Lone Oaks Crossing

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 13

Alittle more than one month later, on the first Saturday in May, over one hundred and fifty thousand spectators filled the grounds of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The stands were packed with the crowd, bright colorful hats of every style peppering the stands surrounding the racetrack. Mint juleps—a mixture of bourbon, sugar, mint, and water poured over crushed ice—were passed around, moving from hand to hand, then sipped under the warm spring sun.

The spectacular grounds of Churchill Downs displayed lush green grass and miles of white fencing. Everyone was dressed to the nines and looking their best, including the twenty thoroughbreds waiting to hit the track.

For the past two weeks, ever since Another Round had arrived at Churchill Downs, he’d been treated like royalty despite the fact that he still remained the underdog with eighty to one odds. Another Round’s daily schedule didn’t vary much from the one he enjoyed at Lone Oaks Crossing, though the stable at Churchill Downs was much more luxurious and prestigious.

Several times over the past few days, Another Round had been escorted to the starting gate on the track and had practiced standing in his place at the starting gate. All twenty thoroughbreds followed the same routine, which allowed them to become familiar with and better accustomed to the starting gate as well as waiting in their positions for all the other contenders to take their places. Jo hoped this would help dispel some of Another Round’s performance anxiety.

The colt had continued training while staying at the track, preparing for the big race, and after each workout, he was cooled down and bathed with aromatic soap that left him clean, polished, and looking spectacular.

Another Round, however, wasn’t the only one looking spectacular on race day.

Jo, standing outside the backstretch barns, glanced over at Cheyenne, who stood with Another Round, gazing up at him adoringly. “You look beautiful, Cheyenne.”

Cheyenne glanced over at her and smiled, sweeping her arm toward her long white skirt, then tapping her fancy pink hat. “I hate wearing dresses,” she said. “But I like this outfit.”

As well she should, Jo thought, smiling.

After Another Round’s win at the Jeff Ruby stakes over a month ago, she, Brooks, and Lee had joined Cheyenne, Frankie, and Earl to celebrate their win. Nancy, too, had become a part of the team, having taken a liking to Another Round and offering to help Cheyenne with the thoroughbred’s daily grooming. Brooks and Jo had accepted her offer eagerly as they needed all the help they could get preparing for the Derby.

The one hundred points Another Round had won with his first-place position in the Jeff Ruby Stakes had secured his place as one of the twenty thoroughbreds that would compete in the Kentucky Derby. After learning this, Cheyenne had been over the moon and eager to begin planning their trip to Churchill Downs. Brooks had been just as ecstatic, explaining to Cheyenne the ins and outs of the race as well as the festivities—some of which lasted an entire month leading up to the race—that Cheyenne could look forward to enjoying.

The first priority on the agenda had been finding a dress and a hat worthy of such a fancy occasion.

Jo and Frankie had taken Cheyenne shopping. At first, Cheyenne hadn’t seemed too excited about the idea, but once she had visited a couple of boutiques and had seen the vast array of choices at her disposal, she’d found a hat she’d fallen in love with on the spot and a skirt to match. Since then, the attire she’d chosen for the race had been prominently displayed in her closet in eager anticipation of the big day.

“Have you seen Nancy’s hat?” Cheyenne asked, grinning. “It’s baby blue and gorgeous.”

Jo laughed. “I think you might be fonder of formal attire than you imagined. And yes, I’ve seen Nancy’s hat. It’s adorable.”

As a matter of fact, Jo had noticed everyone was looking their very best. She ran a hand through her long hair, tidying her curls as she studied the members of the group surrounding Another Round. The walkover, a tradition at the Kentucky Derby, was about to begin, and all of Another Round’s connections, which included caretakers, friends, family, and guests, were allowed into Churchill Downs to escort Another Round from the backstretch barn to the paddock tunnel.

Frankie and Earl, both dressed impressively for the occasion, stood with Cheyenne near Another Round, admiring the thoroughbred as well. Frankie looked beautiful in a mint-green dress and hat and Earl had donned his best suit for race day and had worked especially hard with his physical therapist over the past month to build up enough strength and stamina to make the quarter-mile walk from the backstretch barn to the paddock tunnel. He seemed to stand just a bit taller today, his chest puffed out with pride and an excited gleam in his eye.

Jo walked over and looped her arm through his. “Does any of this feel familiar?” she asked, a sense of nostalgia enveloping her as she recalled their Derby win ten years ago.

Earl, smiling, looked down at her and practically beamed. “Just like yesterday,” he whispered. He tapped her chin with one finger, then kissed her cheek. “You work miracles.”

