Page 124 of Night Hawk
They started off at a walk side-by-side, the salty spray from the ocean wetting her face. The urge to move, to race, hit her hard, and she kicked her horse into a trot. Clay kept pace.
“You ready to gallop?” she asked, her voice raised to be heard over the pounding surf at the horse’s feet.
“I won’t be ready for that for quite some time.” He smiled. “You go ahead.”
She didn’t want to leave him behind, but galloping on the beach had always been one of her dreams. “You sure?”
He nodded. “I’m content with just seeing your happiness.”
“You heard him, Charm. Let’s go.” She urged Charm forward, her hooves pounding as they raced along the water’s edge, the wind on her body, the salty air tangy and sharp. This truly was a dream come true.
So why wasn’t she feeling exhilarated? She only felt alone. Very alone.
She’d once have raced off by herself and thought nothing of it, but now she wanted Clay at her side. She didn’t need him with her every second in the future, but doing things together when possible would hold more meaning.
She circled back. Racing forward. Watching him sitting on the horse, a broad smile on his face. She trotted up next to him and took his hand. “Thank you for this.”
“You came back awfully fast.”
“I want to share it with you. So how about we take a nice slow ride.”
“I can do that.”
She turned Charm around, and they rode in silence, the churning of the waves and thumping of the hooves the only sound.
Clay glanced at his watch. “We need to head back. Wouldn’t want to be late for dinner.”
“Right, she said, but a knot formed in her stomach. But why? She might’ve once been worried about such a big family but then she’d gotten to know most of them. Plus, Clay had been nervous about riding a horse, and he’d braved his fear for her. She could do the same.
By the time they turned the horses over to Davis and got up to the house, the family was seated around the table, Pong lying on the floor at Erik’s feet, his eyes begging for food. The house smelled like rosemary mixed with the savory scent of baked bread, and Toni’s stomach grumbled.
“Quick,” Peggy said, a platter with two large roasted chickens in her hands. “Wash up and join us.”
They went to the sink and washed, Clay playfully splashing water at her. She laughed and they locked eyes. The intensity in his expression nearly took her breath. She would give most anything to be alone with him right now.
He kissed her forehead. A soft, gentle, love-filled kiss. She almost melted in a puddle of happiness.
“We want to eat, you know,” Drake said. “You can play kissy-face later.”
Embarrassed, Toni dried her hands and willed herself to turn and look at the family. They were all watching. The heat of a blush bloomed again.
Clay didn’t seem bothered by their display and took her hand to lead her to the table. He introduced her to Harper, Jenna, and Karlie.
“I’m going to be a Byrd in twenty sleeps,” Karlie announced.
“That’s wonderful.” Toni sat in the empty chair next to the little girl.
Karlie looked at Toni. “Nana said she hoped you’d be a Byrd too.”
Toni glanced at Clay’s mom, and Peggy smiled broadly. “We all hope that.”
“Being a Byrd doesn’t mean you can fly,” Karlie said, very serious now. “I thought it did, but Daddy said it doesn’t, right?” She looked up at Brendan.
Brendan nodded. “I guess this is a good time to tell everyone that Karlie asked if she could call me dad.”
“He said yes.” Karlie’s eyes burned with love. “I love him.”
“Right back atcha, little bit.” Brendan brushed strands of hair from her face and kissed the top of her head.
