Black Stallion Hopefull Chapter 8 A few months later, Alec takes Alex for a ride down by the pond. He spreads the blanket out and kicks off his shoes. She releases the tack and hassocks on the horses. She joins him on the blanket. He pulls off his shirt and enjoys the warmth of the summer sun on his skin. She loves the freckles on her husbands shoulders. He curls over her and the love making begins.

"What about the others?" she wonders as his kisses on her throat are driving the care from her head.

He doesn't lift his head but between the kisses he tells her, "Mom and Dad are somewhere else… Henry went to see friends … and the rest of the hands have the day off… We have the whole farm to ourselves." Her hands slide across the pockets of his jeans to answer her approval.

A cool breeze drifts across the lovers under another blanket. She trails a hand down his strong arms and across his chest. He dozes in her caresses. "Alec, tell me your fantasy."

"Hum? What do you mean?"

"You have told me of your adventures. I know there's been fear and hardships." He shutters at his nightmares. "But tell me if you could be anywhere, where would you be?"

She almost wonders if he has gone to sleep because of his silence and closed eyes.

"A large secluded tropical island. But his time with more food and no snakes. No thunderstorms." He turns to see if she is upset. But instead she wants more. So he turns completely on his side and cups her face pulling her even closer, "Just you, me, Black and Hope." He leans in to cover her, "I could make love to you endlessly.. Unless we were exploring or racing." He smiles down at her.

She runs her fingers seductively down his spine, "Sounds perfect. When do we go?"

"Right now," and he takes her lower lip in a tender tugging kiss that opens up the passion again.

The sun finally crosses past noon, beginning its descent for the day. Alex carefully packs up the gear as Alec gets the horses tacked up again. He is about to give her a leg up but she grabs each bicep. "My father let me down to the stable because he knew James wouldn't let them touch me. But he knew I would see how cruel the other horsemen could be. But I kept watching you and Henry. Just you two managed everything. The way you spoke to your horses. The way Henry instructed you but then let you go, knowing the ultimate decision was yours. And now in your arms. My father never told me how gentle a rider's hands could be. He never told me how tender a stable hands words could be. He never told me body language could send thousands of messages. I thought I was just a girl being touchy-feely. But I see you and Black. You are one with him." Alec is afraid she is jealous of his horse. She puts her hands on the back of his neck, "I will be one with you in other areas of your life. Black can be your chance to fly. I will be your place of rest."

Alec's heart swells. She understands. She isn't hurt. She knows why he has to race. She isn't going to tie him down. He crushes her to his chest and buries his face in her hair. He chokes on his words, "I love you very much. I was worried…"

She clings to him just as tight, "I was worried too if I would fit into your life."

"I wondered of we rushed in to marriage."

"I wondered of I would be accepted at Hopeful."

The tears of joy fill them both and they both laugh at each other. It's a slow walk back to the barn.

They get the horses brushed and tucked into their stalls. They put the tack away, but the hay looked to inviting. She shuts the top of the stall door and tugs at her shirt. He pulls at his boots and gives her a sideways smirk, "I'm sorry I didn't give you a proper honeymoon."

"Are you kidding!" she pulls at his shirt, "Do you know how lucky I am?" She yanks her ponytail loose, "I am going to be the envy of a lot of society girls." He gives her a very confused look She takes his left hand and places it on her bare heart, "I have landed the sexiest jockey in the circuit. And it's not an affair. I can proudly state," she puts her own be wedded hand on his bare chest, "I'm keeping his bed warm. I am who he comes home to. I keep his home fires burning. I'm the only one who gets under his silks."

Alec is stunned. He never thought of himself as a sex symbol. He had noticed a couple girls giving 'the look' in his direction but thought it was directed at someone behind him, or looking for a forbidden one night stand (cougars)… but he never suspected. Alex smiles at his blushing. She lays him back and shows him just what makes him so attractive. "You are a mystery. You are quiet, fast, strong, and most attractive of all, devoted."

