all roads lead to you

by Probst, Jennifer

  His voice came out a bit hoarse. “I gotta go, champ. But I have something important to tell you. Something I hope you can understand and always remember.”

  The horse finished his treat, and then those liquid brown eyes searched his. Tiny snorts emitted from his nostrils.

  “You changed my life. You made me believe again—and it wasn’t by winning the Champagne, or the Cup, or the Derby, or even the damn Belmont. It was your heart. You never gave up and you never will.”

  The horse cocked his head, as if considering.

  Aidan studied his face and felt something break inside of him, a pain and gratitude that humbled him to his very soul. He rubbed under the horse’s chin, stroked his nose, and leaned over to kiss him. “You were always a champion, but now the world knows it. You did it on your terms, just like your mama, and every damn second with you was a gift. Do you understand, Phoenix? A gift.”

  The horse pressed his large head against Aidan’s chest, as if sensing this was a goodbye. For a few precious seconds, Aidan closed his eyes and opened his heart to this horse who had made him a different man—a better man—one worthy to be the trainer of a victor.

  “Love you, mo chára. Take care of your mama, okay? She needs you to stay strong.”

  Captain Hoof let out a bleat, signaling he wanted in on the lovefest.

  Aidan leaned down to pet and soothe, studying his sweet face with the little horns and thick, healthy fur. The chicken costume was no longer needed, but Aidan admitted he almost wished he could see it on him again. “Take care of Phoenix, Captain. You both need each other.”

  His eyes stung. Slowly, he straightened, unlatched the gate, and walked out of the barn one last time.

  “Call me when you get there,” Harper said, her hands entwined with his.

  “I will.”

  “Ophelia gave you some blueberry scones for your trip.”

  “That was nice of her.”

  “I know you’ll have some fancy digs, but don’t forget to sleep in a bed sometimes, okay? You were having back problems last week.”

  He laughed, but it came out choked. “Damn, I’m not that old. It was just a kink.”

  “Well, it could get worse if you keep bunking on barn floors.”

  “Okay.”

  They smiled at each other. He’d tried to convince her to do an official long-distance relationship, but she’d refused. They both knew he wouldn’t have the time to take many trips to the States, and she wouldn’t be able to visit him in Ireland. She’d explained she was afraid if they clung to each other, their relationship would wither and die while they watched. God knew he couldn’t handle that, so they’d agreed to make a clean break.

  He kissed her. Savored her sweet taste and the scent of cocoa butter. Memorized the smoothness of her skin and the silkiness of her hair. When he stepped back, he stared at her for a long time, greedily devouring every inch of beauty.

  “Mo chroí. Mo grá.” His voice broke. “My everything.”

  Her lips trembled when she smiled. “I love you, too, Aidan O’Connor.”

  The words rose and danced in the air. He turned and walked down the dirt path, refusing to look back.

  If he did, Aidan knew he’d stay.

  “You okay?”

  Harper glanced at her sister. They were sitting on the front porch. Iced tea and cookies were set out. The memory hit her hard. It’d been almost a year since her sister had given her the advice to lead with her heart and let herself be open to Aidan. Right now, as the pain crippled her, she wondered why she wasn’t angry.

  “Not really. I feel like I want to crawl into bed and sleep for a month.”

  Her sister smiled, reached over, and squeezed her hand. They rocked together in silence, staring out at the sprawling expanse of land. It was that special in-between time when the inn was mostly empty, the guests gone on afternoon adventures. “When Kyle left, I thought I’d die. I know how bad it hurts, Harp, but I’m proud of you.”

  “For having my first broken heart?” she joked.

  “For trying,” she said quietly. “For being human. Aidan loves you; it’s so obvious. Did you ask him to stay?”

  “I couldn’t. I know how it is to feel called to do something in your life no one else understands.”

  “Yeah, that was the big thing with Kyle and me. Even Mia and Ethan. Odd, all of us picked soul mates who were meant to leave.”

  Harper choked out a laugh. “That’s fucked up.”

