Page 81 of Christmas at the Ranch
“Sometimes we don’t do things exactly right.” Arthur shrugged.“In publishing it’s called instinct. How many books do other editors turn down that an editor feels so strongly about, he insists I buy it? It ends up becoming a bestseller and everyone is thrilled. Something led you to read those diaries and I’m grateful. You reunited the most important people in my life.”
For a moment, Samantha was tempted to tell Arthur the truth about Sloane Parker’s marketing campaign. But this wasn’t the time and it wasn’t only her decision. Charlie would have to agree to tell Arthur.
Besides, Samantha had an even better idea. She was going to write a different type of novel as well as writing the next Sloane Parker book.
She was going to write a love story.
The door opened and footsteps sounded in the hallway.
“Samantha, Arthur.” Marigold appeared. She wore tight-fitting slacks and a quilted jacket. “Bruno was introducing me to the horses in the barn. Blixen and I got along very well. He is a big fan of huckleberry cereal.”
“Marigold,” Samantha greeted her. “It’s nice to see you.”
Marigold joined them at the table. She glanced from Samantha to Arthur.
“Why don’t you call me Diana. Arthur reminded me that it’s such a pretty name.”
Arthur touched Diana’s hand. He leaned forward in his chair.
“I always thought it suited you,” he said to Diana fondly. “It means ‘goddess of the hunt.’”
“Bruno asked if I wanted to ride in the spring when the snow melts,” Diana continued. “The horses will need to be exercised.”
“Only if I can come too,” Arthur answered. “Blixen can be a difficult horse to ride. He has a mind of his own.”
Diana turned to Arthur. Her voice was firm but a smile played around her mouth.
“I’ve been riding for forty years,” she reminded him. “I’m quite sure I can handle him.”
Arthur’s eyes crinkled at the corners. He leaned over and kissed her.
“I know you can,” he chuckled. “I want to be there to watch.”
Arthur sipped his coffee and turned to Samantha. “Perhaps next summer you and Drew can join us. There’s nowhere as beautiful as Wyoming in the summer.”
Samantha glanced out the window at the snow-covered mountains. She imagined what it would be like in the summer, when the fields were the brightest green and the forests were thick with fir trees.
She finished her coffee and nodded.
“I can’t think of anything I’d like more.”
Samantha sat at the dressing table in her room and took out her phone. She had promised her mother she’d look at the photos on Instagram of the royal ball. There was a picture of her parents on the steps of the palace. Her mother wore a green satin gown with a voluminous skirt. Her father was dashing in a white tuxedo, and they were being greeted by a page in a wig and breeches. She flicked through photos of them dancing, and being introduced to a woman wearing a jeweled tiara.
There was a direct message on Samantha’s feed. It was from Beatrix, wishing her a happy new year. Underneath were an emoji of colored streamers and a handful of xox’s.
Samantha flipped through Beatrix’s feed. There was a photoof Beatrix stepping into a limousine. She wore the kind of dress only Beatrix could pull off: a skintight gold lamé sheath with a slit up the side. Her hair was held back to showcase her slender neck and she wore diamond earrings. Beside her was a man with dark hair and green eyes. The caption read, “On the way to the Society of Orthodontists Holiday Party at the Plaza. Are my teeth white enough?”
Samantha smiled and wondered if the man was the son of Beatrix’s orthodontist.
Her phone buzzed and she answered.
“Samantha. It’s Charlie.” Charlie’s voice came over the line. “I called to say happy new year, and to give you some news. The Hollywood producer called. Zach loves Sloane, he’s going to give the book to his boss.”
“I’m glad,” Samantha said.
“I can already imagine Sloane on the big screen. Arthur will be over the moon,” Charlie continued. “That reminds me, I have more good news. Emily got you the invitation of the year: a ticket to the Met Ball in May.” His voice was full of enthusiasm. “You’ll have to get the kind of dress that Sloane Parker would wear. It will time perfectly with the release of your next paperback. It will be great for your image.”
Samantha fiddled with the phone.
