belongings with you.” Without another word, she turned and left the barn.

Once Kate was gone, Corneila began throwing her equipment in her bag as she muttered. “Damn, bitch. If they think I’m going to just take this they have another thing coming.” She glanced in the direction of Brownsley’s empty stall and growled. “You will pay, Lena. Count on it.” Then she went to her truck and deposited her belongings before heading for the house.

“Please sit down, Dr. Cambridge.” Kate indicated a chair opposite her desk. “According to your contract, you have ten weeks until it needs to be renewed.”

Corneila sighed in relief certain they were going to negotiate a new contract.

“There is also a clause that allows me to cancel the contract if you have acted in an unprofessional manner or carried out unnecessary or harmful treatments.” Green eyes bore into the vet sitting across from her. “I am exercising that right and want you off my property immediately.”

“You can’t do that!”

Kate closed the folder and smiled. “Yes I can. Now, please have some dignity and leave.”

“I’ll sue you for everything you have. That bitch, Lena knows nothing! I am the professional with a degree, not her.”

“You are welcome to try and sue me, but before you do make sure you show your lawyer these.” Kate handed Corneila photocopies.

Corneila grabbed the papers. “What are these?”

“Affidavits from six reputable veterinarians, all stating the surgery you did on Brownsley was unnecessary and unwise.”

The vet threw the papers in Kate’s face. “How dare you go behind my back? You and that bitch will be sorry… I promise you that.” Corneila turned and walked out of the room slamming the door behind her.

Kate sat back down and blew out a breath. A shiver went down her spine from Corneila’s threat remembering the wild look in the woman’s eyes. “I 'll have to keep on my guard to make sure she doesn’t hurt Lena or the farm.” A smile came to her face at the thought of her lover. “No one will hurt you, my love, I will see to that.”

†

The following two months were wonderful as the two women discovered each other. Kate had shyly asked Lena to move in with her only to have Lena decline.

“Kate, I want to woo you and court you the old fashioned way. If I move in with you we would miss out on that experience.”

After Lena administered her own brand of persuasion, Kate readily agreed to courtship. Every day was a new experience for Kate, besieged with flowers, love notes, whispered words of love and best of all Lena’s love. It was very clear to Kate that Lena was making sure that the woman she loved knew exactly what it was to have someone to romance her and be the center of attention.

Kate enjoyed Lena's romantic overtones and loved the attention, although she gave back her fair share. She left love notes and poems on Lena’s pillow to find after they parted each evening. Many times when Lena was so engrossed in the paperwork Kate would entice her out of the house to watch a sunset or just relax as fireflies lit up the evening.

Their morning workouts and breakfast routine settled down into a natural flow that both women appreciated. During the day, they would talk at frequent intervals just to say I love you or about the plans for Merridoc Farms. It became a ritual for Kate to come across Lena, at the paddock, and together they watched the young horses at play. Kate always held securely in a tight, but comfortable and loving hold by Lena.

One of the biggest surprises for Kate—Lena's voice. She had the most beautiful voice that Kate ever heard. She was constantly amazed when Lena would sing her favorite pieces as she played the piano.

†

On one such evening, while she played and sang, Lena discreetly watched Kate from the corner of her eye as her stare looked as if she were hypnotized. At the end of the piece, Lena put her arms around Kate, hugged her close, and began to tease the ivory keys of the baby grand piano into a famous love song by Cole Porter, ‘Night and Day’.

When Lena completed the song and the musical notes died away, Kate shifted on the bench and faced Lena. Her green eyes were glowing with love and appreciation at the thoughtfulness of the gesture. “I’ve always loves that song, and when you sang it I thought for a moment it was written with us mind. Have I told you recently that I love you?” Kate stole a chaste kiss with warm affection and intense love in her eyes.

“If you mean recently as in over an hour ago…the answers no.” Lena chuckled and rested her forehead on Kate's and smiled.

“Then I guess I'm going to have to tell you every minute of every day. Would that be more to your liking?” Kate wiggled her eyebrows.

Lena gave her a grin and teetered on the brink of kissing the most inviting lips. “I guess that means you want me to be your personal trainer.” Lena gave into her temptation and kissed Kate's lips in a slow, deliberately teasing manner.

They both gasp for air when they eventually released each other.

“I thought you were already my personal trainer, or have I forgotten a clause that you can slip away from me again?”

Lena knew that Kate’s words were in jest and heard no malice or anger attached to her words. “No you haven't forgotten a clause, but maybe I have with you.”

Kate touched the back of her hand caressingly down the side of Lena's face.

Lena shivered in anticipation of what could possibly come next.

“Are you going to enlighten me?” Kate asked.

Lena captured one of Kate's hands and kissed the palm tenderly. “My clause would be that you can never have another personal trainer unless I agree and my word is final. What do you say to that, Kate?” Lena knew her comment had a double meaning. Her declaration was meant to let Kate know that she wanted her in her life totally and not on a part-time basis—as a committed partner.

“I'll agree to the clause if you agree to the same clause with me as your personal trainer?” Kate grinned.

“Kate you have never had any competition with me and you never will. I will agree to the clause. How would you like to seal this deal, my love?” Lena felt her passion reignite.

“Oh I thought maybe you might want to try out a different exercise routine and afterwards have breakfast in bed?”

Lena swept Kate into her strong arms and kissed her passionately.

Chapter Nine

Oh No You Don’t

Excitement crept over Merridoc as preparations for the Kentucky Derby began. It was going to be a great occasion as both Lena and Kate's families were going to join them for the event. The staff at Merridoc along with Kate and Lena worked hard to help Brownsley reach the level of a top race horse. Brownsley finished first in the Lexington and Wither’s Stake races causing a buzz among horse enthusiasts as being the horse to beat.

Kate watched Lena go into the barn where the farrier had set up her equipment to shoe Brownsley. She turned her attention to watch a couple of the jockeys canter by in the training field, when she to hear shouting and a stream of abuses flow from the direction of the barn. A couple of the stable hands wandered over to the barn's entrance to listen to the altercation.

After the initial shouting ceased, a furious Lena walked out of the barn dragging a much larger framed woman behind her. Kate found it hard to believe her eyes.

“If you think for one minute I'm going to put up with your smart ass comments about Ms Lawrence on Merridoc, you're mistaken.” Lena's voice carried an angry growl.

The only time Kate heard that voice was when Lena was really pissed off and wanted to hit something. She noticed the blood that was on the other woman's clothes and looked at Lena. Her lover had blood, not only on her clothes, but also on running down her left arm. That was enough for Kate. She ran to Lena's side grasping the injured arm. “Lena, what's going on?”

“It’s nothing for you to worry about, Kate. We are going to have to find another farrier. Do you have any objections?” Lena looked angrily at the retreating figure of the farrier. “I would have personally kicked her butt into the truck if you hadn’t stopped me.”

Kate looked at the wound with tender concern. After a careful examination, she realized that the injury was superficial and that Lena hadn't come to any great harm. Kate rolled her eyes. “You know something, Lena. If you continue running off the help, we’re going to have to permanently employ a farrier and vet that you’ve handpicked. We’re running out of options here.” Kate chuckled under her breath as she dragged Lena along to tend to her wound.

As they moved away from the people gathered at the barn entrance, one stable hand shouted. “Way to go Lena. Thought she'd nailed you with that hay hook, but you sure are fast out of the gate.” The man and the others laughed then began a chorus of ‘way to go, Lena’.

“Now what exactly happened in there?” Kate asked.

“It's nothing, Kate, let's forget it, shall we.” Lena glanced sheepishly at the Kate who had stopped in her tracks and looked earnestly into her eyes.

“Tell me please…remember we have no secrets?” Kate saw Lena blush as she cleared her throat.

“The stupid bitch was going to make a play for you, so I told her that you were taken and that you wouldn't be interested. She obviously didn't like what I said and I told her to leave. She didn't like that either and was going to come over and see you personally. I kinda took offence to that and told her she would have to go through me to get to you. I guess she thought she had a chance, because she came at me with a hook and I dodged out of the way, but a little too late,” she gestured to her arm, “obviously. I decided that we could do without that type on the property so I escorted her to her vehicle, that's the end of the story.”

Kate looked at her lover and saw all the love and the deep need for her to understand in those amazing eyes. She pulled Lena’s head toward her and kissed her passionately. “You really don't have to get yourself into trouble trying to stop every advance that comes my way you know. I can deal with it in my own way, Lena.” Kate replied once the kiss ended.

Lena shrugged and hung her head.

Kate accepted the defense for what it was; a token of her love. “Lena, next time can you make sure that it isn't someone we need professional services from and that have realize that they may have tools of their trade that can hurt you. Okay?” Kate smiled and noticed the swift change in Lena’s demeanor. “Come on, let's get you patched up, and find another farrier for Brownsley.”

Lena laughed. “No need. You didn't think I'd start trouble before she did what she came here to do, do you, Kate. Shame on you.”

Kate turned back and burst out laughing. It was so like Lena to let the people do the work and then fight it out with them later. What have I let myself in for with this woman? Whatever it is, I don't care. I’m enjoying every damn minute.

A few minutes later, Kate ministered to Lena’s superficial wounded on her left forearm.

“I can’t believe I let that damn woman cut me in the first place.” She grinned. “But…I do get the benefit of your gentle touches while you fix me up.” She grinned and she visualized Kate naked in bed.

Kate looked at Lena and furrowed her brow.

“What?” Lena coughed and looked down at her feet at being caught daydreaming.

Kate smiled slightly as her eyes sparkled with warmth as passion flared too. “Are you doing anything exciting this afternoon other than your normal run of the mill fighting with the professional help and tossing them off the property?”

Lena grinned. “Ah yes, that run of the mill situation. If you want, I can arrange for more of the same anytime. You have to realize that you are one very beautiful woman and somewhere in my contract, it says I get to protect you personally. I kind of like that clause, in fact, I love that clause and everything that goes with it.”

Kate laughed at the comment as she finished tending to Lena’s injury to Lena's forearm. She wrapped her arms around the taller woman's neck and leaned into her. “Can I change that contract just a little?” Kate's voice breathless as she placed her lips on Lena’s.

Lena eventually surfaced from the onslaught of lips that she would never tire of feeling on her body. “Whatever you change on mine, becomes a change on yours, agreed?”

“Agreed. Lena you can protect me for the rest of my life and I hope you do, but please no more injuries. Find a peaceful way to make your point, please.”

“There's no fun in that for me. Besides, if anything happens, I get a personal nurse and private medical care. Sweet Kate, believe me, this is a whole new concept in recuperation that I could get use to without any serious thinking.” Lena captured Kate’s lips in a passion so primitive it was hard to comprehend. She was unable to control the surge of emotions Kate brought out in her.

Kate couldn't move, or say anything as the kiss intensified. When they broke apart, she put her hand over Lena’s heart. “Perhaps there is merit in the occasional skirmish, but only if it was superficial. I think...no, I know, I can handle that if you promise that I'm the only personal nurse that gets to lavish this attention on you?”

Lena let out a laugh and rested her forehead on her Kate’s. “If I ask anyone else, I'm sure a certain party that I love, would use that as a good excuse to attack that person—I'd rather you picked up the pieces than I pick up yours.”

“That's almost a sexist comment, Lena. I can look after you and myself too if required, but I have to admit, I'd much prefer all pleasure to any pain. So, Ms Heroine, by all means carry on if that's what turns you on.”

Lena placed a gentle hand across her forehead to wipe away the frown that was there. “Kate, the only thing that turns me on is standing right next to me. And, if she stays this close much longer, we won't see the rest of the afternoon or the evening either.” Lena drowned Kate in a sensuous gaze that had Kate holding her breath in anticipation. “But, I unfortunately have to go into town and that can't wait. Hold that thought, my darling.” She placed a finger on the tip of Kate's nose and watched as Kate shook it off and stared at her.

“Lena Corkill, you can be way too cruel sometimes! You build a girl up then set her down in the horse manure.” Kate blew out the breath before pulling Lena closer. “Sure you can’t stay?”

“Sorry. I promise that we will take this up when I get back.”

“How about I drive you into town? I have to meet the attorneys who have a package of documents ready for me.” Kate moved herself slightly out of the embrace and gave Lena a warm smile.

Lena caught between saying yes to this woman, who literally could ask her to walk on water and she'd try, and declining the invitation. What she had to do in town and where she was going was something she didn't want Kate to see. “I need to change first and will pick you up in say thirty minutes. I will drop you off at the attorneys, do what I need to, and be back to pick you up.”

“Sure, don't go tangling yourself up in any other problems before you get back, okay?” Kate grinned and shook her head. “I know how much you like to drive so get out of here and clean up, before I do something that won't allow it.”

Lena chuckled and commented. “Promises, promises.”

†

“It’s me, I tried, but the Corkill woman kicked me off the property,” the nervous farrier said.

“Shit. Can’t you do anything right?” Corneila growled. She’d sent the woman to Merridoc with one order—get close to Kate.

“Hey, I’m sorry, but there’s no way that woman will let anyone near Kate.”

