Collin gave the man a slight smile. “Mr. James, we’re going to do everything we can to send you home with your son next week. That’s our goal and we’re not going to let you down, sir. I know it’s hard for you to trust that, but we will do whatever it takes to vindicate you and get you back to your life.”
Mr. James appraised him, seemingly trying to decide if he could trust what Collin was promising. He sat forward in his seat, his hands clasped tightly together atop the table. “You might not understand this, son, but it’s hard to have any hope. Hope died the day my wife was murdered. Now I take each day one at a time and deal with whatever may come.” He shifted back in the wooden chair. “Do you have someone special in your life, son?”
Collin nodded. “Yes, sir. I do.” He shot a quick look in London’s direction.
“Are you in love?”
Collin inhaled swiftly, the question catching him off guard. “Yes, sir,” he finally answered, “I think I am.” He was still staring directly at the old man, hesitant to look in London’s direction a second time.
London’s head snapped as she turned to stare at him. His answer surprised her, a wealth of emotion exploding across her face. When he finally did cast his eyes on her he gave her the warmest smile and a slight nod of his head.
Mr. James sat pensively, still staring at Collin. “It’s a precious thing, love. Hold tight to it. You never know how long it’s going to last or when it will leave you. I don’t imagine I’ll ever know love like that again in my lifetime.”
* * *
London hadn’t known what to expect when she pulled through the gates of Stallion-Briscoe Ranch. What she hadn’t expected was the long list of activities that Collin had prepared for them. As she pulled her car into an empty parking spot he stood on the front porch of the massive family home, waving excitedly.
She heard herself hum with appreciation. Collin looked great and she was suddenly breathing heavy with wanting. Tight Levi’s jeans fitted the high shelf of his very round behind, the length of black denim covering his black cowboy boots. A bright white cotton shirt was buttoned midway up his broad chest, exposing just a hint of caramel skin, and a classic black Stetson hat sat perched on top of his head. He epitomized her cowboy fantasy, the horse the only thing missing from the fairy tale.
She could barely contain her own excitement as she crossed the stone driveway and met him at the bottom of the steps. “Good morning!” she exclaimed as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.
“Good morning. How are you doing?” he asked as he wrapped her in a bear hug.
“Nervous! And I’m not sure why.”
“Don’t be nervous. I just want you to relax and have a good day.”
Light shimmered in her eyes as she met his stare. She pushed her hands into the pockets of her denim jeans, the gesture emphasizing the tight fit around her slight curves. “So, what’s on the agenda today?”
“I thought we’d play it by ear. My mom’s inside and the aunts are making breakfast.”
“Breakfast?”
“It’s not like the family gatherings we have on Sundays, but it’ll be a good meal. Biscuits, gravy, sausage, bacon, eggs, grits, toast. Maybe even some pancakes if we get lucky. Usually, on Sundays, everyone shows up for breakfast and there’s a feast, but there’ll only be a few of us today.”
London’s eyes widened, a hint of anxiety seeping from her stare.
“They’re all going to love you,” he said, reading her mind.
London didn’t bother to respond as he grabbed her hand and pulled her along and into the family home.
“The Stallion Foundation is hosting an event at the conference center this afternoon. I thought we could volunteer for a little bit. Maybe go down and help pass out gift bags or something. Afterward we’ll head to the stables, saddle up the horses and I’ll take you exploring.”
London shot him a look and a nod. “That sounds like it’s going to be a long day!”
“I just want you to relax and have a good time.”
She stopped short at the door. “Thank you,” she said as Collin eyed her curiously. “You make me smile and I feel pretty darn special when I’m with you.”
He kissed her mouth. “It’s what boyfriends do!”
They were giggling like grade-schoolers when they entered the home’s oversize family room. Katrina, Michelle and Marah were talking politics with John and Matthew when they entered the room. The conversation came to an abrupt halt, everyone turning to stare.
London tossed up an anxious hand in greeting. “Good morning,” she chimed, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
“Good morning, London,” Katrina said as she rose from her seat. “Welcome to the ranch!” She gave the young woman a warm hug and then reached to kiss her son.
“Thank you for having me, Judge Stallion.”
“Hey, all, this is my girlfriend, London Jacobs,” Collin interjected as he introduced her to his family, everyone greeting her warmly. The emphasis he put on the word girlfriend didn’t go unnoticed.
“London, would you like some coffee?” Marah asked.
“Thank you! That would be great!”
“Help yourself to food,” Michelle added. “There is plenty!”
“Do you want pancakes?” Collin asked as he grabbed two plates from the counter and began to fill one with bacon.
She shook her head as she dropped into a chair. “Just some fruit, please, and maybe a slice of toast.”
“The women in this family have hearty appetites,” John chimed. “So don’t be shy!”
“I know that’s right!” Mitch exclaimed as she reached for a second biscuit and slathered it with butter and honey.
“So, London, where are you from?” Marah asked.
