Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 128313 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128313 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
“I know,” I said, and truly searched my heart and soul. Would it upset me if the likes of Alexis Hobbs and Camille Dubois began giving me a hard time again? They had really upset me before. But now, as Jasper held me, telling me he loved me, and Henry stood behind me waiting for my decision, there wasn’t a choice at all.
“I don’t care,” I said, and meant every word. “I want Henry.”
“Come on, then,” Jasper said, a hint of excitement in his voice, taking my hand and leading me to his treasured horse.
Jasper released me and ran his hand down his stallion’s face. “Henry,” he said to his horse, “Hallie is going to ride you for a while, okay?” I listened to his words, but I couldn’t believe this was real, even pinching my own arm when no one was looking. It hurt like a bitch, so I must have been awake. “She’s very good at what she does, and you must be as good for her as you are for me. Okay, boy?” Jasper winked at me. “She’s been doing well in a lot of Grand Prix, and we all know how much you love to do that. But she wants a first place, and I know you’re the man to help her get that. Okay?”
“Hat on, Hallie,” Leon said, interrupting the moment, trainer mode in place. I did as he said.
Jasper pointed to the mounting block. “Up you get, Angel.” Jasper took hold of Henry’s reins from Ben, holding him still for me. “I rode him earlier tonight and he’s in great form. He’s settled, and he’s ready for his queen.” That explained why Jasper had to leave with Leon earlier. He was here. It was also why he was in riding gear. They must have flown Henry out as soon as Huxley went down.
As I climbed the mounting block, I felt like I was floating. Lord Henry was the most famous show jumping horse in the world. His stud fees alone had brought in millions of dollars, and I, a girl from the Texas boonies, was about to get the chance to ride him on the most prestigious stage in global show jumping. We wouldn’t be in the team competition tomorrow but could be registered for Saint-Tropez.
None of it seemed real.
Placing my foot into the stirrup, I swung onto Henry’s back and took my seat in the saddle. I smiled, and the dreamlike trance I had been wearing like a veil fell away from my body—leaves leaving their branches in fall.
“He’s huge,” I said as I looked down at the ground. It seemed real far away. Henry was eighteen hands and built of pure muscle, easily the biggest horse I had ever ridden. I reached forward and ran my hand through his platinum mane. It felt like silk. I wrapped my arms around Henry’s thick neck and said, “You’re perfect, baby. More than I could have dreamed.”
“He suits you,” Jasper said, his voice husky. When I looked to him, Jasper’s gaze was shiny. He’d just told me he loved me. And he’d given me his heart horse to ride in the Sandings Global Champions Tour. It was clearly emotional for him.
This man . . .
Seeing Jasper all those years ago at my aunt’s equestrian center, riding a young Henry, had inspired me to ride English. To show jump. Now I was madly in love with that very same man, and he was with me. Fate or some other higher power had guided us to this point, right here. I could feel it in the static around us.
Jasper, Leon, and Ben stepped back, and Jasper said, “Go on, then. Give him a go.” My heart took off into a sprint, and I had to breathe slowly to calm myself down. I didn’t want Henry to mistake my excitement for nerves.
I clucked to the stallion and Henry began to walk. He was bouncier than Huxley, and I could feel his incredible strength through the reins. I moved to the arena’s outside track, smiling when Henry looked at the fences and sped up in anticipation of jumping them.
“Not just yet, boy,” I said. “I have to get used to everything else first.” His ears moved back and forward, listening as I spoke. I walked him around once, and knowing he was already warmed up, moved him to a trot. I couldn’t stop the happiness radiating from me as I passed a mirrored wall and glanced at me riding Henry. It was a dream—all of it. Henry, the tour, and Jasper Knighton telling me he loved me. What was my life?
I passed Jasper, who was leaning against the wall with a look of pure pride and joy on his face. “Get him in a canter, Angel. Let him show you what he can do.” Henry was soft on the bit, allowing me to navigate around the arena with the gentlest of nudges.