“Damn, how did the horse look?”

“Great. No problems at all…she’s ready to race.”

“Get over here now.” Corneila commanded. The farrier was not much to look at, but she had a talented tongue and that’s what the vet needed. I’ll take care of the bitch myself—the Derby will be the perfect place.

Chapter Ten

Business, Partnership or More

Lena watched as Kate turned and gave her a winning smile before entering the attorney's office. Lena put the truck in gear and set off for her destination, the local jewelers. Ernie Miller’s work was exquisite and she needed the custom piece to be perfect. She was sure it was going to be a token that would show her heart’s desire and more.

“Hi Ernie, how are things?” Lena saw a smile on the grizzled features of the old man. The jeweler sat with an eyeglass in his right eye pouring over some gems on the polished surface of his worktable.

“Hi, Lena, glad you got my message.”

“I'm looking forward to this, believe me.” Lena let a full smile curve her lips.

“Got to tell you, Lena, this sure has taken longer than the watch casing you had me do for your dad, but it's a beautiful piece that's for sure.” The old man held out a green felt box and watched as the young woman opened it.

Lena’s eyes looked at the uniquely beautiful item; it was even more striking than she imagined when designing the piece.

“Guess I don't have to ask if it meets your approval.” The old man chuckled.

Lena put the piece back into the green felt box, paid Ernie, and then shook his hand in happy thanks. In her mind, the man was a superb craftsman. Carefully storing away her possession, she left with another round of thanks.

Arriving in front of the lawyer’s office, Lena didn’t see Kate so she opened the green case and gazed in fascination. She hoped that Kate would see the true meaning behind the gift when she presented it to her before they left for the Derby. Closing the box, she placed it in her jacket pocket so Kate wouldn’t see it. After pulling her legs up to rest on the seat, she reached for a small, well-worn book in the door pocket. Opening the book, she looked at the preliminary design of the precious piece now safely concealed in her care. All she hoped for with that first tentative drawing was now an exquisite piece.

A gentle tap on the window brought her face-to-face with the object of her thoughts. Kate was alluring standing there and Lena felt her heart soaring with love and desire for the beautiful woman.

“Going to let me in?” Kate pointed to the legs draped over the passenger seat.

Lena smiled apologetically and removed her legs so Kate could get inside. Kate held a large, fat manila envelope, which she tossed behind the seat. She placed her hands around Lena’s face and gave her a slow welcome kiss.

Lena growled in frustration. They were in the middle of downtown and it was a half-hour drive back to the farm. “You love to turn me on and leave me out to dry, don't you, Kate?”

“No, never that, Lena. I might love to turn you on, but leave you out to dry, dearest, that would be the furthest thing from my mind. Now, if you said turn you into a puddle, then oh yes, every time my darling, every time. I adore seeing you wet by my hand.” Kate giggled.

Lena pulled Kate close and bit down gently on a tempting ear.“Wet, hmmm, now that's a thought I would really like to get my teeth into, Kate. I have hands and teeth and anything else that comes to mind to help you join me.”

Kate pulled out of Lena's warm embrace. “God, give me strength.” She wiggled her eyebrows and giggled again. “How does dinner at my house tonight sound?”

Lena smiled seductively and put the truck into gear. “We’d better leave before we make spectacles of ourselves here in the middle of town.”

“Good idea.” Kate moved away from Lena.

“You and dinner sound perfect to me. Do you want me to bring the wine?”

Kate turned her gaze from out of the window and smiled. “You have excellent taste in wine so yes bring a bottle. Anytime after seven will be just fine.”

Lena quickly glanced at Kate and saw her shallow breathing and felt t heat rising inside her body. No one had ever turned her on like Kate—no one ever would.

†

Kate had surpassed herself with the dinner she prepared. Actually, Carmen made most of the dishes with Kate assisting, applying her own special touch to everything.

Now, both content after the meal, they quietly engaged in friendly chatter as good friends often do. It was something they had cultivated—a deep friendship that bound them together and added immense strength to their growing love for one another.

Lena walked into the room and reclined her tall frame into the plump love seat before sighing in satisfaction. “The meal was marvelous exceeded only by the company that was nothing short of bewitching.” Lena smiled at Kate.

“I’m glad you liked it.” Kate smiled while she placed a tray holding their coffee along with what looked like the large envelope that Kate brought home from the lawyers, onto the coffee table. Kate retrieved the envelope and unceremoniously jumped onto Lena's lap.

“Not enough room on the sofa or have I taken your favorite spot?”

Kate smiled and gave her a kiss that started the heat flowing through her body, “You are my favorite spot. Wherever you are I want to be, makes sense to me.” Kate captured the full lips surrendering to the frustrations of the day by indulging in a very thorough inspection of Lena's mouth with her active tongue.

Lena groaned as they came up for air and touched the side of Kate's cheek. “Makes sense to me also, Kate, perfect sense.”

Kate moved away slightly and picked up the large envelope, and placed it in Lena's hand.

She took the packet as she furrowed her brow. “What’s this about?” Lena opened the envelope with easy fluid movements. She kept her eyes on Kate until she pulled out the documents and began scanning the contents. “Kate, this is the deed to Merridoc Farms along with ownership of the thoroughbreds in both their names…joint ownership. I can't accept this, Kate.”

Kate looked into the anguished blue eyes she loved—never more so than now. “Why not? We have worked together here as partners, it is the perfect solution.”

Lena placed her hands around Kate’s face and tenderly caressed the cheekbones under her fingertips. “It may be the perfect solution to you, but not to me, Kate. You own all of this; it belonged to your grandparents and it's yours. I only work here.”

“You don't just work here, Lena. Without you, Merridoc wouldn't be in the prestigious position it is today. You know that’s true. Please, it's important to me that you share the property with me and everything that entails.”

“I can't, Kate. It wouldn't be right for you just give to me a half share. I thought you were an astute business woman, my love.” Lena smiled gently at Kate.

Kate smiled wryly at the comment. “Oh, I am. I got you to come here, didn't I?”

“That you did, my love. I thought you'd given up that type of negotiation?”

“Oh, I have, except on one particular employee—who can be so…so stubborn, but who has the most remarkable blue eyes, that I literally will try any ploy to get her to my...table for talks.” Kate smiled suggestively at her and saw the flare of passion ignite in Lena's eyes.

Lena was quiet for a few minutes. “I don't want to argue about the partnership with you, Kate. My principles refuse to allow me to accept such a generous gift when I had nothing to give in return.” Lena cocked her head to the side. “Or do I?”

“I don’t want to either, Lena. Will you come to my table, Lena?” The gleam in Lena’s eyes that smiled at her, Told Kate that her lover had reached a decision.

“Yes, I will. I have a counter proposition, Kate.”

Kate frowned.

“What if I buy my share of the partnership?”

Disappointed, Kate gave Lena a serious look. “No. I want to give you this partnership as a gift for everything you've done for Merridoc and for what you have given me.”

“Kate, it's a fantastic opportunity you are offering me, but I would always feel that I hadn't earned such a gift. At some stage it would come back to haunt us and I don't ever want anything we have together to be tinged with a possibility that something might return and hurt our relationship.” She stepped closer. “Kate, Louis was generous to me in the years I worked for him and my grandmother left me a tidy sum that I’ve spent very little of. If we are going to have a true partnership then it has to be just that…a fifty fifty proposition. Can you understand my position, Kate? Please?”

The impassioned plea made Kate’s heart surge at the words. She didn't want anything to come between them ever. It was time to compromise and she could do that. “I understand your position, Lena. I agree with you, but not entirely...I do see your point of view. So, I will take a thousand dollars.”

Lena let out a belly laugh. “Wonder school of business did you go to? Whichever it was, they needed to brush up on the negotiation technique in the real world.” Lena placed her forehead to the Kate's and placed her arms around her, gently lifted her, and deposited her softly on the other side of the sofa before placing a tender kiss on her lips. “Don’t go anywhere, I'll be back in a minute,.”

Kate’s eyes widened. “What on earth is she up to?”

A couple minutes later, Lena waltzed back into the room with a slow, smoldering look that astounded Kate. She dropped down on her knees and with an exaggerated flourish, presented Kate with a check.

Giggling, Kate took the check and batted her eyelashes before she looked at the check. Her face froze as the amount registered. “I can't accept this, Lena. It's way too much and I only asked for a thousand dollars not a million dollars. Did you not hear that?”

Lena smiled before she let out a chuckle. “No, my hearing is perfect, thank you, and I heard what you said. But, this is the only way I can accept the partnership, Kate. Of course, you will have to wait a few days to cash the check so I can get enough stocks and bonds sold to cover it.”

“You are so...so irritating, do you know that?” Kate wasn't immune to Lena’s infectious and once it made inroads into Kate's consciousness—it was difficult, if not impossible, for her to deny Lena anything.

Lena removed the check from Kate's grasp and placed it next to the papers on the coffee table that still held their now cold coffee. She pulled Kate into a tight embrace and trailed tender light kisses from her brow to her eyes. She then moved across her checks and kissed the tip of her nose, eventually ending up with Kate’s lips.

“I think I like to be irritating, especially if it causes this reaction in you.” Lena stroked the rapidly beating pulse at her neck with a fingertip.

“Okay, I agree to take your check. If this is how you complete a business deal, Lena, you better make sure I’m the only one you ever negotiate with that way.” Kate felt completely dazed at Lena's onslaught.

“Only you will ever need this kind of negotiation technique. After all, the rest just get evicted from the property, right?” Lena laughed and pulled Kate’s head to her chest.

“Yes and I hope that one day soon this partnership we have will become more than a business formality.” Kate grinned. “How do you propose we seal the deal?”

Lena kissed the head comfortably positioned on her shoulder. “I think we had an earlier discussion about us both wanting to appreciate the other’s techniques at getting wet. I'm in favor of that pursuit. What about you?”

Without further words, Kat moved out of Lena's gentle embrace, stood, and held out her hand. She saw a predatory smile come over Lena's face with eyes that held a sultry glaze.

Lena enclosed the hand and within seconds, they were laughing breathlessly in the middle of Kate's bedroom.

Both women looked at each other as their desires ignited to such a pitch that only the release of passionate lovemaking was going to quench the need. Kate kicked off her shoes and they whizzed around the room and hit the wall heavily. Kate placed her arms around the still laughing Lena. Her partner gently kissed her neck and then began a tender exploration of the slender column, the base of her throat, Kate didn't let this distract her from her purpose, in fact, it brought her senses to a higher pitch that made her task that much more important.

Kate's hands began what she considered one of the best uses of her dexterity, the removal, as quickly as possible, of every piece of clothing that Lena was wearing. Lena’s body moved seductively to her touch and that had her body answering with a similar beat. Piece by piece the clothing dropped to the floor as Lena’s fingers teased Kate’s breasts. Kate finally removed the last of the clothing and Lena was naked in her arms.

Lena gathered Kate closer. “You do that so well, my love,” she whispered in a sultry soft tone in her ear.

“I know, but I have good reason. Who wouldn't want to see you as nature intended?” Kate kissed the collarbone of her lover and saw the intense emotions that threatened to spill at any time from Lena.

“Nature be damned, all I want is to make you happy. That will do for me.” Lena growled in a sexy timbre. She pulled Kate close enough that her naked thighs were pushing against the thin fabric of Kate's dress—it didn’t take long to free Kate’s body from the bound of her clothes.

The bed was enticingly close and Lena, using her extra strength, propelled them toward the soft and entirely satisfactory position of lying in a close embrace on top of the bed.

“You make me so happy, Lena.” Kate set her body free to indulge in the sensual attentions of her lover.

Lena captured Kate's lips in a kiss that sealed that part of the conversation with no doubts.

Chapter Eleven

Promises For A Lifetime

Lena watched with pride as the horse trailer, emblazoned with the name Merridoc Farms, pulled out on its way to Kentucky. All the hopes and dreams of a successful race were inside the trailer. The dawn until dusk training over the last months had the horses in peak condition for the race ahead.

The night before their scheduled departure for Churchill Downs, Lena made special plans to cook for Kate. A smile of satisfaction came to her face as she stirred her world famous chili. World famous because in reality, it was about the only thing she could successfully cook.

Kate put her arms around Lena's waist. “That smells wonderful…do you have other specialties.”

Lena turned in Kate's arms. “Why yes I do. Do you care to try them out?” In that moment, Lena knew that Kate was her reason for living. “I love you, thank you for being in my life.” The tenor of her words changed from playful to serious.

“I love you too.”

Once supper finished, they sat warm and resplendent on their favorite sofa holding each other closely.

Lena was restless as she contemplated how she was going to give Kate her gift.

“What’s going on? Do you have ants in your pants or are you just nervous about tomorrow?” Kate asked.

“Nothing is going on…but I...well, Kate, I was thinking that maybe....” Lena’s jumbled words stopped as Kate’s lips captured hers and she fell into a sensual haze.

“Let's go to bed and you can show me all your other specialties.” Kate placed her lips on the side of Lena’s neck.

“You and bed sound great to me. I can deal with that, especially if you take me there.” Lena smiled.

