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As Tessa rode onto the track, Cassie couldn’t help but smile. There was so much to be thankful for right now in her life. One chapter of her career was coming to an end. Another was going to begin in a few months. Her daughter was happy and healthy and nearing her first birthday.
And, delicious icing on the cake, Ian Shaffer had entered her life. For how long she didn’t know. But she did know that, for now, they were together and he had admitted his feelings were strong. But did that mean he’d want to try something long distance? Or would he stay around a little longer after the film was finished?
So many questions and none of them would be answered today. She needed to concentrate and be there for Tessa. All else could wait until this race was over.
In no time the horses were in their places and Cassie felt her father’s presence beside her. His arm snaked around her waist, the silent support a welcome comfort. Each race had nerves balling up in her stomach, but nothing could be done now. The training for the Preakness was complete and now they waited for the fastest, most exciting moment in sports.
Cassie glanced toward the grandstands, and the colorful array of hats and suits had her smile widening. Excitement settled heavily over the track as everyone’s gaze was drawn to the starting gate.
“You’re trembling,” her father whispered into her ear.
Cassie let out a shaky laugh. “I think that’s you.”
His arm tightened around her waist as a robust chuckle escaped. “I believe you’re right, my dear.”
The gun sounded and Cassie had no time for nerves. She couldn’t keep her eyes off the places switching, the colored numbers on the board swapping out as horses passed each other and inched toward the lead.
Don Pedro was in forth. Cassie fisted her hands so tight, her short nails bit into her palms.
“Come on. Come on,” she muttered.
Tessa eased past third and into second on the last turn.
The announcer’s tone raised in excitement as Tessa inched even farther toward the head of the race. Cassie wanted to close her eyes to pray, but she couldn’t take her gaze off the board.
Just as the first two horses headed to the finish line, Cassie started jumping up and down. Excitement, fear, nerves... They all had her unable to stand still.
And when the announcer blared that the winner was Don Pedro by a nose, Cassie jumped even higher, wrapped her arms around her father’s neck and squealed like a little girl.
“We did it,” he yelled, embracing her. “My girls did it!”
Damon jerked back, gripped her hand and tugged her toward the winner’s circle, where Tessa met them. Her radiant smile, the mass of people surrounding her and the flash of cameras all announced there was a new winner.
Grant was right there in the throng of people, his grin so wide there was no way to hide the pride beaming off him.
Cassie’s heart lurched. She loved that Tessa had found the man of her dreams, couldn’t be happier for the couple. But, for the first time, Cassie was not the first one Tessa turned to after a race.
And that was not jealousy talking.... Cassie loved seeing Tessa and Grant so happy, and sharing Tessa’s affection was fine. It was the fact that Cassie still felt empty when monumental things happened. Whom did she turn to to celebrate or for a shoulder to cry on?
Tessa turned her head, caught Cassie’s eye and winked down at her. Returning the wink, Cassie smiled to hide her sad thoughts.
Soon reporters were thrusting microphones in her face, as well. Very few ever won the Triple Crown, and a team of females was practically unheard of. History was definitely in the making.
The Barrington sisters had done it again, and with only one more race to go to round out the season and secure the coveted Triple Crown, Cassie knew she needed to focus now more than ever on training for the Belmont.
Which meant keeping her heart shielded from Ian, because if he penetrated too much more, she feared she’d never be able to recover if it all fell apart.
* * *
They were gone for days, weeks.
Okay, maybe it wasn’t weeks, but Ian felt as if he hadn’t seen Cassie forever. Which told him he was going to be in trouble when it came time for him to head back to L.A.
She’d arrived home late last night and he’d known she’d be tired, so he had stayed away to let her rest and spend time with Emily. But knowing she was so close was hard.
As he headed toward the stables just as the sun peeked overtop the hilltops, Ian wanted to spend some time with her. He’d actually ached for her while she’d been away. Like most of the nation, he’d watched with eyes glued to the television during the Preakness and he’d jumped out of his seat and cheered when Don Pedro crossed the finish line for the win.