Jo rose to her toes and kissed his cheek, too. “You mean, we do. It took all of our hard work to get here today.”

“Truer words were never spoken.” Brooks, dressed the sharpest she’d ever seen him, strode over in a tailored suit that made him look all the more dashing. His eyes were warm and his smile affectionate. “You look absolutely gorgeous.”

Jo’s cheeks heated as she glanced down at her pink dress and shoes. “Thank you. But check me out again in about an hour and I’ll probably have more dirt on me than couture.”

Brooks laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s a beautiful day for a race.”

Lee, standing with Cheyenne and patting Another Round’s neck, agreed. “God couldn’t have given us a more perfect day.”

Jo had to admit, he was right. She looked around, noting a few other horses and their connections mingling in the area. At the moment, things were calm before the storm. Most of the horses were quiet and reserved and their connections were reflective as well, absorbing the atmosphere and basking in the glory of the rare moment.

“What happens next?” Cheyenne asked, her eyes scanning their surroundings with excitement.

“We do the walkover,” Jo said. “All twenty horses and their best friends and employees will gather up in one group and walk over to the paddock tunnel past the crowds.” She tapped Cheyenne’s nose affectionately. “Enjoy the quiet moments while we have them. Soon, you won’t be able to hear yourself think.”

The time came much sooner than Jo expected.

The call was made, and everyone was directed to begin the walkover. The calm silence that had lingered earlier dissipated and excited murmurings, the sounds of hooves, enthusiastic laughter, and nervous talk rippled through the group of horses and the hundreds of people accompanying them.

The group strolled from the backstretch barns across the grounds to the paddock tunnel, walking in front of the massive crowd of almost one hundred thousand screaming fans seated in the stands that rose above them. Jo walked beside Brooks, her hand brushing his occasionally, his strong fingers curling around hers every now and then, squeezing her hand as his eyes met hers, silently celebrating their achievement and the rare moment they were savoring together.

The horses who would be competing walked to the right of them and the throng of people shouting and cheering rose above them on the left. The energy in the air was electric, raising the hairs on the back of Jo’s neck, sending thrills over her skin, and kicking her heartbeat into high gear. She glanced at Another Round, who was being led by Cheyenne on one side of him and Nancy on the other. Though he seemed a bit taken aback by the crowd and noise, he remained calm and focused. His gaze darted around a bit, taking in the scene, much as they were.

When they reached the end of the walkover, the group was allowed to linger for a short time to give their last well wishes to the thoroughbreds and each other, cherishing the final few minutes of exhilarating anticipation before the start of the race.

“You’re going to be wonderful,” Cheyenne said, stroking Another Round’s neck. She glanced over her shoulder at Jo, a sheen of moisture in her eyes. “He’s perfect, isn’t he? Whether he wins or not, he’s the best in the crowd.”

Nodding, Jo walked over and hugged Cheyenne briefly before patting Another Round too. “That he is.” She rested her forehead against his neck and patted him once more, whispering soothing words in his ear as she always did before a race. “You hear that, boy? You’re perfect, just as you are.”

“Every owner’s horse is perfect in his eyes,” a deep voice drawled behind them. “But just because you believe it, doesn’t make it true.”

Frowning, Jo turned around and found Spencer Harris standing a couple feet away, his eyes narrowed on Another Round. Seeing him there was not a surprise as she and Brooks had noticed him arrive the day after they had brought Another Round to Churchill Downs. Spencer’s thoroughbred, Mad Warrior, had qualified for the Derby as well and had a much better standing than Another Round.

“That goes both ways.” Brooks walked over to Jo’s side.

Spencer smiled. “I heard Another Round ended up with the gate farthest from the rail. It’s a shame he’s starting off in the worst position.”

Brooks held his gaze. “Doesn’t matter. Anything can happen on race day, and any one of the twenty horses could finish first despite where they start.”

Spencer chuckled, his laughter holding little humor. “That it can. I have to say I’m rather surprised you’re here at all. But then again, any horse can get lucky once.” He dragged his teeth over his lower lip, his eyes sliding over Jo, leaving an uncomfortable shiver on her skin. “It’s nice to see you again, Jo. I hope you enjoy the show.”

Feeling Brooks tense beside her, Jo slid her hand in his and squeezed. “Good luck, Mr. Harris.” She glanced up at Brooks as she tugged at his hand. “Let’s go find our places, shall we?”

Spencer dipped his head, spun on his heel, and walked away, disappearing into the throng of people milling about the track.

