With an excited Olivia rushing ahead, I walk toward the pasture Emma told us to meet her at. When I see her, it’s like I’ve been punched in the gut. She’s positively radiant. Her incredible hair is free flowing down her back and she’s focused on the horse in front of her; Jenny. Genuine Honor. Such an awesome name for a horse.

Beside Jenny is the little colt Olivia hasn’t stopped talking about for days.

Olivia races up to Emma’s side, and I see the girls throw their arms around each other in an easy embrace that’s as natural as rain. As I walk up, Emma gives me a little grin that has a profound effect on my body, and I wonder if I will ever get enough of her.

God knows I’m going to try.

“So, I said I have something for you,” Emma says, looking at Olivia, whose face is all alight with excitement. Emma looks out to the pasture and calls out, “Warrior!”

The little colt looks over, perking his ears before trotting over to us in a little show. Beside me, I feel Olivia choke up and put an arm around her. Emma looks over at Olivia, her voice gentle.

“You’d told him he was a warrior,” she says, her eyes meeting mine with a worried light at Olivia’s reaction. “And he likes the name. And he loves you,” she says as the little colt marches right up to Olivia and sniffs her face.

And a smile crosses Olivia’s lips. She reaches out a fist for the colt to sniff before rubbing his face.

“You’ll take good care of him, right?” Emma asks, and Olivia looks at her, confused. “He’s yours,” Emma says, and Olivia turns to me, her face full of questions.

“It’s rude to refuse a gift,” I say, meeting Emma’s stare. I want to ask her if she’s sure, if she really wants to give up the prized blood of this colt. After some research, real research, I’d learned the value of the animals here, and it’s nothing short of amazing what her family has built here. An empire of animals with liquid gold flowing through their veins.

But sweet Emma here is willing to give one to Olivia. One that bears a reminder of everything Olivia has come to face over the last few years. And Olivia’s face lights up as she spins to grip Emma in a tight hug.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She says, her voice all joy and breathless excitement.

Emma looks at me, and I sense she’s talking to me. “You’re welcome to board him here, free of charge, and I’ll cover his expenses. Once he’s big enough, we’ll geld him so he’s safe.”

“I’ll pay for everything,” I say, unwilling to let it be a burden to her.

“We’ll talk about it later,” she says, and something in the way she says it destroys me. I want her. I want her alone, and I want her now.

“Should I go muck out Dreamer’s stall?” Olivia asks, but Emma shakes her head.

“I took care of it. You’re welcome to ride her, so long as you’re careful.” Emma watches Olivia, but her eyes flick to me.

Olivia seems unsure. “By myself?”

“I trust you,” Emma says, and Olivia positively swells with pride. “Make sure you wear your hard hat,” she says as Olivia races toward the barn.

“I will,” Olivia shouts back before slipping into the barn.

Words flood form Emma’s lips. “I’m sorry if that was--”

But I pull her into a kiss. She melts, her whole body mine as I slowly enjoy her. My tongue explores her full lower lip and she moans a sound of pure joy. I want her. But not just for now. I want her for as long as she’ll put up with me. How could anyone be so perfect, so in tune with Olivia, so wonderful a human being to take something so valuable and give it to someone who needed it?

Hell, I hadn’t known she needed it, but now it seems natural for Olivia to have her own horse. A horse named Warrior for my little warrior. Perfect.

How can I not love this woman?

---

“This is perfect,” Emma says, looking around. For our date, I’d decided to have a throwback to our first encounter. A picnic. With wine, grapes, cheese, and some sweet and savory snacks. On the same blanket we’d slept under the stars on that night.

I’d even made sure to use the same spot. In my dreams, I remember the sound of the wind in the trees and the water flowing that first time I’d tasted the perfection that is Emma.

“You’re perfect,” I say, kissing the tip of her nose.

“That’s just silly,” she murmurs as I place another kiss on her lips.

As the sky begins to fade to a brilliant orange and pink, I kiss her again, deeper this time. She responds, and I pull back. There will be plenty of time for all of that. I pour her a glass of wine and she takes it with a smile.

“Tell me about your dad,” I say, and she nods, her smile dimming, then shining brighter.

“He always talked to the horses. Like Olivia does, now.” Her eyes focus on something beyond us, and I find myself ready to listen. Really listen. I want to know what made Emma such an amazing person. I want every detail. Every tidbit she’s willing to share. I want all of her, her heart, her body, her soul.

But mostly, I want to know her.

“He was such a good man. He stepped up and took care of me even after my mother died. I think he just wanted to be done after she passed,” She says, and I feel my heart ache for her. “But he held on for me.”

She sips her wine and I follow suit, waiting for her to tell me more.

Waiting for her to tell me everything.