Winning Ways (31 page)

Gazing at the beautiful creations, Liz temporarily forgot her pain. She moved into the second room, and paused in front of a delicate bronze statue of a leggy Arabian colt with a daisy in his mouth. He held his short, baby tail at a sassy angle. Liz grinned, remembering how Karma had looked at three months - all legs and attitude. His personality had certainly changed recently. The mares were keeping him in line for the present, but before breeding season started, she'd need to separate him from the herd. He was approaching his second birthday, and would be capable of siring a foal, regardless of who the mare might be...including his own mother.

The blaring PA system interrupted her thoughts. Patrons were being asked to proceed to the auction area, the bidding was about to begin. She looked at her watch. Almost eight. He's not coming. Her throat tightened with disappointment, and she blinked back the threat of tears.

She moved into the third gallery, now deserted. For a moment, she pushed aside her sadness, overwhelmed by the beauty in the room. A large, dreamy watercolor caught her eye and, gazing into the luminous eyes of a white mare, Liz thought of Fair Lady.

"Beautiful."

Her heart leapt and she whirled around. Kurt's face beamed, warming her with his dazzling smile and deep brown eyes, a sight she'd missed more than she'd known.

He murmured softly, "And I don't mean the painting."

She felt warmth spring to her cheeks. How could I ever have fooled myself into believing I didn't want this man? Relief settled into her bones and she smiled, suddenly feeling shy.

"I'd given up on you."

"I'm really sorry. I worried that you'd leave before I got here. Traffic was horrible, and an accident at the Alameda exit really fouled things up."

"Ah, the famous Alameda exit. I went there once on my way to a horse show."

He looked at her curiously, and she smiled.

"Daydreaming instead of paying attention. Maybe someday I'll tell you about it."

He turned to the painting she'd been admiring.

"This one's great! Looks just like Fair Lady, doesn't it?" He offered his arm. "Shall we? I haven't had a chance to look at any of the others."

She slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, thrilled by the chance to touch him again. A whiff of his scent tickled her nose, and she savored the familiar longings it stirred. While they strolled companionably through the rooms, she glanced sideways at him. A serene look softened his face, one she'd never seen before, an expression that bespoke inner peace. Every so often, he would stop to comment on a painting or sculpture. He surprised and delighted her with his excellent taste in art, and his knowledge of several of the artists.

His voice sparkled with enthusiasm. "I finally got my letter of reinstatement from the show commission."

"You must be thrilled."

"Yes, I'm a real person again."

He looked at her as though he wanted to say something else, but instead, slipped his arm around her shoulder and moved her forward.

She hated to break the spell of the delicious moment, but she had so many questions.

"What are you going to do now?"

He stopped and stood very still for a moment. When he answered, his tone sounded tentative.

"I have some money saved. I've always wanted to have my own place, be an independent trainer."

Alarm set off a thump in her chest. He's planning to leave again. She looked up at the face she adored, a face still shrouded by mystery.

Her voice cracked. "Where?"

He grinned down at her. "Right here where I belong."

They paused in front of a large oil painting of four mares with tiny foals at their sides. The small herd grazed through grass that the artist had tinged with pale colors, making it look as though it reflected the sunset. In the background, a small, rustic farmhouse lay nestled against a stand of evergreens, also touched with light. The windows of the house glowed, as though the people within basked in the warmth of firelight and love. She felt herself drifting into the field of mares, feeling the breeze that comes up at sunset. The breathtaking sensation tugged at her heart, and Kurt's arm tightened around her shoulder, as they stood together, bathed in the beauty of the scene.

An hour later, Liz walked beside Kurt through the cool night air. He helped her into his truck, climbed up behind the wheel, then pulled a package from under the seat.

"I brought you something."

She gazed at the man who'd consumed every waking thought, and long nights filled with dreams. His features were soft with emotion, a vivid contrast to the studied detachment he'd shown for months. She carefully unwrapped the layers of brown paper, then gasped with delight at the beautiful pot. She ran her fingers over the smooth surface, feeling the earth that had been molded beneath native fingers. The deep colors and burnished surface reflected the passion of its creator.

She gazed at the piece through a puddle of joy. "It's beautiful! Thank you."

Kurt lifted her chin and tenderly kissed away each tear. Her lips found his and her heart sang a new song.

A few minutes later, Liz turned the key in the ignition of her own truck, then smiled through the window. Kurt's wide smile and sparkling eyes filled her with joy.

"I'm happy you're back."

"Me, too. Now, you be careful goin' home." He reached in the window and squeezed her shoulder. "I'll see you next week."

On the drive back to Diamond Springs, Liz replayed the evening, recalling each sentence, every nuance. Kurt's trip to New Mexico had been the key to his freedom. He was a new man, and she'd be starting over with him. The pain and disappointment of the summer could play no part in the new script. She'd need to put the past out of her mind, and trust him completely if she wanted to be part of his life.

Kurt watched Liz's taillights dim and disappear down the long drive. I don't deserve such forgiveness, but I damn sure appreciate it. He turned and headed toward the entrance to the museum, a new spring in his step.

Bill Benton stepped into the lobby as Kurt entered.

"Hey, Kurt! Good to see you. I heard you took off for parts unknown."

Kurt shook Bill's hand. "I did, but I'm back. Listen, what's the status on Ebony? I understand there's a lawsuit going on."

Bill grimaced. "He's the blackest white elephant I've ever seen! Eve won't take him back, Celia doesn't want him around." His eyes narrowed. "Why do you ask?"

