Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! Enjoy the new chapter.

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The next few days passed quickly, and soon it was Saturday morning. Preakness day. Alec was as nervous as he would have been were he riding Pam's Song himself. He and Henry had pored over the field repeatedly, watched the other horses' workouts, analyzed all the statistics and past performances until Alec felt he couldn't stuff another bit of information into his head. In a matter of hours, it would all be up to Pam's Song and Sarah. Alec was confident enough in their abilities, but for a filly to come yet another step closer to taking the Triple Crown was too much for him to consider.

Alec and Henry headed down to the barn, where the press was already milling about. The grooms were already getting Pam's Song ready, and the filly seemed unperturbed by all the activity.

"Just another day for you, huh?" Alec spoke softly, rubbing the filly's nose. Pam's Song nickered in response but was otherwise calm. Alec wished he could be so calm.

Henry had already made a beeline to the reporters that were gathered, answering questions and discussing the race. Of course he thought there was a possibility Pam's Song could take it all, otherwise he wouldn't have brought her here. Yes, there might be some other competition here that wasn't at the Derby, but his filly was more than up to the task.

"Alec, any truth to the rumor that you're retiring?"

Alec glanced over at Henry, who gave him a brief nod. "Yes, it's true. I'm moving to the training side of things."

A murmur went through the crowd of reporters as they moved in a pack toward him, peppering him with questions. No, there were no hard feelings between he and Henry. This was a decision that was best for him and for Hopeful Farm. Yes, Sarah Palmer was doing a fine job, and no, that had nothing to do with his decision to retire. Yes, he was healthy and trying to stay that way.

"Are you and Sarah Palmer involved?"

Alec froze at the question. "Involved how?"

The reporter grinned and winked. "You know, personally involved."

Alec paused for a moment before fixing the reporter with a slight smile. "No comment."

"Alright, alright, you all got your stories." Henry announced, waving his arms. "Now, if you don't mind, we've got a race to get ready for."

With that the pack of reporters left, talking among themselves. After they were gone, Henry let out a long exhale. "Nosy bunch."

Alec had already turned back to Pam's Song, fiddling with her halter in an attempt to calm himself. He didn't know why he had been so bothered by the reporter's question. Maybe he just didn't want anyone digging into his personal life, such as it was.

"Alec, don't worry about it." Henry told him. "You handled him just fine."

Alec nodded, patting the filly and stepping away to allow her to be led to the saddling paddock. "I guess I'm just not used to those kinds of questions."

Henry chuckled. "Was bound to happen sooner or later. You know how folks like to talk."

So much for fading into obscurity. It was clear that wasn't going to happen. "I don't have to like it."

"Nope."

He and Henry walked out of the barn and toward the saddling paddock. The sun had finally come out, and a strong breeze blew across the paddock. Alec shivered a bit at the unexpected chill.

"Track's still going to be a bit messy." Henry commented. "I was hoping it would dry out a little more. Guess a little mud won't bother our girl any."

"Didn't seem to bother her in the Derby."

"That's true." Henry nodded. "She just plowed right through it like it was nothing."

Alec took a deep breath, trying to ease the tightness in his chest. Today was just like any other major race day. The stakes were high, even higher for Pam's Song. She could be well on her way to making history if she won today. The distance worked in her favor, being a little shorter than the Derby. On the other hand, there were horses here who had skipped the Derby who were better at this distance.

"Son, if you don't relax, I'm gonna have them shoot you full of horse tranquilizer." Henry told him. "You're more wound up than any of these horses."

"I just want her to do well."

"You want her to win." Henry pointed out. "Hell, I do too. But getting all wound up won't help."

Soon Alec saw Sarah enter the paddock. She spotted them and waved before making her way over.

"Didn't expect to see you down here." Sarah greeted him with a smile as she buckled her helmet.

"Didn't have anywhere else to be." Alec shrugged. He was sorely tempted to kiss her right here, but wasn't sure how she would react to such a public display.

Sarah fixed him with an amused expression, briefly reaching out to squeeze his hand. That act alone sent an electric shock through Alec. She then turned to Henry. "Any last minute instructions?"

"You know her as well as anyone." Henry responded, pretending not to notice the brief interaction between her and Alec. "Look out for Foolish Heart. His rider's going to be looking for revenge today. Keep an eye on Boldt of Lightning. He wasn't in the Derby, and he's going to be right on top of you."

Sarah nodded. "Tyler's been after me ever since the first time I beat him at Louisiana Downs. He hasn't managed to beat me yet, and today's not gonna be his day."

Alec couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. Sarah's confidence was something to behold.

He boosted Sarah into the saddle, letting his hand linger on her leg for just a moment. "See you in the winner's circle."

