MILLIONAIRE'S SHOT: Second Chance Romance (26 page)

“No problem,” she said. “They can stay as long as necessary. Gramps had been talking about getting another cat.”

“Thanks for your understanding. With all of this.” Alex’s voice was deep with meaning.

She shifted the kitten to her left arm, looped her finger tighter around his and tugged him down the aisle to the doorway. “You’re worrying about everyone else,” she whispered. “But what about you? Are you safe?”

He didn’t pretend not to understand. “I’m going into town now to assess Rachel’s…thought process. But she won’t ever be alone again with Grace. And I’m won’t be alone with her either, not without lawyers present.”

Cassie nodded but couldn’t dismiss her grandfather’s warnings. “And maybe you should be careful, you know, about what you eat.”

His expression darkened but he gave a reluctant nod. “I’ve thought of that too,” he whispered. Then his head slanted, covering her lips in a reassuring kiss. And his awareness was comforting. He was a careful man and probably had always been wary of Rachel.

She stopped worrying as his kiss deepened. Soon they wouldn’t have to hide from anyone. They’d be able to wake up together in the mornings and go to sleep together each night. And he didn’t mind signing over the estate, and it was clear he loved her every bit as much as she loved him. Still, it was a huge sacrifice.

She pulled back from his embrace and studied his face, remembering how she’d ached for Gramps’ little farm. That homesick feeling had never gone away. And this was so much bigger. “You’re sure?” she asked softly. “About walking away from your home? Because we could work out something. I understand everything now—”

“It’s the only way Grace will ever have a normal life,” he said. “You love kids. And she already likes and trusts you.”

Cassie made an agreeable sound, but it wasn’t quite the answer she was looking for. Probably she’d always have insecurities, simply because of how ruthlessly he’d once cut her out of his life. But this time was different. This time she was good for Grace.

Then his mouth was back over hers, as if sensing her misgivings. And if the passion in his kiss was evidence of his love, he had plenty enough. He proved remarkably adept at holding her close, and yet keeping his chest tilted so he wouldn’t squash the kitten.

He reluctantly raised his head. “I have to go now,” he murmured. “And finish this. But I’ll be back to join you and Grace. I threw my mallet in the car so we could hit some balls later. Hopefully, we’ll be celebrating tonight.”

He pressed a last kiss against her mouth then turned and strode to his car. She stepped out into the driveway, waving and watching long after the convertible disappeared down the road, rather comforted by the velvety soft kitten snoozing in her arms. By suppertime, this would be over. One way or another.

She walked back into the barn and carefully placed the kitten in the straw beside its mother. Three of the kittens were sleeping. The other four were exploring the bright straw, leaping and rolling in play. They were all adorable and she sat down on the straw and let them climb over her lap, enjoying their antics. She’d have to let Gramps know they were here so he could see them before they left.

If they ever left.

Everything depended on Rachel. Cassie couldn’t imagine a mother giving up parental rights, not for any amount of land or money. But Alex was certain Rachel wanted the estate. Gramps, however, suspected Rachel really desired Alex. One of them was wrong.

She wiggled a piece of straw, smiling as a gray kitten rolled on its back, grabbing at the stalk with all four paws. It quickly tired, curled in a ball and fell asleep against her knee. She stroked his back with a light finger. They were so little, so helpless, and they were here because Alex feared Rachel might hurt them. That thought was sobering.

She rose to her feet and eased from the stall. It was important to think positive. Rachel would sign. Gramps would agree to move. And by this time tomorrow, Alex would be able to discuss the situation with Grace. She’d be able to help choose their new home. That would surely smooth the transition.

Cassie gave her head a shake. Calling it a transition was downplaying its enormity, and the extent of Alex’s sacrifice. For her, for Grace. Her chest warmed and her heart beat double time. Grace might never know the depth of her father’s love but she certainly did.

And the least she could do was stop daydreaming and help Grace with her new horse. They’d need to find a thick pad for Freckles before any kittens were placed on his back. Even though they were small, their claws were sharp. And where the heck was Grace?

“Hey, Grace,” she called, stepping outside the barn and glancing around.

But Grace wasn’t anywhere in sight. In fact, Freckles’ paddock was empty except for a half flake of hay, a bucket of water and his blue halter lying beside a polo mallet.