It was dark before they make it back to the house. And starving. Exhausted. And more in love than ever. They put sandwiches together from his mother's leftovers.

They sit at the table. She taps his wedding ring, "Do you remember Trisha?"

Now it's his turn to show her how attractive she is. He smiles, "I don't remember any woman before you."

She rolls her eyes, "Nice try, super stallion." He laughs back.

"Alright, Trisha who?"

"Trisha, my friend who knew about my secret admirer. Blond hair ,blue eyes?"

The smirk on his face stops her, "I only go for brunets. The darker the better."

"Alec… please." she's trying to stay focused herself but he is pulling her into that passion again. She shakes her head, "Trisha has been dating my cousin. I've spoken to my father. He wants to leave the estate to my cousin Conner." Alec reaches for her hand for support. "It's okay. I don't want the estate. It's too much of a headache. But it would be good if I went to Conner and Trisha's wedding."

"Wow." he says softly. He knows it's a major step for Alex to let go permanently of that life. And she is ready for it. No going back.

She leans in, "Come with me. Please."

Alec sits back, "I only went to the society things to see you."

She smiles, "I know. And I know you had more fun sitting with the kids telling stories then being with the grown ups and talking stocks, investments, wine and trips abroad. Thank you for coming. Would you do this once more for me? I could even have you sit at the kids table?"

He laughs at the thought. But he also sees how important this is to her. He leans in with a glint in his eye, "I'll do anything for you." She joins his wicked grin.

When his parent return, they walk into the kitchen. They find the couple leaned against the kitchen sink. Alec's hand are up Alex's shirt, she is trying to pull his jeans off while lip locked. Bill just smiles. Belle blushes at her little boy all grown up. Alec hears the door squeak and breaks away quickly to see his father's back exit the room. He hears his father tell Belle, "Honeymoon has started. Remember ours?"

"Bill, it never ended," Belle tells him softly.

Alex stops and sighs against Alec holding her tight against his chest in an embrace. He knows his ship wreak caused great pain in his parent's relationship. He doesn't want to think about what he would do in their shoes.

"Alec, are you alright?" she whispers. He just scoops her up into his arms and quickly takes her to their room.

She awakens the next morning extremely sore. She reaches for him. He is gone. She knew this day would come, but she kept putting it off. Now it is here and she will have to face it. She wraps herself in the sheet and goes to the window. She sees Hopeful's race van slowly going down the drive in a cloud of dust. Her heart sinks. She knows he has to go. She's proud of him. But she has class to attend. The world doesn't stop for lovers. She stays at the window seat until the dust settles and it's clear that they are gone.

She gets herself dressed. Wow, is she sore. Who knew lovemaking could do so much to a body? She smirks to herself, is he just as sore? She shakes her head, he's better fit than she. He's probably doesn't feel it. Oh, if she only knew.

She meets Belle and Bill in the kitchen for breakfast. "What would you like, my dear?" Belle asks very motherly. Alex is not going to cry even though her heart feels like a huge chunk of it left in the van. The rest of her body feels like grief has wrapped it's terrible fingers around her soul. Bill reaches over and folds his fingers over hers. She looks up into his warm and compassionate eyes. Belle brings Alex a cup of tea and toast with fresh strawberries from near the pond. She recognizes them from yesterday.

"Black could really use some walks down by the pond. He cries for Alec, too," Bill says softly. She smiles at his encouragement. "It would make Alec feel better knowing Black has a friend while he is away."

She smiles at Bill and Belle, "You have all been very kind to me letting me barge into your quiet world with Alec."

Belle sits down with them at the table. Bill toys with his coffee cup. "Alec has been a boy bordering on being a man for many years. He has taken so many physical adventures that I could never even imagine doing. But we are also tired of protecting him. Yes he and Henry basically run Hopeful, but we are still looking after him and trying to rein him in. Sometimes I look at him and wonder if he is acting like Black or Black is acting like him." Alex can't help but join Bill's laugh. "I don't know why marriage should change him, but at least his mother and I can sit back and let someone else try to rein him in. We are getting too old for this!" Alex really laughs with them now.