“You are the only person I want in my bed. I can't exist without you, Lena, don't you know that by now?”

Without a word, Lena picked up Kate and quickly made her way to the bedroom and deposited Kate on the bed. Looking down at the beautiful woman, Lena was in awe. Her heart, mind, and body all overwhelmed by the nearness of the woman and the love she felt for her. Now was the perfect time to ask the question that had kept her awake.

Lena dropped to one knee at the side of the bed and locked gazes with Kate. Her hand went shakily to her pocket before she held out a green felt box to Kate.

Kate gave Lena a puzzled look as she gently took the box from trembling hands. Opening the box, her breath caught at the sight of the ring. “It’s breathtaking.” She removed the ring that nestled within the confines of the box and with infinite care and exhaled. Rotating the ring in as many directions as possible, the entwined heart shaped horseshoes enchanted her. Within the center of each, a large diamond with each horseshoe encrusted with smaller diamonds. The ring was stunning and so unique.

“I love you, Kate, would you honor me by being my life partner?” Lena asked. She watched with quiet joy of the expressions chasing across Kate’s face. It was a memory to capture and savor in her heart forever.

Kate rose up from the bed, and pulled Lena up into her arms before kissing her from her eyes to her nose, lips, and collarbone. Gradually she came up for air, then continued her onslaught across the fabric of Lena’s shirt, and nuzzled each breast until the nipples grew in excitement. As with the speed of her onslaught, she just as quickly stopped and rushed over to the dresser drawer that and began rummaging through her underwear drawer. “Gotcha.”

Lena, stunned and disappointed when Kate left her at such a tantalizing moment watched her lover in fascination. Can't say I was expecting that reaction, jumping me yeah, jumping off no. Lena gave Kate a grin as she rushed back over to her.

“I love you, Lena Corkill, and yes, I will be your life partner if you will do me the honor of being mine?” Kate held out a blue felt box with a look of wonderment on her face.

Lena pulled out the ring from the box. The oblong sapphire was of a proportion that she'd never seen outside the safe of a jeweler. Diamonds encrusted all around the huge sapphire—it was magnificent. “Kate, it's gorgeous. Where...when did you get this...?”

“Well, why not a gorgeous ring for a gorgeous woman. I saw it in New York months ago and knew I had to have it for you. It was made for you, Lena, and only you.” Kate, placing her arms around Lena's shoulders, hugged her close. A fierce yearning began Kate that only Lena could assuage.

“Yes, life partners, Kate. There will only ever be you in my life. Everyone and everything pales into insignificance with you here in my heart.” She held out the ring out to Kate. “Will you do the honors?”

Kate took the ring and placed her hand in Lena’s hand. “If you will do me the honors too.”

They slipped the rings onto on to the other’s finger.

“I have been afraid all my life of giving my heart completely to any one person, Lena. You changed all that with one smile the first day I saw you. I love the way your eyes hold me with love and desires, leaving no doubt that you love me. Please know that I love you, now and for always.”

“Kate, you are all I ever want or need. I’ve always been so afraid of being hurt, but you make me feel safe and loved. I never want to spend a day without you in my life. I love only you for eternity.” Lena placed light, tender kisses on Kate's bent head until her face turned upwards to receive a kiss.

“Does this mean that you will finally move into the main house?” Kate asked.

“Well, I guess with fringe benefits like having you in my arms every night and each morning I wake up for the rest of my life, sounds like a perfect arrangement to me.” She smiled seductively. “Try and stop me.” Lena pulled Kate down so that she was lying on top of her with every body part touching.

“Stop you. Like hell, I will. You're mine and this is going to be the only place you lay your head at night. Mine are the only arms that will hold you when you sleep and my eyes will be the only ones that watch you as you wake up every morning. I adore you, my love, and all I want is to have you beside me for the rest of my life.” Twin tears tracked down Kate's cheeks.

Lena’s tongue gently traced the tear’s path, lapping up the salty taste before her lips Kate’s.

Gasping at the intensity of Lena’s attention, Kate reciprocated. Each mouth gladly allowed entrance and an exciting battle that ensued.

Kate released her lips and looked directly into Lena’s eyes. She placed her hands on the first button that held Lena's shirt in place. Within seconds, all six buttons were undone and she pulled the shirt around her back effectively pinning Lena to the bed.

“I can't move, Kate.”

Kate looked into Lena’s passion glazed eyes. “Now, why would you want to move? I'm sure you’ll enjoy what I have planned for you or…I could release you.” Kate's voice husky with pent up passion.

Lena gave Kate an amused look. “Go ahead, but remember, were in partnership now and what you do I get to give back.”

Kate nodded before she moved closer to the heaving breasts.

“Kate, I need you to take me now.

Kate glanced up and gave her a smile. No words were necessary as Kate dexterously unbutton the jeans, and then slowly teased the shapely thighs as she gradually removed the offending garment. Within minutes, Kate with infinite gentleness let her hands and mouth began their assault that brought Lena to the pinnacle of delight.

“Kate,” Lena screamed.

Kate rested her head on Lena's stomach while she waited for her partner to catch her breath and gain a little control. “I love you, Lena.” Kate began her journey upward by kissing the smooth skin close to her lips.

“You got that right, Kate.” With ease, Lena released herself from the shirt that held her prisoner before her arms quickly went around Kate's back.

Kate felt the gentle stroking along with a swirling action that had her leaning into every touch. Her body was at a fever pitch with the energy of passion as she anticipated Lena's particular brand of lovemaking “I wouldn't mind your showing me your other specialties about now.” Kate was hungry for Lena's touch.

Lena chuckled. “Lover you can have whatever you need or want.” Lena rolled on top of Kate.

The kisses she received were so passionate that Kate was unable to take a breath. Within seconds, her clothes discarded on the floor in a heap and she saw.

Lena placed small feather light kisses on each breast caressing them lovingly

Kate let out a low growl.

Lena’s lips hovered over Kate’s breasts and flicked her tongue at the turgid nipples before taking one into her mouth.

“I want more, Lena, so much more, please...” Kate grasped the flowing dark hair and with resolve pushed Lena down toward her open thighs. As Lena made love to her, Kate’s screams filled the room.

†

Sometime later, Lena held Kate in her arms and kissed the blonde hair as a grin of satisfaction crossed her face. “I was thinking, Kate, that you might like to take a shower?”

Kate looked up at her from her position in the crook of Lena's shoulder, “Why now?”

“Well...I was kind of thinking water, you, me and test out a theory of mine about how wet one can get.” Lena realized that the shower might not be the only thing turned on if Lena's rakish look was anything to go by.

“You are insatiable, Lena. Do you know that?” Kate chuckled pushing herself away from her lover allowing Lena to move sufficiently so she could pick the Kate up.

“Only ever for you, Kate. That I promise.” Lena laughed softly into Kate's slender neck and carried her with ease toward the bathroom.

“Oh, yeah, I agree…definitely only for you.” Kate's lips captured Lena's in a kiss of possession.

Lena kicked the bathroom door behind them and carried Kate into the shower.

Chapter Twelve

Kentucky Derby

Lena walked quickly across the paddock toward Brownsley’s stall and the jockey, Tim Stokey. “Have you weighed in?”

“All done. Me and Brownsley are having a serious talk about the race and her relaxing.” Tim grinned.

It was evident to Lena that Tim had a very good rapport with all the horses he rode. His love for them and racing were apparent in his words and deeds. She was certain this philosophy contributed to his high winning average.

“Have you seen Danny around? He should be here.” Lena scanned the crowd for Brownsley’s handler.

Tim cocked his head. “He left shortly after I got here…said he needed to check on something. Is there something I can do for you?”

“No.” Lena continued to monitor the crowd. “There he is.” She watched as the young man approached her. “Any news, Danny?”

“No, Ms Lena, haven’t seen herd. Don’t worry. I will be right by Brownsley’s side.”

“Glad to hear it.” Lena smiled fondly at the man for she had always liked him and knew he could always be trusted to take very good care of the horses. “I will leave you to get her ready. I’ll be back shortly.”

As Lena walked away, she scanned the crowd again.

Kate and Lena’s families had already arrived and were sitting in their private box with Kate when Lena returned. “Hello, everyone.” She said with a smile. Her stomach was doing flip-flops because she was meeting Kate’s parents for the first time.

Belinda Lawrence was the first to stand and give Lena a hug. “Hello, Lena, it is so good to finally meet you. Our little girl always speaks so well of you.”

“Thank you.” Lena returned the hug while giving Kate the help me smile.

Kate arrived at Lena’s side placing a scarf with the farm’s colors around her neck. “There you go, bet you though I forgot.”

Lena laughed. “How could I forget?” Here fingers motioned at Kate’s outfit. Her sundress had the colors also, navy blue, emerald green and gray. The tasteful straw hat had a broad band that also incorporated the colors.

Kate moved closer and gave Lena a hug then looked up into the blue eyes. “Lena Corkill, I would like you to meet my father, Carl Lawrence.”

Lena held out her hand and shook the taller man’s hand. “Pleased to meet you, sir. Now, if you all will excuse me, I need to get back to the stables.” Turning she smiled at Kate. “Meet you later.”

†

Entering the final turn, it’s Brownsley by two lengths with Spanker’s Girl closing. Brownsley increases his lead by four lengthens as he sprints to the finish. It’s Brownsley by five lengths.

Lena and Kate gave hugs all around before the Lawrence and Corkill families made their way to the winner’s circle. A garland of roses was placed on Brownsley’s withers and Kate received the winner’s cup. It was an electrifying win for the horse and jockey beating the closest horse by five lengths.

Kate and Lena smiled proudly as photos were shot of them and their jockey, Tim Stokey, and of course Brownsley.

“The Lawrence/Corkill co-operative program have exceeded our wildest dreams. Next is the Preakness Stakes, which we intend to win also.” Kate then posed for the camera with her family surrounding her.

†

Kate’s arm went around Lena’s waist as she escorted her to their parent’s table. After greeting everyone and taking their seats, their meals arrived at the table.

“Lena, your timing is impeccable as always.” Seymour laughed before launching into a story about Lena never missing a meal.

Kate listened as everyone at the table chatted amicably about the race, horses and future races. The two families seemed to meld together just as Lena and she had.

Carl, Kate’s father who was sitting next to Lena, leaned into her, and spoke quietly. “While we wait for dessert, do you think we could step outside for a moment?”

Lena nodded. “Certainly, shall we go?”

Kate watched as her father and the woman she loved, excused themselves to go outside—she knew it wasn’t for a smoke for neither indulged in the habit. She could see them through the doors and her nerves wracked watching all the facial expressions on Lena's face. Kate would know if something upset Lena, but at no time did she see anything other than a smug and indulgent smile on her face.

Without warning, Lena entered the room and Kate knew that her lover caught her watching her. Lena’s smile was so sensual that Kate had to lower her eyes or else she’d take her partner to bed immediately, regardless of the company that they were entertaining.

When all the festivities grew low keyed, Lena threw her arm around Kate's shoulders and led her silently out onto the balcony that gave a picturesque view of the area. The moon was out and the stars above gave a glow to the night that poets would write about and that young lovers intimately shared.

Settling into a familiar pose on the rail of the balcony, Lena gently placed a light kiss on Kate's head. “We did it, Kate. We've made a name for Merridoc Farms and all in the space of a year.”

“Yes, we did, but you know what, Lena? “Kate looked into the beautiful face that she could not imagine living without.

“What's that, my love?”

“If all we had was each other that would be fine with me.” Kate heard the catch in the breath above her and turned so that they were facing each other.

“I cannot think of a more eloquent expression of what our love means to me, Kate, except that I know you're all I'll ever need in this life and beyond.” Lena placed a delicate kiss on the Kate’s lips.

Lena gently removed her arms from around Kate’s shoulders and cupped her cheeks with her warm palms. “You know, Kate, I could hold you like this forever.” Lena gently kissed Kate’s ear then bit down tenderly on the lobe.

Kate’s heart raced at both the sentiment and the accompanying action. With a trembling voice, filled with unleashed passion, she answered her partner. “I would like that, darling, but maybe we should sit with our parents and talk about our future plans.” Kate rested her head on Lena’s shoulder as she let out a sigh of both satisfaction and frustration.

Lena raised her expressive eyebrows and arched them in question.

“Lena, we need to explain all our new plans and the changes we have negotiated.” Kate smiled playfully into her lover’s eyes and saw the enlightenment glimmer out of the cobalt blues.

“Negotiated? Are you calling our commitment to each other a negotiation?” Lena’s voice dropped to the low octave.

“Oh yes, and I remember very well that it made a wonderful partnership in all the most important ways—especially the last one we negotiated. Do you remember?” Kate’s eyelashes were fluttering to exaggerate the comment and the meaning behind the words.

“Ah, that negotiation…” Lena chuckled and her eyes sparkled with merriment.

“Are you ready to face them?” Kate said seriously, as her eyes mirrored the amusement of her lover’s.

“With you, Kate, I will face the whole world if that’s what you want. All you need do is to ask and you shall receive.”

