It was as though they had stepped back into the 1800s. Inside, Tory took in the candlelit tables with white tablecloths covered with crystal, china and silver. Each place setting gleamed with the flames from the candles.
Slade assisted Tory into her chair at a table for two in a corner alcove. The picture window afforded her a view of the small stream rippling over rocks. Perfect. She could tell Slade had taken care in selecting the place to eat for their first date. The idea pleased her.
After placing their orders, Tory relaxed in her chair. “I have to admit I don’t eat filets too often. Too expensive on my budget.”
“That’s all changed now, Tory. We’re married. What is mine is yours.”
Half of a couple, she reminded herself, still not used to that concept. After the incident four years ago she hadn’t thought that would ever happen. Of course, her marriage wasn’t the normal kind.
Next to her he leaned forward. “What kind of expansion plans do you have for the Bright Star Stables?”
“Expansion? None. All I’ve ever wanted to do was pay my bills. I’ve never thought beyond that.”
“What if you could dream? What would you like to do with the stables?”
Tory blew out a breath of air, all the possibilities she’d pushed to the back of her mind flooding her now. “I’d like to have an indoor riding ring so I could have lessons all year long.”
“Done.”
“Done? What do you mean?”
“I want you to start making plans to build one. I think that’s an excellent way for me to invest my money.”
“But—” Stunned, Tory couldn’t think of anything else to say.
“Don’t forget, Mindy will benefit more than anyone if you have an indoor riding ring.”
Her shock still firmly gripped her. “You have that kind of money?” Again she realized she really didn’t know that much about Slade—except that he was a kind, loving father and a good friend.
“I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet, but my company was just awarded a big contract I’ve been pushing for this past year. An international food company has contracted us to make all their plastic containers.”
“Then this is a celebration tonight.”
He raised his water glass. “To both of our dreams.”
What were his dreams? she wondered, taking a sip of her ice water, her gaze bound to Slade’s. Thankfully the liquid was cold to chase away the heat that permeated her.
“I do mean it, Tory, about making plans for the indoor ring. I’d like it built by next winter. That way, Mindy can continue with her riding therapy.”
“I’m not even sure where to begin.”
“How about with contacting some contractors about bidding on the indoor ring? The company that did my expansion work was excellent and reasonable.” He covered her hand on the table. “It’s about time your dreams come true.”
The feel of his hand over hers riveted her senses to the roughness of his fingertips and the warmth of his flesh. “What are your dreams?” she murmured, her shock slowly wearing off to be replaced with a reality, a reality that centered around Slade and his daughter. They were an intricate part of her life now. Her family. If only she could take the next step. Time was running out on her dream to have a child of her own, if she was ever able to.
“I want Mindy to be whole again.”
Before he withdrew his hand, Tory felt the tension in his touch. “Is that all?”
“That’s the only one I can afford right now.”
Puzzled, she tilted her head to the side. “Why?”
“My life is on hold until Mindy is well.”
“She is well. She’s no longer having seizures.”
He gritted his teeth, the line of his jaw hard. “She struggles every day. I don’t call that well.”
“She doesn’t see it as struggling.”
His eyes became pinpoints, his lips pressing together. He remained silent, the atmosphere at the table suddenly frosty. Tory fought the strong urge to touch his arm, instinctively knowing he would pull away. He didn’t see his daughter in the same light as she did.
Tory unfolded her napkin and placed it in her lap, needing to do something with her hands. “Mindy wanted me to ask you to come to church with us this Sunday. Will you?” She hoped the topic change would ease the strain that sprang up between them.
He cloaked his expression, releasing a deep sigh. “I don’t know. I may have to work on Sunday.”
“Work?”
“Yes, with that new contract I’ll have some things I’ll need to iron out.”
“You have an open invitation to come with us any Sunday you can. Mindy has made some friends she wants you to meet.”
The tense set to his shoulders relaxed. He lifted his gaze to hers. “To be truthful, I don’t know if church is for me.”
“Because of the accident?”
He nodded, taking a deep swallow of his water.
“God hasn’t let you down. He just may have a different plan for you.”
“Don’t you understand? It’s never been about me. It’s about Mindy and—” He clamped his mouth shut and looked away.
About his deceased wife. He’d walked away from the accident. She hadn’t. Mindy hadn’t. Tory reached out and laid her hand on his arm, praying he wouldn’t pull away. He stiffened for a few seconds. When the tension melted from his expression, his posture, Tory felt a connection to him that went straight to her heart and bound them together for several beats.
Maybe she had been brought into his life not only to help Mindy but to help him. Slade’s hurt went deeper than she suspected he realized. Lord, show me the way to help Slade heal, to forgive himself for surviving.
Shaking his head, he stared at her hand on his arm. “This was supposed to be a celebration, a beginning for us. How did everything get so turned around?”
Tory smiled. “I think we were talking about our dreams.”
Placing his hand over hers, he linked gazes. “I want to help make yours come true.”
And I want
