Love All Out - The Complete Series (A Stepbrother Romance) (44 page)

The first reporter asked about Mondo’s between-race training schedule while the second was more interested in his latest vet report. A third commented on the relatively low price Link was charging for stud services and the fourth directed her question at me.

“Ms. Rogers, your mother Rose’s racing program rocketed to success before her tragic death. So far, Mondo’s run for the Crown has mirrored that of Aces High, her Triple Crown winner. Does being here with Mondo make you feel closer to her? And do you feel she’s watching down on you now, helping your chances today?”

The question took me off guard, but not in a bad way. In fact, I was glad to have the opportunity to talk about my mom. “I certainly feel like my mother is watching,” I agreed, swallowing down the emotion that threatened to choke me. “She was gone before I was old enough to remember her, but I feel that I know her more and more as I work to continue her dream. She wanted Aces High Ranch to become the go-to program for champion thoroughbreds. I have faith that after today’s race, we’ll be one step closer to achieving her goal. And I do feel she’s watching down on me today. I doubt that helps my chances, but it’s a comfort to know I’m making her proud.”

The fifth reporter also directed his question to me. “Ms. Rogers, you say you think your mother is looking down on you with pride. But there are a few things about you she might be a little shocked by, am I right?”

I blushed against my will. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I replied sheepishly.

“Let me clarify the question,” the reporter pressed. “Do you think it would fill your mother with pride to know that you’re romantically involved with your future stepbrother? I mean, that’s a little too close for comfort, isn’t it?”

Link glanced down at mine and James’s joined arms, finally realizing that James wasn’t just my escort for the day. The color drained from his face and he slid a few feet away from me. I took a deep breath, stared at the cameras defiantly, and replied.

“I think my mother would be overjoyed to know that I’ve found someone who loves and supports me, unconditionally. I think she would also appreciate the fact that I’m following my heart and staying true to myself despite uninformed opinions. While I understand that some people may view my relationship as shocking, it’s really anything but. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to go to the stables and check on my horse.” I gave them a final nod and backed away from the cameras.

“Mr. Jackson, you look shocked. I take it you weren’t aware of Willow’s relationship with Mr. Parker?” another reporter called out. I picked up my pace and got away from the group before I could hear Link’s reply.

“Are you okay,” James asked as he led me towards Matt and Lucas.

“I’m fine,” I insisted, shaking off the reporter’s hostility. “We knew this was going to happen. The story will blow over soon enough. With a little luck, in a few hours the only thing people will be reporting is Mondo’s historic win.”

“My God, did you survive the vultures?” Matt asked as we joined him and Lucas near the building.

“She didn’t just survive, she thrived,” James told them with a wide grin. “But I think we’ve had enough press attention for the day. Why don’t we skip the red carpet and sneak in the side entrance?”

I shook my head. “No, we’re walking that carpet and we’re having our pictures taken. And I don’t want you to take your hands off of me for one moment of it. They want us to hide in the shadows and act like we’re ashamed of ourselves. I won’t give them the satisfaction. We aren’t doing anything wrong. I’m proud of us and I’m going to let everyone see it. And I think the two of you should do the same,” I added, glancing from Matt to Lucas.

“I’m game if you are,” Lucas told Matt, smiling at him with so much love my heart warmed another degree.

“Let’s do it,” Matt agreed.

I turned to James. “Are you okay with this?”

“Am I okay with showing the world that you’re mine?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “You bet your ass I am. Let’s go.”

We sashayed down the carpet, stopping every few feet to pose for the cameras. James kept one hand on my hip and kissed me on the cheek as reporters fired off questions about our relationship. We ignored them and posed with Matt and Lucas, who were following arm in arm behind us.

We finally stepped into the clubhouse and Matt burst into laughter. “That was so much fun. I don’t know what I was so worried about, no one gave Lucas and me a second glance.”

Lucas smiled and pulled Matt close for a quick kiss. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you, babe. We’re not really ‘controversial’ anymore.”

“It must be nice,” I groaned. “Did you hear all of those questions?”

“Yeah,” Matt winced. “I caught the ‘I’ word a few times. But I love the way you ignored them. I can’t wait to see the pictures.”

