it. Thank you for everything.”
“There you two are,” my dad calls out. He holds out his arms and I let go of William so I can hug him.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Hey, Pumpkin. You look beautiful this morning. We have a busy day today.”
More like a busy two weeks. Today we have the press event, a luncheon, and then another cocktail party tonight. “I know,” I say. “I’m ready.”
I let him go and he shakes William’s hand. “Thanks for coming, Will.”
William moves closer to me. “Happy to be here.”
The camera crews and reporters start to file in and set up their equipment. Once Derek is done with Voltaire, I take the reins. “Hey, buddy,” I say low, rubbing a hand down his muzzle. “I’m sorry I haven’t seen you in a while. You’re looking mighty dapper if I do say so myself.”
Voltaire huffs but then nudges me with his nose. I know he forgives me. I used to visit the horses all the time with my mother. Since I lost her, I haven’t been able to bring myself to do some of the things we used to do together.
My eyes start to water but I blink back the tears. There are too many cameras around. The reporters all focus on my father and I plaster on a smile. It’s showtime. All I have to do is stand here and look pretty while my father answers all their questions. The crowd loves him and always has. However, when I hear Colby’s name whispered between two male reporters, I freeze. They mumble back and forth to each other, smiling mischievously, and I hope to God they don’t bring Colby up. Then again, most of what the media wants is drama. I recognize the two reporters as being ones that like to start controversy. Danny Moskowitz and Chris Fowler. I’ve seen them on the news plenty of times. Unfortunately, this is the first time they’ve attended any of the derby events.
“Mr. Armstrong,” Danny announces. There’s a glint in his eyes and I dread the next words that’s about to leave his mouth. My hand clenches and I sigh. This isn’t going to be good.
My father lifts his brows and acknowledges him. “Yes.”
Danny smiles over at Chris and then back to my father. “As of right now, your prized horse is expected to win, but from what I’ve heard, a lot of people are rooting for Maximus with Lucky Seven Ranch. Your former horse trainer, Colby Hensley, is the one who trained him. What do you think about your ex-employee turning into your biggest rival?”
Heart racing, I glance over at my father who appears calm and collected, but I can see the anger igniting behind those green eyes of his. Colby is his biggest rival, and I for one am curious to see how it all plays out. I want Colby and Maximus to win. It’s Colby’s chance to make a name for himself.
My father smiles and lifts his chin smugly. “I’m not worried in the least. Voltaire is my best horse yet. Nothing and no one will beat him. I’m that confident.” He looks over at me and William and flourishes a hand toward us. “Moving onto actual important things, I’d like to announce some good news. Tonight, I’m going to be celebrating with my daughter and William on their engagement.”
My mouth drops and I gasp, but William squeezes my waist. “Just smile. I’ll explain later.” The cameras go crazy and the flashes make me see spots.
Grinning wide, I keep my smile, but I speak through gritted teeth. Colby is over by the stalls and my eyes meet his. He’s just as confused as I am. “I’d say you have a lot of explaining to do, William,” I say low. What in the hell is going on? Once the reporters and camera crews are gone, and my father walks off with some of his friends, I grab William’s hand and pull him out of the stables. “What the crap was that? We’re getting married now?”
William glances around quickly, keeping his voice quiet. “Your father was getting suspicious of your disappearances so I came up with the first thing I could think of.” He leans in close. “I did it to save your ass. All we have to do is keep on pretending, and when you’re ready, you can tell him the truth. It won’t be a big deal.”
I smack his arm. “You should’ve told me. I could’ve played along better.”
He smiles. “I would suggest we kiss