Mr. Ramsey takes her to the University while he goes to town for business.

The racing schedule goes along. Alex keeps up with her studies making great progress. Bill shows her how it all applies. Alec and Henry keep coming in first, second and third. One they completely lost because Black Eyed Pea (Peewee) slid getting out of the gate and pulled a muscle. Alec managed to get out of the way with only a sprained ankle. They come limping back to Hopeful to recover.

Dinner that night was pretty quiet. Alex asks, "What race is next?"

Henry shakes his head, "Nothing next week. He needs to rest that ankle."

"I'm fine, Henry," he grumbles feeling like he's being treated like a child again.

"I've already scratched Peewee. So there." Henry finishes the conversation. Alec eats in angry silence. The silence is deafening.

Alex lifts her head and tries, "Hey Alec, weren't you going to start becoming a trainer?" Alec shoots her a look of so you are against me too? "Why not start now?"

"I'm not out of commission, yet. We don't need a new rider yet."

Alex shrugs, "Practice on me. You have to train being a trainer on some one. With Henry around, why not use me as a guinea pig?" Alec and Henry look at her like she is nuts. Bill gives her a secret encouraging smile. She dips back into her mashed potatoes, "Hey, it's not like I will ever actually race, but I could help train the two year olds while you are away. Just a thought."

Bill turns to Henry, "What do you think? You already know how she is with the horses and you could judge how much she learns?"

Henry grumbles this time, "It's a bad idea. She's-"

Alex turns to Henry with fire in her eyes but a voice as smooth as silk, "I'm a member of this family. I am an asset to this corporation. Let me help. Please?"

Henry clears his plate from the table, "Thank you for the meal Mrs. Ramsey."

Both of the Mrs. Ramseys' answer, "You are welcome, Henry." Henry has to freeze at the response in stereo. Henry then leaves. Alec remains silent. He doesn't know where to side, with his wife or with his business partner. Either way it is dicey.

When Alex gets her husband alone and in her arms that night she steers clear of the dinner conversation. She reaches over several times during the night to make sure she isn't dreaming, that he is really back.

By dawn, her bed is lonely again. But she looks out the window in time to see Alec take Black bareback into the forest. She knows he will come back in more peace.

She meets him in the barn tack room putting away the bridal. She sees him sit down and rewrap the ankle. She doesn't mention it. Instead she reaches down and cups his chin in her hand. She pulls his face to look directly at her, "Teach me." He can't move because she has a grip that won't let go until he answers her. He sees that she is serious about being a member of the team. Then she drops her hand. He stands up and grabs a racing saddle. He takes it outside and onto a nearby log. He smiles as he remembers Henry teaching him as a boy.

He guides her hips to the saddle, "Pretend you are the rider." So she sits. He sits behind her. She takes the reins as an English rider. He reaches around and redirects her fingers. "Our horses are very well trained. At the slightest touch they respond... Well, if they want to." Black whinnies to him. Alex laughs. Alec just shakes his head. "Okay, you have watched me and your father's riders enough, get into position. Go."

She gets her feet into the stirrups and her body position is all wrong. Incredulously he responds, "I thought you said you watched me race?"

She looks back over her shoulder with a wicked smirk, "Yeah, but it wasn't what I was focused on." He gives her a confused look. She reaches back putting a hand on the back of his neck pulling his lips within inches of hers over her shoulder, "Black's not the only one with a nice tail."

Oh he can't resist that one and succumbs to her passionate kiss wrapping his arms around her waist. He is just inching has hand up as his ring snags on a button of her shirt and he hears, "If you are planning the same technique with the horses, your wife may have something to say about your training days." Alex turns to see Henry laughing. Alec just drops his blushing head onto her shoulder in shame. Henry thumbs his fist over his shoulder, "Should I come back in thirty minutes and you can have the barn to yourselves?"

