Page 27 of Maid for Daddy

When he returns, we set out for the manor. There’s a new guard in the shack when we arrive. The old one hasn’t been seen since that night. Stephen believes the Marcellas paid him to leave the gate unattended.

We roll up the drive, and I look out the window at the beautifully manicured lawn. Stephen takes my hand. “Are you alright?”

I smile. “I’m glad to be back here. As long as you’re here, I know I’m safe.”

You couldn’t tell that this place was a crime scene less than a week ago. Everything inside is just as perfect as it was the first time I came through the door. From the kitchen, I hear the sounds of construction tools humming in the pasture.

“They’ve already started building the new stable?” I ask.

“We can’t let a potential Triple Crown winner stand out in the weather.”

“Can I?”

“Yes, sweetheart. You can go see your horse.”

I start to make a mad dash for the back door, but he stops me. “Hold on. You can’t be out there with a bunch of construction workers without me. I’m coming with you.” He grabs an apple from a bowl on the counter and meets me at the door.

“I only have eyes for you, you know.” I grin.

“Your eyes aren’t the ones I’m worried about. Does my possessiveness bother you?”

“No, it makes me feel special.”

“Good.” He opens the door, and we walk hand in hand through the garden.

The crew is making short work of the new stable, and the smell of lumber fills the air.

“It looks bigger than the old one.”

“If we have to rebuild, we might as well do it bigger and better. I have a feeling there will be more horses in our future.”

“The more the better. I love seeing the babies.”

He clicks his tongue against his teeth, and the horses come into view.

“They’ve been having the time of their lives wandering the property like this. I had to stop one from eating the topiary and another from hanging out on the veranda. If we don’t get them behind a fence soon, they’ll be hosting pool parties.”

“You’re lying. You haven’t even been here.”

“Yeah, I am but it was a funny visual.”

Crystal comes to me and I kiss her on the muzzle. “I’ve missed you, girl,” I whisper.

“Alright, get your fill of her. There’s something I want to show you inside the house.”

He hands me the apple, and the horse's ears twitch when I hold it out to her. “They act like nothing happened.”

“All that matters to them is that they’re alive and safe. What about you? Are you sure you can live here after what you’ve been through?”

“Like I said, as long as I have you, I’m fine.”

Crystal makes short work of the apple, and Stephen wraps his arm around my waist, tugging me away from her.

“Come on, baby. You can come out here again later.”

“Okay, what is it? What do you have to show me?”

“It’s a secret. Come on.”