“Don’t let him ruin this,” Jo said softly to Brooks. “Win or lose, it’s an honor just to be here. Remember that when the race is over, okay?”

Brooks looked down at her, the firm set of his mouth softening slightly. “I’ll do my best.” He glanced over his shoulder and motioned toward the rest of their group. “Let’s head to the sidelines, y’all. Things are about to crank up.”

A few minutes later the group who’d participated in the walkover had dispersed and returned to their viewing positions near the track. The competitors lined up and the pony horses escorted each horse to the starting gate.

Jo, Brooks, Cheyenne, Nancy, Frankie, and Earl all stood on the sidelines, their attention fixed on Another Round and Lee as they warmed up near the starting gate. The crowds behind and above them continued chatting, shouting, and cheering for their favorite horses, adding to the nervous anticipation that gradually grew thicker with each second that passed.

Jo glanced around her, observing the other owners, trainers, grooms, and their respective friends and family who were gathered in groups along the sidelines of the track, eagerly anticipating the start of the race.

She had the same thought as the one that had struck years ago when she’d stood near the very same spot prior to Sweet Dash placing first.

“We’re a very small fish in a very, very big pond.” She looked up at Brooks. “Most of these teams have dozens of people working with their thoroughbreds.”

Brooks smiled, lowered his head, and kissed her temple. “But we have you. That makes all the difference in the world.”

Jo groaned and pressed her face against his chest, mumbling, “Oh, I can’t take this. Just let me know when it’s over.”

“You’ll know when it’s over from the deafening sounds behind you.” Brooks laughed, the sound rumbling through his chest beneath her cheek. “But I’ll let you know when it starts.” His blunt finger tapped her chin, then nudged it upright and turned her face toward the starting gate. “And that’s right about now.”

All the competitors had taken their places at the starting gate, the gates swung open, and a bell rang, signaling the competition had begun.

Twenty thoroughbreds barreled out of the gates and galloped along the track, each vying for an advantageous position.

“Go, boy!” Cheyenne shouted. “Go!”

The crowd roared louder than ever before, screams and wails punctuating the shouts behind and above them. Jo craned her neck, straining to find Another Round in the pack. There he was, trailing at the back as usual.

“Give him time,” Brooks shouted beside her. His gaze fixed on Another Round as the pack rounded a turn and headed toward the backstretch. “Just give him a little more time. He’s a closer. He’ll kick it into gear.”

Frankie and Earl stood on the other side of Brooks, clutching each other’s arms and cheering Another Round on, their shouts lost among the collective yell of the crowd.

“And here they come,” the announcer shouted over the stadium speakers. “Around the bend and down the homestretch. It’s Surfer Girl, followed by Mad Warrior and Gemini Cry.”

“Come on, come on . . .” Brooks chanted as the pack surged along the track. “There he goes! Look! There he—”

“And it’s Another Round!” the announcer shouted. “He’s blazing from the back, dashing through the pack and finding his way to the front. We saw him do this before, folks. He pulled this trick at the Jeff Ruby and I think he’s gonna pull it again today.”

The crowd erupted, feet stomping on the stands, shrieks and bellows punctuating the spring air as the horses thundered down the final leg of the race.

“Mad Warrior is putting up a fight,” the announcer shouted. “Now it’s Another Round and Gemini Cry. No! It’s Mad Warrior—oh, Another Round just took over! He’s taken it, folks! He’s taking it—he took it! There you have it, folks! Another Round just rose to the top of the pack and has won the Kentucky Derby!”

The crowd burst into riotous applause, shouts, and raucous cheers.

“He did it!” Cheyenne shouted, pumping her fists in the air. “He won!”

“I can’t believe it,” Frankie yelled, leaning over Cheyenne to smile at Jo. “He did it again!”

Jo, her heart thundering in her chest, blinked back tears at the pride shining in Earl’s eyes as he looked at her.

“My girl,” he said, raising his fist in the air like Cheyenne.

The air left Jo’s lungs as Brooks dragged her close, wrapped her in a bear hug, and squeezed. Her heart melted at the throb of affection in his tone on his next whispered words. “We did it, baby! We did it!”

* * *

After Another Round won the Derby, the next few hours flew by so fast Brooks barely had time to take it all in.

He remembered the winning moment clearly, the exhilaration he felt as Another Round shot to the front of the pack and crossed the finish line, the shout of joy that had erupted from his chest as his colt was announced as the official winner and, most vividly, the feel of Jo in his arms, her cheek pressed against his chest and her head tucked under his chin, celebrating the moment with him.