  Ophelia laughed with her. “Yep. What are you going to do next?”

  She shrugged. “Concentrate on the rescue farm. I’m going to expand and build new barns. Hire some help. There’s so many more animals I can save now because of Phoenix.”

  “Mom would be so proud of you.”

  She sighed, and pride surged, soothing the ache. “Yeah, I think she would.”

  “I know she would. You’re going to be okay, Harp. And something wonderful is going to come your way again. Aidan allowed you to see who you really are—who we all see every time we look at you. Now that you recognize it too, you’re going to be unstoppable.”

  Touched by her sister’s words, she smiled and rocked in rhythm beside her, thinking about her past, her future, and the man who had changed her forever.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  “She’s doing well,” Brian commented, standing beside Aidan. “I think you made a breakthrough. Rosie always hated the saddle, but she’s taken to it well.”

  Aidan smiled and watched the spirited filly ease through a light breeze. “She’s come far. You gave me a great foundation. She takes to the track like she was born for it.”

  They both studied the beauty of the filly flying over the dirt, but Aidan was seeing another horse in his mind, a fierce black beauty with fuck-you eyes and a rebellious fire in his soul.

  God, was the pain ever going to go away?

  It’d been almost two months. Two months of working with a horse who was talented, sweet, and born to run. Run for the Roses—a.k.a. Rosie—was all the things he looked for in a horse to train, and he’d grown to care deeply about her. His relationship with Brian had also grown, and Aidan deeply respected the man for not only his work ethic but also the love he had for every horse in his stables. They’d paired Rosie with a jockey Aidan knew by reputation, and they got along easily. Even Gale Farms was something out of a Hollywood movie, with its sprawling acres, gleaming white fences, and endless crisp apple-red stalls scattered in organized rows.

  They employed hundreds of people for every task. Staff raked the dirt on the track to fine sand, while others cut the lawn so it never grew past a certain number of inches. His room was huge and located right by the barn for convenience. There was a full-time chef who cooked three square meals a day. Finally, he’d reached the big time. He had everything he’d ever wanted and dreamed for as that young, dirt-poor boy who fantasized of making it big on the racetrack with a horse he believed in.

  He was a respected trainer who had the opportunity to work with the very best. He’d heard Colin hadn’t gotten that last job he’d been sniffing around for at the Breeders’ Cup, and that he’d split with Rachael. Kincaid’s Crown had been sold to another farm, and Aidan was now able to regularly visit him.

  His partner was failing, and Aidan had it all.

  So why was he miserable?

  He’d given it time. He knew he’d be haunted by her voice, her scent, her memory, but he pushed through and put all his focus into Rosie and his brand-new start in Ireland. He had fun hanging at the pubs with old friends and sinking back into the familiarity of the world he’d been raised in. He figured in a few weeks, the imprint of her on his soul would begin to fade.

  It didn’t.

  Aidan looked out to a different pasture but thought about the one he was missing. He was haunted by the life he’d chosen not to take for the only one he’d ever known.

  And every day that passed, he understood with a panicky realization he’d made a big mistake.

&n
bsp; He wasn’t happy. He felt as if he were missing a piece of himself, and though he went through the motions, his heart was hollow through every beat. He thought of his future, perfectly mapped out, and wanted to howl with misery. Everything had changed, and he couldn’t go back to the man he’d been before.

  He didn’t want to.

  He wanted to be the man he’d become with Harper.

  His hands shook with the enormity of his decision. And then he closed his eyes and saw her face.

  “Aidan? You okay?”

  He opened his eyes. The knowledge sank into every pore of his skin and settled in deep. This wasn’t home any longer. It was time to accept it and claim his new one.

  “No, I’m not, Brian. We have a big problem, and I hope you can understand.”

  His silver brows drew into a frown. “Tell me and let’s see if we can work it out.”

  Aidan shook his head. “You see, there’s this amazing woman . . .”

  Harper led the new mare out of the truck. She kept her motions slow and deliberate, sensing the horse had a serious case of trust abuse. The hoarding situation had been a nightmare, but thank God the authorities had closed the farm and moved all the animals to local rescue shelters. She’d been able to take two.