“Me either,” I agreed. “Speaking of which, let’s get something to drink and head down to the stables. I want to get some pictures of all of us with Mondo before the race.”

James hesitated. “Are you sure that’s a good idea, Willow?” he asked. “Link Jackson didn’t look very happy when the reporters asked him about us. Maybe it would be best to avoid him until after the race.”

I sighed. I had every right to go to the stables, but I knew James had a point. Link was upset and he had every right to be. I should have told him about our relationship instead of letting a reporter blindside him with the news. I couldn’t make him accept us and there was no sense in upsetting him any more before the race.

“Okay, you’re right,” I finally agreed.

“Why don’t we make our way to our box?” James suggested. “We can have our drinks delivered there.”

With a nod, I took his arm again and let him lead me across the clubhouse.

“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the one hundred and forty seventh Test of Champions,” the announcer’s voice boomed over the sound system. My heart race as the horses took to the field. When Mondo stepped onto the track, the roar of the crowd was so loud I could barely hear my own thoughts.

“He looks good,” James assured me, pulling me close. “He’s got this, Willow.”

For some reason, I believed him. My heart slowed to normal and a strange calm came over me as I studied the other horses.

If anyone has a chance of beating him, it’s probably Denver’s Pride. That’s still a win for me… not the win I want, but a win I’ll take.

The announcer continued as the horses moved to their gates. “While the other horses are racing for the carnation blanket, crowd favorite Mondo is racing for a different trophy. After his win in Kentucky and Baltimore, he has the chance to become the twelfth Triple Crown winner in the history of racing. But will he have the endurance to win the longest race of the trio? That’s what we’re all here to see. But before we learn the answer, let’s all welcome Toni Fisher to the stage for
New York, New York
.”

We listened impatiently while the Broadway star performed the traditional Belmont song. As soon as she finished and the applause subsided, the bells chimed and the gates went up. I held my breath as the horses flew down the track. The announcer provided a play by play.

“And in the first quarter mile we have Jupiter’s Starlight with an early lead. Following the filly is New York’s very own Heir Apparent followed by Wanderlust. Mondo’s in fourth position with plenty of time to make up the distance. His half-brother Denver’s Pride is just a few lengths behind.”

The jockey’s holding him back, like he did in Kentucky. That’s smart… save his strength until the other horses start to fade. But for the love of God, turn him loose in time.

“And we have Mondo moving neck and neck with Wanderlust as they approach the second turn. Mondo’s taking the inside lane and yes, he’s moved into third position. Jupiter’s Starlight is maintaining a three length lead while Heir Apparent struggles to stay in second.”

That’s it, take it nice and easy. You’ve still got a mile. The lead horses are getting tired and no one behind you can catch up.

James gripped my hand as the horses rounded the fourth turn and Mondo moved into second. Wanderlust continued to fade and Denver’s Pride passed him to take fourth position. The race was only a quarter of a mile longer than the Kentucky Derby, but time seemed to be moving twice as slow. The horses rounded another turn. Mondo and Denver’s Pride both overtook Heir Apparent, moving into second and third. I kept my eyes fixed on the track and watched as the jockey loosened the reins and let Mondo run all out. He moved with a fierceness I’d never seen any animal exhibit and in a matter of seconds, he’d taken the lead.

“Ladies and gentlemen, with a quarter mile left, Mondo has taken a three length lead… four lengths. Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time since nineteen seventy eight, we have a Triple Crown winner!”

The crowds erupted as Mondo dashed over the finish line. I didn’t see the order the other horses followed in. I was too busy celebrating in James’s arms. I kissed him passionately, funneling all of my excitement and consuming joy into him. I pulled away as white confetti showered down upon us and a team of security guards stepped into the box to escort us to the winner’s circle.

“Come on guys, we’re all going this time,” I insisted. Matt pulled me into his arms and kissed me on the forehead.

“This is the beginning of a whole new world for us, Willow,” he told me with a broad grin.

“I know,” I beamed back at him. “Let’s go get it started.”

***

“Ms. Rogers, how does it feel to follow in your mother’s footsteps?”

