by JoAnn Durgin
All three girls giggled. “Those are silly names,” Samantha said.
“Samantha, let’s not—” Sylvia’s tone held a warning.
“It’s fine.” Shelby smiled. “My parents used to take me to see the Nutcracker ballet every Christmas, and I always wanted to give some of our horses those names.” They were also the older horses—the ones better-suited for the therapy program. “You can help Robert and Lily exercise and feed them. Would you like that?” A chorus of cheers greeted her in response.
“I’m sorry for all the questions,” Sylvia said as Robert and Lily led the children through the front hall, headed to the back of the house. “They’re naturally curious, but you never know what they’re going to say. For some of the kids, especially the ones with severe cases, not knowing how long they’ll be around makes them want to experience more of life while they can. Makes you appreciate the things in your world—and the people—that much more, wouldn’t you say?”
“You’re right,” Shelby said. “Children are very honest, and I can appreciate that. They can teach us a lot about living. The key is stopping long enough to listen.”
“Exactly,” Sylvia said. “One of the men is waiting outside, and he asked to speak with you privately.”
Shelby raised a brow. “Do you mind telling him to come back in three hours? That’ll give us plenty of time with the horses and to have lunch together. I’ll wait here and then walk with you to the stables.”
A concerned expression flittered over the woman’s features. “He has a couple of questions to ask you that I can’t answer. Sorry, but he specified he’d like to speak directly with Shelby Harmon. He seemed pretty insistent.”
Shelby sighed, hoping whatever it was he wanted to discuss wouldn’t take long. “I’ll go out and talk with him then. If you want, go out the back door and follow the pathway. It’ll lead you straight to the stables. It’s not far. If you would, tell Lily and Robert I’ll join you all shortly.”
Relief glimmered in Sylvia’s eyes. “I certainly will. Thank you.”
Shelby hurried into the kitchen, grabbed her jacket, and shrugged into it as she moved back through the living room and out the front door, pulling it closed behind her. The sun’s glare was blinding as she spied a sleek, dark Mercedes with tinted windows parked in the middle of the circular driveway. A white van was parked behind it, and its driver was hunched behind the wheel.
In spite of the sunshine, the early November air was chillier than she expected. Crossing her arms over her middle, Shelby hurried toward the van. “This had better be good,” she muttered, wondering why the driver hadn’t stepped out of the van if he’d wanted to speak with her. Probably trying to stay warm.
As she approached, the door of the Mercedes swung open and a tall man stepped outside.
She stopped walking and her heart sputtered.
Wait a minute.
23
Something about the man was very familiar and Shelby moved her hand over her brow, shielding her eyes from the blinding sun. After closing the car door, he walked toward her. Her breathing slowed to a crawl as he closed the distance between them, and his handsome features came into view. Those high cheekbones, that square jaw, that rugged walk...that smile.
“Harrison?” Oh, it was him, wearing jeans, a brown leather jacket and holding one single, perfect, long-stemmed yellow rose. Tears stung her eyes when she spied the familiar, scuffed leather boots, and Shelby moved her hand over her heart.
When Harrison removed his sunglasses, those gorgeous eyes melted away every reason why the two of them wouldn’t work. Replaced by so many reasons why they could work, and why they should work.
She didn’t deserve this man. His love was a gift. Thank You, Lord.
“Harrison?” she said again, hardly daring to breathe. How she wished she wore something nicer than her old jeans and a University of Kentucky sweatshirt beneath her jacket. She debated running to him, throwing her arms around his neck, and kissing him with unbridled passion. But no, that wouldn’t be genteel or proper.
So much for propriety. Opening her arms, Shelby sprinted toward Harrison, praying the entire way she wouldn’t fall flat on her face. With her track record, it was a distinct possibility. If she fell, he’d be there to pick her up, help dust her off, and make sure she was all right.
Lifting her in his strong arms, laughing all the while, Harrison swung her around, drinking her in with his eyes, filling her heart with his glorious smile. “Hello again, Shelby love.”
