A Date for the Derby (The Dating 5) - Page 22

He nods once. “Got it.”

I get out of the car and make my way into the stables. Martin is at the far end, polishing up a saddle. “Good morning, Ms. Armstrong,” he calls out, still keeping his back to me. I’ve never had an issue with Martin Hensley until now. He’s always been hard on Colby to follow traditions, but my father did the same to me. I had the Armstrong legacy to uphold, just like Colby had to follow the Hensley’s legacy to be the best horse trainers in the state. Martin was mad at his son just like I was for leaving Armstrong Acres. Someone needs to let him know what an amazing man his son is.

When I don’t respond to Martin’s greeting, he turns around. There’s concern in his eyes when he looks at me. The man has always been nothing but nice to me. “Your father will be back in a minute if you’re looking for him.”

“I was, but now that you’re here, I can say what I have to say to you too.”

His jaw clenches as he looks down at the polishing rag in his hands. “Does it have to do with my son? After everything he’s done, it wouldn’t surprise me if I don’t have a job by the end of the day.”

“If my father fires you then he’s an idiot.” Martin’s head snaps up and I step toward him. “You’re a wonderful trainer and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone handle a horse the way you do.”

“Thank you, Brielle. That means a lot.”

“That is, until your son,” I finish. His eyes lock on mine and I stare him down. “Colby learned from the best and I have no doubt he has the same chance to win as you do. What I don’t understand is how you don’t see that.”

Martin sighs and leans against one of the stall doors. “I do see it. I’m just disappointed in him. He never should’ve left. It brought shame down on my family. With everything going on in the media right now with the both of you, I just …”

“Colby has more honor than anyone I know. Way more than my father. I love your son and have for a very long time. If you knew the truth, you wouldn’t be so hard on him. You’d be proud.”

His brows furrow. “What are you talking about?”

I want to tell him everything, but I think it’s a conversation he needs to have with Colby. “Why don’t you ask your son. You need to know the truth. I just wish I knew it sooner. All I can say is that if my father fires you, then so what? You and Colby can start your own empire. It’s about time you take the credit for all your work. I have no doubt you two would be great together.”

I hate that Colby and his father drifted apart over the years. It’s all my dad’s fault. One way or another, I’m going to get Colby’s family back together. They might be all I have after today. Martin nods and turns away from me to hide his face. I just hope I got through to him.

“Good luck at the race, Mr. Hensley.”

He glances over his shoulder at me. “Same to you. My son’s a lucky man.”

This brings a smile to my face. “Thanks.” When I get up to the main house, my father is still not there. William is in the living room, sitting on the couch all cool and collected when I know the shit is about to hit the fan. “I wish I could be as calm as you,” I say.

William sighs and stands. “Everything will be okay. All you have to do is tell your dad how you feel. And if he doesn’t see things your way, then move on.” He walks over to me and pulls me into his arms. “You know how my parents abandoned me when they found out I was gay. After that, I found family in my friends. I found you, and you will have me. And Colby.”

The front door slams and I gasp as I pull away from William. My father stands in the doorway of the living room, arms crossed and looking angry by the scowl on his face. “Please tell me you two are working things out. I just went through hell trying to get this shit fixed.”

William clears his throat and stands by my side, but I squeeze his arm. He looks down at me and I kiss his cheek. “Wait for me in the car. I’ll be out in just a minute,” I say, whispering in his ear.

He nods once and does the same to my father before exiting out the front door. My dad points at the door. “What’s going on? Did you two work it out?”

Tags: Heidi McLaughlin The Dating Romance
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