Donetta approached her horse, talking softly to her while she rubbed her head and neck. The mare seemed to like the attention while Donetta inspected her legs and hooves. “You’re beautiful, Mahbouba.” She looked over at Enrico. “Can we go riding?”
“Let’s go bareback. She’s been broken in. I asked the trainer to get her ready for us. After I help you mount, we’ll walk back to the end of the stable to get my stallion Quatan.”
“Every day with you is a miracle.”
She pressed a kiss to her husband’s lips before he helped her on and handed her the reins. The mare pranced in place while Donetta let her get used to her weight. “Come on,” she said in soothing tones. “Let’s go for a ride.”
Enrico started walking. Donetta directed the mare to follow him. It had been over a month since she’d ridden, and now she felt euphoric. When they reached his stallion’s stall, both horses neighed. Enrico moved inside and mounted his steed with his usual masculine dexterity.
“That new black stallion is a prize. He’s gorgeous.”
“I didn’t think I could replace Rajah, but Quatan is exceptional.” He made a clicking sound and headed out of the stable to the field. Donetta was close behind, taking care not to startle the mare until she got used to her.
All the while they walked, she talked to her and patted her neck. “You’re a real beauty. Did you know I saw your brothers and sisters running across the plain? I hope you don’t miss them too much.”
Enrico must have heard her. His smile lit up her universe. “Keep that up and you’ll have her eating out of your hand before the day is out.”
They walked for a good half hour and then returned to the stable. When they came to Mahbouba’s stall, Donetta slid off to give her water and feed her. Then she reached for the currycomb hanging on a hook to brush her down. Enrico stalled his horse and came back to watch her.
Donetta turned to him. “She’s as good as gold.”
“So you think you’ll keep her?”
She laughed. “This morning you presented your kingdom to me. Now you’ve presented me with this beautiful animal. You make me too happy.” Her voice caught.
“We’ll go riding every day, either morning or evening, and get you a saddle you can break in.”
After giving her mare more love, they left the stable and got back in his car. As he drove them to the palace, she finally had an idea for a wedding present she could give him. Right away she would secretly find out the name of the artist who’d done Rajah’s picture in oils. If he or she were available, Donetta would commission a painting of Quatan and have it hung on the wall of their bedroom.
But she wanted to do something for him right now. When they arrived and hurried to the apartment, she turned to him. “I’m going to cook our dinner tonight.”
“I’m already salivating.”
“Will it be all right if I call the kitchen for the ingredients I need?”
“Go ahead while I check my messages.”
A half hour later they’d both showered and gotten comfortable in their robes while she cooked up a storm. Donetta ordered some red wine to go with their meal.
“I’ll feed you.” She stood next to him and gave him a heaping forkful of fried bruschetta.
He munched on it before reaching for her. “I’ve died and gone to heaven.”
She chuckled. “I hope you’ll like my escalope de veau with rice just as much.”
Enrico devoured their meal in no time. “Promise me you’ll cook our dinner every night.”
They clinked their glasses of wine. “I plan to do whatever you want to keep you satisfied.”
When they’d finished, he turned on the radio to some music and took her out on the patio off the dining room to dance with her. Their dance soon moved to the bedroom just as his cell phone rang.
“We’re not ho
me,” he said aloud.
“You need to pick up,” she urged.
“I’m still on my honeymoon, esposa mia.”