“There’s always room for someone to love, Cruise. It’s just about finding that special person. It’s all about time and place.”
“I thought it was about destiny and soul mates,” I say, half-teasing.
“It’s mostly that.” She winks. “A little magic now and again doesn’t hurt either.”
That’s the exact ingredient I’m looking for to make this next moment with Kenny most memorable—magic.
On Valentine’s Day, I drive Kenny up north to the Alexander estate on a crystalline afternoon that makes the snow on the ground glitter like fallen stars.
“Is Pennington somehow involved in this surprise?” She makes a face as she notes his sports car parked in the circular drive.
“God, I hope not,” I mutter under my breath, driving down another quarter mile to the barn where Jackie houses her prized thoroughbreds. Kenny’s face lights up as she spots the horses roaming free in the corral. They’re all regal in their own right, but it’s the Appaloosa that’s my favorite—black and white spots like a leopard. Kenny is going to look like an angel riding him through the fields.
“Horses?” Her face smooths out in wonder as we park by the stalls.
I head around to her side and take up her hand.
The sun starts to dip in the west, washing the landscape in gold.
“We’d better hurry before we lose light,” I say as we make our way toward the overgrown barn.
“What are we doing? Are we going to ride?” Her dark hair whips around her face until she shakes it out and makes the wind sweep it back in perfect compliance. It doesn’t surprise me that Kenny can get the elements to do her bidding.
“Nope, no riding,” I tease. “Just cleaning up around here. I’ve been working for Jackie since I was fifteen. She pays me fifty bucks to scour the stalls clean once a month. I thought I’d bring along a helping hand.” I give her shoulder a little squeeze.
“No way. We’re shoveling Jackie’s horse crap for a lousy fifty bucks?” She gives a wry smile before dotting me with a kiss. “Okay. I’m in.”
A gentle laugh rolls through me. “Actually, that was yesterday—and the fifty bucks comes in handy now and again. But for now, I have something a little better planned.” At least I hope she thinks it’s a little better. The truth is, I’m shaking like a virgin on prom night. My palms won’t stop sweating. I keep wiping them down on my jeans, trying to get a grip as each moment passes.
“I have a gift for you.” I bring her hand to my lips and press in a kiss.
Kenny keeps her arm strapped around my waist as I lead her to the back. We bypass stall after stall, the scent of lemon oil clots up the air from the wash I gave the walnut doors a month ago. Our shoes scuff through the hay, creating a hushed whisper as I walk her over to a large box with a bow on it. It’s light as a feather, and I gingerly hand it to her.
I decided to ditch the wrapping in the event one of Jackie’s prized equine possessions decided to fill its stomach with parchment. She’d undoubtedly sue my ass the second they shit tinfoil.
“Cruise! You didn’t have to do this.”
“I wanted to.” I press in a quick kiss and nod for her to open it.
Kenny pulls back the ribbon. She lifts the lid, and her eyes round out in wonder. “Boots!” Her lips quiver.
“They’re lined with fleece, so they’ll keep you warm.”
Kenny holds up the sable-colored leather and admires them.
“They come with a stacked heel, so you can propagate your vixen-like ways.” My heart thumps as she continues to examine them. I almost opted for the homelier ones that cost twice as much just to keep Kenny from looking so damn hot on campus, but Kenny’s beauty is a fire I can never put out—wouldn’t even want to try.
“Thank you.” Her eyes glitter with tears as she buries her arms in their warmth. She looks up at me from under her lashes and sighs. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” I land my lips over hers and linger before pulling away. “Let’s check them out.” I help her put them on, trading her high tops for something that might actually ward off frostbite.
“I think I’ve died and gone to Heaven.” She moans as her feet sink into the plush reserve.
“That good, huh?”
She gives an impish grin. Her mascara is smudged in the corners from the fresh dab of tears.
“It’s because you’re in my life.” She warms my mouth with an exploratory kiss. For a second, I think maybe we should lie down right here in the hay, but I’ve got a ring burning a hole in my pocket and the sun is working against me.