The Girl Who Cried Wolf(48)

Michael is waiting by the stables, but instead of seeing two horses, he stands only with Blaze, who is unsaddled and wearing a simple bridle.

I look at him disappointedly as he leads her to the mounting block and climbs up.

‘I’m not coming with you?’ I ask, and he smiles and shuffles backwards, tapping the little space in front of him. I laugh delightedly and am up in front of him in seconds, smiling as he places a firm arm around my waist and the other holds the reins. I feel a little unsteady without a comfortable saddle beneath me, and he tells me to hold on to her mane.

We ride around the breath-taking grounds, magnificently highlighted by the orangey glow of the sunrise. We walk steadily along little trails, through silent woods and a shallow ford, and I cry out in delight to see a fox and a deer.

‘This is the best day of my life,’ I tell him and turn my head back to find his lips for a kiss. He pulls Blaze to a halt at the neck of the woods, which showcases the exploding sunrise and makes the white snow glisten like a fairy tale.

‘Did you like your Christmas present, Anna?’

‘Yes, of course.’ I stumble over the words and do not know why I’m nervous. ‘I’ve almost read all of it. I know the difference between Piebald and Skewbald; I know that an Appaloosa has unusual dappled markings over their hind-quarters …’

My voice trails away as reaches around me and places a little box in my right hand.

‘What is this?’ I ask him unsteadily.

‘That is your real Christmas present. Open it.’

I slip off my gloves and open the little gold clasp to reveal a beautiful diamond ring, gleaming in the early morning sun light.

‘Marry me, Anna.’

I pause for half a second before Blaze throws her head up and I shout out ‘Yes!’ and spin from my waist to throw my arms around him.





Chapter Thirteen:


Back to Black


As we pull up outside Elm Tree a week later, I am thrilled to see Izzy, Freedom, and Mother shivering on the front step to greet us. They knew we were engaged, I had called as soon as we had stabled Blaze and run back to the ranch. It only disgruntled me a little to discover that Mother had already known as Michael had asked her permission when he could not make contact with my father. He was definitely suspicious that he had left again so suddenly, but seeing my expression had not pressed me for further information.

‘Congratulations to both of you!’ she cries and as we hurry towards them, we all hug and I hold on to my mother for a moment longer, as apart from eating more, one of my New Year’s Resolutions was to be a better daughter. There has been none of the expected exclamations that we were too young to be contemplating marriage and I loved her for that. My illness had taught me that time comes with no guarantee, and that I needed to live for now. She kisses the top of my head and ushers us into the house, which to my delight is decorated with banners and seemingly any other ‘Congratulations on your Engagement!’ paraphernalia they could find.

I hug Izzy again and tell her she would have to help me plan the wedding, which we want to take place the following New Year. ‘I don’t want too many people, though,’ I say anxiously, shuddering at the thought of Jules and Eddie turning up drunk with all the rest of my old acquaintances. ‘But Izzy, you will be my bridesmaid, won’t you?’

‘Of course I will.’ She looks at me fondly then we both turn to look at our mother, sensing apprehension as we all consider how Father might fit into all this. Not at all, if I have my way.

I take Michael’s hand and we sit by the fire. Mother brings cups of tea as we fuss over Freedom, who is looking decidedly different to the dog we rescued a few weeks ago. He has already gained a little weight, and has been lovingly groomed so his coat is shining. Even Lillian looks better; her air of sadness is gone and she has rosy cheeks from the long strolls they have taken together. I was thankful to hear her occasionally shorten his name to Fred or Freddie, and I latch on to this, feeling slightly relieved I may be saved from shouting ‘Freedom’ across the busy village common.

‘He is so well trained,’ Mother tells us proudly. ‘He runs straight back to me the second I call him, and he stops and sits next to busy roads.’ She rubs his ears affectionately. ‘You’re a little genius aren’t you, Fred?’

I interrupt her loudly, feeling he had had enough attention for now, and tell them to look at my engagement ring.

I am once again a little put out as Mother tells me Michael had already shown it to her when he asked for her blessing, but I do try to remember my three-day-old resolution and just smile sweetly as she goes on to tell me how stunning it is.

‘Where would like to get married?’ Izzy probably hopes it will be somewhere exotic.

‘In the village church, maybe.’ I look shyly at Michael. ‘Then perhaps a small gathering here or at the ranch, depending on where we are.’

My mother has a worried look on her face so I try to reassure her. ‘Michael’s parents are going travelling in January next year. They’ve always wanted to, but needed to wait until Michael was completely recovered before they could leave him to manage Sunrise.’

‘I’ll be one hundred per cent this time next year,’ Michael continues as Mother looks progressively anxious, ‘so that will free them to live out their lifelong dream abroad without worrying about leaving me alone. They have asked Anna and I if we will take over the ranch after we’re married. Of course she’ll finish her A Levels first and I will show her the ropes, but she can travel between there and Elm Tree until it’s all settled. Lillian, it really is not that far – only forty-five minutes if the traffic’s good – and we shall expect to see you and Freedom every weekend!’