Cassie circled the rest of the paddocks. But she couldn’t find Grace or Freckles. They weren’t in the round pen, or behind the barn, or enjoying the sweet grass in front of the verandah.

Digger stared over the top rail of his paddock, eyeing the path that led to the brook.
Had
Grace already headed down to the water?
That wasn’t the plan. It wasn’t even hot yet and they were planning to go to the field and hit some balls. And Grace shouldn’t ride off alone, no matter how quiet her horse.

Cassie frowned then turned and strode to the house. “Hey, Gramps,” she called, pushing open the screen door. “Did you see Grace this morning? Did she say where she was going?”

Her grandfather looked up from a dog-eared horse magazine. “Didn’t see her,” he said. “Did she walk off?”

“No, she rode off. On Freckles.”

“What about her lesson?” Gramps asked. “She’s not the type to ride away without permission. Was she upset about something?”

“No. She was really happy about bringing her cat and kittens, In fact, I was talking to Alex and didn’t even realize she’d tacked up.”

“Why did she bring her kittens?” her grandfather asked. “Alex knows I never liked it when students brought dogs. I suppose cats are cuter and don’t bark… I see.” He gave a glum sigh. “He must be worried about Rachel. And how she might react. That’s a bad sign.”

He abruptly slapped the magazine on the table and lurched to his feet. “You need to find that kid. Right now.”

Cassie had already pulled out her phone, but looked up, startled by the whip in her grandfather’s voice. “She’s probably at the brook, Gramps. No need to worry.”

She pressed Grace’s number. But Grace didn’t answer her phone or Cassie’s text.

“She’s not supposed to use her cell when she’s riding,” Cassie said, shoving her phone back in her pocket. “So I’ll take Digger and ride down to the swimming hole. Call me if she shows up, okay?”

Gramps nodded but she didn’t like the disapproving look in his face. “Find her fast,” he said. “Alex didn’t leave her here so she could go riding off alone, especially under these circumstances. And if Rachel would kill some kittens in order to get back at Alex, she’s not very stable. She already knows the easiest way to hurt him is through Grace.”

Cassie just stared, the blood draining from her face. Gramps was always so honest, so blunt. And he didn’t even know that Rachel had once stuck a steak knife in Alex’s ribs.

She wheeled, pushed open the screen door and ran toward Digger’s paddock.

Digger’s saddle and bridle were in the barn and Cassie didn’t want to waste precious time tacking up. She snapped a lead rope on his halter, then tied the other end to form a makeshift bridle, her grandfather’s words replaying in her head, stoking her worst fears. She’d never forgive herself if Rachel hurt Grace.

She grabbed a piece of Digger’s mane, hopped twice and swung onto his back. He sidled sideways, surprised by her urgency, but she straightened him out and seconds later they were charging toward the wooded path behind the barn.

She sat back, trying to slow him to a trot before they hit the trees. But he was too excited now, and simply pushed his nose against the halter. At least he knew the way. She tightened her grip on his mane as he leaped over a fallen tree and pounded down the path, galloping like an enthusiastic steeplechaser. At this speed, they’d probably scare Freckles and Grace when they burst out by the brook, but there was no slowing Digger.

She ducked in time to miss a low-hanging branch. Jerked backwards as he scrambled over a scatter of rocks. Minutes later, they burst into the clearing by the brook. Digger arched his neck and slowed to a bouncy trot, clearly proud of the swift trip and anticipating the chance to nibble some grass.

But the clearing was empty.

She pulled him in a tight circle, staring in dismay. The path ended here. There was no other place a horse could go. And Grace definitely wasn’t around. Hadn’t even been here. The grass was dewy fresh, unmarked by hooves.

“Dammit,” she muttered, yanking out her phone and checking the screen.

No calls. No texts. And when she pressed Grace’s number, the girl still didn’t answer. She must have ridden in the opposite direction, to the south field. But that didn’t make sense. Why hadn’t she waited for Cassie? She hadn’t even taken her polo mallet.

“Come on, boy,” Cassie said, pulling Digger’s head around and urging him back up the path. He seemed disappointed they were leaving the brook without a single bite of grass, but he galloped gamely, his stride slowing as he neared the barn.