Alec can't respond. This is just the fuel Henry needed to keep women out of the stables. But he doesn't see Henry's pleasure at seeing Alec in love. Henry tries to put on his firm and angry face. Alec finally faces Henry, "I can do this. You know it." Henry just gives him a yeah, right! look. Henry leaves.

Alec gets firm with Alex, "Would you just focus, please! You're the one who wanted to learn."

She gets serious and so does he. She listens and focuses. But what she really hears goes to the soul and heart more than the facts and directions. Then he gets her up onto a real horse. She gets it. Alex and Alec race side by side on the training track.

Over the next couple of weeks in between classes and the boys out racing she learns. She improves. Her technique and skills begin to rival Alec. They even work on boxing her in, squeezing her in, cutting her off and rough starting gates. They teach her the dangerous stuff to look out for. "Like lucky flying horseshoes?" They shake their heads at her.

She goes to a couple of races with them and help Alec to the starting gates. She waits for him at the stalls when he returns. She patches and bandages the horses. The Rosewood team is surprised to see her back at the stables again. Henry was impressed at Alec being able to teach, but more impressed at Alex learning.

She wasn't the princess he expected. He was impressed at her going to college, then help unload the feed truck, later cook dinner and return to her home work. Elizabeth Rosenbalm would be proud. Anthony would be mortified.

Black Stallion: Hopeful Chapter 9

November arrives. The chill in the air is crisp and different. She is amazed by the beautiful sights of Hopeful. She gets out her small camera and begins to take pictures. She takes one of Alec and the hands with a huge pile of leaves. Then as the sun is setting they burn the pile. She captures the embers the and shadows of Autumn. Alec is pleased to see her so happy. He calls to her. She comes to his side. He wraps his arms around her as they watch the leaves burn keeping an eye on for stray embers. He is not afraid to show his affection for her in front of the hired help. Tom, the head when Alec is away, comes over to them. He smiles at the Ramsey embrace. She has her arms wrapped around his waist and her head tucked under his chin. He's got his wrapped around her shoulders comfortable, relaxed.

"You know Alec, we may not have said this yet, but we are all very glad you are happy. It's about time you got married." Alec can only chuckle. He never thought he would get married. Tom continues, "And Alex, I've got to tell you, we all respect you very much. When we heard Alec had brought home a society gal, we were all worried we would loose Alec to that world. You really surprised us by becoming one of the team."

Alex looks up the Tom and gives his arm a squeeze. She smiles at him, "Thank you, Tom. That really means a lot to me. I was worried myself if you would let me into your world. You know, being a woman." Tom blushes. That thought had come to the men's minds too.

"Those persimmon cookies kinda reminded us that you are a woman, but other than that, you are just a member of Hopeful," Tom can't help but laugh.

Alex joins his laugh, "I'll tell Mrs. Simmons that they were a hit here, too." Then she looks up at Alec, "Oh my father would be mortified that I am treated as one of the team and not the head of the estate. He would not approve of this frankness with the hired help." Tom is taken back at the term 'hired help'.

Alec strokes her cheek, "But this isn't an estate."

"No darling, it isn't," she leans into his touch, "it's so much better." He gives her a tender kiss. She whispers against his lips, "It's home." He pulls her against himself and she kisses him back. Tom walks around back to the other side of the burning pile leaving the Ramseys to their embrace. He smiles at the love on this farm.

When Christmas time arrives, the invitations come for the Ramseys to attend the social functions of the Rosenbalm circles. Unfortunately for Mr. Rosenbalm, Hopeful is snowed in. Fortunate for Alex, she doesn't have to make excuses why she isn't going to attended. Alex and Belle have a grand time making a huge feast for the Ramsey family and include the hired hands. The roads were so blocked that they couldn't make it back to their families, either. Alex is so sorry, but Alec promises to give them time when the road clears to be with their families. The horses are a bit upset being confined to the stables. But they all try to ease their frustration with warm mash, apples and carrots. Alex even gets Alec to help her make oatmeal cookies just for the horses for Christmas.

