Berry was leaning against the wooden fence of the training arena when Nate sauntered up and stood by her. They both watched as Justin led around the newest addition to Tarantale Downs. A lot had happened in the past nine months, the biggest thing being that Berry didn’t ever go back to Melbourne. Nate had taken over the running of Tarantale; he was still finding his footing but the business was beginning to thrive. All those years of working under his father had paid off, but now he was able to implement his own ideas and the whole place had a different atmosphere. But what made it all the better was that Berry was by his side. She shared his life, his home and his business.
‘He’s pretty,’ Berry said as she watched the silver–grey stallion trot past.
‘Sir Tristram or Justin?’ Nate said as he turned his head and looked at her.
She gave him an innocent smile. ‘Ah, both.’
He cleared his throat. ‘Um, are you trying to make me jealous?’ he asked as he slung his arm around her shoulders.
‘No need to be,’ Berry said as she stared up into his eyes. ‘I guess you’re stuck with me now.’
‘How’s it looking, boss?’ Justin called out as the stallion passed by again.
Nate didn’t change his gaze, instead he was focused on Berry. ‘It’s good—very good,’ he said before he bent over and kissed her.
Justin rolled his eyes and decided to lead the horse back into the stable.
By the time Berry and Nate pulled apart, the training arena was empty.
‘Well, I guess we found a way to clear a room—or in this case a training arena,’ Berry said with a smirk.
‘That’s not a bad thing,’ Nate answered before changing the subject. ‘So, is everything set for tonight?’
Berry reached over, took Nate’s hand and looked at his watch. ‘Yeah, Uncle Dave, Jess and Tommy should be arriving in the next hour or so. And I told Andrea and Jodie to come over at six o’clock. And so is Young Ned. How about your sisters and your mum?’
‘Pestering me about what the party is for. I’ve also invited Justin,’ he said.
‘Well, that will make the girls happy,’ Berry said with a laugh. ‘So, no one has worked out why they’re coming?’
Nate shook his head. ‘Nope, I just kept it vague, told them it was time we all got together and also we could do with a celebration.’ He looked down at Berry’s hand and the ring of diamonds that encased her finger. The stones danced and glittered in the afternoon sun. ‘They’ve got no idea we’re throwing an engagement party. Thank you for saying yes—I love you, Berry.’
She wrapped her arms around his waist. ‘I love you, too,’ she said as she laid her head against his chest.
‘I can’t take away the past but I promise that I’ll do my best to make you happy,’ he said as he held her close.
She couldn’t stop her smile. ‘I believe you.’