“No, no I think our parents are the world enough for tonight. Let’s go make them very happy, shall we?” Kate tugged on the larger hand and together they left the beautiful scenery displayed from the balcony.

†

As Lena entered the room with Kate, she spied both sets of parents talking happily together. Seymour was no doubt regaling Kate’s father with some anecdote or other which had both men echoing belly laughs. The two women chatted quietly, both rolling their eyes at their respective spouses. Lena looked at Kate and smiled before heading in their direction.

“Room for two more?” Kate placed a gentle kiss on her father’s cheek before settling into an empty chair on his left.

Lena smiled sheepishly at her parents, who she thought were looking at her in speculation. She pulled a spare chair from another table positioning it so that she was next to Kate, but close to her father’s wheelchair.

“For you, darling, I’ll always make room.” Kate’s father grasped Kate’s hand and held it.

“I’m glad that you are all together,” Kate said. “We have something to share with you.”

All eyes turned toward Kate.

Lena merely shrugged at the words.

Seymour was the first to speak. “Well, I’m not getting any younger, little lady, so if you don’t mind sharing, I’d appreciate it.”

Lena saw the twinkled in her father’s eyes and groaned before placing a hand on his shoulder. Her eyes then found Kate and she nodded for her to continue.

“Lena and I would like you to know about the partnership we’ve formed at Merridoc. We are, effective as of a week ago, equal partners in the farm and its interests,” Kate said.

“Great news. Wonderful. Excellent. Fantastic,” the others around the table said in unison.

Kate disengaged her hand from her father’s and turned to Lena took both her hands in hers. She brought Lena’s hands to her lips and kissed them. “Lena and I have agreed to be life partners and we wanted you all to share our happiness.”

Lena looked around the table and saw the looks of pride and joyfulness emitting from them all. It was with quiet wonder that Lena rejoiced in the good vibes she was getting, not just from her partner, but also from both sets of parents.

Kate’s mother rounded the table and gave both Kate and Lena congratulatory hugs. “Kate, my dear, when will the happy day of the ceremony be?”

Kate smiled warmly at her mother, but didn’t answer immediately. Her eyes tangled with her partner’s and their heads slowly moved toward each other.

Lena realized where they were and suddenly disengaged from Kate’s and moved away slightly. Kate gave her a wink and put a bit more space between them too.

“Come on, Lena, surely you and Kate have a date in mind?” Lena’s mother prodded.

“We need to plan,” Lena and Kate, answered at the same time.

Their parents laughed.

Lena blew out a breath. “Right now we are in the middle of the training and preparations for the next two races.” She smiled at Kate. “We think probably we will have the ceremony in a couple of months. Isn’t that right, Kate?”

“Exactly, and I might add, what a celebration that will be—kind of makes me wish this was the last race instead of the first,” Kate answered.

Lena grinned. “I love you, Kate.”

Chapter Thirteen

Triumphs, Attempts and Failures

Before joining the others for the evening’s festivities, Lena and Kate decided to visit the Horsemen’s Club to get an idea of how their names would look there among all the other winners.

“Damn, I forgot to check on Danny,” Lena said as they entered the museum.

“Go ahead and see him, I will just look around until you get back.” Kate smiled then kissed Lena.

“Are you sure? I won’t be long.” Stealing another kiss, Lena shook her head. “We could forget all about this and just go back to our room.”

Kate laughed and gently hit Lena’s arm. “Later. Now go and hurry back.”

“I’m going.”

Kate wondered about the museum taking in all the history of horse racing and the wonderful examples of what it meant to belong in the sport. So absorbed, she didn’t notice the person approaching.

“Well, well, Kate. Congratulations seem to be in order.”

Kate’s skin crawled as she recognized the voice. “I didn’t think they let someone like you around horses anymore, Corneila,” Kate hissed.

“Now, Kate, you know that isn’t true. I am the vet to several of the horses here.” Corneila closed in on Kate.

Once she saw the look in the vet’s eyes, Kate knew she was in trouble and surreptitiously looked around for a way to escape. “Go away.”

“You never said that before the bitch came on the scene. I know you wanted me, I could see it in your eyes, Kate.” Corneila, now only inches away from Kate, grabbed her arm.

Kate managed to pull loose and began to run toward the trophy room—Corneila grabbed her.

“No use running, Kate, I am going to have you so don’t fight me.” She twisted Kate’s arm and pulled her into her body. “Now, you’ll be mine.”

“Keep away from her you sorry bitch.”

Lena rapidly closed the distance between them. “I said, get away from her.”

†

The next thing Kate realized was her arrival back at the table joining the others. She knew that Lena would have beat Corneila to a bloody pulp and consequently be banned from the club if she hadn’t stopped her. As it was, the vet was in a heap on the floor when they left. With her arm crooked into Lena’s, she could feel both their hearts pounding from the encounter with Corneila.

“Did I lose you?” Lena whispered.

Kate turned tumultuous eyes in Lena’s direction. “Never. Never will you lose me. I’m with you all the way whichever way we decide to travel.”

Lena pecked Kate on the cheek. “Glad to hear that because I think exactly the same way. Shall we go and join our families?”

Kate entered the main ballroom with her hand in the crook of Lena’s arm. She saw many of their friends celebrating the end of the Triple Crown year. Brownsley won two out of three races—she lost the Preakness by a nose.

Kate sat next to her mother with Lena on the other side when they joined their parents at the winner’s table. She spied a bottle of champagne in a bucket to the left of Seymour and smiled. “Now that we are here, let’s toast Brownsley’s victory.”

Six glasses met in the middle of the table and clinked. “To Brownsley.”

Kate took Lena’s hand. “You know it’s just as well you haven’t been banned from the club.” Kate sighed recalling her narrow escape from ‘Cruella’ Cambridge’s intentions. She hoped that the woman was now out of their lives for good.

“Oh, really? No way would they have banned me because of her. What she did to our horse is common knowledge. Anyway, even if they had, it would have been worth it to knock sense into Cruella’s dense skull.”

“I doubt that is possible.” Kate smiled at the look of satisfaction on Lena’s face and shook her head. “Thank you.”

“Anytime.”

“Lena, you’re forgetting something.”

Lena frowned. “I am? Have I forgotten to tell you how gorgeous you look in that elegant gown?”

Kate shook her head.

“Then what?”

Kate giggled when she saw the concentrated expression on Lena’s face. If it wasn’t about horses, her lover’s mind needed a nudge now and again.

“Remember, we’re having the ceremony here. It doesn’t quite have the same ring to it when you shout your vows from over the fence.”

Lena shook her head. “Oh, God. Sorry, Kate, I didn’t forget, really.”

Kate smiled lovingly at her partner. Lena was one of a kind and she was going to ensure that she was hers and hers alone. “Tell you what, you dance with me and I’ll forgive you.”

Lena took Kate’s hand and escorted her to the dance floor where they slowly gyrated to the music. She ignored the indulgent smirks from friends and became lost in a world that belonged only to the two of them. They now had a new a quest of the heart, and together it would be a marvelous journey.

Kate swayed her hips slowly in time with Lena and not with the melody filling the air. She’s lost count of the number of songs concentrating on the sensations that being close to Lena caused in her. When she heard someone clear their throat, she looked up dazedly. Danny was standing next to them.

Lena opened her eyes and looked at the man. “Danny, if you want the next dance you’re going to have to wait, her dance card is full.”

Kate’s brow furrowed when she realized Danny was out of place. She looked at Lena who had a puzzled look.

“Danny, why are you here?” Lena asked.

“Sorry, Ms Lena, it’s Brownsley…something ain’t right with her.”

“What do you mean? Speak up, tell me now,” Lena urged.

“Well, me and Joey were sleepin’ outside the stall and all of a sudden she started makin’ a racket. We got up real fast to see to her, but she was wild and won’t let us near her,” he said.

“Let’s go.” Kate said.

†

Lena set a fast pace and hoped the other two could keep up. Brownsley was the pride of Merridoc Farms and a favorite of hers. “Danny, did you call Dr. Price?” Lena asked.

“Yes, Ms Lena. Joey went to fetch him.”

As they neared Brownsley’s stall, they could hear the house whinnying loudly and the sound of hooves crashing into the sides of the stall.

Lena along with Kate and Danny pushed through the crowd of spectators. They stopped dead in their tracks.

The sight of the genial horse, wild and out of control, shocked Lena. “What the hell is going on here, Doc?” Lena cringed as the shrill voice of Brownsley.

“Not sure, Lena, but it doesn’t look good,” their new vet Thomas Price, said.

Lena walked closer to the stall’s gate and began talking in a low voice to the horse. “Hey, girl, it’s me.” Holding her hand out she hoped the horse might settle down. “There you go everything’s going to be okay.” Her soft voice continued as she edged nearer to the horse.

Although Lena could see Brownsley’s eyes were wild and filled with fear, the horse calmed for a moment. Lena gently placed her hand on the horse’s withers only to have her rear up again. Lena quickly moved out of the way of the hooves and fell backward onto the barn floor. “Shit.” She cocked her head and looked intently at something in the hay.

“Danny, will you get me a rake?” Lena asked.

“What is it? Did you find something?” Kate knelt down and rested her hand on Lena’s shoulder.

For a moment, Lena was lost in a flood of emotions. “You’ll get your dress all messed up down here.”

“It doesn’t matter…helping you is far more important.”

Danny returned at that moment with the rake. “Here you go, Ms Lena.”

“Thanks.” Lena turned to Kate. “Over there in the straw,” Lena pointed to a shiny object, “do you see it?”

Kate’s eyes searched the area. “Yes.”

“I’m going to see if I can calm her down again. When the time is right, take the rake, and pull whatever that is out of the stall. Okay?”

Kate nodded. “Be careful, will you?”

“Of course. You’ll have to be quick about it, Kate. I’m not sure how long she’ll stay still. Don’t take any chances… those hooves can be deadly.”

“No problem. You do the same.” Kate touched Lena’s hand.

Lena stood and once again began talking softly to Brownsley. She moved closer hoping to make enough time for Kate to get the object.

“Got it.” Kate moved the straw away to reveal the prize.

Lena, Kate, and Dr. Price were all on their knees looking at an empty drug vial.

The vet took the vial and shook his head. “Vetergesic…it’s an opiate. No wonder she is wild and belligerent…obviously someone gave her enough to cause hallucinations.”

Lena shot up and scanned the crowd. She was searching for one person—Cruella. “Danny, Joey did either of you see Dr. Cambridge around here tonight?”

“We were sleeping, Ms Lena.” Joey said. “She wasn’t around here before that.”

Lena continued to survey the area as she put an arm around Kate.

“I have never needed to use it but I’ve kept a vial of Naloxone in case the situation ever occurred. I can inject her with the drug and it will reverse the effects of Vetergesic in as little as a few minutes. I will have to monitor her closely and probably will give her more than one dose since the effect of Vetergesic lasts longer that the effect of Naloxone. Other than that, we need to make sure she doesn’t have any other side effects.”

“Okay, go ahead and inject her.” Lena watched as the vet administered the drug. True to the his words, Brownsley began to settle down quickly. “How long before all the opiate is out of her system?”

“It depends on how much she was give. My best guess is around four hours.”

“Danny, Joey, I want you to stay with Tom and Brownsley. If there is any change for the worse come and get me.” She leveled both men with a hard stare. “If you see Dr. Cambridge anywhere in the vicinity of this stall you should restrain her and have someone find me. Is that understood?”

“Yes, you can count on us, Ms Lena,” Danny said.

Lena bit the inside of her cheek to stop the retort I did and you didn’t. She knew firsthand how determined Cornelia could be. “Let’s get out of here, Kate. Tom and the guys can take of her now.”

Kate couldn’t help but notice the worried look on her partner’s face. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay?”

“Yes, let’s go.” Lena’s eyes swept the barn once more.

Cold eyes, filled with hate, watched the two women departure. “This is only the start, bitch,” Corneila muttered under her breath. “You will pay…count on it.”

Chapter Fourteen

Always and Forever

The mood of Merridoc Farms was high after winning two of the three most prestigious races for three year old thoroughbreds. For Lena, there was no time for rest as conditioning and development had to continue. Kate, wanting to buy one very special piece of property, was in the midst of negotiations. Each evening they were in each other’s arms as they discussed the day’s events and speculated what the future held for them.

A week after they returned from Belmont, Kate brought up the subject of their joining ceremony. “Lena, we really need to get started on the plans for our ceremony.”

Lena pulled Kate closer before she smiled and then sighed. “Would you hate me if I said I don’t want to have it at the Horseman’s Club?”

Kate felt bereft. “You don’t want to have a ceremony? Have you changed your mind about me?” She swiped at the errant tear trickling down her cheek.

“No, Kate, you misunderstood. I want nothing more than to pledge my love to you forever. All I meant is that I want the ceremony here and not at the Horseman’s Club.”

“Really?” Kate flung her arms around Lena’s neck. “You’ve been reading my mind. I know it will be inconvenient for some people to come here, but this is where it all happened.”

