Page 82 of The Backup Bride Proposal

“I’d love that.”

“Let’s go, then.”

The day had dawned sunny and warm with just a touch of a breeze, which would keep it from being too hot. Not that it would be all that hot in November, but then again, Mae had known of heat waves at Christmas, so anything could happen. She just knew it was a good day for grooming horses, and she couldn’t think of anything she wanted to do more than getting her hands on these beauties.

They had a bathing area that was enclosed and warm, perfect for keeping the horses clean in the colder months. It took a minimum of an hour to bathe each horse, so they were at it the majority of the day, breaking only to grab a quicksandwich for lunch. This was harder than any hot yoga class Mae had ever taken, but she had to admit it was a lot more fun. The horses enjoyed being handled, and she loved every minute of grooming them, especially after they were dried and she could brush and comb their beautiful manes.

Of course she’d had to be the one to bathe and groom her favorite horse, Annie, in fact couldn’t wait to spend time with her. She’d talked to Annie in a low, sweet voice, and the horse spoke back to her in soft snuffles against her head.

“You think anyone would notice if I stuck Annie in my luggage when we left?”

Kane’s lips curved in a wry smile. “Worth it to see you try.”

“Oh, you mean those hidden armed guards might take me out?”

Kane threw a blank look her way. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Uh-huh. I know they’re here somewhere, skulking about, making sure I don’t slip off with her in the dead of night.”

He snorted out a laugh. “Right. But just to be on the safe side, I wouldn’t.”

“Trust me, I value my life.”

“I value your life, too.”

Once she was certain Annie was good and dry and utterly shiny, she walked her back to her stall, which had been miraculously cleaned during her absence and now sported fresh, clean bedding. Just as they arrived, Annie’s trainer showed up and took over, so she smoothed her hand over Annie’s nose and left the barn.

She went back to the bathing area and she and Kane put all the supplies away and hosed everything down, tossing all the items to be laundered in the nearby basket.

“I don’t know about you but I’m starving,” he said.

She pulled her phone out of the back pocket of her jeans, surprised to see that it was already dinnertime. “I can’t believe the whole day is gone.”

They started toward the house. “You worked hard.”

“I’m sure I’ll feel it tomorrow.”

“You know, I’ll be happy to work out any kinks in your muscles with a full-body massage later.”

She leaned against him. “I’ll hold you to that.”

They went inside and washed up for dinner, which consisted of pork chops, mashed potatoes, applesauce, green beans and salad. After today’s workout she was so ready for food. Surprising even herself, she gobbled up everything on her plate with not one bit of remorse. If she’d been by herself she might have even licked the plate.

“You were hungry,” Kane said.

“Yeah, I was. Plus, the food is excellent. Thank you, Donna.”

Donna beamed a smile.

“You want seconds?” Kane asked.

“No, I’m good.”

“She’s leaving room for the peach cobbler I made for dessert,” Donna said.

Mae gave Donna a look. “You didn’t.”

“Oh, but I did.” Donna grinned.

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