"You know it." Sarah's wide smile boosted his own spirit.

The horses started making their way to the post, and Alec and Henry started toward the grandstand. It was a smaller field than the Derby, but no less competitive. And with the track conditions being a bit messy, it could get ugly if Pam's Song had a rough start.

The bell rang and the gate sprang open. Alec quickly got his binoculars focused and spotted Pam's Song in the middle of the pack. A decent break, though it looked as if she had gotten bumped at the start by Foolish Heart. It was hard to tell if it was deliberate.

The pack thundered by the grandstand, and Alec lost track of Pam's Song briefly. By the time the pack approached the first turn, they had spread out a little bit, and Alec could see the filly running a strong second to Starry Night. Alec couldn't remember seeing that one in the Derby.

"Starry Night's a rabbit." Henry told him over the noisy crowd. "Pay him no mind."

Alec nodded and continued following. True to form, Starry Night began to fall back, and Pam's Song took the lead. She was running strong and steady, at just about the pace Henry wanted for her.

At the second turn, Alec could see Foolish Heart and Boldt of Lightning gaining ground. Pam's Song was still holding the lead by a length, and Alec worried that she was going to start fading. Sarah seemed to have her under control, and Alec could just barely see Sarah change leads to give the filly a breather.

They rounded the far turn, holding their positions. Pam's Song started to pull away from the other two horses, and Alec didn't dare hope that she would hold them off. Foolish Heart and Boldt of Lightning were still fighting each other for second.

Finally, they approached the final turn for home. Pam's Song was still leading, though Foolish Heart had managed to cut into that lead a bit. Boldt of Lightning began losing ground and faded to third. Now it would come down to Pam's Song and Foolish Heart.

Alec could see Foolish Heart's jockey doing everything he could to get his colt moving, but it didn't appear it was going to be enough today. Pam's Song swept under the wire a full length ahead of the colt, and Alec finally exhaled.

"Damn, Alec, did you see that?!" Henry was shouting. "She walked all over them!"

Alec couldn't stop smiling. Suddenly he froze as he heard the announcement over the loudspeaker. "The results are unofficial pending an inquiry between the number six and the number seven."

Alec turned to Henry. Henry shook his head. "Probably from when they bumped in the beginning. I'm sure they'll straighten it right out."

Alec hated this. From his vantage point, neither rider had done anything wrong. It appeared to be two horses stumbling at the start on a messy track. "Who's on Foolish Heart again?"

"That Tyler Fenton kid Sarah was talking about." Henry answered. "Came up from Louisiana to ride for Wilshire for the Triple Crown. Word is he's...well, not dishonest, exactly, but you know."

Alec knew the type. The type that would skate around the rules without outright breaking them. Sometimes it worked to their advantage, sometimes not. It always depended on how the stewards saw the situation on any given day.

The track announcer pulled him out of his thoughts. "And the official results will stand. Order of finish is six, seven, three."

"That was quick." Henry jumped up. "Are you coming?"

"Right behind you." Alec quickly moved to join him.

The photographers and reporters were already gathered as Pam's Song was led into the winner's circle. Henry cheerfully took his spot for the trophy presentation as the wreath of black-eyed Susans were placed over Pam's Song's neck. Alec stayed well out of the way, letting them have their well-deserved moment.

Soon enough the small crowd dispersed, and Alec moved to help Sarah down. She looked tired but happy as she stepped into his laced fingers and climbed down.

Alec impulsively pulled her into a tight hug. "You did great out there."

Sarah laughed as she returned the hug. "I'm glad you were here to see it."

"Me too." Alec pulled back a bit. "What happened at the start?"

Sarah's expression turned dark. "That little son of a bitch Tyler. He bumped me as soon as we broke, and then tried to file an inquiry afterward. Not my damn fault he can't control his horse. I had mine well under control."

"Sorry I asked."

Sarah sighed. "Nah, it's not your fault. Just some of these guys can't handle getting beat by a girl, you know? They try all kinds of tricks to throw me off, and then wanna cry when it doesn't work."

She turned to undo her saddle, sliding it off the filly's back. "I'll see you in a while."

Alec nodded. "Party's going to be at the Hopeful barn."

Sarah laughed. "I'll be there."

Alec threw a blanket over Pam's Song, clipped a lead to her bridle, and started to lead her back to the barn. Knowing Henry, he would have already started the celebration without him.

He kept an eye on Pam's Song, looking for anything that might hinder her recovery. So far, so good, as far as Alec could tell. She had run strong, but hadn't needed to run full out. Sarah had indeed kept the filly under control.

"There's our girl!" Henry bellowed out cheerfully. "Look at her. Like she never ran a step. Just like the Derby."

"You going to put her in the Belmont, Henry?" someone in the growing crowd asked.

