Beth stood next to his mother near the side. Both of the older women seemed fine, though his mother said, “The police are coming. I want to know who is responsible forthis.”
If there was anyone left in the house, they’d have minutes, but he heard cars racing away down the long drive and out the open gate. He had a good guess who had set himup.
Donna reached up and brushed his clenched jaw. “Blackwell, are youokay?”
He stared into her warm gaze and his heart beat at a calmer pace—she wasn’t angry. “You believe I had nothing to do with these women beinghere?”
She let out a sigh and patted his cheek again. “Yes. Even if Cassidy hadn’t warned me, I would believeyou.”
Remington asked, “MyCassidy?”
He’d forgotten his friend was stillthere.
Donna huffed out her chest and turned toward Remington. “She said Chelsea was angry and intended to dosomething.”
Remy winked mischievously. “Well, I have to get back to my grandmother, but I’ll thank my future sister-in-law for that two minute bachelorparty.”
Donna stepped in Remington’s way. “Treat Cassidy kindly, Lord Sky. She really is one of the nicest people I’ve methere.”
He bowed his head. “She is nice. We can agree on that. She’s also too smart for someone like me, but for now, I have to go. See you bothtomorrow.”
Blackwell walked him toward the front door. As a goodbye, he said, “Thanks,Remy.”
The second the door clicked closed again, Donna unbuttoned her black suit jacket. “Did you have a nice timeriding?”
This time he sniffed and realized he still smelled of horses. He’d need to shower as Donna looked great. His entire body calmed from her nearness. “Yes. It was good to get fresh air. Did you find a weddingdress?”
“It’s going to be delivered.” She smiled athim.
He turned toward their guests. “Mother, thank you for clearing thehouse.”
She laughed and took Beth’s arm. “It’s good to raise the voice of authority. Beth, would you like to continue our shopping exercise for this wedding we are hostingtomorrow?”
Blackwell placed his hand on Donna’s lower back. “Wait, Beth. Did you like thehouse?”
“It’s awfully big for me.” Beth clutched herpocketbook.
“It’s staffed so you won’t have to clean.” Her lips tightened. He turned toward Donna and said, “One day my son or daughter might use the house, as it’s entailed, but for now it’syours.”
Donna stepped forward and hugged her friend, “Please stay, Beth. I’m hoping you can help me modernize the library system here. I was asked to be on a committee, but we work better as ateam.”
Beth nodded and hugged her back. “I don’t want to leave you, so we can work something out. For now, Martina and I have some shopping todo.”
Both older women left, fast friends. He walked them to the door and closed it behindthem.
Donna unbuttoned the back of her white shirt so she could slip it off and walked to the steps. “Blackwell, let’s goupstairs.”
He spoke to his staff to search the house and ensure no other woman was here, except Donna. Once he was done, she was halfway up the stairs. He called out, “I posted the bans before we wentriding.”
“So that’s a no, you can’t join me?” She turnedaround.
He gazed up the flight and saw her long legs. He remembered how soft her skin was when he touched her and walked up the first step. “Donna, I’m coming, but I need a showerfirst.”
She waited for him, and slipped her hand in his. “So long as I check for naked women in there before you hopin.”
They made it to the top step where he kissed her cheek. “Fair enough. I loveyou.”
“Good because I love you too.” Her smile burned itself into his mind. He was happy. She was the love of his life. Somehow, he’d found her and now he’d get to keep herforever.
His life wasgood.