“Great minds.” A lopsided grin turned Lena’s lips. “Where do we start?”

“First, we need a date.”

†

That was the start of the two longest months of Lena’s life. She had no idea the amount of preparation required to give her heart and soul to Kate officially. Invitations, flowers, dresses, caterers, tents, chairs, hotels for guests and more were required for one afternoon. The logistics of it all were staggering to her, but she fearlessly joined in, allowing Kate to have her way with the plans.

Lena was surprised when Kate closed the deal on the property and surprised her with the deed. “I don’t understand.”

“I bought the property near the river where the old oak tree is…it’s where we first said ‘I love you’. I want to have the ceremony there.”

Lena knew she had a goofy smile on her face—she didn’t care. “I can’t think of a more appropriated place to tell the world how much I love you, Kate.’

“I love you too. I’ve already asked Carmen to oversee the catering. She said her close friend, Vi, would do some of the cooking for the buffet dinner and coordinate with the caterers.” Kate laughed. “She said she wants to make sure all our favorites are there.”

Lena laughed too. “Between our mothers and Carmen we should have the marriage of the century.”

Kate hugged her and nestled into her body. “Thank you for being so understanding and…well, letting me have my way in what the day will be like.”

Lena placed a soft kiss on Kate’s head. “Our mother’s are a fixture now. Good think I moved in her so your mom has a place to stay.”.

“Does her being her upset you?”

“No, on the contrary, I am leaning all kinds of things about you.” Lena grinned.

Kate pulled back and looked into Lena’s face. “Is that a good thing?”

“Absolutely. I like your mother very much and just as my dad has regaled you with my childhood your mom has don’t the same.” Lena wiggled her eyebrows. “Fair is fair.”

Kate began nuzzling Lena’s neck. “Do you have time for a nap?”

“For you, I always have time.”

†

The day finally arrived and activity went into full gear in every part of Merridoc. The site by the oak trees and river was set up with a white runner leading to an archway where they would walk through before the ceremony began. Chairs lined both sides of the aisle as white and red rose sprays filled the area. A large white tent was set up for the reception along with a smaller one for Carmen and company to use for the food.

†

Lena’s father watched the tense body language of his daughter and smiled. He could tell she was nervous, as anyone would be with upcoming nuptials. It was the final bond to make everything worthwhile in both their business and private lives. Wheeling his chair over to the French windows where Lena stood pensively looking through. He too looked and saw at a yearling happily trotting around the paddock.

“No use worrying about it, baby, you’ll see her in good time.” Lena spun around and gazed at her father. “I don’t know what you mean, Dad.”

“Really, and I always thought your mother and I had brought up a smart kid. She’s not going to come over the hill, you have to go to her, remember?” He smiled when he saw a dawning on his daughter’s face.

“I wasn’t thinking that at all, Dad. This tradition of being separated before the wedding sucks.”

A chuckle rumbled from the depths of Seymour. Yeah right. “Tradition has its good points too, Lena. Later, won’t you have a marvelous feeling when you see her all prettied up just for you? I’m sure she feels the same way…I know I was when I saw your mother.”

“Kate will always look beautiful to me, even if she wore rags.

“I doubt that young woman would be seen dead in rags, Lena. You on the other hand…” Seymour didn’t finish when he saw the sharp glance from his daughter. Then he caught the teasing twinkle in her eyes and on her face. She smiled and her shoulders seemed relax some.

“Yeah, Dad, right, me in rags sure… I know she’d still love me.” Lena returned her gaze out the window. “My stomach feels like a million butterflies are fluttering in there.”

Seymour checked his watch. “Three more hours…” Before he could answer, the phone rang and Lena shot across the room to answer. He saw Lena’s tense expression change to one of rapt wonder. He opened the French doors and left the room. Who can stop communication between people so much in love? He knew he couldn’t and never would for it was far too precious a commodity to allow interference.

†

“Hi, how are you holding up?” Kate was breathless and her heart was hammering. The sexy voice at the end of the line turned her on as no one else had ever done with or without a sexual undertone.

“All the better for hearing your voice. I hate being without you by my side.”

Kate heard the heavy sigh from Lena. “I know exactly how you’re feeling. I miss you too. My mother is fussing around like a chicken without a head…you are better off away from it all. What about your folks?”

“Calm and collected at this end…my dad is anyway. Mom is busy with my cousins Alice and Vicky. She wants to ensure that they look perfect for their part as bridesmaids. I’m sure she’ll be gunning for me any time now.”

The light chuckle she heard had Kate sighing lightly. She could imagine the expression on her Lena’s face and wanted to reach out and kiss her full and inviting gorgeous lips. She squirmed. I really don’t need to go there. Later, after all this is over, I can be as expressive as I want. She was going to make certain that Lena never, ever forgot their joining ceremony.

“You know I love you, don’t you, Lena?”

“Yep, but not as much as I love you, Kate.

“Oh you are such a flatterer.”

Kate heard Lena suck in a deep breath.

”Kate, I was thinking…”

The hesitation caused Kate to shiver involuntarily. There were a few more moments of silence and as realization hit he. Kate hugged the handset closer. “She can’t possible spoil our day can she, Lena?”

“No. No, she can’t, Kate. Please don’t let her name even enter that marvelous head of yours…especially today. Today is for people we care about and we will not let that conniving, evil bitch spoil it in any way at all.”

“Yes, I know you’re right, but she did say she’d make our lives a misery and interfere with anything we hold dear. What better place for her then in front of all our family and friends.”

“All you have to remember today, Kate, is that I love you and in a few short hours we will pledge our love to everyone who is important to us. There is no way on this planet that she gets the opportunity to spoil that moment. Please trust me on that one, Kate.  have it covered.”

“I trust you, Lena. I trust you with my love, happiness, soul, my safety, and my life. I’ve never been in better hands.” Kate heard her mother calling her name. She didn’t want to end their few minutes of togetherness, but it would only be for a short time and then they would be together forever—regardless of what the world or that bitch threw at them.

“Your mother sounds impatient…guess you need to go.”

“I never want to be anywhere but with you, Lena. You’re right, I’d better get all the pampering over with so I will be presentable.” Kate smiled as she thought of what it would be like if their roles reversed. It would be like forcing a wild stallion into the bit. She shook her head. What I wouldn’t give to see how my mom would handle that one.

“Later you and I will never be parted ever again. I love you, Kate. Bye until later.”

Kate visualized the goofy smile she knew was on Lena’s face certain that her face looked the same. She heard her mother call her name and groaned with the thought of the torture to come.

†

The ceremony had been all that Kate had ever envisioned. She saw Lena waiting for her as she walked toward her up the rose petal strewn aisle had been breath taking. Never in her life could she have thought Lena could look any better than she was already in her eyes. However, as if in a dream, she floated the tall dark haired woman who held her gaze at her with those brilliant blue eyes.  Lena wore a marvelous silk cream a-line dress. The simplicity of the design enhanced by the delicate flower pattern embossed within the sheer fabric. A simple flower headband complimented the creation. A shy smile was hovering over her lips as Kate glided toward her.

It was hard to know who was the most captivated; probably they felt exactly the same emotion. As they settled next to each other while waiting for the formalities to start, Kate saw the delight and sensual spark flare in Lena’s eyes. Her own gown of off-white flamboyant brocade was in total contrast to Lena’s attire. At first glance, the gown with the intricate embroidery was overpowering, but she knew they made a stunning fashion statement. They were at odds from their usual attire. She saw stunned expressions and heard envious sighs while she walked toward Lena.

Once the moment for Kate to speak her vows came, she took Lena’s hand holding a ring close to her finger. “Lena, you came into my life and rescued me from a loneliness I never knew I felt. My first vision of you set my heart pounding, demanding to find you as my love. Now that I have found you, I’ll go wherever you will go, I will stay with you for all time. I pledge my love and my heart to you for this life and beyond. I love you.” She slipped the ring onto the waiting finger.

Lena took her hand and held a ring poised to slide onto Kate’s finger. “Kate, my heart was in a prison until I saw your beautiful face. Now my heart soars free and is filled with your love. I’ll go wherever you will go; I will stay with you for all time. I pledge my love and my heart to you for this life and beyond. I love you.” Blue eyes fixed on the beautiful face as she slipped the ring on Kate’s finger.

Joy and happiness filled the air as Kate stood captivated by the power of the love and emotions she knew they both felt.

Lena bent down and captured Kate’s lips to seal their pledge of everlasting love.

†

With the party in full swing, Lena and Kate chatted in separate places to family and friends. For Kate, it was hard not to keep looking at Lena. The fact that her partner was in a dress for the first time since they’d met only elevated her need to remove the wonderful attire and make love to her as they had never made love before.

Lena was as good as her word and there wasn’t an uninvited guest to spoil the party. Everyone was letting their hair down and enjoying the party completely. This joining ceremony would probably go down in history and that made her smile.

The music changed and the leader of the band called for silence then called over the new couple to the dance floor to start the dancing. Kate’s eyes caught Lena’s and headed for the center of the dance floor. She watched as Lena glided toward her. God, can life get any better than this? Her tongue traced a delicate line over her lips moistening them as Lena held out her arms. She floated into them to tremendous applause from the onlookers.

“Anyone ever tell you how beautiful you are?” Lena whispered into Kate’s ear.

Lena’s breath was like a gentle breeze that made her shiver in anticipation. She moved as close as possible without creating an inappropriate scene. “Hmm yeah, from time to time.” She smiled teasingly and looked into the sparkling blue eyes of her new partner for life—her love.

“Time to time, really? Well, we must remedy that. I think all the time, every hour of every day wouldn’t do you justice, but I’m prepared to give it a try.”

The husky tone of Lena’s voice made Kate’s body shake as sexual tension built. “We need…to be…alone.” Kate was amazed when Lena threw back her head and laughed. “You don’t agree?”

Lena held Kate even closer. “Did I say that? Alone would be good…better than good. The best.”

“Now, I know my Lena is in my arms. For a split second there, I thought I’d joined with someone else. Mind you, that someone else was like a fairytale, inspiring and so very sexy.”

“I aim to please and I’ll please you in every way possible.”

The low sexy drawl was Kate’s undoing. She wrapped her arms around Lena’s neck and passionately kissed the woman she loved, adored, and wanted.

Wolf whistles and applause complimented the kiss. Lena finally came up for air. “My body is on fire. I want you alone with me right now…God, how I want to ravish you.”

“Alone.” The one word made Kate smile brilliantly as others joined them on the dance floor.

Still holding Kate in her arms, Lena stopped dancing. “Give me a minute, and then we will say our goodbyes. You and I will go back to the house for one spectacular evening.

Kate felt her heartbeat pick up as she watched Lena move through the crowd and stop to speak with her father, Carl. Lena then turned back to the dance floor and gave her a come hither look.

When they met in the middle, they looked longingly into each other’s eyes. Lena took Kate’s hand. “Shall we say our goodbyes to our parents?”

The smile on Lena’s face was seductive and Kate had no choice but to follow.

Once outside, Kate gasped at the sight in front of her. “Oh, Lena, this is wonderful. Where did you hide this?”

 “At my folk’s place. Do you like?”

“Like…I love it, Lena.” She grabbed Lena’s hand and began pulling her toward the white carriage adorned with roses and being pulled by a stunningly beautiful white stallion.

Lena helped Kate into the carriage then climbed in so she was sitting close to Kate. Lena flicked the reins and the horse began heading home while the two women snuggled in each other’s arms.

†

Arriving at their home, Lena slipped from the carriage before gently taking Kate by the waist and lifting her to the ground. After kissing Kate thoroughly, she picked her up and carried her into the house

They fit perfectly together as they held each other close. As passions reached a fevered pitch, the sweaty bodies slid seductively against one another. Fingers, hands, tongues, lips, mouths, arm, legs, breasts, and centers vied for attention—the need for release—overwhelming. Finally, the room and surroundings disappeared as they left the bonds of earth. Powerful orgasms rocked them while explosions of light and love filled their souls. As their bodies and minds soared, there was no distinction between them—they were one, joined for all time and beyond.

Kate lay sleeping as Lena’s arms held her close. I will always protect you, Kate and keep you safe. She recalled the envelope with the word ‘bitch’ on it with the message inside stating, ‘it’s only a matter of time’.

When she shared the message with Kate’s dad, he arranged for protection during their honeymoon. He also started an investigation into the vet and her whereabouts. At least she hadn’t been able to crash the ceremony and spoil that.

Kissing Kate’s cheek gently, she closed her eyes when sleep finally took over. Her last thoughts were about the look on Kate’s face when she would see the honeymoon surprise the next day.

†

Kate was dreaming that someone was calling her name. Waking with a start, she realized it wasn’t a dream but her mother’s voice. “Mom, what?”

“Time to get up, sweetie. Your breakfast guests will be here soon and you need to be at the airport by eleven.”

Focusing her eyes on the bedside clock, she groaned. “Mom, it’s only seven, give us a few more hours.”

Lena kissed Kate’s bare shoulder. “We’re up, Mom. Be there after our showers.” She continued kissing the shoulder then her lips moved down toward a tempting breast.

