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I’m hoping everything is going to work out beautifully for us. One thing I know, is I’m going to allow this man to give me all the support he wants. In return, I’m going to give him everything he needs.
We start kissing, and he leads me into the bedroom. “I love you, Miss Kendal.”
I smile against his lips. “I love you too.”
Epilogue
Christopher
Five years later
I read aloud, “McNabb’s Vanilla Martini is the number one selling martini in the U.K. Nellie McNabb has gone from serving cocktails to making them from scratch. It’s one of the best blends of vanilla liquors ever created.” Pride fills my chest as I praise my wife with words from a reputable source. When she looked into starting her own cocktails, she was drawn back to the taste of vanilla. Making her own drinks came naturally, with a little help from a college qualification.
“I can’t believe I’m featured in a national newspaper.” Her smile lights up the room, and it’s contagious.
“You earned it, gorgeous.” I kiss her cheek.
“I’m pleased for you, sis. You’re amazing. Eat up, guys, or we’re going to be late,” Ainsley says.
“Don’t worry. My grandpa won’t let his favourite jockey miss her debut race.” Another burst of pride fills my heart. Ainsley might not have made the Olympics with her gymnastics, but as one dream faded, an even stronger one surfaced.
She paces the room. “I know. I’m just nervous.”
“Don’t be,” Nellie says, giving her a warm smile.
“That’s easy for you to say. You just made Grandpa McNabb a cool million.” She taps the prototype glass bottle we have on the breakfast counter. The light from the window sparkles off it.
“I’m feeling first place today,” Nellie says, rubbing her hands. She’s always optimistic when it comes to Ainsley, but I’m filled with hope too. I know how much they both want this race to go well.
“Vanilla and I are going to try our best,” Ainsley says, crossing her fingers.
“I’m proud whatever you place,” I say. It’s true. Whatever these strong ladies achieve in life is great. The best part is enjoying the ride they give me.
We pull it in for a family hug. Ainsley moved into one of the other properties when she turned eighteen, and I’ve got the extended perfect family I never knew I needed.
“I’ve picked a four-leaf clover from the garden. Are you crazy cats ready to go?” my grandpa says as he hobbles in using his cane.
Ainsley blows out a big breath. “Yes. Let’s do this.”
We make our way to Aintree Racecourse. Nellie and I sit in the McNabb box while my grandpa helps Ainsley get ready. I pour two glasses of champagne from the ice bucket. “A toast to my beautiful wife and our blooming future.”
“Well, aren’t you the sweetest?” We clink our glasses and take a drink.
By the time the race is due to start, our cool personas have melted away and we’re both gripping our seats. Ainsley sets off strong, and we both rise to our feet to cheer.
“Come on, Ainsley,” I shout.
“You’ve got this, baby sis.”
We move up to the barrier as the race picks up speed. Vanilla keeps up with the frontrunners as they head around the race. Blue Buttercup moves into last place, slowing behind the herd. Ainsley shows no sign of letting up, and her horse stays focused. He looks like he’s going to place. The crowd gets louder as the race gets closer. Nellie is practically screaming, and my own voice is swallowed in the noise around us. This is like no rush I’ve ever had. It’s not just my grandpa’s horse. It’s our family heading to victory. The slow-motion picture appears on the large screen opposite the track. Ainsley wins the race by a hair. We jump up and down before Nellie jumps into my arms and I spin her around.
“I can’t believe this is my life,” Nellie says.
“Totally agree. I’m the luckiest guy in the world.” I kiss her cheek tenderly.
“And all my dreams have come true, including you.” She reaches up to kiss my lips.
“When did we get so soppy?”
