by Beth Sadler
Chapter 10
Triena didn’t know how she had made it on time but, here she was, dressed in new jeans, shirt and riding boots, a surprise present from Jethro, standing in the foyer of the ‘Australian Outback Spectacular.’ She had worked so many hours over the last two days that, sleep was only a distant memory.
Now here she was, ready for the biggest challenge of her life. Teril had told her that a formal proposal was expected and “Hail Hera”, she would do it even if it embarrassed the life out of her. No guardian ever backed down from a challenge. Jethro was going to be asked to bond with her for life in front of all these strangers, even if she had a heart attack in the process.
“Where the hell is Jeff? I want to get settled in our seats.” Jethro grumbled impatiently. “I don’t understand why he has to be part of our formal date anyway. Is he some sort of official chaperone?
“I’m sure he’ll be here in a second. Jeff is an essential part of the formal proposal. I’m sure we’ll enjoy his company.”
Jeff had actually been here all afternoon making last minute arrangements. He’d contacted Triena to let her know that the mare was settled and happy and their plans were all running smoothly.
“Yeah, I like old Jeff; I just don’t get his role in our special night.” he queried. Finally he spotted Jeff in the crowd. “Hey, over here.” Jethro waved enthusiastically at him, attracting plenty of admiring looks in the process.
Jethro would never pass unnoticed in a crowd, thought Triena, his military bearing, good looks and commanding presence guaranteeing him immediate attention.
Jeff quickly joined them, giving Triena a secretive wink and nod when Jethro turned away. After that they were soon seated and ready for a night to remember.
Triena held her breath so many times during the performance that she almost passed out. From the simulated outback scenes, with rain and thunder, to the helicopter set into the roof of the venue that appeared to help with the muster, she was mesmerised. But, the most thrilling part of the evening, she thought, was the magnificent horses and their brilliant riders.
The part of the performance that Triena really enjoyed was when two, supposedly, rival stations, challenged the stockmen and women of each to a competition. The patrons were divided into two teams and were given the opportunity the cheer for their station’s competitors. Triena pulled the hat she had been given, down hard on her head and cheered herself hoarse. Sitting between the two tall men she didn’t notice the grinning looks the two men gave her over the top of her head. They were enjoying the show but, Triena’s obvious enthusiasm entertained them both.
“I don’t think you’re going to have too much trouble getting your fiancé on a horse.” laughed Jeff, grinning in delight at Triena’s flushed face.”I think if she was offered a chance to be part of this show right now, she’d be down there like a shot.
“I would have married her anyway but, I have to admit that sharing a horse property with her sounds like heaven to me,” smiled Jethro in satisfaction.
At the conclusion of the show Triena was shocked back into reality by her face appearing on the thirty five metre screen that had been used with the show. It only now occurred to her that she hadn’t planned this part of the proposal. Jethro looked confused but, not alarmed, as he turned to her with a raised eyebrow. Suddenly, the music stopped and a lovely young woman, who had taken part in the show, spoke over the sound system from the arena below.
“Ladies and gentlemen, if you would please stay seated for a few more minutes. We invite you all to help the friend of ours on screen celebrate a special moment in her life.” She laughed happily as she punched the air. “We were all sworn to secrecy and, what do you know, we actually pulled it off.”
The audience roared with laughter, happily settling back in their seats to see what extra entertainment awaited them.
Just then a man appeared next to Jeff and handed a microphone along to him as simultaneously the large screen came alive and Triena’s face was replaced by a live shot of her and Jethro sitting in their seats. The audience buzzed with excitement.
“Here you go Triena; the rest is up to you now.” Jeff handed over the mike with a gentle smile as he moved away.
Triena turned to Jethro who looked confused but, not uncomfortable. It would take more than an audience of a thousand to make an SASR uneasy. Triena got down on one knee in front of Jethro and gazed steadily into his face, the scene playing out on the huge screen. The whole auditorium went quiet, waiting for what would come next.
“Jethro James, you have already accepted me as your life-mate and committed to being with me until death. This is my formal acceptance and proposal to you. I will love you and only you until death parts us. I will share your life and defend it with my own life if needed. Do you accept me?” Triena waited bravely for whatever he would do or say now, she felt everyone near her holding their breath.
Jethro was so moved by Triena’s beautifully formal proposal that he found it hard to speak. He finally understood the importance of this moment to the Teeronites.
“Triena I accept willingly and eagerly. I also will lay down my life to protect you if needed. You are the only woman in the universe for me.” Jethro’s reply was as formal as he could manage on such short notice. He didn’t dare kiss this beautiful woman yet, he just knew it wouldn’t be appropriate but, oh, how he wanted to.