He couldn’t have asked for a better day at the Derby.

Once Another Round had cooled down a bit, a garland of roses had been draped over his neck and Lee had escorted him to the Winner’s Circle to meet up with the rest of the team. It had been a surreal moment, standing there before a cheering crowd with his winning colt nearby and the woman he loved by his side.

The moment had been too magnificent to pass up and Earl, along with the rest of them, had wanted to savor every second of it. He’d been so overcome with emotion that tears coursed down his cheeks during the award ceremony. But he’d remained standing through it all, refusing to take a seat even when his legs began to tremble. Even Cheyenne had cried, smiling as she wiped her tears and peppered kisses all over Another Round’s neck.

The day had been a great one, and no one wanted it to end.

As a continuation of the celebration, they’d all walked Another Round from the Winner’s Circle back to the barn. Another Round had earned a pampering cooldown and a peaceful rest in his stall. Everyone pitched in. Cheyenne and Nancy took the lead, hosing the colt down, soaping him up and massaging his tight muscles, helping him relax after the feverish race.

Jo and Brooks helped as well while Earl and Frankie stood nearby, taking turns patting his neck and rubbing his forehead, whispering praise.

A small crowd had gathered near them, watching the routine quietly so as not to startle Another Round. They admired him from afar, taking pictures and selfies, whispering to one another the qualities they admired most about him.

“You’ve got some new fans, boy,” Cheyenne said, kissing his forehead. “They can’t get enough of you.”

“And that’s how it should be,” Brooks said, rubbing Another Round’s back. “We all knew he was a winner at heart and now so does everyone else.” He looked at Jo, his eyes warm and adoring. “I’d say he earned this win. We all did.”

“I think we should celebrate.” Frankie, her arm looped through Earl’s, supporting him as they stood watching, smiled. “I can check with our hotel,” she said, “and see if the private room is available for a late-evening dinner. We could all be together like we were at Christmas to celebrate our win.”

Jo paused in the act of brushing Another Round’s mane and nodded eagerly. “I think that’d be a perfect way to spend the evening.”

Brooks agreed. There was nothing he wanted more at the moment than to spend time with Jo and the rest of the team who’d helped Another Round cross the finish line first. It was Jo and Earl’s second Derby win but more than likely, the last one for all of them . . . at least for a while. After all their hard work, it was time to celebrate, kick back, and simply enjoy each other’s company.

Three hours later, after Another Round had been returned to his stall for a healthy meal and a well-deserved rest, Brooks had returned to his hotel and now, he stepped out of his own hot shower, toweled off, and dressed in nice jeans and a dress shirt, taking care to comb his hair and adjust his collar neatly to look presentable for dinner despite the fact that all he wanted to do was slip down the hall, knock on Jo’s hotel room door, and sweep her into his arms.

He had, as Earl had suggested, put business first for months now. It was past time he put pleasure first for a change.

Apart from Frankie and Earl, Brooks was the first to arrive downstairs at the hotel restaurant. The staff, excited over Another Round’s recent win, had set aside a private room for them, free of charge, with a complimentary dinner to celebrate. Brooks entered the private room where a large oak table with high-back chairs sat center stage and a wide picture window presented a view of the moonlit grounds outside the restaurant.

“Come take a seat, Brooks,” Frankie said, standing. She’d exchanged her fancy Derby outfit for a more relaxed but equally nice pants suit. She waved her hand toward a seat at the head of the table next to where she and Earl were sitting. “As the boss of this operation, I think you should take the head of the table.”

Brooks smiled, crossed the room, and hugged Frankie. “That’s kind of you, Frankie. But we all know I’m not the boss around here.”

Earl, seated next to Frankie, chuckled, then held up a hand, beckoning Brooks closer. “You know a winner when you see one. You were the first to see it in Another Round. Thank you for bringing us along on this journey.”

Brooks bent and hugged the older man, patting his back. Earl had made remarkable strides of his own over the past few months, working hard to regain his strength and improve his speech.

Brooks, basking in Earl’s rare approval, took a chance, and whispered in his ear, “Now that we’ve gotten the business end of things out of the way, I guess I have your permission to spend a little time with Jo?”

Earl pulled back, his eyes narrowing at Brooks. “For the right reasons?”

Brooks nodded. “Yes, sir. When it comes to Jo, I have nothing but honorable intentions.”

Earl smiled wide and patted his arm. “Then I’d say you’ve earned some free time. You have my permission to set business aside for a while and celebrate instead.”