Christmas Day arrives. Alec and Alex join the rest of the group in front of the Christmas Tree. Alex has given Alec a sweater of black with white horseshoe pattern across the chest.

"Mom taught me to make this," Alec is amazed. He looks between his mom and his wife.

"When did you have time?" he asks amazed.

She bites her lip and then quietly says, "It's hard to sleep when you are away." The room gets very quiet. He reaches over and hugs her tightly. "I'm getting used to it. I'll be okay," she informs him.

"I love you very much," he tells her warmly. He reaches over and hugs his mom too. "Thank you, Mom." His mom just fuses to keep from tearing up.

Alex has also made one for Bill. She secretly made an afghan for Belle of Autumn colors. "I love the season changes here. They are so vibrant," Alex tells her.

Then the surprise for Alex. Belle has given her an empty carrying bag. Bill has given her a key. He loves giving her the mysterious smirk. Henry has given her a strap with clips on the end. But it's not a horse's lead rope. She is getting very curious. Until Alex hands her a box. Excited she unties the ribbon quickly. In side is a very expensive Olympia camera and telephoto lens attachment. Tom hands her a another box. Inside is a whole bunch of film in different speeds. She looks at the Hopeful family.

Bill taps the key and points to a door under the stairs, "That is to your dark room." She looks at them all in disbelief. Bill smiles at her, "You, my dear, are the picture of Hopeful's continued happiness."

She reaches over and hugs Bill and reaches another arm out to Tom. In turn she hugs them all. Then, before Belle calls dinner, she gets the whole Hopeful family to line up on the staircase and sets the timer. She is so excited. The whole group is excited at her happiness.

Then Alec goes to help his mother with dinner while Tom and Bill tell Alex more about the camera.

A few months later they head to Aqueduct. They take the sedan because the young Ramsey's are going to the Rosenbalm wedding later after the race. The team gets the horses bedded down. Alec doesn't look well. He claims is was just being up late with his dad and Alex going over the books. He ate hardly anything that night. Henry stayed with the horses. Alex took Alec to the hotel.

By midnight, Alex knew something was wrong. By two AM, she awoke to him kicking off the blankets and drenched in sweat. He said it was just nightmares. She knew better. They'd been married for over a year by now. She knew this was not normal for him. She managed to get him to take some fever reducing medicine.

But at 6AM, he was the same. There was no way he could ride. She kept the curtains closed tight. She got him to take more medicine and convinced him it was still night time. "Get some sleep, darling. It will be fine." Then she slipped out of the room to the track.

She slips into Blackstone's stall and gets into the silks without anyone noticing. Henry comes over while her back is to the door pulling on the boots, "Alec, why aren't you getting dressed in the locker room?" She keeps her head down. "Alec?" He steps into the stall, he knows Blackstone won't let anyone in who isn't Hopeful.

She keeps her head down, "Henry, can I borrow your knife?"

Henry steps in front of her and lifts her head to face him, "Alex? Where is Alec?"

He pulls his knife out at her request but doesn't hand it to her. She takes it from his hand but he stops her, "Alex, what is going on?"

"He's got the flu. There is no way he can ride. You both trained me well. Now help me cut this braid off." He just stares at her. "Did you trust Pam?"

He raises a finger at her, "That was different."

She picks up the racing program, "A. Ramsey. Do I qualify or not?"

He just holds her gaze for a moment. "I can't have my rider slitting her throat before a race. This may not be pretty. I've never cut off a girl's braid before." He positions the knife at the base of her braid.

She smiles, "But you cut a little boy's hands free from a wild stallion."

He smiles, "Are you sure about this?"