The crowd erupted into cheers and whistles, enjoying the unusual proposal. When the noise died down Triena continued speaking, still on one knee.
“Jethro James, please do me the honour of accepting this gift as a symbol of my love for you.” Triena quickly looked for Jeff’s nod, before pointing at the arena.
Jethro looked down as did everyone else. Swelling, romantic music filled the venue as the arena glowed with soft blue lights, artificial mist covered the ground, bathing the whole area in a misty fantasy light, then, out of the mist exploded a magical creature, floating over the ground almost as if she were dancing to the music. Jethro’s mare had arrived.
The grey mare played in the arena for several minutes, running, slide-stopping and wheeling; showing all her paces as if to say ‘look at me, aren’t I perfection?’ Jethro watched for seconds, just as mesmerised by the performance as the rest of the audience.
Then, turning to look down at Triena he smiled happily, lifting her into his warm, safe arms for a quick hug, and a whispered. “Only you could have thought of this. No one else could understand how I feel about this mare.”
Seconds later he was in the arena, approaching his wonderful gift. The audience were in an uproar. Several shouts of, “I’ll marry you” followed by, “she wouldn’t have you mate” caused loud, happy laughter to fill the auditorium.
Everyone quieted as Jethro reached out a hand and rubbed the mare’s neck, softly speaking to her. She stood quietly for a minute and then, tail flagged high; she took off to float around the arena, showing Jethro and everyone else just how beautiful she was.
Jethro laughed happily and then waved Triena over to stand next to him, his arm over her shoulders, hugging her to his side.
He held up his hand, signalling the mare to come to him. She instantly stopped her display and calmly walked up to them, waiting for Jethro’s command.
To the absolute joy of the watchers Jethro stood alongside her and with a slight hand signal had her bowing down on one leg in front of Triena. Jethro dropped to one knee beside the mare and at the same time produced a ring box from his shirt pocket. The crown went wild. This unusual engagement was an added bonus to an already fabulous night out.
Triena opened the box and taking the sapphire and diamond ring out, placed it on her finger. The place erupted with cheers as Jethro stood, taking Triena into his arms for a gentle kiss. The mare casually rose and nudged Jethro in the back, causing the whole auditorium to laugh uproariously, she wanted attention too. The happy laughter broke the magical mood, ending an evening never to be forgotten.
Soon after, all the lights
were turned up and a friendly voice announced the end of the evening’s entertainment. Everyone was thanked for their attendance and the evening was brought to a swift close.
Thirty minutes later they were on their way home, the past hour a cherished memory. Jethro just wanted to get his brand new ‘official fiance’ home now, so that he could do some serious, private courting.
Jeff had once more taken charge of the mare and promised to keep her safe until Jethro could pick her up. He would be forever indebted to his friend for all of his help.
Pulling Triena even tighter into his side as he drove, he brought up the number one question on his mind.
“When do we bond, get married, whatever you do on Teeron?” he demanded.
“We can have the ceremony when we return to Teeron. Your family will be there and so will all of mine. It is only a simple ceremony of exchanged vows. Triena explained.
“Good, then let’s do it as soon as we land.” he pleaded, desperate to get on with their life together.
Triena spent the rest of the evening in blissful oblivion as Jethro’s kisses and caresses carried her to another world. It wasn’t Teeron or Earth; it was a place that only the two of them knew about. “Hail Hera” love was wonderful.
Chapter 11
Two hectic weeks later, Jethro was grooming his mare in one of the stables that had been especially made for the pod. Tasha was further down the row, taking care of one of hers. They had worked tirelessly to outfit the pod and load enough feed and medicine to get them through several months on Teeron. Everything that they could think of had now been done, including buying rugs, farrier gear and saddlery.
A familiar footstep behind him told him Triena had joined him.
“The Executon has given me permission to help you and Tasha with the horses while we make the jump through the worm hole.” She smiled happily. “Just think, we’ll be home soon and you will finally be able to see your land.”
Jethro looked down into her beautiful delicate features and playfully wound her glossy pony tail around his hand before replying.
“As long as you’re there with me, anywhere will be a perfect home.”
They smiled into each other’s eyes as a faint vibration could be felt under foot. The pod had left her tether and ventured into the sky.
They were underway, setting off on a journey into a life neither had dreamed of but, with a love to rival the stars, it was bound to be a great adventure.
The End
Full Length Novel
Twisted Dreams
Short, Short Story
Freedom
Teeron Series
Book 1
A Man For Calli
Book 2
A Man For Halli
Book 3
A Man For Darial
Book 4
A Man For Jenna
Book 5
A Man For Tasha
Book 6
A Man For Triena
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