His dimple deepened with the smirk that followed. “I like you too, love. A fucking big bit.”
She glanced out the window, her voice fragile.
“It’s so much to take in. Life’s been a whirlwind since we met. I know you said Trixie was in good hands, but I miss her. Can l see the horses at Meadow Dawn before someone takes them away from the yard?”
“Don’t be scared of losing them, love,” he said, before his hand slid down, splaying across her belly.
“You still trust me, don’t you?”
“Yes,” she breathed, eyes locked on his.
“Then don’t get mad when I tell you something I probably should’ve told you sooner.” His lips quirked with a trace of smugness. “I bought Meadow Dawn for you. Every acre. Every horse.”
Her brows drew together. “What? I don’t understand?—”
“The only thing on my mind when I thought they’d lock me up was you. What you’d lose. I needed to give you something of your own. Something no one could ever take from you. Even if I couldn’t be there. I had the bestlegal team in the country working around the clock to secure it for you. That yard is all yours.”
Emotion welled in her throat, thick and overwhelming.
“Jamie, you’re more important to me than Meadow Dawn…more than anything. You know that, right?”
He leaned in, his hand firm against her bump, his voice gritty and rough as gravel.
“We’re building our future together, love.”
She blinked fast as tears burned her eyes, unable to respond.
Jamie flung open the car door and climbed out. “I have a surprise for you.”
Before she could question him, he was rounding the hood with long strides and opening her door like he owned the world, and in her eyes, he did.
He held out his hand, palm up, like a silent order laced with intimacy.
“Take my hand, love.”
She slipped hers into his without hesitation, the familiar jolt of heat travelling up her arm.
They walked through the sleek, glass-fronted office building, shoulders brushing. Phones rang, staff murmured into headsets, and every head turned the moment Jamie entered.
He didn’t nod. Didn’t need to. His presence demanded attention. Respect followed him like a shadow.
“Everything in order?” he asked the man stationed at reception.
“Yes, sir. The vet’s ready for you.”
Jamie didn’t break stride, leading her out through a back door with that same confident grip anchoring her to him.
The sunlight hit them as they stepped into a sweeping courtyard flanked by pristine, white-rendered stables.
At least ten thoroughbreds hung their heads over the doors, ears flicking at their arrival.
Her mouth parted in awe. “How big is this place?”
“Only about fifty-nine acres,” he replied. “Smallest yard we own. But it’s my favourite, especially now, after a few important upgrades.”
“Upgrades?” she echoed, heart quickening.
“You’ll like this.” His tone was a low promise. “Hydro pool. Gallops. Round pen. Horse walker. Full-time on-site vet clinic. We’ve just partnered with a guy who externally maps the horse’s skeletal structure for rider alignment. Thought it might be useful when you’re training at Meadow Dawn.”