Brooks straightened and glanced around. “When’s Jo coming down?”

Frankie looked up, her gaze moving toward the entrance to the private room as she nodded. “Right about now, it looks like.”

And sure enough, there she was. Jo stood on the threshold of the private dining room, flanked by Cheyenne, Nancy, and Lee who walked across the room, all smiles, and took seats at the table. Brooks barely noticed though. His eyes were on Jo. The peach dress she wore clung to her shapely curves, her long curls flowed freely over her shoulders, and she wore minimal makeup, her naturally lovely complexion glowing.

Man, she was beautiful.

Jo remained standing on the threshold, a small smile curving her mouth as he walked slowly across the room to join her. “You cleaned up rather nicely,” she said, lifting one hand and smoothing her fingertips across his clean-shaven jaw. “And you look as though you have the world at your feet. You’re quite a sight to behold, Mr. Moore.”

He smiled and dipped his head, his mouth tingling as it brushed the soft shell of her ear. “You almost got it right, Ms. Ellis. Tonight, I’m at your feet.”

Her head turned, her warm cheek briefly brushing his as she whispered teasingly, “You mean, you’re still at my beck and call?”

Unable to resist, he tilted his head and pressed his lips against her temple, kissing her softly and lingering a moment longer, breathing in her sweet scent and savoring the feel of her smooth skin against his lips. “Always. In every way.” Reluctantly, he eased back and bent his arm in her direction. “Shall we join the celebration?”

Her gaze, soft and warm, lingered on his mouth as she answered, “I’d love to.”

Over the next two hours, everyone ate, drank, and laughed to their heart’s content, relishing their win and basking in each other’s relaxed company. It was a nice change of pace from the hectic months of training and preparation for the day’s race. The stress of the past few weeks began to show as everyone began to sag under the pleasurable weight of tired muscles, full bellies, and the lingering satisfaction of Another Round’s impressive performance.

“I don’t know about the rest of you, but me and Earl are calling it a night,” Frankie said, standing with a groan.

Brooks and Lee stood as well, rounding the large dining room table to assist Earl out of his dining chair and into a standing position. The day’s exertions had worn him out and it showed in his heavy-lidded gaze and slow movements.

“Do you need help getting back to your room?” Brooks asked as he helped Earl take a few steps to stretch his legs.

Earl waved a hand in the air. “No, thanks. I’m good so long as I have Frankie.”

Frankie glanced at the opposite side of the table where Cheyenne sat, the teen’s eyes growing heavy as well. “Come on, Cheyenne. It’s time you turned in, too. We’ll escort you up to your room.”

Cheyenne made a face, glancing at Jo. “But I’m not tired yet and besides, I’m sharing a room with Jo and she’s staying. I could stay with her and come up later.”

“Oh, no.” Jo, seated beside Cheyenne, nudged her gently with her elbow. “You’ve had a long day and need some rest. Plus, I’m feeling a good night’s sleep calling my name, too. It won’t be long before I head back up to our room.”

Cheyenne begged once more to stay in the private dining room but didn’t put up as much resistance as she normally did. Exhaustion got the better of her, provoking a yawn in the middle of her protests.

After Frankie, Earl, and Cheyenne had left to make their way back, Nancy and Lee were next to cry off, offering one more round of congratulatory hugs to Brooks and Jo before saying their good nights and retiring to their separate hotel rooms for the night.

“Are you totally worn out or do you think you have it in you to join me for a short walk?” Brooks asked, smiling at Jo.

She stood, tossed her napkin on the dining table, and held out her hand. “Lead on, sir.”

They made their way outside and strolled across the immaculate grounds of the five-star hotel to a small clearing away from the garish lights of the parking lot and surrounding buildings. It was late but the spring breeze was warm, the stars shined brightly overhead, and the scent of honeysuckle lingered on the air.

A soft murmur of pleasure left Jo’s lips as she squeezed his hand and pressed closer to his side. “It’s a beautiful night.”

“As perfect as they come,” Brooks said. He wove his fingers between hers more tightly, relishing the firm press of her palm against his own, and smiled as pleasure buzzed in his veins. “I have to admit, I feel like a lovestruck teen, standing here with you, fresh off a winning race, snuggling under the stars.”

She faced him, drawing closer as she released his hand and pressed her palms against the center of his chest. “Lovestruck, hmm?” Those gorgeous eyes of hers gazed up at him, a yearning light in them as she studied his mouth. “Are you trying to say you feel something more than neighborly friendship for me?”

