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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright @2022 by May Gordon
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the express written permission of the publisher.
This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people.
CHAPTER1
PENELOPE
Louisville is stunning in the winter. Snow piles up, covering all the surfaces and trees of Stone Legacy Ranch. It looks like a winter fairy tale. The dark red, white, and oak barns stand out among the vast whiteness. Having the Christmas season on us makes last year feel like a lifetime ago. So much has happened. It all started with me breaking into Conrad's office, then we started our adventure of training Opus and winning the triple crown. Then, of course, my accident and my temporary memory loss. I still can't believe everything that has happened.
We were just married this past fall, and I thought the stables couldn't look any more beautiful with the autumn colours, yet here we are. Winter may be my favourite season, yet.
“Penny dear, what are you doing up this early.” Donna, our house manager and friend, walks into the kitchen, turning on the lights.
I was cuddled up in one of the bay windows benches, looking towards the barns.
"I couldn't sleep. It started snowing again early this morning."
"Good gosh, more? It's going to be extra work in the barn." She comments, going to the coffeemaker.
"Conrad and I already talked. We are going to hire a company to come out and plow the property and any areas we use a lot."
"That's very thoughtful, dear. I'm sure Burt will appreciate it."
Burt is our Barn manager and Donna's boyfriend, though they hate the term. "Anything to make the stables run more smoothly. It's been chaos these last few months."
"Well, winning the triple crown will do that to a farm. But it's exactly what was needed."
She’s right. Before, Conrad struggled to keep this place something his father would have been proud of. And now? Opus is the most considerable stud fee and in high demand. Owners want to send their horses here to train and myself to race them. But this holiday, I want us to slow down. We've been through so much and so busy that I want this Christmas to be remarkable. I want to give Conrad the most amazing Christmas, our first one as a married couple.
I unfold myself from the bench seat and walk over to Donna, grabbing myself a cup of coffee. "I need a perfect Christmas gift for Conrad."
"Anything you get him, he'll love," Donna assures me.
I shake my head. "No. It needs to be perfect; this whole holiday needs to be perfect. He deserves it."
"You both do." She chimes in. "But I agree, anything you need dear, I'll help." She grins.
I instantly feel much better. "First thing we need to do is decorate. It's already December, and we have nothing up."
"I know exactly who to call. There is a company who decorates houses and barns." Donna says with excitement.
"And I'll get the in-door decorations. Tonight, we will have a Christmas tree party." I feel giddy just thinking about it.
I chug my coffee, then pour a cup for Conrad, leaving the kitchen to head to our room. Being farm people, we are both early risers, but even I'm up earlier than usual. I quietly open the bedroom door.
Conrad is still passed out. I shuffle over to his side of the bed and sit down. I place his coffee on the bedside table. He always looks so peaceful sleeping and not the firm, cranky, amazing man I'm used to. I lean down to kiss him, trying to wake him up sweetly. He groans, tossing a bit before his eyes flutter open. His smile is soft and still sleepy.
"Good morning, beautiful." He reaches up to stroke my face. "You're up early this morning."
"I couldn't sleep; the snow outside is so beautiful." I reach over and pass him his coffee. "I was thinking after we do the walk-through of the barns we could go shopping."
He looks at me oddly; I understand why, I'm not a shopper unless it's for a horse. "For Christmas decorations." I clarify.
"The farm hasn't been decorated since my father died. My mother always loved Christmas."
