Chapter 29
Twenty-Nine
On a bright Sunday afternoon, I sit in the grandstands at Windsor next to Sarah, Celine, Mr. Baker, Liz, McMillian, Mr. and Mrs. G, and their two daughters. Everyone is dressed smartly, just as the invitation called for. The men are in suits and the women in dresses.
After a morning of horse jumping, dressage, and a demonstration of carriage driving, I’m beginning to grow a soft spot for horses. They really are beautiful creatures, although I’m still scared of them.
“Look, Min,” Celine whispers into my ear. “They’re getting ready to ride in. Doesn’t Sam look so smart!”
“Yes, he does.”
I spy my man sitting proudly atop his black mount. Its coat is gleaming. He’s the most handsome soldier out there, and dare I say, the best turned out.
“Ladies and gentlemen, entering the ring are the top eight finalists for this year’s Princess Alice Cup. Please give a warm welcome to Trooper Liam Wofford, Trooper Roger Young . . .”
The soldiers are announced one by one and ride out in a single-file line around the area before breaking out into two lines of four.
I clap with polite applause until I hear his name.
“Trooper Samuel Baker.”
Putting my fingers into my lips, I just to my feet, and let out a loud whistle, not caring if I attract the stares of others. I want them to look at us and see just how proud we are of Sam.
“Go, Sam!”
“That’s my brother!”
“Well done, son!”
“Let’s go, Baker!”
Our voices carry. Although Sam is focused on looking straight ahead, I can still see his lips twitching and eyes shifting in our direction under his gleaming helmet. His horse swishes its tail from side to side as if it’s heard us too.
“Do you know which mount this is?” I ask McMillian.
He squints. “Long white blaze, two white socks, seventeen hands—my guess is that is either Northumberland or Quintessence. I’d have to see the gelding up close to confirm it.”
“Hmm, I thought he’d be on Titan.”
“No, Titan is in London. He’s a charger that’s more often used by an officer or an NCO.”
The applause dies down and I resume sitting. A purple carpet is rolled out.
“Here to present the trophy to this year’s winner, please welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Alice.”
I clap as hard as I can for my neighbor.
She’s looks stunning in a white floral print dress, red belt, and matching red heels.
It’s a look that I designed. I couldn’t believe it when she asked me if I’d make her something special for the event.
Seeing a member of royalty wear one of my designs sends shivers of excitement through my body.
In any other moment, I’d spend the whole day celebrating, but today isn’t about me or Alice. It’s about Sam.
“He’ll be in the top four!” Sarah beams.
I cross my fingers. Maybe he’ll win this.
“In fourth place, from the Life Guards—Trooper Ian Brixton . . . In third place, from the Blues and Royals—Trooper Samuel Baker.”
Third place. My heart drops. It’s so close to being on top, yet so far. I can tell from the slight jut of his lip, he’s disappointed. But still, to come this far compared to where he was a few short weeks ago is mind-blowing to me.
“He’s the top Blue!” McMillion grins. “The Life Guards have a six-year winning streak, but this year we were closer than ever to the top prize. We’ll claim it next time.”
The riders are asked to dismount. I watch Sam swing over the side of his horse and land on his feet with a heavy thud. The scabbards holding the troopers’ swords clang to the ground.
“You’d think those would be shorter,” I say.
“Ha. I wish they were. They’re a right pain to wear and carry around, but at least they’re mercifully shorter than the ones the officers wear.” McMillian stands, as do the other members of our party. “The guys will assemble outside.”
Like ducklings following their mother, we trail McMillian outside. There’s a strong scent of hay and horses in the air.
Soldiers holding their helmets tucked under their arms are chatting amongst one another as other soldiers dressed in camo see to the horses.
We look for the group of Blues. I see Sam receiving several pats on the back. The atmosphere is cheerful.
“Brother!” Celine calls out, leaving us to run up to him.
He spins around and flashes a smile that causes my legs to weaken. Forget Tom Cruise in navy whites—Sam in cavalry blues is a million and one times more handsome.
“Celine! You’re here! I thought I heard your voice, but I wasn’t sure.” He bends down and swoops her into a hug, dropping his helmet and sword. McMillian and I wince. “Who else have you brought with you?”
“Minerva planned it. Sarah’s here and Grandad Baker and her friend Liz and Chester, and . . .”
“Mr. G and his family,” I add.
Sam’s eyes meet mine. They’re full of gratitude. I wink at him. As much as I’d love to kiss him senseless, I want to make sure that his sisters and his dad have the first opportunity to congratulate him. I stand to the side with Liz, McMillian, and the Gronendyke family.
“Son, well done, indeed.”
“Dad.” Sam turns to the man who stands a hair shorter than him and claps him on the back.
Mr. Baker is in his late sixties, and has thinning salt-and-pepper hair and a neat beard.
When I met him earlier this morning, he was polite, but I could tell I’d caught him off guard.
In the business of planning today’s gathering, nobody had remembered to inform him Sam had a girlfriend.
I hope with time, we’ll warm to one another.
I focus on my boss. “Thank you for coming today, Mr. G.”
“Minerva, I’ll never turn down the opportunity to come to an event like this. There is no sight better than seeing all the young lads turned out so well. They’re almost up to par with the Grenadiers.”
McMillian coughs. “Sir, I think what you intended to say is the foot guards are almost up to par with the mounted regiments.”
Mrs. G shakes her head and ignores her husband. Her attention turns to me. “The entire family has had a wonderful time. Thank you for inviting us.”
We become so deeply engrossed in a conversation about fascinators and today’s fashion that I don’t realize until I feel the weight of a hand on my shoulder that Sam’s joined us.
“Ladies.” He inclines his head.
“Sam!” I wrap my arms around him, but I have a hard time with the bulk of his metal cuirass, cross belt, and other bulky items on his uniform. “Oh, I’m gonna leave fingerprints all over this.” I try to release him, but he doesn’t let go of me.
“The judging is over. I don’t care two bits about any bloody fingerprints if it means having you in my arms.”
He picks me up and spins me around. I’m laughing wildly. “I’m so proud of you.” I kiss him when we’re finally back on solid ground.
Mr. G suddenly clears his throat and I’m reminded we’re not alone. We break apart, and Sam’s playful features return to those of a composed, seasoned soldier.
“Sam, er, Trooper Baker, this is my boss and his family.”
“Sir.” Sam inclines his head.
He graciously thanks them for coming, and spends a short time chatting with McMillian and Liz before he steals me away to a private corner.
“I knew you’d be here today, but I never imagined I’d have so many other supporters too.” He tickles the soft spot under my chin. “Do I have you to thank for arranging their arrival?”
“Uh-huh. This is a big day for you, and I wanted you to be supported. No matter what the outcome was.”
“I’m gutted I didn’t win, but still happy to have done as well as I did.” He cups my cheeks. “Thank you, Min. From the bottom of my heart, this truly means the world to me. I love you so much and I can’t wait to watch our relationship grow and develop.”
My heart flutters at heating a different set of magic words. “You took the words right out of my mouth, Sam I Am. I love you too. Now stop talking and kiss me before we’re interrupted again.”
Fire burns in his eyes. He licks his lips and pulls me into a deep kiss, dipping me.
I never had any designs on falling in love, but the truth is, love isn’t something you can control. It just happens. If you ever find a stray spur on the ground, don’t be afraid to pick it up. You just may find yourself falling madly in love with a horse guard of your very own.