Time Will Tell (Timeless Series) by Sandy Loyd Page A

and Abby’s hadn’t been a love match, but they’d been good friends in the beginning of their marriage, which is how he liked to remember her. That’s the woman he grieved for. He loved his new home. His thoroughbreds thrived here, and so did his children. Abby was the only one who hadn’t.
    When the horse neighed, Colin realized he’d stopped stroking his neck. Nuzzling closer, he whispered, “You’re a champion, aren’t you?” He was breeding faster and stronger animals. Zeus was just the beginning.
    “ Ja ,” Gus said, turning to lead the stallion back inside. “It’ll only be a matter of time before this brute makes you famous. He’s one of the best runners I’ve ever seen.”
    Following, Colin grinned. “Which will be soon, I hope.” His entire future was riding on all the horses in this barn, but this one was special.
    “He’s definitely gaining more speed day by day. But the mare he sired might just give him some competition.”
    “Good. He’ll have plenty of incentive to run faster.” Thinking of all he’d achieved in ten years, Colin’s grin spread. His dream was coming to fruition. It really was too damned bad that Abby couldn’t be here to experience his small gains.
    At this point, they neared the stall Libby and Nathan were cleaning. Colin ignored the same sense of protectiveness that crept over him every time he came close. A few feet away, he stopped to observe the lad.
    Gus looked at him with questioning eyes.
    His nod indicated Libby. “He looks so young.” And scrawny, he thought. A stiff wind could easily blow him over. “But he seems to be pulling his weight.”
    Gus grunted an assent. “Actually he’s pulling a hell of a lot more than his weight and shows promise. He’s worked wonders with Nathan. I only hope he’s as good with horses as he claims. It sure would be nice to have a decent hand who understands equines.”
    Colin sighed. “His small size will be an asset for training, but I’m just not sure how effective he’ll be if one of the stallions acts up.”
    “Don’t count the lad out yet,” Gus said. “You saw how quickly he eased Smithers’s overridden horse. He’s got a gentle touch. We both know it’s not the size. It’s the heart and spirit of the man that horses respond to.”
    Wiping the sweat off his brow, Colin couldn’t argue that point. “Damn, it’s a hot one today,” he said, changing the subject. “What do you say to a quick dip in the spring to cool off?” Most of his men utilized the spring during the summer months.
    “You don’t have to ask me twice. Definitely makes working in this heat more bearable.” Gus started toward the stallion’s stall. “I just have to finish with Zeus.”
    “I’ll help.” Colin used his thumb to point to the stall behind him. “Those boys have been working like fiends. They could probably use a swim too, don’t you think?”
    “ Ja . They definitely deserve a break.” Gus kept walking. “I’ll tell them on the way out.”
    ~
    “We’re going swimming at the spring.” Gus came up behind Libby and his voice startled her. “You boys can take a break and join us.”
    She turned and stared at him as if he’d grown an extra head. “We’re , um, we’re…almost done.” She glanced down so as not to reveal her rising panic. Libby still wore her vest to aid in her deception, but it was like having a forest fire on her back. Her breasts pretty much disappeared behind it, but the second she took it off, her ruse would be up. There was no possible way she could go swimming. “We’ll finish here and meet you there.”
    Gus nodded and then met up with Colin, who waited a few feet away.
    The minute the two were out of earshot, Libby turned to Nathan. “What happens if we don’t go swimming at the spring?”
    “I dunno.” The boy shrugged. “I ain’t never been before. But it sounds like fun.”
    “We can’t go.”
    Nathan scrunched up his nose. “Why not?”
    “ ’Cuz we were supposed to