Kate let out a laugh, “Oh, no you don’t. You said we were on our way, so no time for that.” Her tone was teasing and light.

Lena took a nipple into her mouth and began sucking—Kate to shiver in anticipation.

“I did say after our showers—this is before.” Lena started her assault on Kate’s body once again.

†

 “Okay, we are on board the plane…are you going to tell me where we are going?” Kate asked.

Lena smiled. “Not yet my love. You will see…” she looked at her watch, “in about three hours.”

Kate yawned. “I don’t know if I can wait that long. Please tell me.” She batted her eyelashes and ran her fingers along Lena’s leg. “We can see if there really is a mile high club.” She winked before getting the steward’s attention. “May I please have a blanket and pillow?”

The steward quickly opened the overhead, retrieved the items, and handed them to Kate.

“Thank you.” She spread the blanket over Lena’s legs and her fingers worked their way between them. “Please tell me, I’ll make it worth your while.”

Lena swallowed as Kate’s fingers began undoing her slacks. “K…Kate, it won’t be a surprise if I tell you now. Oh, my goodness, Kate, we are just taking off.”

“Well then, I will have to wait to finish, won’t I?” Kate withdrew her fingers.

Once the seatbelt notice signal, Kate yawned, stretched, and placed the pillow on Lena’s lap before laying her head down. “Wake me when we are a mile up.”

Lena shook her head when Kate fell asleep immediately. She gently spread the blanket over her partner before kissing her cheek. “Sleep my, love, we have a great adventure before us.” She looked at the other passengers in first class and wondered which one was watching over them.

†

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we are preparing to land. Please place your seats in an upright position, fasten your seatbelts, and shut all electronic devices off. Thank you.”

Lena gently touched Kate’s face as she whispered. “Hey, sleepyhead, it’s time to wake up.”

Kate moved slightly and stretched the best she could. Looking up at Lena, her face brightened. “I’m sorry. I should have stayed awake. Are we at a mile yet?”

Lena laughed and helped Kate sit up and fasten her seatbelt. “No, love, we are landing. Promises, promises is all I get from you.” A glint of laughter was in her eyes.

Kate laughed as she looked out the window and off in the distance and saw what she was certain was the Gateway to the West. “We’re going to St Louis?” She picked up the book Lena was reading.

“You’ll see soon enough. I can lend you that book about horse training if you want.”

“No, it’s okay. That’s why we have you to do the training—unless, of course, you want me to train you.” Kate winked.

“You can train me anytime, anywhere, anyplace and anyway you desire.” Lena stole a quick kiss as the wheels touched the ground.

†

As the cab drew up to the dock, Kate’s eyebrows crinkled. “What are we doing here? You’ve got me totally confused as to where we are going.”

Lena pointed at the water. “See that paddle boat, it is taking us on a leisurely trip down the Mississippi River.”

Kate didn’t want Lena to know how disappointed she was. Spending her honeymoon on a small boat with other people around wasn’t her idea of a private time with her partner. “Oh, how nice. How many couples will be with us?”

Lena exited the cab and began walking toward a woman who was standing there before she stopped and came back to the cab. “Aren’t you coming?”

Kate took a deep breath. “Yes.” She slid across the seat and took Lena’s hand.

“Chris, this is my partner, Kate. Kate this is Christine…she owns the boat.”

For a moment, Kate balked at Lena referring to them as partnersfamily and friends yes, but not there. Nonetheless, she held out her hand. “Glad to meet you, Christine.”

The woman, who was shorter than Kate, had a very muscular, tanned body. Two other women approached them. “Ladies, this is my crew, Sam and Linda, they will take care of all your needs.” Christine turned toward the new arrivals. “Will you get their bags out of the cab and put them in the cabin?”

Kate looked around the spacious cabin wondering if other couples had such a big room. The boat wasn’t that big. Hearing the engines start, she let out a sigh of resignation.

Lena took Kate in her arms. “I love you. Are you happy with my surprise?”

Kate forgot all about the boat and the people as she snuggled into Lena’s body. “I love you too, Lena…only you.”

“But, what about the surprise, does it make you happy?”

“Well, it is different. Not exactly what I imagined, but the cabin is certainly big.” She looked into Lena’s eyes and knew she didn’t believe her. “Lena, I love you, but spending our honeymoon on a small boat with other couples isn’t my idea of fun. We will have to hide our love and I don’t want to do that.” She was honest and hoped that her words didn’t hurt Lena.

Lena let out an uproarious laugh. “Oh, Kate, I love you…you’re so wonderful.” She pulled Kate closer. “We are the only couple on the boat. The owner and crew are all lesbians and we won’t see them except when have our meals.”

Kate felt her jaw drop. “Just us…really…just us?” She threw her arms around Lena’s neck and began kissing Lena.

It wasn’t long before they were naked and lying in a bed that rocked gently as the boat lazily traveled down the river. As their bodies hungered for each other, the added dimension of the boat’s motion increased the intensity.

Kate’s fingers were relentless. They plunged deeper and deeper until Lena’s body began to explode just as hers did at Lena’s hand. As they lay in each other’s arms, satiated, a sense of great peace came over Kate. Drifting down the Mississippi River they were one and safe from the world of telephones, business and horses. For the next five days were theirs alone to explore each other, not just sexually, but personally.

†

After the boat docked in New Orleans, Kate and Lena thanked Christine, Linda, and Sam. Kate hugged each woman while she gushed about the wonderful trip and the great treatment they received.

Lena merely looked on and smiled at the blonde she loved. “The cab is here. I’ll get our bags.”

Kate got in the cab after Lena. “I can’t wait to find out what’s next. The trip down the river was so wonderful I’m not sure anything will compare with it.”

“Golly, Kate, I hope you will be happy.” Lena smiled and took Kate’s hand. “First, we go to the French Quarter and the Maison Dupuy for a few days of pampering. Then, if you like, we could take in the two-year-old training auction nearby.”

Kate laughed. “Can’t stay away from the horses for too long can you? Truth be told, neither can I. Do you have a tip on a good horse?”

“You know me so well, Kate. Yes, I do and hope we can get it at a bargain price. He doesn’t look like much, but I’ve gone through his line and I see real potential.”

“Then that is what we shall do. I love you.” Not caring what the driver thought, Kate brought Lena’s hand up and kiss it tenderly.

The ambience of the antebellum south greeted them as they drove up to the Maison Dupuy. It was everything Lena had hoped for and more. As the door to their room opened, she and Kate gaspedthe opulence was breathtaking.

After tipping the porter, Lena turned to see Kate standing on the balcony.

“Look, Lena, we can have our meals out here. The courtyard is wonderful…the whole place is wonderful…you are wonderful.” She took her lover in her arms and kissed. “Thank you for this wonderful honeymoon.”

“You deserve only the best and I intend on giving you that for the rest of our lives.” Lena hugged Kate close before loosening her grip. “What do you say we go out and explore?”

A bright smile crossed Kate’s face. “I have been all over the world, but never to New Orleans. Let’s go and see what we can discover in this exciting place.”

As they stepped out of the hotel onto Rue Toulouse heading to Bourbon Street, Lena looked around trying to pick out who was protecting them. She would keep her eyes open until she could identify the person. Carl said they were the best. She followed her lover down the street toward yet to be discovered adventures.

†

Kate, dropping all her bags, collapsed on the bed. “I think this is one of the best days of my life. Remember the look on that old gypsy’s face when she told us we were bound together for all time?”

Lena joined Kate on the bed. “She was right you know. Nothing will ever part us. That necklace looks wonderful on you.” A smile of a fond memory crossed her face. “Shall we order some dinner and have it out on the balcony? It is a beautiful night,” she grinned, “almost as beautiful as you.”

Kate laughed as she caressed Lena’s cheek. “You know how to get to me, don’t you?”

“Of course, flattery and food gets you every time.”

“Not as much as you do. We could skip the food and go straight for dessert.” Kate began removing Lena’s clothes.

Lena responded with a kiss. “Dessert is my favorite part.”

†

Kate and Lena entered the auction arena of the fairgrounds. The smell of horses and hay permeated the air.

Lena went immediately to the rail where the horse for the day’s auction were. “I forgot how wonderful that smell is, Kate.”

“Vacations are great, but I will be glad to go home tomorrow.” Kate pointed at a horse. “Look at that superb chestnut stallion in a pen alone. What a fantastic horse, Lena, why would they segregate him from the other horses?”

“Probably he couldn’t keep to himself around all the ladies. Let’s check him out.” Lena headed for the horse.

“Lena, stop, I’m serious. Do you think he’s wild or something?” Kate joined her at the fence.

“Here boy.” Lena motioned to the horse. As the horse drew closer, she pulled Kate in. “Here he comes…he doesn’t seem wild to me. I think he is just too much of a ladies man.”

“He is magnificent, Lena. Look at his lines and the power of his body.” Kate stopped speaking and her eyes grew wide. “Hey, what are you doing? You can’t do that. Lena, stop.”

Lena climbed the fence to inspect the horse up close. She stood by the horse running her hands over his body then lifting a lip to see his teeth. Finished with her inspection she patted his hindquarters, walked back to the fence and climbed back over. “Now, that is a horse. He has winner written all over him.”

Kate looked puzzled. “This isn’t the scraggly horse you came here to see is it?”

Lena’s hearty laugh reverberated throughout the arena. “No, Kate. Come with me and I will show you that one.”

“How much do you think the chestnut will go for?” Kate looked back at the chestnut stallion.

Stopping at another corral, Lena pointed to a rather small, thin horse standing in the corner of the pen. “There she is, doesn’t look like much does she?”

Kate shook her head. “You’re not serious are you? I know you are the expert, but you’ve got to be kidding.”

Lena knitted her eyebrows and stared at Kate.

“You’re serious. Oh, God, I’m sorry. You know horses so I’m sure this one has something I’m missing.”

“Not a problem. The auction is about to begin so let’s find our seats. Harvey Tanner said we could use his box, let’s go.” Lena took Kate’s hand and began to head for the box seats.”

Kate stopped in her tracks. “We’re not going anywhere until we settle this, Lena Corkill. I said I was sorry. To my untrained eyes, that horse looks like it would have a hard time at a pony ride. I’m sorry I questioned your judgment…can you accept that?”

Lena listened while Kate scolded her before reaching into her pocket and handing Kate a piece of paper. “Perhaps this will answer your questions.” She raised an eyebrow.

Kate took the offered paper, opened it, and read the notes on the horse. Looking up into Lena’s eyes, she could feel her face burning. “Come with me, please.”

Lena dutifully followed her partner back to the corral. “Now, please, look at that horse and forget what you know. Does she look like she came from a championship line?”

Lena looked critically at the horse and began laughing. “She is rather pathetic isn’t she? Actually, I was thinking, with a line like hers she would make a good brood mare. What do you think?”

“I love you.” Kate gave Lena a discrete hug. “A brood mare is a good idea although I’m not sure how attractive she will be.”

Lena leaned in. “They go by smell, not looks.”

“Oh really, what do you go by?”

Lena felt Kate’s body rubbing against hers as they both leaned on the fence. “How about I show you later.”

“Count on it. Now, which of our horses do you plan for a stud for our brood mare?”

“Ah, I hoped you would ask that. Come with me.” They stopped at the chestnut’s pen. “Kate, I would like you to meet our new horse, Kate's Pride.”

Kate grabbed Lena by the neck and hugged her before she kissed her thoroughly. “You are so good to me. I love you.” She kissed Lena again.

Lena pulled Kate close. “Glad to make you happy. A few of the guys from the farm are here to take our horse’s home. What do you say we find them and they can finish our business here? We can go back to a leisurely bath and a nice dinner out on the patio.”

A bright smile lit up Kate’s face. “Now, that sounds like a delightful way to spend our last night in New Orleans.”

High in the arena, cold eyes watched them leave.

†

At some point during the night, Lena knew they were not alone. Lifting her head, she saw a figure standing at the foot of the bed. “How did you get in here?”

“That man was a waste of your money. He didn’t protect you very well,” Corneila hissed.

“Get the hell out of here.”

“Not until I get what I came for. You two made a fool out of me and now you are going to pay.” Corneila raised a gun.

Lena’s eyes widened at the sight of the gun with a silencer. “Put it away, Corneila. You don’t want to do this.”

“The hell I don’t.” An evil smiled cross the deranged woman’s face.

In the instant it took for Lena to realize Corneila was going to fire, she flung her body across Kate’s feeling the burn of the bullet entering her body. A second shot rang out and she felt Kate’s body lurch with the impact.

Lena, feeling the blood leaving her body, regained consciousness. She checked Kate’s body noting that it was still warm though the pulse was weak. With difficulty, she reached the phone, picked up the handset, and waited for the desk to answer.

“Front desk, may I help you?”

“Please…help us…shot…”

“Ms Corkill, please tell me what happened. Please answer me. I’m calling 911.”

†

The police were the first to arrive. The first officer who arrived examined the man’s body lying outside the door of the suite the woman behind the hotel’s desk indicated. Proceeding inside with their guns draw, they proceeded with caution.

