Page 28

“Chloe, you’re here!” Harper said, dropping the hose and coming to greet her. “You look amazing!”

They hugged and Aidan walked over, a big grin slashing across his sun-creased face. The Irish horse trainer had come to the farm to help train Phoenix, an abused rescued horse, to win the Triple Crown. Phoenix had fallen short but captured America’s heart and everyone else’s along his journey.

And Aidan had captured Harper’s. They’d gotten married and doubled the size of the horse rescue farm.

“We missed you around here,” Aidan said, jerking his head toward the stables. “Especially Chloe’s Pride.”

“I know, it’s been so damn busy with the Spagarelli case at work along with other issues. I promise to get here more often.”

“No worries, she’s well taken care of,” Harper said with a wink. “Seems she’s got a crush on our new stud Maui.”

Chloe laughed. “Maybe Owen can test him out when he gets here. See if he’s worthy of my horse.”

Aidan cocked his head. “Things okay with you two? We didn’t know, but Mia really wanted all of you here for the party.”

The Bishops had all watched Chloe and Owen fall in love and pursue a serious relationship during college. They’d also comforted her when it had all broken apart, but Chloe had always been careful never to badmouth Owen to the clan. He was part of them, and she never wanted to come between them. “He’s back to stay in New York and we’ve been working this abuse case together. Finally have a date for a civil trial. We’re going to see how things unfold.”

Harper nodded. “We love you both and just want to see you happy, however that unfolds.”

“Thanks. Now, what should I get to work on?”

Aidan waved his hand in the air. “Nope, not this weekend. We’ve got plenty of helpers now, and we want you to enjoy yourself. There’s a cupcake festival this weekend you may want to hit. Have you seen Mia or Ethan yet?”

“No, Dad and Alyssa went ahead to the inn. I’m going to check on Chloe’s Pride and then head back.”

“Sounds good.”

She strolled down to Barn C, enjoying the musty scents and the hay beneath her feet. She grabbed an apple, reached the stall, and whistled low, putting her hand out. The beautiful white horse did a double take of recognition, then immediately pushed out her nuzzle for affection. Chloe crooned love words to the horse, slowly feeding her the apple.

Horses had been the gateway to her passion. The magnificent creatures were so full of love to give, yet too many discarded them as worthless once they couldn’t race, or work, or do something equally useful.

Chloe had learned early on that love was the most useful element of all.

She spent some time in the barn, showering the horse with affection and slowly felt the air rise and charge around her.

She turned. Owen stood framed in the doorway, watching. His long legs were spread apart, hands fisted at his hips, gaze locked on hers. He wore faded jeans and a simple black T-shirt that stretched across his broad chest. His hair curled messily across his brow, reminding her of when he was young.

Since she’d agreed to come to the farm, he’d given her space, spending most of his time out at site visits or the courthouse. Seeing him in his element made a shiver race down her spine and slowly spread, warming her body more than the muggy heat.

“I knew you’d come to the barn first,” he said, his lips quirking in a hint of a smile. “How’s your girl doing?”

Chloe’s Pride let out a whinny, sensing more company to demand affection from.

They laughed. “Thriving, but I heard she missed me. Have to get out here more. Plus, when I do ride, it’s like the world makes better sense around me.”

“I know exactly what you mean,” he said. “I just peeked in on Flower and promised her some exercise this weekend. Want to check in at the house and then ride?”

“Sounds good.”

She followed him out of the barn, but suddenly he stopped short, jerking back and almost sending her stumbling. “Ah, crap, he did it again! Scared the hell out of me.”

Chloe peeked around and there he was, blocking their path.

Hei-Hei.

The giant Polish chicken looked monstrous up close, with heavy, fat jowls, beady eyes, and a bunch of crazy white feathers sticking out of his head like a crown. The chicken let out a shriek at the sight of Owen and began clawing the ground madly with his hooked feet. Owen made a low noise of distress, and Chloe bit back a giggle.

Owen and Hei-Hei had a complicated relationship.