20.
"In Conclusion"
Derby fever had hit Louisville, and Cindy couldn't help getting caught up in it. The track was looking fantastic, glittering white and gray, the gardens around the winner's circle vibrant with red tulips and small yellow flowers. Everything was coming into place, Cindy thought, standing by the rail watching the brilliant Thoroughbreds work out the kinks in the track, and Ben offering her a job at his father's new American facility was something she did not want to think about.
Instead, it was Watchmaker's last breeze before the Derby, and Cindy had promised Lucas she'd make it a good one, especially since the red colt had put in a less than stellar first appearance on the track his first day, breezing a moderate time and being no more impressive than the common colt. Not that Lucas wanted the colt looking impressive in his works. Watchmaker was more than reliable in a race, and the papers knew it.
"Cindy!"
She heard her name and turned, seeing Christina leading Russian Winter down to the track, her mother and Ian following along closely.
"Hey, Chris!" Cindy grinned, watching the trio approach with the bay colt, looking fantastic in the early Kentucky morning. Ashleigh had gotten in with Russian Winter two days ago, and the bay was looking quite settled into his new location.
"Are you breezing today?" Chris asked eagerly, stopping the bay at the rail and looking down at Cindy.
"Sure are," Cindy said, smiling out at the track were several of the Derby contenders were working, their perfect bodies moving effortlessly over the well-tilled track.
"Great," Chris nodded. "We're going to breeze Russ, too. This is mom's first time up since she fell."
Cindy glanced over at Ashleigh, noticing the cast was gone. "How's the arm?" She asked the older woman coolly, noticing the support bandage around Ashleigh's forearm.
"Feeling pretty good," Ashleigh smiled. "I think I can control a half ton horse with it, in any case."
Cindy nodded, looking back up at the barns when she caught a flash of red. Lucas and Jack were leading Watchmaker, the beautiful dark chestnut floating over the gravel as they made their way down to the track.
"There's my ride," Cindy nodded over to the colt, backing up as the red colt approached, his head up, ears pricked at Russian Winter.
"Whoa," Jack spoke evenly to the colt, as Watchmaker strained against his hold. In response the colt arched his neck and turned, butting his head firmly into Jack's torso, rubbing the side of his face along Jack's black t-shirt.
Jack chuckled and slapped his hand against Watchmaker's thick neck, making the beautiful colt pull away and dance his hindquarters around, as if he knew he was showing off in front of the bay colt.
"He's a beauty," Christina breathed as Jack and Lucas stopped next to Cindy, Watchmaker coming to a tentative halt between the two, taking a curious look around.
Cindy nodded absently, her mind more on Jack, watching him and then glancing at her father, who was trying to remain interested in the red colt. Cindy suddenly grinned, knowing she'd have to do some formal introductions. Even Ashleigh was beginning to give her the eye.
"Dad," Cindy suddenly said, grabbing Ian's arm and reaching over for Jack's free hand. The two men looked surprised, as though they knew they were going to have to go through the most awkward moment of their lives right now, at Cindy's bidding.
Cindy smiled up at Jack before turning back to her father, giving them both assuring looks. "Dad, this is Jack Fieldman, Lucas' assistant trainer."
Cindy let go of Jack so the two men could shake hands. "Jack, his is my dad, Ian McLean."
"Hello, Sir," Jack nodded, grasping Ian's hand.
"Jack," Ian nodded back, shaking the assistant trainer's arm. "I've heard much about you while Cindy was with us down in Lexington."
Cindy raised one eyebrow, smiling as Christina nudged her in the side with her elbow, the younger girl all grins.
To Cindy's surprise, the two men slipped easily into conversation, delving straight into what Cindy knew they were going to talk about -- the post position draw. It was going to be held later that afternoon.
"Cindy," Lucas motioned, taking Watchmaker from Jack, who was completely immersed in talking strategy with Ian.