“Dallas, born and raised,” she answered.
“And you’re an attorney, too, is that right?” John questioned.
London nodded. “Yes, sir.”
Collin dropped down into the seat beside London, passing her a plate of fruit salad, toast and a few slices of bacon. For the next half hour they peppered her with questions. In no time at all she was bantering back and forth with the lot of them, her comfort levels having risen exponentially. She joined in as they resumed their discussion on the political climate and weighed in her opinion when Katrina announced that she was considering an election run for a senate seat.
“You’d be a great candidate, Judge Stallion! I would love to support your campaign.”
“I appreciate that, London, but I’m still undecided.”
“You’ve done so much for young women in the community. We need someone with your values representing us. You’d be an excellent voice for the constituents of Texas, and with your record, we could trust that you would always put people before party.”
Collin nodded his agreement. “We definitely wouldn’t have to worry about you facing the same ethical dilemmas our current senate representatives have to contend with. You’d never take donations from anyone lobbying for their own interests. I think it’s a fantastic idea, Mom!”
Matthew gave his wife a look. “I wholeheartedly agree, and I told you we would all support you if you decide to do it.”
“I’ll make a decision in the next day or two. I just need to think about it for a bit longer.”
“Please, let me know how I can help,” London added. “I stuff a mean envelope!”
Katrina smiled and nodded.
Mark Stallion suddenly rushed into the room. “Great! You’re all here. We’re going to need some serious help this afternoon. We have some thirty-two families from the shelter here for Family Fun Day. The crowd is already lining up,” he said as he poured himself a cup of coffee. His gaze swept around the room, pausing as his eyes met London’s. His brow rose in curiosity.
“Hey, Uncle Mark, this is London. My girlfriend!” Coll
in said, a cheesy grin spreading across his face.
Mark moved to London’s side, looking from her to Collin and back. He extended his hand to shake hers. “It’s very nice to meet you, London. I’m Collin’s favorite uncle, Mark Stallion.”
“The pleasure is mine, sir. Your nephew speaks of you often.”
Mark grinned. “Nephew!” he exclaimed loudly. He moved to his own seat, giving Collin a look and pointing his index finger at the young man. He nodded enthusiastically. “You go, boy!” he said as he gave him two thumbs pointed toward the ceiling.
The men in the room all burst out laughing. London felt herself blush, color heating her cheeks.
Michele rolled her eyes skyward. “Don’t pay them any mind, London. Not one of them has an ounce of good sense.”
London giggled, “It’s fine. I appreciate the compliment.”
Collin leaned into her, kissing her cheek, and she felt herself blush even more.
When the meal was finished, they headed down to the conference center as Collin gave her a condensed tour of the massive estate. They took a shortcut through the rose gardens behind the main homestead and she inhaled the sweet aroma of the lush foliage.
“This is beautiful!” London gushed as she took in the edged flower beds, bricked paths, trellised archways and the exquisite fountain that the entire garden design fed from. The roses themselves were blooming abundantly, a profusion of rich coloration painting the landscape.
Collin held her hand as he guided her along the paths. “I never really appreciated the space when I was a kid. It was just a bunch of plants and flowers, but now I like to sit out here when I need to think things through. It’s quite relaxing.”
“No doubt,” London said as she imagined herself returning to the space to just sit and take things in. “I would just love to sit here and read.”
“When I had to fulfill my community service requirements and we started coming here, that’s what my mom would do while she waited for me. She and my aunt Marah both say it’s their refuge away from the daily grind of just being women in high demand.”
“I can see that. I hope I have an opportunity to just come sit one day.”
He squeezed her fingers. “Whenever you want,” he said.
Exiting the gardens, Collin led her down a path to a golf cart. They climbed aboard and traveled some distance from the home to the other side of the massive estate. The large brick community center bore the Briscoe family emblem and name and Collin told her about Edward, the patriarch who’d once been a cowboy with a dream.
“He sounds like a riot,” she said, laughing.
“His age has finally caught up with him and his health is failing but occasionally I can get him out to ride around on the golf cart with me.”
“I hope I can meet him one day,” she said.
“You will. There’s still plenty more family for you to meet. I’m just hoping they don’t scare you off!”
Inside, the rest of Collin’s family had already begun to direct the activities. Men, women and children from local homeless shelters had been invited to come for lunch. There were activities for the kids, social workers present to help parents who needed guidance with job searches and rental applications, financial advisors offering banking and credit advice, and doctors and nurses to treat minor health issues and ensure inoculations and flu shots were up to date. A team of Stallion employees handed out meals and assisted wherever they were needed.
Collin and London jumped right in. They directed games and played with toddlers. Both donned plastic caps and gloves to spoon up barbecue and potato salad onto paper plates. They passed out bags of canned goods, hygiene products and coupons for discounted services and literature about available services in the community. Together and separately they moved about the space, talking to and laughing with people. Everyone seemed to be having a great time.
