Here's the next chapter! Hope you enjoy! Also, this is a Vaughn/Chelsea so expect some romance later on in the story. I just have to get Vaughn to warm up to Chelsea first.

The next week went as fast as you can say "animal". I do believe it's true that time flies when you're having fun, but the same goes for working hard. I had so much on my list this past week that there was NO time for sitting around and watching time tick by.

I had to admit, I was very nervous for Vaughn to come back. Mirabelle said his boat arrived at 6:30 tonight. By 6:00, I had finished all my jobs except for chopping the grass. I knew it was a priority because I began to see the stock of hay in the loft get smaller each day. I decided that I would work extra hard tonight, and for the next few days until I could get the stocks replenished.

At 6:30 I went into the shop to take a shower and get washed up for supper. Mirabelle was busy working on our dinner, so I didn't disturb her.

The hot water felt glorious beating down on my sore back. It was almost if I could forget everything that had happened to me since I first accepted this job.

By 6:45 I was out, so I brushed my teeth and hair and put on a fresh pair of clothes. I descended the stairs, only to hear voices mumbling softly. I knew Vaughn was home.

"...h..rs….o….ale…..fi..…eks…not...re….we can…ord it!" said Vaughn.

Then Mirabelle spoke. "..ow…much?"

"two… ou…and"

I couldn't take much more suspense, and to top it all off, I was starving! I knew they didn't want to be overheard, so I crept up the stairs and came down again, this time louder so they knew I was approaching. The silence was immediate, and by the time I entered the kitchen, Vaughn and Mirabelle were already seated.

"Evening Mirabelle, evening Vaughn," I said.

Vaughn's eyes widened slightly at the mention of his name, but he did not look up at me.

"Evening Chelsea," replied Mirabelle with a small smile. "How was your day?"

Not wanting to insinuate that I was sore, I said, "Not bad Mirabelle, I think I got most of what needed to be done finished."

"Oh wonderful! Good work Chelsea, I knew you would pull through!" she responded, looking pleased. I smiled.

Vaughn on the other hand, looked up at my from beneath his hat and stared. "Most?"

I huffed. "C'mon Vaughn, I did everything you asked. All that's left to be done is the grass cutting, and I'll get to that after supper."

Whether he was impressed or disappointed, I couldn't tell. Without a sound, he lowered his eyes again and continued eating.

After dinner, I promptly went back outside and began my last job. It was coming along good until I heard voices from the shop again, this time louder. Quiet as a mouse, I slowly walked up the house and pressed my ear against the door.

"Two thousand Mirabelle! It's a good deal! Two thousand and I swear I can train him!"

"And how are we to come up with that money! Do you want to eat for the next three weeks?"

"We'll find a way Mirabelle. I'll get a job in the city while I'm there. I just know this will work. My dad was the best horse trainer in the city. I learned everything I knew from him."

"And what about a jockey? Have you thought of that? We haven't raced in 15 years! I highly doubt that Doug still rides!"

"No but he's got connections! I hear he's got a niece, and her husband is looking for a job. Been racing horses since he was old enough. He just might do."

Mirabelle's voice rose. "HE JUST MIGHT DO? Vaughn, we cannot afford to take dumb risks! Before we make this purchase we need a dependable jockey! Do you understand!"

"Yes, yes, I got it!" he replied angrily, "I'll find one tomorrow when I go back to the city. I know this is the one Mirabelle. I've been looking at race horses since I was 3. I know what makes them winners."

"Horses can't be winners without a winning jockey!" replied Mirabelle stubbornly.

There was a huff and I hear oncoming footsteps. I quickly ran around to the side of the shop and watched Vaughn as he walked off. Where was he going? He didn't leave until tomorrow morning.

I got back to work, my mind racing. So they were looking at a race horse. Undoubtedly, by Vaughn's standards, an exceptional one. Was this their plan? Training and racing a horse? If I knew anything from my studies, it was that horse racing cost a fortune. And the chances of winning enough money to even just cover the costs was terribly slim, and a great risk.

I didn't know if I could stomach all this. But I did know that Vaughn sounded sure. Come to think of it, I don't think I've heard a voice that sure in my life.

And despite what little I knew and liked about him. I decided to trust him. I instantly knew what I had to do.

I know this might be a bit slow, but please keep reading. The whole story is planned out in my head, I just have to type it. I promise there will be more Vaughn/Chelsea in future chapters.