"Yeah?" Cindy asked, watching Ashleigh jump up onto Russian Winter in the corner of her eye. The bay colt strode out proudly on the track, shaking his jet mane.
"We're going to do a five furlong work," Lucas said, checking the colt's girth and holding him as Cindy vaulted into the saddle. "I don't want anything fancy. No blow outs, and no urging him. I want him as fresh as possible for the Derby, and pushing him may overdo it."
"Got it," Cindy nodded, buckling her hard hat over her long blond hair, which hung free in a pony tail behind her head.
"Once around and start the breeze at the three eighths pole," Lucas said as Cindy urged Watchmaker onto the track, the red chestnut huffing and snorting great misty breaths in the early morning air, the steam pluming around his dark muzzle as he stepped forward, his dark red mane flying around his neck as the breeze picked up, ruffling through Cindy's hair.
"Alright," Cindy murmured, standing up in the stirrups and leaning over, pushing the colt into a trot and finally a canter, working their way up the track. Cindy could see Russian Winter's bright bay body lightly galloping along the rail on the other side of the track, Ashleigh crouched over his neck in her blue Whitebrook wind breaker, her shoulder length brown hair flying around her hard hat.
There were Derby horses all over the track. In Reason was breezing around the far turn, his dark bay body skimming along the rail as he clocked off fractions, black mane and tail billowing behind him. Countdown was prancing along the outside, his plain bay coat glimmering under the rising sun. Model T and Idle Majesty were working together around the first turn, lightly galloping, their dapple gray bodies shimmering pewter.
Then Cindy spotted the giant bay, Rawun, pounding up on her outside, bellowing snorts and shaking his head high, covered in sweat. Cindy frowned as she watched the colt, who obviously wasn't settling under his rider. She checked Watchmaker as the bay sent a shower of dirt their way, kicking up his heels and heading to the inside of the track, where he would begin his breeze.
Cindy glanced to the side of the track, slowing Watchmaker to a high spirited trot when she caught Ben's dark features by the rail, his eyes on Watchmaker's blood red presence. Cindy frowned at him and turned her head, signaling Watchmaker to gallop.
The dark red colt pushed forward, angling inside as Cindy began to warm him up, coming into the stretch. She could see Blue Dubai ahead of her, his chocolate legs churning up the dirt as he galloped slowly, his regal head arched beautifully.
Watchmaker snorted, pulling on the reins as they passed the Godolphin colt at a faster pace, working into the breeze. Ashleigh was already flying on Russian Winter, the bright bay galloping his heart out along the rail. Suddenly Watchmaker shook his head and plunged forward, snorting and squealing deep in his throat, skittering across the track as Cindy tugged him back toward the inside rail, switching him into a faster gallop before the colt had time to react.
Watchmaker was moving, galloping strongly into the first turn, the three eights pole getting closer with each giant breath the red colt took. Cindy could see Ian and Jack by the rail, Lucas further off, his stopwatch out and in his hand, fingers hovering over the buttons.
"Alright," Cindy whispered, hearing only the sounds of Watchmaker's hooves thudding against the dirt and his ragged breathing as he ran, ears flicked back to listen closely to Cindy's commands.
"Now," Cindy said softly as they passed the marker, pushing with her hands as the colt bounded, shoving himself into the breeze with a huge thrust from his hind quarters.
Cindy sat tight, hunched over the colt's back, feeling the Watchmaker's muscles bunch and release, propelling him along the rail as he ran, his ears pinned back, nostrils flared as he snorted with each shattering stride.
Watchmaker was steadily moving faster, beating up the dirt with his hooves, sending it flying behind him as he ran, his body so close to the rail that Cindy could feel the outside of her boot striking against the white plastic.
Soon the colt was battling into the far turn, only going faster, carrying Cindy on his back without a care in the world. Cindy began to smile, shifting with the colt, not encouraging him at all as he swept into the stretch, powering by the last quarter mile pole, his red body becoming streaked with sweat as he ran, pushing off the ground, flying.