“Clear,” one of the officers said.

Karen Dixon, the lead investigator, saw two women lying on the bed in a pool of blood. She felt for pulses. “We have one dead and two that are barely alive. Tell the medics to hurry.” She looked down and saw one of the women open her eyes and try to speak. Leaning down, she put her ear close to the wounded woman’s mouth.

“What did she say, Karen?” Harvey Nelson asked his partner.

“Cruella.”

Chapter Fifteen

To Go or To Stay

As life was draining from their bodies, Kate and Lena’s spirits drifted above them and joined until they were one. They were ecstatic that they would spend all of eternity together. As the happiness, love, and joy surrounded them, sadness began creeping in. They heard the police officers discussing the circumstances of the shooting while the paramedics tended to their rapidly dying bodies…

“Not many clues here.” Detective Nelson looked around the room.

“Maybe the crime team will be able to come up with something.” Karen watched the paramedics feverishly trying to stabilize the victims. “Wonder who Cruella is?”

The spirits, wanting to spend eternity together, knew that if they left now, Corneila Cambridge would go unpunished and continue her questionable veterinary practices. The spirits began spiraling downward. They split before entering their bodies determined to live. Now back in their body, they carried a portion of the other. For all time they would be together in spirit, regardless of the outcome of the physical, broken bodies.

†

Carl and Belinda Lawrence, who received the news at the airport just as they were preparing to board a California bound plane, immediately they changed their plans. Within a half-hour, they were on a plane bound for New Orleans.

Once they landed, they didn’t bother with their luggage and hailed a cab.  They arrived at the hospital and hurried to information desk.

“May I help you?” a volunteer asked.

“Yes, our daughter, Katherine Lawrence, was brought here earlier this morning…we need to find her.” Carl could feel the anxiety enveloping his body. “Please hurry.”

“Just a minute.” The woman searched her computer screen. “Do you have some sort of identification, Mr. Lawrence?”

“Identification? What the hell are you talking about? This is a waste of time!”

“Sir, it’s the law. Please, if you will just show me a driver’s license I can give you the information and you can be on your way.”

Pulling out his wallet, Carl threw the required document on the desk. “Here, now where is my daughter?”

“Thank you, Mr. Lawrence, your daughter is in surgery. I will notify the operating room you are here. The doctor will come and talk to you as soon as he can. The waiting room is on the second floor.” The woman pointed to the elevators. “You can take that bank of elevators.”

Carl snatched up his license and headed to find his daughter only to stop—his wife wasn’t with him. Turning, he saw her still standing at the information desk speaking with the woman. He moved back toward the desk. “Come on, Be.”

Belinda looked up at her husband with tears in her eyes. “We need to know about Lena too.” She turned back to the woman. “Yes, I understand, if you can’t tell me you can’t. Thank you anyway.”

“Mrs. Lawrence, what was the name again?” the volunteer asked.

“Lena Corkill, her name is Lena Corkill.”

“She’s out of surgery and in recovery right now. That is all I can tell you.”

Belinda felt a wave of relief. “Thank you.” Then she rushed off with Carl to find their daughter and her partner.

†

After two hours of waiting, a nurse escorted Carl and Belinda into a small consultation room to wait for the doctor. Belinda felt her heart sink when the doctor entered the room with a serious look on her face.

“Mr. And Mrs. Lawrence, I’m Rachel Snyder, your daughter’s surgeon.”

Belinda fought to keep the tears that were brimming in her eyes, from falling. “Is she alive?”

Dr. Snyder sighed. “For now. I won’t kid you, her condition is critical.”

“What happened?” Carl put his arm around his wife and pulled her closer.

“The first bullet passed through the other woman, who apparently was shielding your daughter, and lodged in her spleen. The second bullet did far more damage as it tore a hole in her bowel. Right now she is in a coma,”

Belinda gasped.

“It is a good thing…it aids in healing.” The doctor smiled gently and patted Belinda’s hand. “We repaired the bowel. Unfortunately, peritonitis is unavoidable so she’s on a massive antibiotic therapy.”

“What’s the outlook? Will she recover?” Carl asked.

“There’s no way to tell right now. I’ve seen some survive. She is very sick; time will tell. The first twenty-four hours will be critical. She is young and in good health and that’s a strong point for her. Right now, she is in recovery and then they’ll move her to intensive care. Someone will let you know when that happens and you can see her then.” The surgeon looked at her watch. “Is there anything else I can tell you?”

“The woman with her…do you know anything about her?” Belinda asked.

“Are you related?”

“She is our daughter’s partner—our daughter-in-law.” Carl said.

The surgeon her head. “I see. Legally I can’t tell you about a non-relative’s condition or treatment. The bullet entered through her back passing through her lungs and nicking the carotid artery. They repaired that, but like your daughter, she’s in a coma. The bottom line, they’re both in critical condition and shouldn’t be alive. But they are.” She looked at her watch again. “I need to go now. If you have any questions or concerns, ask one of the nurses or aides to page me.” Then she patted Belinda’s arm. “We will do everything we can to pull them through.”

†

As soon as the Lawrence’s returned to the waiting area, a well-dressed man approached them.

“Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence, I’m Detective Hardy from the New Orleans Police Department. I know that this is a difficult time for you, if you don’t mind, I do have a few questions.”

“Certainly, but I’m not sure how we can help, we’ve only just arrived.” Carl said. “I would like to know exactly what happened.”

“Of course.” The detective took a deep breath. “Apparently your daughter was in bed with a woman…” He searched their faces for surprise and saw none. “After killing a man in the hallway, an intruder came into their room…” He saw the look of horror on their faces. “From the best that we can determine, the other woman,” he looked down at his notebook, “a Lena Corkill, apparently saw the person and attempted to shield your daughter. After the perpetrator left, the Corkill woman called for help.”

Belinda’s eyes fixated on the detective. “The Corkill woman, as you call her, is our daughter’s partner. Thank God, she was there to try and save Kate.”

Carl patted his wife’s hand. “Do you have any idea of who did this, Detective?”

“My initial thought was a hate crime, but apparently Ms Corkill knew the person.”

“She did? Who was it? Have you arrested them?” Carl and Belinda asked over each other.

“There’s very little physical evidence other than the recovered bullets and a name…Cruella. Do you know who that is?”

Belinda gasped. “Corneila Cambridge, Lena called her Cruella.”

“I will need all the information you have about this person.” Detective Hardy took a seat across from them.

†

An hour later, Anna and Seymour Corkill arrived and after chatting briefly with Carl and Belinda, they went to the intensive care unit.

“You can only stay for a few minutes,” the nurse said.

“Thank you.” Seymour cautiously slid the door open, and then hearing and sing all the machines working to keep his daughter alive.

“She is so pale, Seymour, with so many wires and tubes.” Anna clung to her husband’s arm.

“I know, sweetheart, but she is a fighter and if anyone can beat this, our girl can.” Seymour squeezed his wife’s hand. “Remember all the wires and tubes after I broke my back? I got through it and so will Lena.”

“I’m sorry, you’ll have to leave now,” the nurse said. “Her doctor should be checking her in about an hour if you will come back then you can talk with her.”

Anna looked once again at her child. “You know, if she could hear that beeping it would drive her crazy.” She let out a small laugh. “I need to make a call and get a prayer chain going.”

“Thank you.” Seymour took his wife’s hand they slowly left Lena’s room. “Let’s see if Carl and Belinda are still in the waiting room. Maybe they’d like to accompany us to the chapel.”

The distraught parents hugged and sobbed clinging to each other for solace. After a visit to the chapel, they all returned to one of the many waiting room at the Tulane University Hospital, and began their long vigil.

†

By having a part of each other’s spirit, Lena and Kate drifted in and out of each other’s unconsciousness. They felt each other’s pain and fear. It was most acute for Lena who could feel Kate’s anguish as she struggled to fight the infection and pain.

“Kate, let me fight for you. Go into my body and rest and I will stay here. Together we will conquer what Cruella did to you. We will find her and have our vengeance.”

“Lena, I’m so tired. I want to go back and spend eternity with you.”

“I know you do and one day we will, but right now we need to live and right the wrong she did. Now go and rest, I will be here fighting to keep you alive.”

Grateful, Kate left her body and entered Lena’s warm loving body. There she would renew her strength before returning fully to her body to fight to live.

Not until Kate won her battle would Lena open her eyes or leave her partner’s side. Together they would fight and live, secure in the knowledge, that for all time, they would be one.

It was two weeks before they opened their eyes. The doctors were amazed they both came out of their comas at the same time. More startling was Kate’s rapid recovery.

†

“I just don’t understand, Mr. Lawrence.” Dr. Snyder said. “A ruptured bowel is a horrible illness that usually results in death or at least a three to four months of intensive therapy. Yet, Kate appears to be completely recovered.”

Kate, whom they thought was sleeping, opened her eyes. “I had help. Lena was there for me.”

Dr. Snyder cocked her head as she looked at Kate. “How could she help you? She was in a coma too?”

Kate closed her eyes. “I know.” She fell back into a restful sleep.

Once Lena confirmed that Corneila was indeed responsible for the shooting, the New Orleans’s police issued a warrant for her arrest. She seemed to have disappeared from her usual haunts.

Chapter Sixteen

Home at Last

As the limo drove down the dusty road to Merridoc, Kate and Lena’s hearts soared upon seeing their beloved home. After their release from the hospital, they had spent five weeks in California in the Lawrence’s second home. There they regained their strength while basking in the sun and in the glow of their love.

Lena reached out and took Kate’s hand. “Home at last. Sure looks wonderful, doesn’t it?”

“Wonderful is a good description of anywhere you are,” Kate said.

Lena laughed. “You are such a flatterer.”

As the car pulled up in front of their house, Carmen flew out of the house toward the car. Opening the door, she clasped her hands over her heart. “Thank, God.” She took Kate’s hand and helped her out of the car before engulfing her in a hug.

Lena came around the car and stood by the two crying women. “Hey, Carmen, what am I, chopped liver?”

Releasing Kate, Carmen turned and looked Lena over. “You are so thin.” She wrapped her arms around the taller woman.

As they walked into the house, Carmen chattered. “Your room is all ready for you and I have made all your favorites. Now that I have you two, I will make sure that I give you the proper care. What have you been eating? Obviously nothing. Not to worry, I will take care of that.”

Both Kate and Lena laughed as they each put an arm around the amazing woman. Without speaking, they told each other that it was great to be home.

†

Later that afternoon, the two women walked casually to the stables. The staff had followed Lena’s training schedules and worked overtime to make sure everything was as it should be. The results of winning the Derby and Preakness were the addition of new horses, sent by their owners to Merridoc, for training.

Kate rested against the fence watching her stallion romped around the corral. There was no doubt about it—he was a magnificent horse;. Her eye caught a glimpse of a slender grey mare that was the object of the stallion’s eye. “Lena, that horse over there, the grey, that isn’t the pathetic one from the auction, is it?”

Lena laughed as her arm went around Kate’s waist. “Yep, she sure is. Cleaned up nice, didn’t she?”

“Cleaned up? It’s more than that…she has such presence. Look how she stands there so proud and noble.” Kate smiled broadly. “You’re a wonderful judge of horse flesh. Sorry I questioned you.”

“Long gone and forgotten. It’s time for the meeting with the crew…are you ready?”

Kate took Lena’s hand and led them toward the main stable.

All the Merridoc employees assembled in loose groups in the stable. Most were waiting for their first glimpse of the owners since the wedding. A collective gasp went through the crowd as they saw them enter the barn. The last time they had seen the women, they were healthy and strong. Now, they were noticeably thinner and they did not seem as vigorous as they remembered.

 “We’re glad you’re back,” someone yelled out.

A resounding cheer went up around the stable.

Broad smiles crossed Kate and Lena’s faces while they shook several hands before stopping in the center of the barn.

Kate was the first to speak. “I want to thank you all for coming today. I know, for some of you, it is your day off. We want you all to know how much we appreciate your support and prayers for us over the last two months.” She smiled at Lena. “I don’t think Merridoc would have survived if it hadn’t been for everyone’s loyalty and the willingness to go that extra mile. Thank you all.”

Lena held her hand up. “Thank you, for the warm welcome. We’ve had quite a time, but as Kate said, we couldn’t have done it without everybody here. As you know, Merridoc is now a hot commodity with everyone wanting our services and expertise. We will be searching for another trainer or two and I would prefer to fill that position from within. Let me know if you are interested in working toward your trainer’s license.” Lena smiled as the voice of Kate filled her mind. Get on with it; I want to take you to bed. Lena shook her head and winked at Kate. “Before I let you all go, I want to announce the first annual Merridoc Family picnic, to be held here on the seventh. You are all invited along with your families and significant others as our guests. There will be food and all kinds of surprises including a fireworks show. Thank you all again, we are so very proud to have you on our team.”

Lena took Kate’s hand and turned to start for the house—happy employees surrounded them.