Lowering her to the ground, he steadied her and then captured her lips with a passion that matched her own. Enfolding her in his embrace, Harrison kissed her with an intensity she’d never imagined. Oh, how he kissed her. Several times over, and Shelby returned his kisses with abandon. To the point where she was dizzy and giddy.
Finally pulling away, he brushed one thumb across her lips, tender in the best possible way. Dropping light kisses on one cheek and then the other with the utmost tenderness, he cradled her face between his palms as she gazed at him through eyes hazy with emotion. “I’ve missed you so much,” he said.
Blinking hard, she smiled. “But I’m here now. And you don’t know how ecstatic I am that you are, too.”
“You don’t know how glad I am to hear that. I honestly never thought I’d get here.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, for one thing, your driveway is like five miles long.” When he chuckled, she drank in the sound of it. “To be honest, I wasn’t sure whether you’d kiss me or slap me. Have to say, that’s the best, most enthusiastic greeting I’ve ever had. Feel free to repeat as needed many, many times in the years to come. I could get quite accustomed to it.”
“Not fifteen minutes ago, I was wishing you could be here to see these kids come to Harmony Lane.” She cast a disdainful glance at her clothing. “If I’d known you were coming, I would have put on something prettier. Done more with my hair.”
“You’ve never looked more beautiful. Besides,” Harrison said with a twinkle in his eye, “I first started to fall in love with you when you had a small rip in your blouse.”
“When I what?” Her cheeks warmed.
“Then you had pear juice right here, and that did things to me you wouldn’t believe.” Touching the corner of her mouth with his thumb, Harrison’s smile was wistful. “But when you had Luca’s Cheeky Chocolate right here”—he said, tapping her nose with a gentle finger—”that’s when I knew you had my heart.”
“I don’t deserve you.”
“Like it or not, I’m all yours.” His words thrilled her. His eyes promised her so much.
“I take it you got my e-mail? You didn’t respond, so—”
His brows lifted. “No, I didn’t get anything from you. When did you send it?”
“A week ago. Well, you’re here now, and that’s the main thing. Wait a minute...if you didn’t get the e-mail, then what brought you here after all these months?”
“Pops wrote and said he needed a best man since he’s marrying Lily in a few days.”
Shelby smiled. “Isn’t it fabulous? Definitely one of those ‘God things,’ don’t you think?”
“Yes, I do. Lots of those going around.” Harrison’s smile filled every remaining space in her heart. How she loved him.
“So is their wedding the only reason you came to Harmony Lane?” she said.
Harrison’s loving gaze swept over her like a warm summer day. “No. I’m also here to check out my latest sponsor for the Miriam Foundation.” Lifting her hand to his lips, he planted a light kiss. “Believe me, Shelby, you’re definitely beginning a long-term and close, very personal relationship with the foundation.”
“Come walk with me and tell me more about your mom and the foundation,” she said.
They walked together, holding hands. “Above all else, the driving force in Mom’s life was helping children,” he said, “especially those with special needs. I always thought her name was very appropriate. You might remembe
r how in the story of Moses, his older sister, Miriam, saved him and pulled him from among the bulrushes in the Nile—”
“And bulrushes are a type of...reed,” she murmured, eyes wide.
He nodded. “The name Miriam means prophetess, and she was a leader of the Hebrew people during the Exodus. She led by example, serving others instead of ruling over them, and she followed the Lord’s leading instead of seeking after her own needs. My mom always adopted that same philosophy, and it’s the basis for the foundation’s mission statement.”
“Your mother sounds like a wonderful woman,” Shelby said, reaching for his hand. “I know how much you miss her.”
“Her legacy lives on through the foundation and in so many other ways.” His eyes met hers. “I like to think she knows. She’d be so proud of the work the foundation is doing now. I know something else. Mom would adore and love you.” He caressed her cheek, and she leaned into his touch. “You remind me of her in so many ways. You’re courageous and share that same spirit of selflessness. Dad used to do a lot of the foundation work, but for the last eight years, I’ve been at its helm. The executive board wants me to continue in that capacity. I’ve been thinking lately of establishing a satellite office in Chicago.” He tilted his head. “Any thoughts about that idea?”
