Leaping Hearts(44)

“I’m going to do you a favor,” Devlin growled, “and forget you ever said that.” Turning to A.J. and her father, he continued with a disarming softness. “I think this argument is best left between family members. However astounding it is to witness the collective wisdom of the Sutherlands, I’d rather do something more constructive. Like watch paint dry.”

He turned and began walking away.

A.J. immediately went after him, reaching out and taking his arm. “I’m sorry he’s such a—”

Devlin carefully removed her hand. “I think you better settle this with your family first. Then we can deal with what’s going on between you and me.”

After he’d dissolved into the crowd, A.J. wheeled on her stepbrother.

“If I didn’t think he’d give you a shiner that would clash with your Day-Glo tie, I’d demand you go and apologize.”

“After the trouble he’s caused, I wouldn’t spare the breath.”

“Trouble? That man has done everything to help me after my own family pushed me out the door, and you just had the good graces to insult his character as well as his physical condition.”

Peter’s hand slashed through the air with anger. “Spare me the Scarlett O’Hara, kindness-of-strangers drivel. Thanks to your antics, the Sutherland name is on everyone’s lips and not in a good way. You’re an embarrassment to the family, and if it weren’t for the fact that your lunacy is making me look like a hero for kicking you out, I’d really be upset.”

“First of all, it was Blanche DuBois who said that. And exactly what kind of trouble are we causing the stables?”

A.J.’s father jumped in. “Peter is just concerned that all the speculation could hurt business. People don’t want to be associated with a farm that’s considered controversial.”

“I am not affiliated with Sutherland’s anymore.”

“But you’re going to want to come back,” Peter interjected, glancing over at Chester and Sabbath, who were still standing by the McCloud trailer. “How long are you going to be satisfied being with a boutique stable? How long until you want a new piece of equipment that costs more than most people’s houses? What’s going to happen when that trainer of yours can’t cut the checks to keep you interested?”

“You bastard.”

Garrett stepped between them. “Peter, why don’t you head back to the car? I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Fine,” he spat. “Just don’t expect her to be reasonable. I don’t have the patience to wait that long.”

After Peter marched off, Garrett took her hands in his.

“Arlington, I know this is difficult for you and I’m sorry. But Peter has a good point.”

“Peter’s had a lot of good points lately, hasn’t he?”

“I know he can go too far but so can you sometimes. I just want us together as a family. I want you to come home.”

“I can’t do that. Not now. Maybe not ever.” Her father looked like his heart was breaking so A.J. squeezed his hands with as much reassurance as she could muster. “I can’t go on living with my daddy forever. This break with the stables…I think it happened for a good reason and at the right time.”

“I worry about you.”

“I know. But I’m happy right now. I really am. I love that horse and I think I can make a difference with him. I’m anxious, scared and thrilled all at the same time. I’m alive. Even though I miss you, it feels good to be out on my own.”

“Believe me, I’m grateful that you’re fulfilled,” he said carefully. “Still, I have to ask. Are the rumors true? About you and…”

A.J. shook her head, meeting him square in the eye.

He released his breath. “I didn’t think so.”

But he was lying. She could tell because the relief in his voice was fresh.

“Even if we were,” she asked, “why would that be so wrong?”

“He’s your trainer.”

“So?”

“Well, he’s not…”

“One of us? Are those the words you’re looking for?”

“No, not at all. It’s just that his background is very different from yours.”

As much as she loved him, A.J. lost her patience.

“Look, I’ve got to get the stallion back to the stable. I need to get him ready for the trip.”

“Arlington, please don’t turn your back on your family.”

“I don’t feel like I’m the one doing that.”

As she turned to go, he halted her with a request.

“I want you to come to my birthday celebration. It’s in two weeks. It wouldn’t be the same without you,” he insisted.

She swallowed a wave of frustration. It was the last thing she wanted to do but how could she say no?

“All right.”

“Thank you.”

She went back to him and they hugged stiffly.

“I love you,” he said to her. “Please remember that.”

“It’s hard sometimes. I feel like you don’t understand me.”

“But I will always try. You know that, don’t you?”

A.J. looked deeply into his eyes. “Yes. Yes, I think I do.”