"Do it Henry!" she moans. In a second her over two foot braid is free is handed to her. She looks at him, "I wish I had time to dye my hair."

They can hear Rosenbalm's voice coming towards them. Alex quickly shoves the braid into the trunk. "Alec has a knit cap he wore one day in there someplace. I'll stall your father. Get that tack ready." Henry hops out of the stall latching the top half of the door. It starts to rain.

Mr. Rosenbalm come over, "Henry! How are the newlyweds?"

Henry shakes his hand, "Oh fine…fine."

"Is Alexzina here?"

Henry looks around confused, "I'm not sure. I'm not even sure if those two are even out of bed yet. You know I remember Clara and I …"

Rosenbalm waves his hand away, "I can't bare the thought of my daughter as a young bride. I'll just have to punch Ramsey again. When you see them, tell them I want to see them."

"Will do." Rosenbalm leaves. Henry checks on Alex, "Are you alright?"

She laughs, "I would do fine if he would stop drooling on me!" Henry laughs and then sees the press coming.

"Oh great here they come!" He manages to close the door again just before they arrive. The want to see the new horse from Hopeful and Alec. They really want to interview Alec and Rosenbalm together. Henry manages to wave them off saying Blackstone is in a bad mood. Alex helps by banging stuff around inside. He whinnies but in delight not anger. The press finally leave.

"Have you eaten?" Henry wonders.

"I can't worry about weigh in right now. I think it's just nerves. I really hope I don't get what he has."

The rain is misty but going to make the track messy. Henry once again asks her, "I can still scratch. How do you feel about the slop?"

She strokes Blackstone, "I don't care. How does he feel?"

Blackstone paws the ground, "He doesn't care as long as he gets to race."

The call comes for the riders to weigh in. "Here goes," he says nervously.

She makes it over to the weigh in. "Rider 3, step up." She weighs in. The judge looks at the sheet, "Ramsey, that's a lot of weight to loose. Please, stay healthy. Okay? Or I'll scratch you." She just nods and scurries off. Henry helps her tack up and she hops up. The call is made for the gate.

Even with the rain, the stands are full. Blackstone is having a fit with the Rosewood chestnut making challenging call. She tries to sooth him down as Alec taught using a smooth tone of voice and strokes to the neck. #1 makes a false start and they have to reset. She gets him calmed down. Thanks goodness the Chestnut is keeping Arturo busy and he can't converse with her.

The bell rings and they shoot out. She nearly looses her grip. But she gathers her wits quickly and stays on the outside. She's running side by side with Rosewood. #1 takes a spill taking #2 and #5 with him. She gives Blackstone his head and guides him for the rail. The Chestnut takes a snap at Blackstone but misses and gets Alex in the arm. She cries out but it is lost in the wind. She hangs on for dear life as Blackstone slips in right behind the #6 bay with Rosewood running neck and neck beside her. The bay is being driven hard by the whip. Rosewood is fighting mad. Alex reaches between Blackstone's ears and calls "GO!" He tears up the slop, digging in and flailing mud. He starts to skid but recovers quickly to take the lead and comes in under the wire by a full length. Alex and Blackstone are elated!

At the winner's circle she beams but it is hard to see her face from all the mud, thank goodness. Henry comes for her quickly. She gets her final weigh in, a little more due to the mud. She only smiles not wanting her voice to give her away. Luckily Henry steers her away from the locker room to bandage her arm. Blackstone looks at her curiously as she bathes her face in his water bucket, "I promise to get you fresh water, boy." Then she hears her father's voice. She hides the silks in the trunk, throws on her jacket to cover the bite mark and faces him,

"Papa! How good to see you!" she turns to Henry, "Alec went to get fresh water for Blackstone." Henry nods.

Her father gives her a scornful look touching her short hair, "I don't know about this new look, Alexzina. I so loved your braids. It reminds me of your mother.