Cindy sucked in a huge breath as the colt blew past the finish line, showing no signs of stopping. Cindy stood in the stirrups, leaning back and hauling on the reins, slowing the colt, who snorted and dropped into a slow gallop and finally a canter, loping up to the gap, where Lucas was standing with a gaping mouth.
"Do you realize how fast he was going?" Lucas asked, rubbing his hand through his hair, shaking his head.
"I know it was fast," Cindy said, smiling, and patting the colt's neck. Watchmaker squealed and jumped, shying away from the fence as Dave, the colt's groom for the Derby, came to collect him.
"He just went the five furlongs in under a minute," Lucas said in astonishment, watching the colt prance in place, eyeing Russian Winter, who was coming off the track as well, Ashleigh beaming.
"That was a fantastic work, Cin," she said as she jumped off. "Nearly beat Russ' time. Just a fraction off."
The bay colt swaggered off the track, his body damp with sweat and lather as Christina collected took his reins, giving Cindy a smile. "I'm going to give him a bath. I'll see you at the post position draw, Cindy."
"Sure, Chris," Cindy nodded, watching the young girl lead the bay off, following after Dave and Watchmaker.
"Almost too fast," Cindy said, frowning as she looked back at Lucas.
"Almost," Lucas said, putting the stopwatch back in his pocket. "But not too bad. He's got tons of energy and we've got the next two days to walk him out."
Cindy nodded and pulled off her hard hat.
"Not so fast, Cin," Lucas said, holding up his hand as she started to walk up to the barn, where she had no doubt that she would find Ian and Jack. "My jockey for Well's Station had to go down to Keeneland today. I need you to take the ride."
Cindy saw Jack leading Well's Station down to the track, the bay colt prancing next to him, snorting.
"Got it," Cindy nodded, putting her hard hat back on as Jack stopped the colt and gave her a leg up, her mind skipping forward, thinking about the coming Saturday.
Cindy stood in front of the mirror of the grand old hotel, staring at herself in the reflection. She had managed to curl all of her long blond hair and pile it on top of her head in what looked to Cindy like organized chaos. Silently she thanked her mother for teaching her something feminine. Cindy had thought she wasn't listening when Beth did her hair for all those dances in junior high, but it amazed her when it all came rushing back so easily.
"You look great," Jack said, laying on the bed in a pair of beat up jeans.
Cindy snorted, pushing the last bobby pin into her hair and turning around, her red evening gown rustling around her feet. "And what have you been doing for the past thirty minutes?"
"Things," Jack said, smiling up at her.
"Oh?" Cindy asked, frowning. "It looks like you basically just took a shower and started putting on your work clothes again."
"Like I said," Jack laughed. "Very important things."
"Get dressed," Cindy demanded, tugging at his arm playfully. "We've got to be down in the lobby at seven."
"And you truly believe that if we're late Lucas is just going to leave us here?" Jack asked, standing up, suddenly towering over Cindy. "Actually, it would be nice if he left us."
"Jack," Cindy groaned, pushing him to the closet. "This is the Kentucky Derby party. How often do you get to go to this?"
"Well," Jack frowned, making a show at racking his mind, then looking up brightly as though he finally figured it out. "Approximately once a year."
"Right," Cindy snorted, arching an incredulous eyebrow at him. "And I suppose you spirit off to Russia twice a month, too."
"You know," Jack grinned, throwing the tux out onto the bed. "You would be surprised."
"Just stop right there," Cindy held up her hands, shaking her head. "You get dressed, and I'm gonna go down the hall to see if Ash and everyone else is all set. I'll meet you in the lobby at seven."
"You do that," Jack said. "I'll be right here making international phone calls and arranging flight plans."
"Shut up," Cindy called, catching his satisfied smirk as she left the room, walking in her new high heels down the hallway to Ashleigh and Mike's room, knocking softly on the wood.