Henry appeared to ponder the idea. "We'll see how well she recovers. I'll know in a few days."

"Be a hell of a thing for a filly to win the Triple Crown."

Alec let them continue their conversation as he returned Pam's Song to her stall. Pedro offered to take her, but he waved him off. Today he would take care of her himself.

He took her out to the paddock to clean her up. Even as the front runner, she was good and muddy. The filly seemed to enjoy getting hosed down, tossing her head and dancing from side to side. Horses really could be giant kids, and they liked to play as much as any child.

"Okay, okay." Alec laughed. "Playtime's over. Let's get you dried off and brushed."

Alec took some time to clean out her hooves, checking for any sore spots as he did so. The filly didn't react, which Alec took as a good sign. He brushed and combed her before taking her back to the barn.

Upon entry, Henry spotted them and trotted down to join them. He was slowing down as he got older, but his joy today had him acting like a much younger man. "Hello, beautiful."

Alec couldn't help but laugh. Clearly Henry had gotten well into the champagne. He hoped he had managed to save a little for the rest of them.

"Alright, get her settled and come on down. The party's started without you."

Alec led Pam's Song into her stall, scratching her neck under her mane. "I'm proud of you, girl. You did good today."

The filly snorted and turned toward her hay rack, nibbling as Alec left. He was almost to the site of the celebration when he heard the commotion. It didn't sound celebratory.

Henry shook his head as Alec approached. "That damn Tyler kid is giving Sarah hell."

Alec was baffled. "And you're just going to let him?!' He rushed out of the barn before Henry could stop him.

Tyler was screaming at Sarah, and Sarah was giving as good as she got. No wonder no one had gotten in the middle of it. But damned if Alec was going to let anyone give Sarah a hard time.

Alec walked up on them when Tyler was in mid-tirade. "What's going on here?"

Tyler glared at Alec. "Mind your business. This is between me and her."

"I'm making it my business." Alec told him firmly, stepping in between them.

"Alec, stop it." Sarah hissed.

"If it hadn't been for that little bitch, I'd have won, and the stewards know it." Tyler shouted. "You know damn well you bumped me coming out of the gate. Just like you did at Louisiana Downs."

Sarah rolled her eyes and gently shoved Alec aside. "Now Tyler, you know damn well that was an accident."

"You're saying this was too?!" Tyler was still furious.

"You bumped me, you idiot." Sarah wasn't backing down. "And you weren't catching me today anyway. You lost. For crying out loud, be a man about it."

The gathered crowd snickered, which seemed to embolden Sarah. "You lost to a filly and a girl rider. Tough day for you, honey."

Tyler's rage seemed to finally dissipate, though he was still breathing heavily. He pointed at Sarah. "This ain't over."

"It is today." Alec told him firmly. "Get out of here."

Finally, the other jockey turned and left, leaving Alec and Sarah standing there. Alec turned to Sarah. "Are you okay?"

"I was fine before you tried to get in the middle of it." Sarah's voice had an edge of anger to it. "I don't need you to defend me. I can handle myself."

With that she turned and stalked into the barn, leaving Alec utterly confused. After a moment, he shook his head and returned to the barn, where Henry was waiting for him.

"I told you to stay out of it." Henry chuckled.

"Why is she mad at me?" Alec demanded.

"You got to let her fight her own battles." Henry told him. "If she needs your help, she'll ask."

"I'm not trying to fight her battles." Alec was exasperated. "But I wasn't just going to let him yell at her."

"I know you meant well." Henry answered. "She might not see it that way."

Alec sighed heavily. "Guess I'd better go talk to her."

"Give her a little time to simmer down." Henry advised. "And bring her a little something."

Alec was puzzled, and Henry let out a little sigh. "Follow me."

Alec followed Henry into the barn and into the little office. Henry pulled out a bottle and two glasses. "Brought a little of Kentucky's finest back with me. Figured you and me would share it but...maybe you and Sarah could use a little of it right now."

Alec took the bottle, studying the label and letting out a low whistle. "Are you sure, Henry?"

"Just don't drink it all."

Alec chuckled a little and left the office in search of Sarah. He found her chatting with one of the trainers from another barn. He grinned at Alec as he approached, extending a hand. "Congratulations, Alec. Almost got another Triple Crown in the bag."

Alec set down the glasses and accepted the other trainer's outstretched hand. "Thanks, Steve. Means a lot coming from you."

Steve nodded and stepped away, glancing longingly at Sarah. Sarah barely noticed as she turned to Alec. "Whatcha got there?"

Alec held up the bottle of bourbon. "A peace offering."

A hint of a smile crossed Sarah's face. "Are we at war?"

"You tell me."

Sarah leaned in and gave Alec a firm, lingering kiss. "That answer the question?"

