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“I’ll survive. It’s worth the sacrifice.”
“Great. I’ll check in with Sam and see how he feels about it. If he’ll even be around.”
“Let me know the outcome. Now I’ve got some more work to do.”
“And I need sleep.”
Neither disconnected the call. That made her toes curl.
“Hang up, Michael.”
“Yeah.”
Obviously, there were things he wanted to say to her. But he was putting it all on the back burner until they were with Sam. The sensible way to go. It was just difficult for her to not instigate the conversation. Because Scarlet had a lot to say, too.
A few quiet seconds ticked by before he simply told her, “Sweet dreams, Scarlet.”
“Thank you. Good night.” She forced herself to tap the end button.
Scarlet returned the phone to the nightstand and switched off the light. She settled in the bed and closed her eyes, wondering how her discussion with Sam would go when she told him she knew who his deadbeat dad was and that Sam had a brother. She was relieved Michael would be there with them, not just for her sake but for Sam’s as well. A little moral support never hurt. And Scarlet’s news wasn’t going to be easy to accept.
Nor was her prying.
Sam was back at the ranch Thursday evening. He’d been on the fence post about the Andalusian but not the black Arabian when he’d caught sight of it—and had immediately made an offer. The horse would be delivered early next week and would be a nice addition to Sam’s show team.
He was feeling quite pleased with his latest acquisition and whistling a tune when his cell rang.
Sam grinned. It was Scarlet.
“Well, hello there, darlin’,” he said as he bent down to scratch Rudy behind the ears and then went to the fridge for a beer. “’Bout time we reached each other.”
“Crazy week. And I hear you were in Texas looking at a horse.”
“Bought one, actually.” He popped the top off the bottle and settled at the kitchen island. “So you spoke with Michael?”
“Last night. He suggested a date. In Montana.
”
“I like his thinkin’.”
“Me, too.”
“So plan on it. I’ve got a few things to take care of around here over the weekend, but my evenings are free.”
“You’re getting ready for a competition?” she asked.
“Yes, we are.”
“That’ll be exciting to see all that goes into the preparation. I’m fascinated by what you do. And I didn’t get a chance to meet your horses.”
“They’re not all mine. I board for some folks. But I’d love to give you the grand tour, since we didn’t get to it the last time you were here. Not that I minded what we were doing instead.”
“I wouldn’t change a thing, even if I could. And maybe we can get Michael to take a look around as well. Get him into the stables or arena.”
Sam chuckled. “Don’t go countin’ on it. Although … you might provide just the right motivation to sway him.”
“I’ll be sure to put extra effort into it.”
