Free Friday's Child by Kylie Brant

inevitable destination but had checked himself. Kate had been grateful. She’d much rather deal with the stain than his hand’s proximity to her breast.
    â€œLike I said,” he repeated, “you’re a good sport. Send me the bill for the blouse.”
    She shook her head. “I think I’ll be able to get the stain out. And Chloe really seemed to enjoy herself tonight.”
    â€œWith three adults lavishing her with their undivided attention, what’s not to enjoy? But judging from the number of times she said so, yeah, I’d say you’re right. And we haven’t even got to the best part of the evening yet.” At her uncomprehending look, he explained, “The presents.”
    â€œI really should be getting home.”
    â€œWhat? And miss all the ‘sa-prises?’” Michael asked, his tone shocked. His voice lowered as he leaned toward her and murmured, “Stick around, Miss Rose. The best is yet to come.”
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    â€œYou hid the sa-prises real good, Daddy,” Chloe said as the car moved up a long driveway. “I never did find them.”
    Michael snagged one of his daughter’s pigtails. “Are you admitting that you were snooping, munchkin?”
    She shook her head vehemently. “Uh-uh! Honest! I was just helping Mrs. Martin clean. I cleaned in all the closets and under all the beds.”
    â€œAnd anywhere else a present might be found,” Michael added amusedly. “I’m sure Mrs. Martin appreciates your yearly acts of assistance.”
    â€œDo you still need to stop in the stables to speak to Hank, Michael?” Trask’s deep voice rumbled.
    Michael snapped his fingers. “Gosh, thanks for reminding me, Trask. I do have to talk to Hank tonight. You don’t mind, do you, munchkin?” he asked Chloe. “It won’t take long.”He explained in an aside to Kate, “Hank’s our stable manager. I need to stop in and talk to him about my stallion’s training.”
    â€œCan I come in and pet Diablo?” Chloe wheedled.
    â€œNo!” Michael and Trask answered as one. Michael went on, “I mean, you can come in, but you mustn’t try to pet Diablo. I’ve told you that. But you can look at him.”
    â€œOkay,” Chloe said cheerfully, and Kate knew that the little imp had gotten what she’d wanted all along. Meeting Michael’s gaze, she smiled inwardly. The poor man really did have his hands full.
    Dusk was beginning to blanket the ground in long shadows, but outside lighting had been strategically placed along the winding drive. Kate gasped in spite of herself when they got closer to the house. Gone with the Wind ’s Tara had nothing on this home. It had Southern antebellum architecture, with porches on each of its two stories. Graceful white columns lined the front of the house.
    The stables stood near the back of the property. At Michael’s urging, Kate got out of the car and joined them. She didn’t understand his grin or the long look he exchanged with Trask when Chloe ran into the stables ahead of them. Then came an earsplitting shriek, and both men burst out laughing.
    â€œDaddy! Daddy!” Chloe exited the stable the same way she’d entered it, at maximum speed. “Daddy, come look! There’s a new horse in our stable.”
    â€œA new horse?” Michael said, sounding puzzled. “Now, how do you suppose a new horse got in our stable, Trask?”
    The man’s mouth twitched. “Couldn’t say. Maybe Chloe’s just seeing things.”
    â€œAm not, am not! Come look!” she demanded, tugging at her father’s hand. Michael caught Kate’s hand in his free one, and she was pulled in with them. The stable was spotlessly clean, and the smell of leather and straw mingled in the air. Stalls lined the corridor. From the first one a brown-and-white pony watched them curiously.
    â€œHe’s beautiful! And he’s