"Hm, I don't know." Alec said thoughtfully. "I might need you to repeat the answer."

"Oh, you." Sarah laughed gently and wrapped her arms around Alec's neck, kissing him so deeply that Alec nearly forgot about the bottle in his hand. He tightened his grip just as he was about to drop it.

"Henry will kill me if I waste his bourbon." Alec told her breathlessly.

Sarah glanced around. "Think we can find somewhere more private to share it?"

Alec nodded. "Grab the glasses and follow me."

He led her to the office. "Lock the door behind you."

Sarah's face lit in a conspiratorial smile as she locked the door. Alec opened the bourbon and poured each of them a good measure, handing a glass to Sarah across the desk.

"What are we drinking to?" Sarah asked.

Alec paused to consider. "To the Triple Crown, to girls beating the boys, and...to minding one's own business."

Sarah laughed as they clinked glasses. "I promise, if I ever need you to defend my honor, I will let you know."

"And I promise not to come riding to the rescue unless you ask."

"Deal."

They both took long drinks from their glasses, and Alec took almost as much pleasure in watching Sarah enjoy the bourbon as he did in drinking it himself. The liquid burned all the way down, leaving a sweet, almost vanilla flavor behind.

Sarah looked at the liquid in the glass, shaking her head. "You're going to spoil me."

"Good." Alec told her. "You deserve it."

"I don't know about all that."

"I do." Alec rounded the desk, setting down his glass to wrap his arms around her. His lips found hers, gently teasing them apart with his tongue. She responded in kind, her hands tugging at his shirt until it was loose from his jeans before starting to work at the buttons.

It took Alec's brain a moment to register what was happening. "You sure about this?"

"Yes."

Alec pulled Sarah's t-shirt over her head, leaving it along with her bra on the floor, taking each breast in his hand and running his thumb over her nipples, thrilling at her gasps. He slid his hand down her stomach, briefly fumbling with her jeans before sliding them down her hips to the floor.

She moved to do the same, loosening his belt and letting his jeans fall. They were pressed together, skin to skin, flesh to flesh.

"Turn around." Alec whispered roughly.

Sarah turned and Alec gently guided her so she was bent over the desk. He played with her, finding her most sensitive spots while caressing her back.

"Oh Alec." she cried out softly, arching her back as he moved inside her. He let out a little groan as they finished, resting his head on her back, their breathing the only sound in the room.

After a few minutes, he rose and she turned around, pressing against him for a long kiss. "Don't suppose anyone missed us, do you?"

Alec let out a short chuckle. "Doesn't sound like it."

Sarah pulled back a little, appraising him. "I wouldn't mind continuing our own private party."

Alec glanced around. "You want to sneak out of here?"

Sarah smiled broadly. "Yes."

They quickly dressed and tidied up the office, leaving no sign that they had been there at all. Alec quietly opened the door and looked around. "Sounds like they're still celebrating."

"Let's go."

The two of them left the office, turning toward the stalls to the exit at the end of the barn. Alec felt like a little kid that had gotten away with something. He had to admit, it was thrilling.

Alec drove the Jeep to the motel, and Sarah quickly let them into her room. No sooner was the door closed than they were all over each other again. This time was slower, more tender, though no less enjoyable than their time in the office had been.

Finally, they were both spent, and they simply lay tangled up with each other, neither one sleeping just yet. Alec felt more relaxed than he had in ages, just enjoying being with Sarah. If this was all he was able to have with her, it would be enough, at least for the time being.

Sarah stirred next to him. "Alec?"

"Hm?"

"I've got something to tell you."

Alec froze. He didn't want anything to break the spell now. "What is it?"

"Jeff finally signed the papers."

Alec sighed with relief. "I know. He told me."

"He did?" Sarah shifted so she was looking at him.

"Yeah, I was surprised, too." Alec let out a short chuckle. "I thought he was going to come after me again."

"He left yesterday. For good, he says."

"So...now what?"

"I don't know yet." Sarah answered. "I don't know how to act without looking over my shoulder. I suppose I'll go to Belmont and figure it out from there."

Alec nodded. There was no point in getting too far ahead. Things were fine as they were. "You could always stay for the summer. After the Belmont, that is."

"I could."

"There's lots of opportunities at Belmont and Aqueduct. You could even ride far into the fall if you wanted."

Sarah let out a little laugh. "I told you I'd figure it out after the Belmont. Relax. I'm not going anywhere right now."

"Good." Alec answered quietly, looking up at her and brushing back her hair.

Sarah gave him a little smile before settling back in beside him again. Soon her breathing deepened and evened out, and before Alec knew it, she was asleep.

"I hope you stay." Alec whispered just before his eyes closed. "I hope you stay."