Which was when she knew for certain. And the world blurred.
'Baz,' she whispered chokingly. 'Baz, my beauty—my wonderful old boy.'
As she climbed the fence to get to him, her dress caught on a splinter and she wrenched it free, uncaring. She stood beside him, her wet face buried in his neck, one hand stroking his muzzle as he lovingly nosed her shoulder and arm, waiting for the expected treats as if it was only yesterday that they'd parted.
'I've nothing with me.' She was laughing through her tears. 'No carrot, no apple. Because I—didn't know.'
I have a wedding present for you...
The one gift that Nick knew she could not refuse. Dear God, but he was clever, she thought shakily.
She climbed on to the middle rung of the fence and swung herself on to Baz's back, holding his mane as she encouraged him to amble gently round the perimeter of the paddock.
The circuit was almost completed when Cally saw a girl standing at the gate, watching anxiously.
'Lady Tempest?' she asked as Cally brought Baz to a halt and slid to the ground. 'I'm Lorna Barton, the groom. I'm so sorry. I should have been here, but I thought you weren't coming after all, so I went up to the house for a cup of tea.'
'Well, it wasn't planned. As you see, I'm hardly dressed for riding.' Cally indicated her torn dress with a faint grimace, it was more of a happy reunion .'
Lorna's face relaxed. 'He's a grand old lad, isn't he? But never exciting enough for that riding school.' She shook her head. 'A couple of lessons and they all thought they were three-day eventers and wanted rides to match. So poor old Baz was surplus to requirements. I don't know what would have happened if Sir Nicholas hadn't found him, because no one was bothering with him.'
Cally hesitated. 'When was that, exactly?'
'About a year ago, and Sir Nicholas hired me to come with him.' Her rosy face acquired a deeper hue.' He bought Baz for you. Lady Tempest, or so I understood. Only...'
'Only I wasn't here,' Cally supplied calmly. 'However, I'm back now, and I'll be exercising him regularly.' She paused, I presume he's up to it?' she added cautiously. 'He looks so much older.'
'He had a bad time in Yorkshire,' the other girl said sadly. 'And the vet's not totally happy about him even now. But he likes to be ridden, as long as it's not too far or too fast.'
'I'll be careful,' Cally nodded. 'And I'll see you tomorrow.' She ran a caressing hand down Baz's neck. 'Both of you.'
And now, she thought as she walked away, the breath catching in her throat, she would have to find Nick and thank him. She could do nothing else.
His study was at the back of the house. Cally knocked at the door, and waited until she was told to enter.
Nick was sitting behind a large oak desk, operating a laptop with frowning concentration. His tie was dark and his white shirt was open at the neck, the sleeves turned back over his tanned forearms. He did not 1ook up and his voice held a touch of impatience. 'Yes?'
She said, 'I just took delivery of my wedding present.'
His head lifted sharply. His grey gaze scanned her, taking in the flushed cheeks, the brilliance of excitement in her eyes, lingering over the ripped skirt.
He said, after a pause, 'You said you weren't interested.'
She shook her head. 'I just never dreamed...' Her voice thickened, and she swallowed. 'It's so wonderfu1 to see Baz again, and Lorna says you pretty much saved his life. How— how did you find him?'
'You asked me to go through your grandfather's papers after his death. I found the bill of sale amongst t hem.'
'And you didn't say a word?'
He shrugged. 'No, but I remembered how upset you were, and I wanted to surprise you— make you happy.' He gave her a level look. 'But, as you know, I was the one destined for the surprise.'
She thought of the way he'd held her that day beside the empty field—comforted her— and, in spite of herself—felt her skin warm.
She bit her lip. 'Yes—well. I—
I don't know how to thank you.' Nick pushed back his chair and stood up, walking round the des k.
His voice slowed to a drawl. 'Now, I can think of any number of ways.' He leaned back casually against the edge of the desk and held out a hand. 'Come here.'
She supposed she should have expected it, but, stupidly, she hadn't.
Sudden nervousness knotted in the pit of her stomach. She said too quickly, 'You're busy. I— I shouldn't have interrupted.'
"There's nothing that can't wait.' He waited too, then sighed. 'Caily, don't make me fetch you.'
Reluctantly, she crossed the room and stood in front of him, looking down at the carpet. Nick reached out and to ok the hand she didn't offer, and then the other, drawing her towards him between his legs until their bodies touched.