“Willow, word around the track is you’re using your winnings to build your own training barn. Care to comment on your plans?”

“Mr. Jackson, do you have any of your two year olds in mind for next season?”

Cameras flashed as reporters bombarded us with questions. James, Matt, Lucas, and I were in the largest press tent with Link Jackson. We were seated on one side of a long white table with video cameras pointed at our faces. We’d just left the winner’s circle, where Matt had pulled a white carnation from Mondo’s victory blanket and pinned it into my hair. I put my hand to the flower as I fielded questions.

“I feel very honored to continue my mother’s work,” I began. “And I’m incredibly excited about our new training program. I think we’ve just proven that Kentucky isn’t the only state capable of producing champions. My partner Matt and I plan on making Aces High Ranch the leader in quality thoroughbreds,” I said. I put a hand on Matt’s forearm and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“Ms. Rogers certainly knows her racehorses,” Link agreed with a smile. “I’m disappointed that she won’t be selling any productions in the near future, but I’m looking forward to seeing what she brings to the track in a few years. As for my two year olds…”

I zoned out on Link’s voice and basked in Mondo’s win.

I was right about him. Everyone told me I was crazy, that the Crown was an impossible feat. They said he wouldn’t have the endurance to take Belmont. And they were all wrong. They’re wrong about me and James too.

In the aftermath of the win, none of the reporters asked about our relationship. It was the awkward elephant in the room that no one acknowledged. When we first arrived in the winner’s circle, one reporter insisted that James get out of the frame before her photographer snapped our picture.

Everyone was doing a magnificent job of telling us what they thought without saying a word on the subject. But I didn’t care about their attitudes or their rejection. And by the amused look on James’s face, I knew he didn’t either.

James leaned over and whispered in my ear. “Do you think we’ll be able to get out of here soon?”

“You’re not enjoying the circus?” I asked, my voice a low tease.

“It’s not that,” he assured me. “I’m just ready to get on to our private celebration.”

“Then let’s get going,” I whispered back. I waited for Link to wrap up his latest answer and then pushed my chair away from the table.

“I’m so sorry, but we have an engagement to get to,” I explained to the reporters as I rose from my seat. “Thank you all for your support this season. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.”

I turned to Link and extended my hand. He scowled at James for a moment, then gave me a tense handshake, an obligatory “Congratulations”, and turned back to the reporters. We slipped out of the tent into the dark night.

“So what’s the plan?” Matt asked as we walked towards the parking lot. “Should we take the shuttle back to the resort and regroup? We have to go out. I vote we take the train into Manhattan and party like rock stars.”

Lucas wrapped an arm around his shoulders while James took my hand.

“Actually,” Lucas purred. “James and I put together a little surprise for you two.” He pointed at a white stretch limousine parked at the curb.

“Another surprise? Where are we going?” I gasped.

“You’ll find out when we get there,” James replied with a wicked smile. I raced to the limo, giddy with excitement. I felt like I was on top of the world and was thrilled that James had planned something special. As I slid into the backseat, I was overwhelmed with emotion. The limo was filled with white carnations and a chilled bottle of Cristal sat in a bucket of ice. The glass partition came down and a uniformed driver greeted us with a smile.

“Good evening, and congratulations on your win, Ms. Rogers. My name is Charles and I’ll be taking you into the city. Are you all ready to proceed with the rest of tonight’s plans?”

“Absolutely,” James replied. “Proceed as planned.”

“Yes sir,” Charles said before rolling up the partition.

This is what they were up to last night. I bet it’s also why James sent Matt and me for breakfast that morning in the hospital.

“How did you pull all of this off?” I asked as Lucas popped the champagne cork.

“We have our ways,” he said as he filled four crystal flutes. “And this is just our ride. Wait until you see what we have planned next.”

Lucas passed out the champagne and lifted his glass. “To Mondo and the woman who knew he could go all the way. Congratulations, Willow. I’m honored to call you my friend.”

“Aww, thanks Lucas,” I said with happy tears filling my eyes. We all clinked glasses and after a quick sip of bubbly, I raised mine again.

