“Alanna are you finished eating?” Adrian says quietly. I finally manage to tear my eye from the child as I turn to Adrian.
“Yes,” I all I can say. Adrian takes me by the hand as he gets up from his seat. Emma quickly follows us and so does Michael.
“Charles, Tabatha thanks for a lovely brunch.” Adrian says smartly to his adoptive parents.
“Wait, are you not joining us for shooting?” Charles asks in a firm voice. Adrian looks at me and he briefly shakes his head.
“No sorry, I am spending the day with Alanna,”
“Don’t be sorry you kids have fun and we will see you tonight at the party.”
Adrian and I quickly walk out of the room and I make sure that I do not look at Zara. However, I can feel her eyes burning through us so I tightly hold onto Adrian until we are out of the room. We walk along the hallway, followed by Michael and Emma. Adrian notices them and he soon pauses.
“What are you doing?” He asks rather bitterly and I feel that he is angry again. Michael rolls his eyes at him, as Emma stands motionless.
“I don’t know where to go, I don’t know anyone.” Emma says in a weak voice. Adrian quickly smiles at his sister and then he looks at Michael.
“Michael why don’t you show my sister around,” Michael eyes dart to Emma and she wrinkles her face at the idea.
“I am sorry I haven’t introduced myself, I am Michael.” He says in a sexy voice. Emma narrows her eyes at him.
“Yes, I know who you are,” she says in a harsh tone. Michael is surprised by her reaction and he quickly tries to respond.
“Well that’s saved time, now would you like to accompany me today?” Emma looks at me and I give her a gentle look in the right direction. She sighs and then she gives in.
“If I must,” Michael smiles at her and then he tries to take her arm in his. However, Emma pulls away from him and flashes him an annoyed look. Adrian smirks at her reaction and then he leads me along the hallway once again. I look back at Emma and Michael and I smile.
“Do you like horses?” Adrian asks as he walks me over to a beautiful black horse. I smile at him as I gently begin to stroke the animal.
“Yes I do,” Adrian, laughs gently at me.
“This is Diamond; she is my prize winning horse.” I move closer to the horse and Adrian moves closer to me. He stands behind me and he gently takes my hand and places it onto the black skin of Diamond.
“Feel her coat, isn’t she wonderful?” I gaze at the animal and I agree. Her coat is so soft and shiny and her eyes are sparkling.
“She is beautiful,”
“Would you like to ride her?” I turn around to him and I smile.
“Only if you do too,” he laughs at me and then he lifts me onto the horse. Adrian quickly climbs onto the horse and he gently wraps his arms around me. I lean down and gently stroke the coat of the animal as Adrian instructs her to move.
Diamond slowly begins to walk and then her pace builds. We are now gently galloping through the trees of the country estate. The cool air is blowing through my hair and my cheeks are numb from the temperature. The view is amazing and with Adrian’s arms around me, this truly feels like magic.
Adrian instructs Diamond to halt as we come to a small, stone built bridge. Adrian jumps from the horse and then he reaches out for me. I lunge into his arms as I get off the horse. I blush a little at his touch and then I compose myself. I stare at my surroundings and the beauty stuns me. The trees are light green and I can hear the birds singing. Over to my right is the bridge and I hear a steady stream of water. The sun breaks through the trees and Adrian is standing in light. His eyes and face is so beautiful that I almost lose my breath. He moves closer to me and he gently places his hand onto my neck. He peels back my hair and he kisses my skin softly. I close my eyes at his touch and I lose myself in him.
“Baby I have something I want to give you,” I frown at him.
“What is it?” He smiles as he takes out a rose from his jacket pocket. I smile at him as I take the flower. I lean in and kiss him and then he pulls back.
“Come with me,” he says as he grabs me. He leads me over to soft patch of grass and I laugh when I see that he has planned a surprise. On the grass is a large green, tartan shawl. There are flowers spread across the surface and there is a bottle of champagne and a punnet of strawberries. Adrian sits me down onto the shawl and I cannot hold in my laugh.
“What’s so funny?” Adrian asks firmly. I straighten my face.
“This is just so romantic.” I gush. Adrian rolls his eyes at me and then he begins to pour me a glass of champagne. He reaches over a lifts his water and he begins to sip. I look at him and I feel guilty that I am drinking and that he is not.