The door flew open and Cindy was greeted by a very excited Christina who pulled her into the room quickly. Cindy did a quick scan of the room and found everyone, including her father and even Parker, in there already.
"You look beautiful," Christina cried, touching the soft red material of the dress.
"That is a gorgeous dress, Cindy," Ashleigh nodded, walking up to her with a smile.
"Thanks," Cindy laughed, looking down at the sweeping red gown. "I had my reservations when Heather forced it on me."
"You look excellent, sweetheart," Ian smiled, hugging her.
"Thanks, dad," Cindy grinned, looking back at Christina, who was wearing a dark blue dress, and Parker, who came up to stand nearby.
"Hi, Parker," Cindy smiled warmly at him, still amazed at the tall boy. The Townsend's had come in with a late entry the other day, entering a big bay named Townsend Grand, the winner of the Lexington Stakes. The colt was a long shot, but as expected Brad and Lavinia walked through the stables as if they owned the favorite for the race. Cindy had managed to avoid a run in so far, but she was sure that wouldn't be possible on Saturday.
"Hi, Cindy," Parker nodded. "How's King?"
"He's doing really well," Cindy smiled at the mention of the gray. "He's at Churchill, actually. If you want to see him, he's right in barn twenty-two."
Before Parker could say anything, Ashleigh called, "Are we ready to head down to the lobby? Mr. Simm said seven, right?"
"Right," Cindy nodded. "Jack is going to meet us down there."
By the time they had gotten down to the lobby of the hotel, Jack and Lucas were already there, talking quietly together by the entrance.
Cindy grinned when she saw Jack. His near black hair was still fairly wild, which Cindy had gotten used to, but the rest of him was perfect, even down to the polished black shoes. When they approached, Jack looked up and caught Cindy's brown eyes, his own blue eyes watching her brightly.
"Hey," she greeted him, grinning as she grabbed his hand.
"Do I know you?" He asked, laughing as she pushed him lightly in the side.
Cindy groaned and turned when she heard Christina laugh, the young girl's eyes sparkling as she grinned at Jack.
"You really are impossible," Cindy murmured to him, watching her father smile at them.
"I think you've told me that before," Jack murmured back mischievously.
"Then I'll reiterate," Cindy smiled smugly, following Ashleigh out the door as the older jockey headed for the black limo parked just outside.
The week of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville was always upbeat and stunning, and the day before the Derby, in many infamous Fridays, was always the time of the pre-Derby parties. Cindy sat in the limo, watching the Kentucky landscape slip by as they drove out to the outskirts of Louisville, the rolling hills and tall trees sliding by in the dusk.
"I can't believe it," Cindy grinned, turning from the window to look over at Jack. "Herman Brown," she chuckled. "Never in my life did I think I was going to go to a Derby party at Belle Acres!"
Herman Brown was the owner of the principle breeding farm in Kentucky, Belle Acres, which had bred four Derby winners, and had three horses in the upcoming Derby -- Eyes on the Prize, Idle Majesty, and Up to Heaven. He also held one of the largest Derby parties in the nation. Not only were most of the owners and trainers involved in the Derby going, but, rumor had it, Jack Nicholson and Donald Trump would also make an appearance.
Soon, as the limo began exiting the highway, Cindy could feel the excitement in the car as they moved past the long stretch of black fences and wide green paddocks. As they came over the slight rise, the house suddenly appeared, flanked by huge, stately oaks.
Cindy stared in awe as they drove through the open gates, heading up the paved, oak-lined drive to the house. Horses were grazing in the purple dusk, their earth-toned bodies shimmering under the fiery sun and the bruised clouds colored royal blue and brilliant lavender.
"Oh my God," Christina gasped as they drove up to the house, past the lines of luxury cars and around the circular drive, slowing next to the fountain in the middle of the oval. Cindy stared up at the house, the marble Greek portico glimmering.
