“No,” Savannah laughs at his crestfallen look. “At least, not yet, let me finish first.”
“Okay, but be quick,” Dayton listens as she details an idea for marketing using his track, jockeys, and horses. “I will photograph them, in a pretend race. I have contacts Dayton, lots of contacts from my time during the war, I can send some to the newspapers in the major cities.”
Dayton is quiet for a moment and stares at her with growing admiration. “Savannah Patrick, I do believe you are a genius.”
“Thank you, Dayton. I think it could work.”
“I agree. There isn’t much time left before the race. I need a good turn out.”
“With pictures from that race, you will be sure to drum up more business for the future. It’s so exciting. I can’t wait to see the track.”
“You haven’t asked about the house, why not?” he asks softly.
Savannah looks at him, “I didn’t think about it. I’m so used to moving from place to place, in different conditions, it didn’t occur to me,” she answers honestly.
“Will it bother you?” he asks.
“What? Staying in one place?”
“Yes. How will you handle leaving your home?” he watches her carefully for her response.
“You are my home, now, Husband,” she says simply. “I will be happy so long as I’m by your side.”
Dayton smiles at her, “Good answer. Now, wife?” he asks standing and holding out his hand.
She struggles not to burst out laughing and hurries to join him. Two more days and they will be home, and life will get complicated. He’s trying to enjoy as much time as possible with his bride until then. It only occurs to him later, when she’s resting that she still didn’t ask about the house.
Savannah Patrick is in for a bit of a surprise, and he finds that he likes shocking her. Hopefully, she will think it’s a good surprise.
The entrance to his home is flanked by a rock fence that gives way to a long drive through mature oak trees. The three-story main house sits on a beautifully landscaped lot with a massive full-length wrap around porch on the first level.
Savannah stares in shock as they pull down the drive and into the yard. “Dayton? I ... I thought you were just building?” she demands.
“No, what I said was that my parents gifted me the land for the track. The house was built a few years ago.”
Dayton stops the carriage and helps her down, and waits for her to take it all in. Hand in hand they walk inside and Savannah stares in awe. From the wide center hall double pocket doors open to each side with access to the dining and living rooms. A large bay window lets light flood inside, reflecting off the oak floors. Dayton guides her through each room, pointing out details like the louvered shutters and nine and a half foot ceilings.
When they finally reach the master bedroom, he sweeps her from her feet and saunters inside. Savannah’s gasps again but doesn’t speak. A large master suite with a gorgeous fireplace and four-poster king bed. A private bathroom with marble tile awaits.
Dayton sets her on her feet and steps back. “Well?” he asks. “What do you think?”
Savannah stares at him and smiles, “It’s perfect, Dayton.”
Relief flashes through him, and he tugs her into his arms. “You are perfect. I gave the staff the next two days off so we could have time alone. What should we do first?” he asks as she starts to unbutton his overcoat.
“What should we do second?” she teases.
Dayton laughs, “I repeat you’re perfect.”
Epilogue
Well-muscled horses line up on the flat combed dirt track. From fillies to stallions no two are the same, and all are striking animals. The eight animals line up, snorting, stomping the ground and raring to go. Savannah is dressed in the required jockey wear. Only her hair could give her away, which is why she braided it down her back. The youngest jockey is just thirteen, but she isn’t worried. She’s been riding all of her life. Her eyes are drawn to the track, and she reaches down and pats her horse, Starlight. Dayton and his brother Rafe walk over to the sidelines to watch, and while both men are striking, Savannah’s heart belongs to only one.
One minute he is smiling and relaxed, waiting for the practice race and the next second, his body stiffens when he recognizes Savannah. The gun goes off before he can move, and they erupt in an explosion of energy. She leans low murmuring to Starlight and Dayton watches with his heart in his throat. Her heartbeat matches the rhythm of the pounding hooves, and she can swear the very ground rumbles beneath them from the power of the majestic animals.
In the crush of animals and men, Savannah fights to pull ahead, she knows the deal. They will try to unseat her, so she holds back the power, soothing the frustrated animal as they start to pull ahead of her. Some of the jockey’s shout in excitement, others kick their animals harder. Starlight trusts her rider, she’s used to practicing in a sea of men and horses, it doesn’t bother her only the driving desire to burst free. Savannah feels the urge swell inside her heart, but she is waiting for just the right moment.
It comes the moment when the beasts begin to separate. Four pull forward, separating themselves from the pack and Savannah grins, calling out, “Now!” Starlight reacts instantly with a push of energy.
Dayton runs down the track leaving Rafe standing beside him, shouting as Savannah releases Starlight who shoots past the stunned jockeys. Both beast and rider lean forward, moving as one and they close in