“You’d do that for me?”
His kiss was lingering and sweet. “I’d do anything to be near you, Shelby.”
“How would you feel about moving here to Lexington?”
The spark in his eyes intensified. “Even better.”
“I took your advice, you know. I searched my heart and gave my notice at the firm. I’m moving back here permanently.”
Although he didn’t speak, she could tell Harrison was pleased. Linking his fingers through hers, Harrison led her to a nearby red maple tree. Most of its leaves had fallen, and the remaining few that hadn’t been raked up or blown away lay scattered at their feet in a sea of brilliant red. They leaned against the tree, shoulder to shoulder. Shelby’s heart was close to overflowing as she swept her gaze over the vast acres of Harmony Lane spread out before them.
Harrison turned to face her. “Remember the legend we talked about in Edinburgh, about how emeralds impart wisdom, patience and growth?”
Shelby nodded. “Very well.”
He smiled. “Close your eyes, please.”
“Why would I do that?”
“Humor me.” That wry grin worked its way even further into her soul.
A moment later, her heart skipped a beat as he took her palm and lowered something onto it. Opening her eyes, Shelby gasped. “The emerald pendant! This is the same piece from the jewelry store on The Royal Mile, isn’t it?”
“The very same.” She could tell how much her reaction pleased him.
“It’s so incredible, Harry. Thank you. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart,” she murmured, running one finger over the beautiful, smooth stone.
“Allow me.” She scooped her hair to one side and turned so Harrison could fasten the chain around her neck. He stole a quick kiss on her neck in the process. When she turned back around, he lifted the necklace by its chain and rotated it in his hand, slowly turning it back and forth to catch the reflection of the sun’s rays.
“I like to think that—with the Lord’s help—I’ve gained a small measure of patience, wisdom, and growth since leaving Edinburgh,” she said. “This emerald doesn’t have the power to give me any of those things, of course, but wearing it close to my heart will be a constant reminder of how you taught me to live. To love.”
“Those are very important lessons to learn.” Tugging lightly on the chain, Harrison reeled her in, and she went willingly into his arms. Tucking her into his chest—a perfect fit—he brushed his warm lips over her temple.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about how many Derby contenders you breed at Harmony Lane, the number of programs I arrange through the Miriam Foundation, or how many children we help. Those are important, but it’s more about family and surrounding yourself with love. The love between a man and a woman. The kind of love that makes you jump out of bed and embrace the world and the day. That feeling that makes you crazy stupid, but it’s so great you don’t care. A love that makes you sing at the top of your lungs even if you can’t carry a tune and say nonsensical things and know the other person will still understand.”
Harrison pulled back and cradled her cheeks between his warm hands. “The desire to share everything in your life with that person, knowing you won’t be judged and they’ll always be waiting at the end of the day with open arms. You’ll be loved.”
Shelby leaned into his touch and kissed his palm. “That was beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful,” he said, bringing his mouth to hers again. “Say you love me, Shelby,” he whispered against her lips. “Let me hear the words.”
“I do love you, Harrison. Oh, how I do. Everything happened so fast in Edinburgh. I’ve never met anyone like you. You made me feel all those things and so much more.”
Their fingers intertwined, Shelby needed space to think while maintaining the close physical connection. “I need to explain myself. Or try to.” Taking a quick breath, she began her rehearsed spiel, praying she wouldn’t stumble over her words and prove herself the fool. “I was scared. I’d fallen hopelessly in love with you, Harrison. I didn’t plan on falling in love, didn’t want to fall in love. I didn’t know what to do with my feelings and the unconditional love you freely offered. I misjudged you and behaved badly. It was wrong of me to run away…and then I pushed you away for so long.”