  Next year, she’d take them all.

  Harper glanced at her new charge, noticing the slight shake. Poor thing reminded her of a scared little deer, flinching at loud sounds as if a hunter were going to shoot at her.

  “It’s okay, sweetheart,” she crooned, gently stroking her flank. “I think we’re going to call you Bambi. Wait till you meet Flower, your stablemate. I think you two will be perfect for each other.”

  Ethan walked up behind her. “What a pretty little mare,” he commented, slowly holding out his hand so the horse would catch his scent. “Flower will love her.”

  “I just told her the same. I’m going to name her Bambi.”

  “Sounds perfect. Don’t forget the wedding rehearsal is Friday. Are you all set to run everything while Mia and I are gone?”

  She smiled. “Money is a beautiful thing. I just hired a new full timer, Jared, so we’ll be fine. And I don’t want you worried about anything here while you’re in Costa Rica. You going to zipline?”

  “Hell yes. Mia’s looking forward to it. And I’m looking forward to the red string bikini she just packed.”

  She rolled her eyes. “TMI, bro.”

  “What about you, Harp? Will you be okay while we’re gone?”

  Her heart pulsed at the concern in her brother’s eyes. Everyone had rallied around, inviting her to endless dinners, helping her out at the farm, and keeping her occupied. She appreciated the attention, but once again, she found her animals soothed her wounds the most. Spending quiet time in the stall talking with Phoenix and Captain Hoof. Watching all the dogs play and run in the pasture. Riding Maximus through the trails down to the creek.

  It was hard. She missed him every day, every moment. She still cried at night. But every day, she got up with a new purpose and embraced the woman she’d become because she loved him.

  “I’ll be fine. I’m meeting with the architect to draw up plans for the additional barns. I think it may be nice to add a place our employees can stay in case they want to remain close.”

  “Good idea.” His gaze probed hers. “You talk to Aidan lately?”

  His name pierced like an arrow, but she loved hearing it at the same time. “No. We figured it’d be better this way, but it’s hard. Elmo texted, though. He’s got a mount in Saratoga for the Travers. Wants me to come and watch him run.”

  “You regret not entering Phoenix?”

  She shook her head. “No, I want to give him some time off. I think he may be ready to run in the Breeders’ Cup again in November, so we’ll see.”

  “A solid plan.” They smiled at each other. “Let me take Bambi in and get her settled. Will you call Mia? She asked me to tell you she needs help with the bachelorette party.”

  She groaned. “Crap, why isn’t Ophelia helping?”

  “Don’t know, I’m just the groom.” He winked and strolled off, speaking to the mare in his usual magical voice.

  Cursing under her breath, she wiped her muddy hands on her jeans and fished out her cell. She refused to deal with strippers, or anything else creepy. Maybe she could convince Mia to do a spa day? Much better getting naked with smelly seaweed all over her than sticking dollar bills down G-strings of oiled-up men.

  God, she was lame. But she wasn’t about to apologize for her . . .

  Her thoughts trailed off and stilled. Her gaze narrowed on the figure ahead. She was seeing things again. She imagined seeing the man around every corner and figured it’d go away one day. Funny, though, the guest looked so like him, from his staggering height and solid muscled build and his—

  The phone dropped lifelessly from her fingers.

  Aidan.

  His name trembled on her lips, but she wasn’t fast enough. In a rush of fur and excitement, Wheezy, Bolt, Bagheera, and Baloo took off toward him, leaping with joy. He knelt down, giving them the love, folded into their canine embrace, and she moved a few steps closer, hoping it wasn’t a dream.

  A duffel bag lay at his feet. Battered jeans, work boots, and a navy-blue T-shirt stretching across his broad chest. His straw-colored hair was longer and blew in the wind, covering his brow. Her belly dropped to her toes, and she swayed on her feet, still speechless.

  “Did your mother forget me already?” he asked the dogs, their bodies wriggling with delight. “Or does she need to smell me first?”