Chuckling, he covered her hands with his and lowered his head, skimming a kiss across her forehead. “You could say that.”

She closed her eyes at the feel of his mouth against her skin, then looked up at him again, a hopeful light in her eyes. “So, things have changed?”

He stared down at her, taking time to admire the play of moonlight in her hair, on her pink lips and flushed cheeks. “What do you mean?”

She blinked up at him, expectation in her gaze. “Another Round has won the Derby and our business is done, so I’m hoping we can focus on other things now.” Her palms drifted over his chest, making warm circles that radiated pleasurably over his skin beneath his dress shirt. “Things like each other.”

Need and want flared in his gut. He leaned forward, nudging his leg between hers, cupping her delicate jaw and smoothing his thumbs over her tempting mouth. His blood pounded in his veins, roaring in his ears, raising a heady sense of longing within him to touch, to taste . . .

“Things like going home,” she whispered. “Returning to Lone Oaks Crossing, putting all of this behind us, and starting fresh. Building something new.”

His thumbs stilled against her lips, her warm breath tickling his skin as he blinked, trying to focus on her words. “Put what behind us?”

“This.” She lifted one finger from his chest, gesturing toward the hotel and parking lot in the distance. “The traveling. The competition. The need for retribution.” Her brows rose as she stared up at him. “You’ve won, Brooks. Your plan worked, and Another Round walked away from the Derby a winner. You can relax now. You’ve got all the power and prestige you could want in the racing world. Every door is open to you professionally. You can let the past go now and start over. And I’m hoping you’ll choose to do that”—her fingers stroked the base of his neck—“with me.”

Gut clenching, Brooks closed his eyes, gathered her hands between his, and stepped back. “There’s nothing I want more than to be with you, Jo, but—”

“But what?” Her gaze, wounded, held his. “You said a win at the Derby might change things. That you might be able to let this feud with Spencer go and turn your attention elsewhere.”

He shook his head. “I can’t do that, Jo.” A helpless breath left his lips. “The Derby win means Another Round has a shot at the Triple Crown. All he needs to do is win the Preakness Stakes in two weeks and then the Belmont two weeks after that. As long as we keep his workout routine the same as before and prepare him well, he’s in prime position to take both.”

“And if he doesn’t?”

“He will.”

“There’s no guarantee that once he hits the track, he’ll leave it safely.” She removed her hands from his and stepped back as well. The spring breeze rushed in, rustling her peach dress against her slender form, highlighting the distance between them. “That’s where we lost Sweet Dash, and I’m not willing to risk Another Round’s safety again. Are you? Are you willing to risk his well-being just to prove a point? You’ve earned your place among the elite, and your family name will be well-known now for a positive reason. Why not end it now while you’re ahead? Take Another Round home, let him rest, and give him a new, peaceful retirement to run at ease where he’s happy. You wanted the Derby, and you’ve won it. What more do you need?”

“I want to go all the way, Jo.”

“Why?” Her arms moved restlessly at her sides. “If you had a deep love for the sport, I could understand. But I don’t think you do. I don’t think you take to it like others have. I don’t think you even actually enjoy participating in these races.” She moved closer, her expression one of appeal. “You told me you liked being at the racecourse because I was there. But what if I wasn’t? What if it were just you and Another Round? Would you still want to be there? And if so, for what reason? Just to get back at Spencer Harris? Beat every thoroughbred he puts on the track? What would that get you? How would that take away any of the pain you still carry from losing your family and your home?”

“I’m not going back, Jo.” He firmed his tone. “I’m seeing this through. There’s no reason to turn back now.”

“No reason?” she asked softly. “Even if I weren’t here? I agreed to train Another Round to help you and to earn enough money to keep Lone Oaks Crossing safe from Spencer. We’ve both done what we came to do, and I don’t want to do this anymore. I don’t want to spend my time on the road, traveling from one place to another, competition after competition. I want to take Earl home so he can rest and continue healing, and I want Cheyenne to get back to a normal routine.”

“Jo . . .”

She eased past him, walking back toward the hotel.

“Jo.” He stood there, his heart kicking his ribs and his hands hanging heavily by his sides as she stopped and turned to face him once more. “Please stay and continue training Another Round. Two more races. That’s all I’m asking.”

Her mouth twisted. “And more races after those?”

“Please,” he said. “Just think it over before you make a decision.”

She closed her eyes and pressed her lips together, remaining silent for a moment. “All right. I’ll sleep on it and give you an answer in the morning.”