"This is amazing," she whispered as the limo's engine cut and the driver got out, coming around the side of the long black car to open their door. Cindy gave the driver a smile and slid out of the car, smoothing over her dark red dress with shaking hands. She turned around as Jack climbed out after her, taking a look around.
"A little much?" Jack laughed, eyeing the huge fountain with its rearing horses, their stone manes flowing behind them.
"It's all in the spirit," Cindy said, looking up at him.
"It's nothing my parents wouldn't think of doing," Parker snorted, as everyone filed out of the limo, following Christina over to Cindy and Jack.
"Okay," Ashleigh grinned as she joined the group with Mike, Ian, and Lucas behind her. "Do we have a meeting time?"
"I say midnight," Mike volunteered. "We've got to get to the track early tomorrow for the race."
"Sounds good," Lucas seconded, nodding his head as he frowned at his spiffy clothes. Cindy stifled a laugh, knowing Lucas had never been too fond of the parties and all the showcasing they involved. He certainly looked out of place in a tux.
"Alright, then," Ashleigh nodded, giving Christina a look. "And you stay away from the drinks," she ordered. "One small mint julep, and nothing more."
"Not a problem," Christina nodded, looking back at Parker. "Don't like champagne as it is."
"Then let's get going," Mike called, heading up to the steps.
As soon as Cindy got inside the house she was struck dumb by the luxury of it. Everything was hardwood and silk, huge old paintings on the walls and old oriental carpets. Everything about it was typical to old Kentucky homes. There were people everywhere, grouped together with a drink in one hand, the other flamboyantly gesturing, talking loudly. Everyone was overdressed for the occasion.
Cindy soon found herself at the bar getting three mint juleps - one for her and two small ones for Christina and Parker.
"You look astonishing, Cindy."
She heard the words behind her and whirled around as the bartender made the drinks, looking up.
"Ben?" She stuttered, staring. This was the last thing she needed, especially with Jack a mere ten yards away. She still hadn't told him about the job offer, and she found herself wondering if she should.
"Hello," the handsome owner smiled down at her. "I had hoped to see you tonight, since I didn't have the opportunity to speak with you during the post position draw."
Cindy nodded nervously, turning around as Ben came to stand next to her, watching the drinks being made.
"It is bad luck about your colt's position," Ben frowned, looking down at Cindy with his warm, brown eyes.
"We'll manage," Cindy frowned, wishing the bartender would hurry up. "Plenty of horses have it worse than us."
Still, Cindy sighed to herself, post sixteen would never be good for a front runner. When they had pulled number 16 out of the bottle for Watchmaker, Cindy knew they had virtually no chance at any good position. When their turn had come around to pick their post, 16, 17, and 18 were all that were left. Lucas had no choice where to put Watchmaker.
"We would've liked close to the rail," Cindy said, talking quietly, almost to herself. "But then with eighteen horses in the race the post is hardly what matters."
"That is true," Ben said, reaching out for his own whiskey that the bartender set in front of him. "We were lucky that Rawun got the third pick."
Cindy nodded. Ben had chosen post 8 for Rawun, which was a prime position, according to some. Over the years Cindy had stopped paying attention to the post positions, since most Derby winners seemed to overcome them.
"Have you come to any conclusion over the job offer?" Ben asked, changing the subject as the bartender finished the second drink.
"Not yet," Cindy sighed, glancing over at Jack. He was watching her, his dark blue eyes scanning over her. She could feel them half way across the room, and somehow she knew he was about to come over to her.
"After the Derby I'll have an answer," Cindy said rapidly, watching Jack shift forward, beginning to move through the room, leaving his conversations.
"I need it soon, Cindy," Ben responded. "My father is asking about it. He wants to start moving stock to Tall Oaks as soon as possible."
"I understand," Cindy said, taking a sip of her own drink, licking her lips of the mint taste. "I have a lot on my mind right now, Ben."