Shelby’s voice broke, and she bit back a sob. “I’m so sorry. I only hope and pray you’ll accept my apology.” Summoning her courage, she lifted her eyes to his again. “Please forgive me?”
“No forgiveness is needed,” he said. “The other part of the equation is this: when we were in Edinburgh, you knew I worked for a private foundation, but you had no idea I was at the helm, and it was founded by my family. I should have trusted you with the truth.”
With his words, the lines on Harrison’s forehead eased and, along with it, the unrest in her heart. “When you left Edinburgh, I could tell you were confused about me, the future of Harmony Lane, and the direction of your career,” he said. “If I’d barged in and tried to force a confrontation, tried to convince you to love me, it probably would have had the opposite effect and pushed you further away. I’ve been praying you’d find your peace.”
She patted her hand on his solid chest. “In spite of indications to the contrary, you’re a very wise man.”
“Whether or not you realized it, you allowed me access to your heart.” His thumbs caressed her cheeks and his tender gaze found hers. “That was a precious gift. I’ve played out this scenario in my mind for the last month and a half, ever since Robert, Sylvia, and I worked out the details for this visit. Harmony Lane seemed a natural fit with developing a horse therapy program, something I’d been thinking of doing for quite a while, actually.” His smile emerged, spinning Shelby’s heart in the most glorious ways. “Standing here with you now, I’m praising God for answering my deepest prayer.”
“Me, too,” she said, moving her hand over his heart. “Beneath this…really cool leather jacket is the most honest, giving heart I’ve ever known. Come with me, please.” She led him toward the front of the two-story, red brick, Colonial-style home. The perfect house for holiday celebrations. Children. Family gatherings and reunions.
“I suspect Harmony Lane will be a big part of our future together,” Harrison said. “One day soon, I’ll carry you over this threshold. We’ll laugh,” he said, pulling her to him, a twinkle in those mesmerizing eyes. “We’ll pray. We’ll dream. We’ll share.” He kissed her again. “We’ll love. As often as humanly possible.”
Shelby felt her cheeks flush with warmth. “The things you say.” She snuggled closer into his chest. “Tell me more.”
“Marry me,” he whispered. “The
sooner the better.” The deep timbre of Harrison’s voice did untold things to her. “Let’s make adorable, intelligent, but slightly clumsy children together.” His words sent shivers of pleasure straight to her soul. “We’ll send the girls to charm school so they can be as endearing as their mother.”
“And our boys will be witty and spout fun historical facts like their father. For the record, how many children are we talking about?” She traced a slow finger along the side of his strong jawline. Such a handsome man, and to think he loved her in a way she wondered if she’d ever find. Shelby’s sigh was borne of the sweetest contentment she’d ever known.
“As many as the Lord, and our patience, allows.” He graced her with his most charming grin. “If you develop cravings—pregnancy or otherwise—for some Cheeky Chocolate, I might have to fly you over to Edinburgh. I also brought you a tartan bib, by the way, like I promised you when we were eating ice cream at Luca’s. And for the record, the foundation has a private plane.”
“You’re completely impractical sometimes, too. Shelby Harmon Reed,” she said, testing the name. “I like it. Sounds like a board member of the Miriam Foundation to me. A board member who’ll keep your penchant for overspending in line.”
Harrison laughed. “No cost is too high to spoil my wife and our future children. With your blessing, Shelby, the Miriam Foundation will continue with Harmony Lane as its home base. I’d like to bring my dad and sister here soon for a visit so they can fall in love with you, too. I want you to know them. We can trade family legends and secrets.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said. “It’s what I know your mother and my parents would have wanted.”
“I can definitely see us growing old together here.” Harrison’s grin was wide. “We’ll give the horses for the therapy program great names like—”
“Tattie, Neeps, Bannocks, Crowdie—”
Harrison’s laughter was rich and hearty. “Let’s not forget Haggis and Auld Reekie.” He kissed her forehead. “One more thing.”