She pushed him past the barn and paddocks, toward the house. Gramps was pacing back and forth on the verandah, his mouth a flat line.

“Did you see her?” she asked, trying to stop Digger. But his blood was pumping now and she could only wheel him in a circle.

“No,” Gramps said. “But Santiago called. Didn’t say much. Just that he’s coming to pick up Grace.”

“No way,” Cassie said. “Alex wants her to stay with us.”

“That’s what I told him. But he was adamant that it was for the best.”

“Maybe it’s good that Grace is off riding.” Cassie glanced down the empty driveway. “At least she’s away from the barn. She’s definitely not getting into Santiago’s car.”

“But Rachel is her mother,” Gramps said. “If she’s with Santiago, Grace will have to leave. Even Alex can’t stop them.”

Cassie wrapped her hand more tightly around the horse’s mane, trying to steady her breathing. Struggling to think. Obviously Santiago would just deliver Grace to Rachel. And it was horrible to have to worry about Grace’s safety around her mother, the very person who was expected to protect her the most. But it was something Alex had dealt with for nine years. No wonder he’d been ambivalent about Cassie’s return. That type of fear was paralyzing, and overrode every other emotion.

She blew out a choked sigh. “The main thing is to keep her away from Santiago and Rachel,” she said. “I’ll take Grace into town and wait for Alex at the lawyer’s office. Or maybe it’s best to call Alex and ask him to come back. Then he can reassure her about the…situation.”

Digger tossed his head and she turned him in another circle. Grace hadn’t been told anything yet. And even though she liked Cassie, seeing her dad with another woman would be upsetting.

“Oh, no,” she muttered, slumping so low her face touched Digger’s mane. Now she realized why Grace had ridden away. She must have seen Alex’s kiss. Grace had been playing with the kittens while they lingered outside the barn door. They’d been holding the black kitten. Whispering and kissing and thinking of the future.

Not thinking of Grace.

She straightened, her legs tightening around Digger’s sides. “I think she saw Alex kiss me. She’s probably upset and headed home. I’ll try to catch her before she reaches the estate. Phone Alex,” she called, turning Digger toward the field. “Let him know what’s going on.”

Digger was already cantering toward the field, picking up on her urgency. Or maybe he was just eager for the excuse to gallop on a path that had previously been reserved for sedate warming up and cooling down.

They careened into the woods. The trail was level and not as rough as the brook path, and Digger knew it well. Trees whipped past in a blur. She only had to duck once and then they broke from the forest and onto the south field where the cool shade changed to a blinding sunlight. She shaded her eyes, glancing left and right, but the big field was empty.

Her worst fear was confirmed; Grace had headed home.

She urged Digger across the field, wind whipping her cheeks. She probably should have grabbed a saddle, but she’d galloped this route bareback plenty of times before. On far less dependable horses. However, she’d never felt such an insidious fear before and her hand was wrapped so tightly around Digger’s mane it cut into her skin.

How long was Grace’s head start?
Fifteen, twenty minutes?

Even at Freckles’ ambulatory speed, Grace might be close to the Sutherland Estate by now.

She chirped to Digger and his stride lengthened. “Good boy,” she said, but the driving wind blew the words back in her face.

They crested another rolling field, his hooves pounding over the grass. There was still no sign of an upset little girl trotting home. There was no loose horse either so at least Grace hadn’t fallen off. Although that might be a good thing. A fall would slow her down and keep her from riding into Santiago’s and Rachel’s clutches.

Digger’s ground-covering gallop was rhythmic and rock steady now, his breathing even. Luckily he was very fit. Her own legs felt rubbery though, her seat not as secure. But pristine white rails glinted in the distance, and it was clear they were almost there.

The trail from the south side of the estate wove over a wooden horse bridge and then skirted the back of the gallop track. But it was a five-minute walk to the stables so there was still a chance to catch Grace before she rode into the open barn area. And possibly Santiago was still in his car. He definitely wouldn’t pass Grace and Freckles on the horse path.

Luckily there was no way he and Rachel would be expecting to see Grace on a horse. Unless she’d called them on her cell. Which would be a normal reaction for an upset nine-year-old, even if she’d been warned not to use her phone while riding.