My heart sinks at the mention of his mother. Sophie was so loved and such a spirit. I wish I could have met her.
"Then lets bring it back. This Christmas will be the first of many Christmases, full of holiday spirit and love.
Conrad looks at me for a long minute, his face softening. He pulls me in for a tight hug before placing a kiss on my lips.
"Alright. Let's have the best first holiday together."
And it will be, I'll make sure of it.
CHAPTER2
CONRAD
The property looks like a winter wonderland. The barns and house are decorated with lights, red ribbons and wreaths with music playing in the background. It's all exquisite and festive, just like my mother had it. I'd thought I’d feel sad. The memories of my mother and how she loved Christmas, or how Christmas was always a tragic time for us once she died because we missed her. But this makes my heart full of love and joy. My spirits are lighter, and I'm looking forward to the holidays. Even if we are busy, this will be a quiet and romantic month with my new wife.
"Looks great. It reminds me of the old days when you were just a child." Burt smiles. "Even the workers are in better spirits."
"It's great. Penny will take photos of the horses with wreaths around their necks for the website and social media."
"Brilliant idea."
I have to agree with him. Usually, I can be a big grinch this time of year, but with all the changes and effort Penny is putting into this winter season, I love everything about it.
"There is still a mountain of paperwork in the office," I mutter, feeling my holiday buzz winding away. "Where is Penny?" I ask, feeling the need to see her.
"She took Opus to the back pasture," Burt tells me.
I head that way. Opus. Or Lu, as I first called him when I was stuck with the beast. I remember how defeated I was with that horse. He was untrainable, and I thought my family's legacy was gone. Then Penny came into my life and made everything better. She trained Opus, won the triple crown, and became the love of my life. I don't know what power she has, but I'm glad she's using it for us.
I spot Penny sitting on the fence, watching Opus frolic and play in the snow. I walk up behind them and wrap my arm around her waist.
"Hey, how's the paperwork? Caught up with all the breeding requests?"
I let out a huff. "Are you kidding me? There are so many; it's becoming a bidding war."
"That's a good thing, hun. It means more money." I explain the obvious.
I watch the pure black stallion move along the snow, his dark coat looking even darker against the white. Watching him like this, he looks like some beautiful creature, not the beast I know him to be.
"I saw the tree got delivered this morning," I tell her. "Could you pick a bigger one?" I joke.
She grins. "It's the perfect size. We have a big house; having a small tree would be pathetic."
I guess she's right. "So, what did you have planned for tonight?" I know she has something.
She turns to me, her face bright with excitement. "We have a tree trimming party tonight. Just the two of us. I even have these fun Christmas-themed drinks planned, and Donna and I are making a ton of appetizers."
"What, no meal?"
"Nope! Just all our favourite appetizers. And we will be making our ornaments too, to celebrate our first Christmas together."
I grin at her excitement; it's contagious. "And will this night end with us relaxing in the hot tub together?"
She leans down and kisses me. "Of course."
I groan almost painfully. "How many more hours till this day is done?"
She looks at her watch. "10. Work harder it will go by faster."