"He's a damned fine horse, and he got a raw deal. I want him, if he's available."

"Celia's in the patron's lounge. Let's go find out."

Digging through boxes in the attic, Liz found the one she wanted, then climbed down the ladder and carried it into the living room, where Colleen waited.

"You know, Colleen, I feel like this is my first real Christmas. It's been such a long time."

"I'm happy you've included me."

Liz picked through the box, and lovingly unwrapped the Christmas ornaments of her childhood.

She held up a tiny crystal angel. "My dad brought this to me from a horseshow one year."

Colleen picked up a delicately-etched gold sleigh and peered closely at the detail. "This is gorgeous. Where'd ya get this one?"

Liz thought for a moment. "I think I bought that my first year in vet school."

Her throat tightened as she gazed at a small silver frame that held her baby picture. Each memento filled her heart with both sadness and joy.

When they'd emptied the box, Colleen stood up and jingled her keys, a wicked twinkle in her eye.

"Let's go find ya the perfect tree. After all, ya can't entertain Kurt under--er, next to just any ol' thing!"

For the next week, Liz immersed herself in the spirit of the season. To make this special Christmas complete, she'd wanted to add something new. It had been years since she'd shopped for decorations. She enthusiastically whistled "Jingle Bells" as she headed home from a shopping spree in Placerville, the floor and passenger seat of her truck overflowing with all sorts of bright goodies. She grinned. There wouldn't be one spot on the farm that didn't reflect her happiness.

To add to that joy, Kurt called every night. He was staying with his mother in San Francisco, trying to right some past wrongs. The night of the auction, Liz had learned that after he'd lost his wife and son, he'd withdrawn from his own family because he'd felt unable to cope with their sympathy and pleas for him to come home. The Taos mess had further complicated his life, adding shame and humiliation to his sorrow.

Liz recalled the resolve in his voice when he'd told her of his plans to spend some time with his mother and sisters, see if he could make it up to them for casting aside their love. The small glimpses of the tender man inside the strong exterior made Liz's heartbeat chatter with excitement, knowing he was finally free to be himself.

Early on Christmas Eve, Liz chose a long, dark red silk caftan from her closet, and shimmied into the luxurious garment. She brushed her hair until it shone, dabbed a spot of perfume at her throat, then padded barefoot down the stairs and into the living room. She switched on the tree lights and gazed at the beautiful sight, her heart skipping in anticipation of sharing it with Kurt. A fire crackled in the fireplace, and champagne chilled in a bucket of ice. Through the window, she caught the flare of headlights turning into the driveway, and she drew in a long, deep breath. Tonight would be just the beginning.

Minutes later, she opened the door and smiled.

"Merry Christmas."

"Ho, ho, ho! Don't you look beautiful!" He stepped inside and pulled her into his arms, growling into her ear. "I've been away too long."

"Yes, you have," she breathed on a sigh, melting against the warmth of his chest.

"Won't happen again. I promise."

She tilted her head back and narrowed her eyes. "If it does, I'll hunt you down with dogs."

His answering kiss took her breath away.

When they came up for air, she giggled. "Are we going to spend Christmas Eve in the mud room?"

He grinned sheepishly and accepted her hand, following her down the hall to the living room.

Kurt poured the wine, then settled down beside her on the couch and raised his glass. "Here's to new beginnings."

"Amen. Let's start with yours. What are your plans?"

His excitement sent a boyish flush across his features.

"Well, I don't have much to get going. Just a little money, and a fantastic black colt."

She gasped. "Ebony?"

He chuckled. "The very same."

"But, I thought he was going back to Eve."

"Nope, he belongs to me now. He's a great horse, and I can't think of a better way to get my reputation back than to give him a chance to regain his crown."

"You really like him, don't you?"

An embarrassed smile played with the corners of his moustache, and he glanced down at his hands.

"Yeah. He and I have a lot in common."

Two champagnes later, Liz rose from the couch and smiled down at him.

"I need to get dinner going before I fall asleep!"

"Hmmm. I can think of other things to do besides eating."

She flushed with delight, then winked. "Maybe for dessert."

"Good. I'll save room."

Liz carried the dinner tray into the living room, and set it down on the coffee table, aware that Kurt watched every move she made.

"You have to stop staring at me like that - it makes me nervous!"

He grinned wickedly. "You'll have to get used to it, 'cause I'm not gonna stop!"

She shook her head and turned to stir up the fire. Stunned, she stared at the oil painting perched on the mantel. The beautiful pasture with mares and foals, the cabin in the background, the extraordinary light in the scene.

"Oh, my God, Kurt." She turned, wide-eyed to meet his pleased smile. "When did you..."

He moved to stand beside her. "After you left the auction, I went back inside. This one was just coming up for bid."

She gazed at the painting, overwhelmed by her love for the man beside her.

"Liz?"

She turned at the husky tone of his voice, and saw a mirror of her own emotions.

He took her hand. "I can't imagine my life without you."

He softly pressed a small box into her palm.

Shaking fingers fumbled with the gold ribbon. When she finally managed to open the box, a diamond flanked by two tiny gold horseshoes sparkled back at her from black velvet. Speechless, she raised her eyes to meet his.

The tenderness in his gaze enhanced his whisper.

"I love you, Liz. I always will."

His soft voice swirled around her, caressing her heart. From somewhere far away, her own response echoed.

"And I love you."