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As much as I love seeing it on her now, I can’t wait until she wears it for me in person, so I ask, “Will you wear it on Sunday? We have our first scrimmage, then Reed and Brooke are having people over to watch Logan and the Louisville Heavyweights.”
“Of course! My first official game as Dane the Great’s girlfriend.”
Her response causes my grin to stretch wider. “How do you feel about the competition tomorrow?”
“Awesome. We’ve worked hard on tweaking my positions. It’s crazy how adjusting a half of an inch in one direction can help Diamond Mine jump or make the turn with a perfect stride. But the stakes are high. I need to make the points in all of my competitions to be sure of getting an invitation to the trials, so I admit I’m a little nervous.”
She feeds off the excitement from being in an arena. “Think of it like it’s me and you hunting butterflies and fireflies. Just you and Diamond Mine out jumping.”
She lets out a sigh, followed by a lopsided smile. “We have so many memories. Do you know how lucky we are?”
“I do.”
“How was your last day of punishment?”
“I had to clean the refrigerator, stove, grills ,the toilets and mop floors here at The Stable, while the housekeepers watched me.”
“I hope they are old and fat. I would love to be the one watching you on your hands and knees.”
“If you want me to crawl to you, baby, just ask.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
LETTIE
Dane: Morning, baby. Today is your day, Lettie Scott.
Me: I think you mean Elizabeth.
Dane: Maybe Elizabeth can be your alter ego… a good girl.
Me: Ha. I love it when you call me your bad girl.
Dane: You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me, Elizabeth. Wow, that felt weird typing. But I love you no matter what they call you on television. Go get ‘em, Bug. I’ll be watching.
Me: So, you’re not going to surprise me and be outside my door?
He calls me. “Not this time, but if there’s any way possible, I would be there for you cheering you on.”
“Thanks for calling. I love our morning texts, but I needed to hear your voice.” I get a little choked up, overwhelmed by the weight of today’s competition.
“Baby, imagine my hands are on your face,” he says, and the sound of his voice soothes me. “Now listen to me. You’re going to kick ass today. You can only control yourself and your horse. You’ll get the points because when Lettie Scott puts her mind to something, she achieves it. I love you.”
“I don’t deserve you. You’ve always been my saving grace.”
“One day you’ll understand that it’s you that has held me together. Now go get in competition mode before Jasper comes in and drags you down there,” he half-jokes. I wouldn’t put it past Jasper to haul me away.
We hang up with I love yous. I slip my phone into my cross-body purse and begin my competition day routine. A light breakfast consisting of a bagel and a banana as I walk to the stables to meet Jasper.
He’s sitting in a chair by the coffee and pastries, carrots and apples provided by the event, but coffee is one thing I can’t do before a competition.
“Ready?”
Flipping the leather straps over my head, I lay my purse on a small table by Jasper and grab a couple of carrots. “Yep. Time to wake Diamond Mine for a walk.”
As I open the stall door, Diamond Mine steps toward me, wanting his morning carrot. The soft whiskers tickle my palm, and his teeth chomp it into tiny pieces. I run my hand over his nose, bringing it down, placing a kiss between his eyes.
“I’m putting the lead rope on you and we’re gonna get some fresh air. And when we get back, you’re going to rest, and we’ll feed you lunch. After that, you are going to become the unstoppable horse I know you can be. Got it?” I mumble only audible to Diamond Mine.
