Page 82 of Back in the Saddle

My stomach dropped. That’s all I wanted too. But not telling him my suspicions wasn’t keeping him safe. It led him to a worldof disappointment. And why? Because I was insecure? Because I hoped I was wrong? Because. Because. Because.

“I’m sorry. If I had told you?—”

“This is not on you, Taylor. There are a million things I should have done differently. I’m sorry.”

I reached up and cupped his cheek. “You are loved by us, your brothers, Mum, everyone on the farm.”

He nodded.

I stared into his beautiful green eyes. “I don’t think she knows the meaning of love. Certainly not how you should love a child.”

“But you do, Taylor. You love Isabelle and Callum completely.”

“And you. I love you completely.”

He bent his head to mine and brushed his lips against mine. “I will love you until my last breath.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck as my lips met his. He grabbed my arse and pulled me against him and deepened the kiss. His tongue stroked mine. I smiled at the memory of our first perfect kiss.

“Ugh,” Callum said.

Ciaron pulled away and grinned at him. “Isn’t this what you wanted?”

“Yeah, but do we need to see it?”

Isabelle whispered something in his ear and they both burst out laughing.

Ciaron raised his eyebrows. “Something you want to share?”

Isabelle shrugged. “Just saying it's better than hearing your sound effects.”

“Way better.” Callum spun around and headed to the kitchen. “We’ll cook tonight.”

I pulled Ciaron back to me and kissed him with added sound effects. His response was to grab by arse and pull me closer withexaggerated moans and groans. I ran my hands over his back. When he hitched my leg up, I lost all composure and giggled uncontrollably. I peeked at the kids, who shook their heads and rolled their eyes. Then they smiled from ear to ear and gave each other a high five.

“We need to watch those two,” Ciaron said. “They are a formidable force.”

Just like us.

EPILOGUE

Two weeks later

Ciaron

I was sitting in my office, concentrating on my computer screen, when the two-way crackled.

“Are you on channel, Ciaron?” Rachel asked.

I grabbed the two-way off my desk. “Sure am.”

“Mermaid is in labour.”

“Coming.”

I jumped out of my chair and jogged to the inner office. I didn’t have long. Mares were not like humans; their labour lasts for around an hour. Some could be as quick as fifteen minutes. Taylor charged out of her office and crashed into me.

I shook my head at her. “She’s mine. The deal was I got to help deliver the first foal.”

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