Bluegrass State of Mind(74)

The dizziness and blackness came back when she saw her email account. She didn’t even have to open the email from Danielle to know it was bad news. There was no subject line, and when she opened the email it read,





He’s coming.





Kenna closed the laptop and lay down. She stared up at the ceiling. Did it mean the men had found Danielle or that they were coming after her? Even with her mind in turmoil, she felt her eyelids close and sleep took over once more.

Kenna’s sleep was dreamless and she woke refreshed the next morning. She stood up and was happy to see all traces of dizziness were gone. She only had a slight headache remaining. She couldn’t believe she had slept for so long, but her body was definitely thankful. She undressed and took a long, hot bath, further soothing her bruised body. She explored the massive bruising that ran down her right side, the worst of it being on her hip. The bruise on her shoulder was already turning yellow, but the bruise on her hip was still an angry purple.

She had just finished getting dressed when she heard a soft knock on the door a second before it opened.

“Hey, sweetheart, how are you feeling today? You look much better.” Will came across the room and gave her an easy kiss on the lips.

“I do feel better. Just a little stiff, but that’s all. How are things at the farm? Did something happen? Is that why you weren’t here yesterday?”

“I was here yesterday. I was here all through dinner and left a little after nine at night. You were sound asleep and I didn’t think I should wake you. Miss Lily even let me up to your room by myself. Of course, I had to leave the door open.” He ran a finger over her cheek. “I've never been so afraid in all my life than when I saw you being chased by that truck. I was so scared I was going to lose you.”

Kenna placed her hand on his chest and stepped into his open arms, laying her head over his heart and snuggling in. Will ran his hand gently up and down her back and rested his cheek on top of her head. “I need to ask you something, Kenna.”

“Sure, what is it?”

“Right before you passed out, you told me you loved me. Did you mean it?”

She heard Will’s heart speed up and felt the hitch in his breathing. She leaned her head back and looked at him, “Yes. I meant it. I love you, Will.”

Will brought his lips to hers and a gentle kiss turned intense. Both of them were desperate to show how much their love meant. “You were the first girl I ever loved and I love you so very much.” His voice became husky and his eyes darkened before he took her mouth again in another passionate kiss. Kenna could feel warmth spreading across her body as a certain peace and excitement settled into her that only love could bring.

“Come on, let’s get you some lunch and some fresh air. You feel up to eating on the porch, or do you want me to bring a tray up here?” Will asked as he brushed a strand of hair back from her forehead and placed it behind her ear.

“Let’s go outside.”

Will took her hand and helped her down the stairs. The more she moved, the better she felt. Miss Lily brought a tray outside and scurried back to the kitchen. It was Sunday, and she still had a couple of guests coming in that afternoon, set to stay through the Derby.

They ate lunch in silence, and Kenna took the time to debate telling Will the whole truth. She knew this was the time. They loved each other and she wanted a life with him. The only way she could honestly have that was to tell him what really brought her to Kentucky.

“Will, there's something we need to talk about.” She took a deep breath and had trouble meeting his gaze when he looked up from his sandwich. When she finally dragged her eyes to his face, she realized he wasn't looking at her but rather at the street. Kenna turned her head and followed his gaze to a massive limo pulling to a stop in front of the bed and breakfast.

“I wonder who that is?” Will mumbled.

The door was opened and out stepped Mo’s mother. “Oh, that’s Fatima, Mo’s mom.” Kenna and Will rose to greet her.

“I heard of your accident. I am so sorry. I hope you are recovering,” Fatima said as she gave Kenna a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you, I am. I'd like to introduce you to Will Ashton. Will, this is Fatima Ali Rahman.”

Will bowed his head briefly, “Ma’am, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Thank you. I've brought this for you both,” she said as she handed Kenna a gold encrusted envelope.

“What is it?” Kenna broke the red wax seal and opened the envelope.

“It is an invitation to our Derby Ball on Friday evening. I hope you both can attend.”

“Thank you, Fatima. It was so nice of you to think of us. Will, does our schedule allow for us to go?”