"I also understand that," Ben was saying as Jack approached, Cindy becoming increasingly jumpy. When she felt Jack's hand suddenly slide around her waist she nearly screamed, whirling around.
"Whoa," Jack chuckled, setting down his bourbon and steadying Cindy.
"Jack," Cindy breathed, putting a hand on her stomach, shutting her eyes. "Don't scare me like that."
"Pre-Derby jitters, I guess," Jack laughed, looking over at Ben, introducing himself.
Cindy groaned silently, moving closer to the bar as the two men began talking behind her. She leaned against the bar, wishing quietly that Ben wouldn't bring up the job.
Finally the bartender handed her the last drink and she grabbed it, handing him the money and a tip and turned around, facing the two men.
"Jack," she cut into their conversation, smiling at him. "Do you know where Parker and Christina ran off to?"
"I think they escaped outside to the back porch," Jack said, motioning to the far side of the huge house.
"Great," Cindy smiled. "I will be right back."
She scooted between Ben and Jack, heaving a heavy breath as she made her way through the house, getting caught in several conversations as she tried to make her way to the back porch. She bounced from conversation to conversation, even exchanging a few words with Jack Nicholson, who told her quite loudly that he had all his money on Watchmaker and to quit listening to the fools betting on Russian Winter, before finding her goal: the door to the porch.
She slid out onto the stone porch, looking up and down the rock walkway and the elaborate gardens and lawns. She frowned, glancing down at the three glasses she was carrying before she began to walk past more groups of people, keeping her eyes peeled for Chris' blue dress. Finally she saw a blue wisp of Christina's dress around the corner and she headed for it, turning through the gardens.
"Chris?" She asked, peering around the corner and immediately blushing, taking a step back.
"I'm sorry," she said after a quick pause, watching Christina jump away from Parker, a blush of her own rising up in her cheeks.
"It's okay, Cindy," Christina laughed, smiling at Cindy and down at the drinks. "Are those for us?"
"Yes," Cindy nodded, handing Parker and Christina both a glass. "Your first and last, as your mother's orders."
"Thanks," Christina took the glasses, handing Parker his.
"Are you two going to hide outside all night or come inside for a while?" Cindy asked, a smile skirting around her lips.
Parker laughed, and Christina nodded. "We'll be inside in a minute, I promise."
"Okay," Cindy grinned, reaching out and squeezing Christina's hand before heading back through the gardens, turning the corner to nearly slam straight into Jack.
"Jack," Cindy frowned, pushing back to look up at him.
"Hey," he frowned, taking her hand. "I've got to talk to you for a second."
At those words Cindy's heart went into a frenzy of wild beats. She could hear the blood rushing in her ears as he led her through the gardens, stopping in a quiet place. Cindy glanced down at a bench surrounded in white bleeding hearts and sat down, staring up at Jack, her heart pounding against her chest.
"What's wrong, Jack?" Cindy asked, watching him sit down next to her.
He sighed, raking his hands through his dark hair, messing it up unconsciously. Cindy smiled at him, and then looked down at her drink.
"When exactly were you going to tell me about all this, Cin?" he asked her suddenly, looking over at her.
"Which part?" Cindy asked miserably, setting her glass by her on the bench, hugging herself.
"Both parts," Jack requested, reaching over and tipping her head up so he could see her face. "And let's start at the beginning."
Cindy sighed and shuddered, hating these moments, wishing she could do something right for a change.
"I worked for Ben's father back when I was a teenager," Cindy began to explain with a sigh.
"I know that part," Jack interrupted.
"I thought you said from the beginning," Cindy protested.
"Okay," Jack sighed, rising up his hands.
"I worked for Ben's father in Dubai," Cindy began again. "And I went to oversee Champion, who had just been sold. At the time I thought I was doing it for Champion only, but I also did it for myself. I had a little crush on Ben back then that I think I mistook for love."
"Seriously," Jack said, stopping himself from laughing.