"Well, there's a lot of work for me at the farm is it's easier to take care of."

He still doesn't approve but changes the subject, "Why don't you and Alec come to lunch with me. I would like to see my son-in-law, again."

Alex twists her face, "Oh, sorry Papa, he was meeting with some people about the sale of some horses. But I'll check with him. Where are you meeting?"

"Where else? Tony's on First Street," he laughs. "You will come, right?"

She weakly smiles and turns to Henry, "I promise."

Henry nods, "I'll see to Alec."

"Good!" Rosenbalm is happy and hugs his daughter once more and heads back to his stables.

She sinks down onto the trunk, "What are we going to do?"

Henry pats her, "You go to lunch with your father, I'll check on Alec. What did you tell him?

"I hid the clock and told him is was night time. He doesn't even know. Can we convince him that he won?"

Henry laughs, "Honey, you can convince that boy of anything. He loves you so much. I'm just sorry you can't brag about your own win."

She hugs him, "If I got your approval, that's better than any purse." Henry hugs her just as tight. Then she laughs, "Is this what they meant by in sickness and in heath."

Henry laughs, "When I saw you start to go down, I thought for sure it was "until death do you part."

She leans her head on his shoulder, "I understand why you love to race now. You really are flying out there. Blackstone was like a magic carpet. Henry, I'm not jealous of Black and Alec."

Henry puts his arm around her shoulder reassuring her, "You are very good for him. You are very good for me too. You two are going to be just fine." He kisses her forehead. This was the trophy she needed, Henry's acceptance to Hopeful.

She comes into the room and sees him stumble to the bathroom. He practically crawls back into bed. She gets a cool cloth for his head and more medicine.

He holds her hand tightly, "Get me well, I have to race. We need the money."

"I know darling. Just rest. It will be alright. It's still early." Soon she hears him breathing deeply in sleep.

A few hours later Henry comes to take over. She looks worried. To see her very strong husband as weak as a kitten is crushing her. Henry embraces her. "Hey, it's okay. You know it was he that got us through that desert. I thought all hope was lost, he didn't. It was he that got Black through that desert island. This flu isn't going to take him out. Go enjoy your time with your father." She hugs Henry and leaves her husband in his care.

She finds her father's table at Tony's. Arturo is there too. He notices her rubbing her arm, "Wifely sympathy?"

She laughs, "Na. I banged it at the farm before we left." He give her a curious look. She does her best not to touch it the rest of the meal. She makes plans with friends at the table to see them at the wedding.

She then hurries back to Henry. Henry talks to her in the hall, "He came around and I told him, 'Alec, I don't know how you did it. But you pulled off another win.' I also threatened him with racing again with the flu." She nods and they head back to the horses to pack the van. He encourages her with sick Alec. He tells her he will be fine getting the horses back home. "Enjoy the wedding. And get Alec to Belmont on time."

She clearly states he will be ready to race when they get there.

She goes back into the dark room. He is asleep. She gets some chicken soup from the hotel kitchen. When she returns he is slowly coming around. It's now early evening. He carefully takes some of the soup. He says he can't remember the race. She fills him in. She leaves out the bite.

He asks what she did the rest of the day while he was sleeping. She said she went to lunch with her father. She also shows off her new hair do. He's curious why she went so drastic. But he is happy if she is.

Then he goes back to sleep. She soon slips in beside him and collapses.

The next morning she is the one rushing to the bathroom. She's afraid she has gotten his flu bug. But after about an hour she feels better. Alec spends the rest of the day resting and watching the TV about the race. He ponders, "I can't believe I don't remember any of that. I really got bit by Rosewood?"

She laughs, "Well, there is something else your mother will have to teach me, how to repair torn silks." He joins her laugh.

By the end of the day, he is feeling much better. She's sore and takes a hot shower to ease her muscles. They check out and head out to the Rosewood estate. She sleeps half the way. He sleeps the other half of the way. They are worried about each other.