Page 51 of Wed to the Devil
He narrows his gaze. “I take it that some of my money is paying for this experience?”
I smile at him. “Not this time. But I was thinking that the children at Hope House could benefit from taking regular lessons at the stables. We would need your name and your money for that.”
“You always think of others. You’re never greedy. Charity is not what I ever expected my wife would care about.”
I arch a brow, pulling out of his arms. But he holds me tighter, not letting me go.
“I guess I could see where my money is going.” Dare drops a kiss to my lips and I try to repress a grin.
“You’ll be charmed. I promise.”
* * *
When the chauffeurpulls up outside the stables, a frisson runs through me. I can feel the goofy smile on my face. This place just radiates good vibes. It’s impossible for me to be in a bad mood when I’m here.
I slide out of the car, walking over to the empty riding ring. Running my hands along the fence, I suck in deep lungfuls of rich leather and sweet horse feed. This place just feels like home.
Glancing over at Dare, I grin. “Isn’t this place great?”
He casts a skeptical eye around the empty riding ring, the corrugated steel stable buildings, and the cliffs that drop into the vast, dark sea. I can tell that he’s struggling not to make a face.
“Uh huh,” he lies. “It’s… nice.”
Rolling my eyes, I grab him by the arm and pull him toward the stables. I made him change into a pair of jeans and a chunky-knit blue sweater under his usual dark wool coat. He looks like a fish out of water, but I find a dressed down Dare unusual and appealing.
I take his hand and interlace our fingers.
The short school bus that Hope House maintains is already here, unloaded and desolate. As I step into the warmth of the stable building, I can hear Gina’s voice.
“My name is Gina. And this gorgeous lady is River.”
I hurry my steps, coming into a large semi-circle of hay bales. About ten of the Hope House kids are seated there, with two of the grown-up volunteers standing nearby. Gina wears her usual uniform of a white silk button up shirt and black jodhpurs with knee-high black riding boots. Her brown hair is pulled back in a low ponytail and she holds the yellow bridle of a white-and-brown dappled horse.
She sees me coming and bursts into a smile. But then she sees Dare just behind me and her smile turns puzzled.
“Hi there,” she calls.
Before she can continue, an adult volunteer named Linda turns around and spots us. She’s wearing a faded pink dress and purple leggings under what looks like a men’s trench coat. She beams from ear to ear.
“Hey, look! It’s Miss Talia,” she calls.
All the kids whip around and a few of them jump up, running to me. I grin, greeting the ones I know by name.
“Hi, hi. Denise, Craig, Sam. Hey there, Solana…” Most of the kids hug my legs. I spread my arms wide and try to make sure everyone gets their own hug.
To my surprise, Solana ducks out of my arms and heads straight for Dare. He lets out a whoof of breath when she collides with him, wrapping her arms around his legs and pressing her face against his denim-clad thigh.
“Dare!” Solana shouts. Her voice sounds like she’s choking back tears. “You came back for me.”
He pats her head, his expression saying that he’s clearly out of his depth.
“Uhhh… yeah.”
“Hey, everyone. Let’s head back to our seats. Miss Gina is going to let you all pet an actual horse.”
“Yes!” one of the kids that I don’t recognize shouts. Linda shushes him, but he just kicks his legs excitedly. His brown curly hair and bright green t-shirt make his hyperactive squirming and loud outbursts seem normal.
All the kids find their seats again, including a very reluctant Solana.