"Yes," Cindy groaned, shaking her head. "I mean, I know it was a crush now. I'm not stupid. I barely ever saw him in Dubai, but he has a presence about him. You have to admit that."
"Okay," Jack said slowly. "So, you had a crush on this guy."
"Right," Cindy sighed, going on. She told him the whole story - the doubts about her riding, leaving Champion in Dubai, and going back to Whitebrook only to leave devastated.
"It was Joy, then," Jack said, leaning forward, resting his arms on his legs and looking down at the path. "I always wondered why you left Whitebrook."
"Yeah," Cindy frowned, remembering watching the filly struggle and fall, her beautiful dark gray body writhing in the soft dirt. There had been no hope for Joy, and Cindy had taken the blame.
"After Joy died Ashleigh and me have never been the same. Things just changed, and I knew Ashleigh couldn't bear to look at me any more," Cindy frowned. "I pushed that filly too hard, and I never listened when Ashleigh told me to let up."
"Cindy," Jack sighed, looking over at her, his blue eyes dim in the darkness. "Why didn't you tell me about Ben's job offer?"
"I can't believe he told you about that," Cindy sighed, shaking her head.
"I can't believe that you didn't tell me about it," Jack said. "I'd say that's a pretty big step for you, Cin. Were you going to leave me in the dark about it as long as you could?"
"No," Cindy shook her head, closing her eyes tightly and opening them. "I just don't know, Jack. I didn't know what you would say. The only thing that would make me take it is Champion. He's going to be standing at stud at Tall Oaks come next spring, and I desperately wanted to see him…"
"Cindy," Jack broke in, looking at her. "If you want to take the job, take it."
Cindy stumbled to a halt, looking at him fiercely. "But," she managed to say. "What about this?"
"I've known you for years," Jack said, smiling, reaching over to grab her hand, looking at her tiny palm in his. "I'm not ending anything here, Cindy. If Watchmaker wins the Derby tomorrow I'll have the biggest chance to start my own training line. I'll take a barn down at Keeneland if I have to."
Cindy sat and stared at him, a smile crawling up her mouth. "You'd follow me?"
Jack chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't consider it following. I consider it starting out small."
"That's so sweet," Cindy laughed.
"You didn't hear me, did you?" Jack asked, smiling at her.
"No," Cindy grinned playfully, putting her head on his shoulder.
"Hey," he said, tipping her chin up. "You know I love you. You've known that for a long time. Think about this job thing and if you really want it I'll make arrangements."
"Seriously?" Cindy asked, cocking a blond eyebrow at him.
"Yeah," he nodded. "Seriously."
"I told Ben I would know after the Derby," Cindy said, looking at Jack intensely. "I have to have an answer then."
"Then get moving on the considering," Jack said, landing a quick kiss on her lips. Cindy stood up, pulling him off the bench.
"I'm sorry for not telling you," Cindy said, craning her head back to look at him towering above her. "Everything has been happening so suddenly around here I just didn't know what to do."
"I'm going to be around, Cin," Jack responded, lowering his head. "A lot. And that, in my opinion, isn't going to change. So get used to telling me stuff, alright?"
"I got you," Cindy murmured, pulling his head down for a lingering kiss, smiling up at him. "We should get back to the party."
"Lead the way," he said, gesturing to the path ahead of him. Cindy stepped down the pebble walk, the full moon shining through the full trees, the silvery light shining over her blond hair and dark red dress, lighting up her brown eyes. She turned back to Jack just before she reached the door, grinning up at his dark blue eyes and messy black hair before he quickly stole another kiss, wrapping an arm around her waist.
Cindy pulled back when she heard a small laugh, glancing down the porch to see Christina and Parker stopped on the rock path. Christina was all grins and glittering eyes, lifting a hand to daintily wave at Cindy.
"Shame on you, Christina Reese!" Cindy called softly down at the young girl, only making Christina laugh, then tug on Parker's hand as they filed back inside the mansion, joining the growing party.