“This one is for you three. You’ve been there and supported me through everything and there’s no one else I’d rather spend this night with. Here’s to amazing friendships and a successful, profitable future.”

“Here here,” Matt cheered as we toasted again. Lucas refilled everyone’s glasses and I snuggled into James’s chest.

“Are you happy, baby?” he whispered into my ear.

“So happy,” I gushed. “I feel like I walked in to someone else’s life… someone glamorous and successful.”

“You’re all that and more, Willow,” he breathed into my ear.

“Let’s see what the reporters are saying,” Matt insisted, pointing a remote at the small flat screened television mounted under the glass partition. He clicked it on and a local news anchor’s face filled the screen. Matt hit a few buttons and found Sports Center. It seemed like the entire world was celebrating Mondo’s victory. One reporter interviewed a man who’d just gotten a tattoo of Mondo’s head inked into his bicep. Another announced that there had already been two newborn babies named after the Triple Crown champion. I was overwhelmed with emotion and stared at the screen in awe. I lost track of time until suddenly, the limo slowed to a stop.

“Here we are,” Lucas announced in a sing song voice. I looked out my window and realized that we were just outside of Central Park. Two horse drawn carriages were waiting for us on the sidewalk.

“What did you do?” Matt gasped.

Lucas gave him a wide smile. “You said you’ve always wanted to go on a carriage ride through Central Park. I thought we should take advantage of being in New York and mark that off of your bucket list.”

Matt grabbed Lucas’s face and pulled him in for a wet kiss. James turned to me and smiled.

“I hope you don’t mind tagging along with their plans. When Lucas told me he wanted to do this for Matt, I thought it sounded like a romantic way to celebrate Mondo’s win.”

“And if he’d lost?” I teased with a raised eyebrow.

“Then it would have been a romantic way to take your mind off the disappointment,” he replied without missing a beat.

“What the hell are we waiting for?” Matt exclaimed as he pushed his way out of the limo. Lucas laughed and slid out behind him with James and me following close behind. The carriage drivers greeted us with smiles as we approached the horses.

“Good evening and welcome to Central Park,” a jolly man with a bushy white mustache said, extending his hand. “I’m Hans and this is Lightning and Rocket. Two of you will be riding with us and two of you will be with Lucian, Daisy, and Annie.”

Lucian gave us a polite nod. “Everything is set up as you requested. We can leave as soon as you’re ready.”

Set up? What had to be set up?

An exhilarating curiosity coursed through my veins, but I decided not to press James for details. He and Lucas had obviously spent a lot of time and effort planning the surprise. I wanted to let it unfold at his pace.

“Shall we?” James asked. He took my hand and gestured to Lucian’s carriage.

“I’d love to,” I agreed. James climbed up in front of me and helped me into the carriage. I turned and saw Matt and Lucas already settled on their cushioned velvet bench. Lucian climbed up behind the horses and with a pop of his reins, we glided into the park.

“This is beautiful,” I said as I relaxed into James’s arms. “It’s the perfect way to unwind after this whirlwind day.”

“So far, I’d say we’ve had a whirlwind life,” he replied with a slight smile. “There are definitely a few areas I’d like to calm down a little. But the rest of it I wouldn’t trade for the world.”

He gave me a soft kiss on the cheek and together, we stared up at the stars.

“It’s amazing how much brighter the sky is back home,” I observed. “New York is a great place to visit, but I could never live here. I don’t know how people function packed on top of each other like this.”

“They come here,” James laughed, gesturing to the open land. “And city people don’t have to worry about things like landslides and horse thieves. I’m with you though. Give me the mountains any day.” He stroked my bare arm and I leaned in to his touch. I rested my head on his shoulder and wondered what I’d ever done to deserve a man so perfect for me. Just when I was getting comfortable, I heard string instruments playing classical music and the carriage slowed to a stop. I sat up, my eyes falling on two bistro tables covered in red and white checkered tablecloths. Twinkling white lights lit the scene and a single uniformed waiter stood near the quartet.

“Are you kidding me?” I gasped as James crawled out of the carriage.

He shook his head and offered me his hand. “You didn’t think the carriage ride was the whole surprise, did you?” he asked with a dashing grin and a little bow.