  “Aidan?” She blinked furiously. “Wh-what are you doing here?”

  He brushed off the dirt on his knees and stood. “Ireland wasn’t what I imagined.”

  The shaking began deep inside and shivered to every muscle in her body, but she didn’t move. Not yet. “It wasn’t as green as you remembered?”

  “Nope. More like an artichoke green. Quite dull.”

  “And the pubs?”

  He wrinkled his nose. “Guinness everywhere. Not a decent IPA in sight.”

  “How about the horses? I heard Rosie was a champion,” she said softly.

  “She is. And she’ll have a stellar racing career with or without me. It just so happens that I can’t stop thinking about a certain horse who rose above the ashes to capture my heart.”

  Harper met his gaze head-on and asked her final question. “And Rosie’s owner? Will you regret leaving?”

  A smile tugged at his lips. “I’m not in love with him. He’s not my type.”

  She choked on a laugh, but then his face turned serious and he took a step forward.

  “You told me to follow my heart. Every road I’ve ever walked has led me to the next town, the next barn, the next horse, and the next piece of my soul. But then I met you, Harper Bishop, and I was ruined.” Slowly, he closed the distance and stood in front of her. She caught the sexy squint of his eyes and the light sunburn on his nose. The blazing intensity of his amber gaze locked fiercely on hers. “You’re my heart. And every damn road I ever took had one purpose. It led me to you.”

  Her eyes stung, and her hand trembled as she reached out, almost afraid to believe. “What about your dream?”

  “I had to leave in order to come back. I had to realize you changed me. You’re my dream, mo grá. I want it all, and I want it with you, right here.” He pulled her into his arms and cupped her cheeks. “I want to stay. Help you expand the horse rescue, take on more community service volunteers, be a part of Phoenix’s life. And I want to marry you.”

  She gasped. “What?”

  “I know you once told me you’re not the marrying kind, but God, I hope I can convince you to let me love you for the rest of your life. Here, I got a ring. Wait.”

  He reached into his pocket, dug out a box, and clasped it open.

  The elegantly cut round diamond glittered in the sun.

  “Aidan,” she breathed in shock. “Oh my God.”

  “
I didn’t want any sharp edges like a marquis cut, and I know you wouldn’t want it too big to wear under your gloves, so I—crap, I forgot to ask, didn’t I?” He sank down in the muddy ground and looked up at her. “Graim thu. An bposfaidh tu me?”

  She stared blindly at the ring. “Huh?”

  A lopsided grin curved his lips. “Harper Bishop, I love you, and I’m begging you to marry me. Walk with me on this road together?”

  There was only one thing left to say for a happy ever after she’d never seen coming and never believed she’d have.

  “Yes.” She reached for him, blinking away tears. “Oh yes.”

  Epilogue

  “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  A roar rose from the crowd, and Harper watched her brother kiss Mia, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her high up. Mia laughed, obviously not caring about her designer gown or crushed veil or smudged makeup, joy pumping from her aura.

  Harper glanced over and saw Chloe and Ophelia outright crying. It had been a long journey, and seeing her brother so happy made her feel the presence of their mother pressing down upon them, offering her eternal blessing.

  Her gaze sought out Aidan in the crowd. Dressed in a sharp black suit with a red tie, he was devastatingly handsome. He caught her stare and lifted his hand, pointing at the happy couple and then back at her. A smile bubbled from her lips. The weight of the ring felt warm and secure around her finger.

  Yes. They were next.

  After the traditional receiving line and an hour of photos, they settled into the reception. The oversize windows overlooked the amazing view before them. The mountains surrounded them with a kingly authority, soaring edges and peaks squeezing the clear, crystal lake, where boats lazily rowed and guests fished.

  Harper sipped her champagne, nibbled on appetizers, and melted into the tight group where her fiancé stood. “Hey, Irish, you may get lucky if you can score me more of those crab cakes.”

  He slipped his arm around her waist. “If that’s your fourth champagne, I think I’m getting lucky tonight anyway, love.”