At one point, Collin found himself staring at her. London sat across the room in conversation with two elderly women. She was animated, her face gleaming with joy, and the two women were laughing with her. When she rose from her seat, she hugged them both, pressing her cheek to theirs. Everything about her made his heart sing. She was enjoying herself and looked completely at ease.
His uncle Mark interrupted his musings. “London is quite charming.”
Collin cast a glance toward the man, who had moved to his side. “She’s something special, Uncle Mark.”
“I can tell. Your parents speak quite highly of her, as well. Even your mother, and we didn’t think she’d ever like anyone you were dating. It helps when your people like your girl.”
Collin nodded. “I love her. I haven’t told her. Not directly, but I think she knows. I really do love her.”
Mark slapped him against the back. “I can see it all over your face.”
“Is it that obvious?”
“To those of us who know you. Have you met her people yet?”
“Not yet. But I’m going to church with her and her parents tomorrow.”
“Her father is going to want to know your intentions. Just be honest. If you’re not sure, it’s okay to say that. He’ll respect you for it.”
“What if he doesn’t like me?”
Mark laughed, “Look at you all nervous!”
“I... W-well...” Collin suddenly stammered.
“It’ll be fine. Just be yourself and you won’t have anything to worry about.” Mark slapped him on his back a second time. “I appreciate you two coming out to help. We’re about to wrap things up, so if you want to sneak off you can.”
“Thanks. I thought I’d take her riding and show her around the property.”
“Make sure you take her down to the pond. After the rose garden, Stallion women love that damn pond!”
* * *
Collin had often talked about the stables and horses on Stallion ranch. London didn’t really comprehend what it all meant to him until they were there, and she saw him thriving in the midst of it. There was something that came over him as he stroked the muzzle of the horse he had named Baby. Something that made her feel immensely blessed to witness it as he murmured softly to the large animal.
“How often do you have to clean the stables?” she asked.
“Daily. If you don’t, it makes for a longer, harder, smellier job later. It’s also harder on the back,” Collin advised, adding that it was wise to strip the stall down to the bare floor once a week and let it air-dry for the day before adding new bedding. “My mornings usually start here when I’m home.”
London listened intently as he detailed all that needed to be done and how best to do it. She couldn’t begin to imagine herself following his lead and attempting to muck the stalls. Just the thought of the pungent aroma of horse burning in her nostrils gave her pause. She made a face and Collin laughed.
“It’s really not that bad,” he said. “You get used to it. You just need to make sure you aim into the wheelbarrow!” He kicked at the fresh hay that had been laid out for the animals.
He led her back outside, standing at the edge of one of four paddocks. London admired the horses that grazed lazily about. There were five before them, four chestnut brown in color. One black horse rounded out the group.
“How many horses do you have?” she asked, genuine interest in her voice.
“We can board up to eighty at a time. Thirty of them are ours, though. We now have twenty stallions that we use for breeding and the others we use for teaching. My aunt Marah and her sisters have their horses here. My dad and I also have our own horses.”
“Since I don’t know a lot about horses, tell me what makes a stallion different from all the other horses.” She leaned with her back against the fence, turning to face him.
“The stallion is a male horse that has not been castrated. They usually have a thicker neck compared to a mare or a gelding. They also have very m
uscular physiques and are known for their fiery temperaments.”
London smiled as he continued.
“Stallions can also be more unpredictable than other horses. But that fire can give them a competitive edge. Typically, they can exhibit sex-driven dominance behaviors and they might bite, or square up and rear. Only experienced handlers should ride a stallion.”
London chuckled softly, “Stallions owning stallions. That’s quite novel!”
Collin laughed. He reached a large hand out to brush a stray hair from her forehead.
London found herself leaning into his touch, and so she took a step toward him, easing her arms around his waist. “You are quite the wealth of information! Your barnyard knowledge is very impressive.”
“Barnyard knowledge! Now, that’s cute!”
“Not as cute as you are,” she said as she nuzzled her face into the curve of his neck, inhaling the scent of his cologne. She kissed the soft flesh, then licked the salt from his skin. “So, do I get to ride?”
“Have you ridden before?”
London shook her head. “Not since I was seventeen, maybe eighteen.”
“Then I’ll give you a choice. I can saddle you your own horse for you to ride or you can ride one with me.”
“That wouldn’t hurt the horse?”
“We have a sturdy draft horse who would be fine. We won’t go at a full gallop, maybe just canter. And we won’t go too far for too long.”
London nodded. “Then tandem it is!”
* * *
Collin led the horse named Trapper out of his stall. The animal was impressive, heavy on muscle and nicely bulked. His legs were long and solid. Collin moved to Trapper’s left shoulder and tossed a blanket onto his back. He opted to forgo the saddle so that they could be more comfortable. He bridled the horse and checked the bit placement, the curb strap, throatlatch and the earpiece. After ensuring everything was in place, he decided they were ready to ride.
A Stallion Dream Page 12
