Silent Harmony: A Vivienne Taylor Horse Lover's Mystery (Fairmont Riding Academy Book 1)

by Michele Scott

  Tristan walks in, tux and all, with a bouquet of roses. Oh my God, I am wearing a gross hospital gown. What do I look like?

  “What are you guys doing?” I ask.

  “Night, Vivvie,” says Riley.

  “Martina? Emily?” I plead.

  Martina sets the iPod down, and my friends leave the room.

  Tristan sits on the edge of my bed. “You scared me, Vivienne Taylor.”

  “Sorry,” I mutter.

  He hands me a card. “Open it.”

  It’s a get-well card showing a horse with an old-school ice bag on his head. I open it, and two tickets fall out.

  “A little birdie told me that you like Taylor Swift, and since she’s coming to town, I was wondering if you’d go with me. As friends, of course. I know you have your goals and all.”

  I roll my eyes at him and reach up, grabbing his coat lapel. Even though I’m sore and hurt, I pull Tristan in to me and we share another one of those amazing, delicious best kisses in the world.

  “Friends? You know what? We are so going to this concert as more than just friends,” I say once we finish with that amazing, delicious kiss.

  “I was hoping you’d say that.”

  “Yeah. Well, I just did.”

  Then Tristan Goode kisses me again.

  When I get out of the hospital, I’ll let Harmony know that the bad man is gone. And maybe I’ll find out if anything is going on between Kayla and Christian. Or get Emily to tell me more about what happened to Haute Couture. And I am also concerned about the growing threat that seems to surround Martina and her family. And Riley, he has a long road ahead of him, and will need a good friend to help him navigate that road.

  God, I am even concerned about how Lydia Gallagher is going to react to all of this. Maybe I’ll get it all figured out. Maybe I won’t.

  But for now, in Tristan’s arms and lost in his kisses, all of those questions, all of those worries… well, I am going to set them all aside, and just live.

  In this moment.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Things always happen for a reason and in their own time. This book/series is a perfect example of that. The character of Vivienne Taylor and her unique gift with horses has been in the back of my mind for years. I have to acknowledge those very special people who gave me the freedom and green light to write this book exactly the way that I wanted to.

  First off, is my dearest friend Jessica Park. I couldn’t ask for a better support system and friend. She’s seen me through the good, the bad, and the ugly. And, without her making the introduction between Timothy Ditlow and me, this series would still be in the back of my mind. Thank You, JP, for opening the door and insisting I pitch the series.

  Thank You, Tim, for believing in Vivvie as much as I do, and for taking a chance on this. As we said that night at Rick Bayless’ amazing restaurant that this was meant to be. Who would have ever known that the evening before you were at a dressage barn? Also, thanks again for that dinner. It’s one I will never forget.

  Thanks to my agent Scott Miller of Trident Media. It is truly wonderful when an author feels like her agent has her back, and will go the extra mile for her. Scott does this with every project, and I am grateful to have him on board.

  Huge props and gratitude to my very good friend Gina Miles. I can’t even express how truly appreciative I am for your friendship, your support, and your guidance. You are an amazing woman.

  Same goes to Terri Rocovich—always there for me, my horses, and my family. I am blessed to have such wonderful horse women in my life!

  Amy Hosford is another person who deserves a thank you from me. Your help in getting this book to print means a lot. As well as the entire team at ACP, especially the cover artists!

  It may sound crazy to thank a horse because she can’t read this, but I want to acknowledge her anyway. My mare Krissy has been one of the kindest animals I’ve had the privilege to own. She’s in her final days now, but she has taught me a lot about myself, others, and how to be graceful under pressure. I can’t do it like she does, but I’ll keep trying. In many ways, Krissy is the horse who inspired Harmony’s character. She will always hold a special place in my heart.

  Finally, thank you to the eventing community at large. Eventers and their horses are courageous, gorgeous, and simply put--competing in the best sport there is.

  Michele Scott lives in California with her family. With her days spent in the barn or at the keyboard, Ms. Scott has forged a flourishing career as mystery writer and is also deeply involved in the world of horses and equestrian riding.