Kate gave Lena an internal shake of the head. Why is it whenever I want you alone someone or something in the way? Smiling graciously into the happy throng of well wishers, a shiver went down Kate’s back as she recalled the ease in which a violent, vicious person had violated their lives. In a split second, Cornelia almost robbed of everything.

It was a comfort to know that since she and Lena shared inner thoughts and reactions to situations as one, it cushioned all her pain in such a marvelous way. When nightmares from time to time flared, they would stand in the spiritual world holding on tight until the terror subsided. The richness of the bond created a cocoon for them for all time. They would always share any difficulty that life might possibly throw at them. It would always be until their physical bodies died naturally. Then they could be one in eternity, just as they had experienced for a brief time.

Kate glanced at the friends and employees, not to mention the horses, all around them and smiled. Lena had been right, they could afford to play their part here until the end because they had the luxury of knowing something that so few did—they would be together in the next life—what a glorious prospect that was.

Lena frowned for a second when she picked up the initial negative thoughts from Kate. She felt her fear depart replaced by the happiness and rightness of living without any trace of the gloomy feelings that they buried forever in a dark place never to appear again. Clasping Kate’s hand in hers as tight as possible, she felt the responding squeeze back. They were still on a quest, but one that could only end up going from strength to strength ending in a dazzling conclusion of being together forever. Who could ask for more than that? She certainly couldn’t and wouldn’t.

†

The next two weeks were a blur as preparations for the big picnic took shape. The area near the river around the oaks became a picnic park. Canoes and paddleboats, tied up to a dock were for rides on the river. Six booths were set up for games, complete with prizes for winners. To one side were booths for ice cream, hotdogs, fries, cotton candy, and popcorn. In the middle of the area, a large stage was erected for live music and dancing. Caterers came to set up their tents for the wide variety of food on offer. In another tent, tables and chairs, along with a buffet table, were available for dining. In one corner of the field, there was a corral for pony rides.

Waking and stretching, Lena kept her eyes closed as she mentally prepared herself for the upcoming day. She and Kate would direct the final touch to their big party—the banner placement over the entrance to the picnic park. She smiled when she heard Kate enter her mind. She rolled over and hugged the Kate to her. “Good morning, beautiful.”

“Hmm, good morning to you too my wonderful lover.” Kate snuggled closer. “What time is it?”

Lena peered at the clock. “Eight. What time were we meeting the guys?”

Kate closed her eyes. “Eight thirty. Think we can call them and make it later?”

Lena bent in and kissed Kate’s cheek. “What did you have in mind?” She began kissing Kate’s tempting neck.

“Me, you, shower.” Kate’s fingers lightly touched Lena’s body.

“Ah, that sounds good to me. After all, we don’t want to be dirty for our big picnic.” Her lips worked their way up to waiting lips.

The kisses grew deeper as the women relaxed into the love they felt for each other. Since the shooting, their lovemaking had taken on the new dimension of actually feeling each other’s passion and need.

The ringing of the phone had them breaking their kiss. “This is Kate.”

“Hey, boss, we’re here. Want us to start putting the banner up?”

“No. No, Tom, we will be there in about fifteen minutes. We want to be there.”

Kate hung up the phone, smiled, and then kissed Lena. “Guess we will have to hold that thought. Why don’t you jump in the shower and I will have Carmen bring us coffee and toast.”

One more kiss and Lena jumped out of bed and headed for the bathroom.

Kate sighed. “We should have woke up earlier.”

†

Sitting on their horses, the women watched as the picnic banner, in the farm’s colors rose above the entrance to the picnic area.

Merridoc Welcomes YOU

1st Annual Family Picnic

A smile filled both their faces.

“Happy days are upon us, Kate, and this is the beginning.”

“Yes, I agree. It is going to be a wonderful day.

†

Their guests began arriving as Kate, on her new stallion, and Lena, on her grey, rode up to the picnic park. After releasing their horses in the fenced field, they began greeting their guests.

Off in the distance, Lena could hear the delighted squeals of children. She flopped down on a chair and sighed. The day, along with weeks of preparations, began taking a toll on her still healing body. Looking through the crowd, she spotted Kate and noticed the worn, tired look on her face. I’m over here, love. Come join me.

Kate turned and her green eyes glowed with love. She excused herself and made her way to her love…her salvation.

“Hi there, beautiful.” Lena smiled as Kate sat down next to her. “You look tired. Are you okay?”

Kate’s fingers caressed Lena’s cheek. “I’m fine. This is such a special day. Look at all our friends having such a good time. I’m glad we did this.”

Lena’s hand captured Kate’s, brought it down to her lips and kissed it. “I’m glad too. It’s nice to give back. What do you say I take you for a canoe ride?”

Laughing Kate stood up. “Only if you promise not to splash me.”

“Oh, I can’t promise that, but I will make every effort to keep you dry…for now.”

“I know that look, Lena Corkill. Maybe I should reconsider your offer.”

“Trust me.”

†

Kate stepped carefully into the wobbly canoe.

Lena was steadying the vessel.

“Thank you. Now it’s your turn.” Kate held onto the dock to steady the canoe.

Once in, Lena handed Kate a paddle then took one too. As they maneuvered out to the middle of the river, Kate let out a yell as a paddle full of water hit her back.

“Oh, sorry, I can’t seem to get the hang of this thing.” Lena tried to hold back a laugh.”

Kate looked back over her shoulder. “Yeah, right, and you can’t ride a horse either.” Her paddle hit the water and a stream of water hit Lena. “Oh, sorry, I can’t seem to get the hang of this thing.”

“Okay, truce. We will just have a leisurely ride down the river to the buoys then back again.” Lena said.

As they neared the buoys, Lena cleared her throat. “Are you having a good time?”

“Of course I am. After all, you are doing all the paddling and giving me a chance to work on my tan.” Kate let out a sigh. I was in England for a year attending Oxford as an exchange student. This reminds me of the beautiful summer days I spent punting on the river. I was with friends, which was unusual since I spent much of my time with a nose in her books.” Now, I’d much rather have a nose—whoa, there, girl. A sensual smile crossed her lips.

Lena heard her thoughts. “Glad you are enjoying yourself. I’m getting hot—think I will go for a swim.” With that, she stood up causing the canoe to rock severely.

“Lena, what are you doing? Sit down before we tip over.”

Lena stood on the seat then jumped in the water with the canoe beginning to tip over. Soon they were both in the river splashing each other with abandon.

Kate swam toward Lena and grabbed her around the waist. “You will pay for this, you know?” She kissed her soundly before swimming for shore and the crowd of onlookers.

After the onlookers left, Kate stretched out in the soft grass next to Lena. “This has been one great day, thank you.”

“For what?” Lena lifted her head to look into the green eyes.

“For all sorts of reasons, but mostly for being you.”

Lena bent down and kissed Kate. “The day isn’t over yet, you know—we still have dancing to do.”

“Mmm, holding you close. Now that sounds like something worth waiting for.”

†

As darkness fell, Kate and Lena stood side by side leaning on the pony corral fence. Soon the fireworks would start as a final tribute to the friends and families of Merridoc.

Lena kissed Kate’s cheek. “How about I go get us a beer then we can watch the fireworks?”

“Sounds good to me.” Kate let out a sigh of happiness. “Hurry back, I’ll keep your spot warm.”

“In that case, I’ll run.”

Kate began to climb the fence so she could sit on top of it when she suddenly felt something cold against her neck. She turned and gazed into the deranged eyes of Corneila Cambridge who held a gun against Kate’s neck.

“Surprise, slut, it’s me. Now get down from there.”

“You won’t get away with this, Cornelia, there are hundreds of people here.”

“We’ll just see about that.” Corneila shoved the gun harder into Kate’s neck.

Lena was half way back with the beers when she felt Kate enter her mind. Fear and panic made her drop the bottles and run to the corral. She slowed down when she saw Kate standing where she had left her. Puzzled by the intense feelings of hate and fear she felt coming off her lover, she cautiously approached.

“Kate? Are you okay?” Lena asked.

A strange expression crossed Kate’s face when she tried to smile. The feeling of foreboding became overwhelming to Lena as she looked around the area. She scanned every possible direction for any reason for the upset to her and Kate’s equilibrium—nothing.

“Why not come with me and sit with my parents, they have a really good view.” In her mind, Kate was screaming to her—Run, Lena, run.

Just then, a figure appeared from behind Kate. “She’s not going anywhere with you, bitch. You’re both coming with me. Now get over here with your slut,” Corneila hissed.

Lena felt the jolt of surprise and horror as their nemesis appeared from out of nowhere. A feeling of déjà vu overcame her for a moment. How did she get here unnoticed? She walked quickly toward Kate. “I’m the one you want, Cornelia, take me, and let her go.”

“Shut up, bitch, and start walking that way.” Cornelia pointed to the pasture area where it was there were no lights.

Once in the darkness, Corneila grabbed Kate by the waist and pointed the gun toward Lena.

“You won’t get away with this. As soon as they hear the gunshot you will be surrounded.” Lena said.

“You pathetic, fucking bitch. Don’t you know your little gathering here is the perfect place for me to kill you two? Once those fireworks start, no one will hear my gunshot.”

Lena entered Kate’s mind. When I say duck, I want you to fall to the ground and I will jump her.

Like hell, you will. When I say go, I will stomp on her foot then fall to the ground. That will give you more time.

That’s why I love you…you think quickly on your feet. I’m ready when you are.

Kate looked at Lena and winked. “Go.” She dug her boot heel into Corneila’s foot.

Corneila let go in reaction to the pain, letting Kate fell to the ground. Lena propelled herself through the air grabbing the hand with the gun—both crashed on the hard earth. Just then, the fireworks started filling the sky above them with color and light.

Corneila struggled to get Lena off her while Lena continually banged the gunned hand against the dirt. Her strength was waning as she continued her assault. Before the shooting, she could have subdued Cornelia with ease—now the effort drained her.

With her free hand, Corneila punched Lena hard in the chest.

Lena gasped in pain, but didn’t let go of the gun hand.

Kate crawled over to the struggling women and pried the gun out of Corneila’s hand just as the deranged woman managed to push Lena off her. The vet then took hold of the hand holding the gun and punched Kate in the lower abdomen. The pain was overwhelming causing the blonde woman to double over.

Corneila scrambled to her feet and pointed the gun at the women. “Get up,” she screamed. “Get up now or you’ll die where you are.”

Lena struggled to her feet then helped Kate. She noted the pain on Kate’s face and breathing heavily, Lena once again tried to plead with the crazy vet. “Let her go, Corneila. She has nothing to do with this. It’s me you want so let her go.”

“That is where you are wrong, bitch. I want her too. You both humiliated me and need to pay.” A mad laugh ensued. “But first, a little entertainment.” She then began shooting at their feet insanely laughing as they ‘danced’ for her.

The fireworks were booming one after another synchronically with the bullets hitting the ground. Suddenly, out of nowhere, came a thundering set of hooves. Kate’s Pride, extremely agitated by all the noise, reared up in front of them. Targeting one source of noise, his hooves came crashing down knocking Corneila over.

At first, Kate and Lena stood there as if in a trance. The chestnut stallion was whinnying loudly as his hooves landed once again on the vet. Coming out of her daze, Lena started waving her arms and shouting at the horse. Kate joined in until the stallion turned away from the vet.

The fireworks ended and quiet once again filled the air.

Lena walked over to the still nervous horse and spoke softly to him. Kate went to Corneila whose body lay on the ground with her hands over her head and her legs tucked in. Kicking the gun away, she knelt down and touched the body. A hand grabbed hers, holding on tight before letting go.

Kate stood and went to Lena who had calmed the horse. “Guess he was paying her back for all the horses she put down. She’s dead.”

Hand in hand, they walked back to the celebration for help.

With Corneila dead, life had an appeal that vied with the incredible security of knowing that even in death they would still journey on a quest of love.

About the Authors

JM Dragon

Born in England JM Dragon is and now a New Zealand citizen, living in the beautiful Canterbury countryside, JM Dragon loves to garden, travel and has a love of animals. Her animals, many of them strays, even the odd chicken, have proved a new focus in her life. Sharing her life with her family, two cats, two alpacas and over forty bantam chickens in differing breeds; she’s found a totally different focus in her life than when she lived in England. Her writing is a long cherished release for the characters that invade her mind on many an occasion. Always having written stories from a child, she found the internet a place she could share her creative world with other readers. Having stumbled across venues on the net for her writing, she found new subjects to explore. She currently loves the creative, readership and friendship genre she has comfortably taken residence in for the last twelve years. A keen reader of sci-fi , crime/mystery, classic and romance of course JM Dragon is here to stay and loves to experiment with storylines-who knows what she will tease us with next.

Erin O’Reilly

First challenged by a friend to write a story, Erin has since written numerous online and publish works. Her story Deception was a GCLS Finalist in 2008. That book also garnered the Sapphic Readers Award in 2009. Story creation involving strong characters always seems to dictate the story and invade her mind at all hours. It always amazes here when the characters she is developing suddenly take on a life of their own and lead the story down a completely different path. She thinks that the characters make an impact on the storyline making the story better.

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