All Bets Are On!

Remember My Love
By Cheryl Norman

Samuel Drake moved toward the entrance to Churchill Downs, feeling more a part of an Easter parade than a sporting event. Suddenly he froze and stared at the woman ahead of him, a vision in pastel blue. A bit of blond hair—with unusual reddish striping he’d seen on only one woman, although she had called it highlighting—peeked out from beneath the hat that matched her dress. If only she would turn and show her face. The familiar figure couldn’t be Victoria, could it?

His brother Wilson bumped his back. “What’s the holdup, Sam?”

Samuel nodded toward the woman just as she turned and showed her profile. “I thought I saw someone I know—” He gasped. It was her!

“Victoria Draper.”

“Your ex?” Wilson crowded beside him and followed his gaze. “Where?”

“And why would she be here?”

“Duh.” Sofia, Wilson’s Louisville-native wife, chuckled behind them.

“Same reason everyone is here—to see the Kentucky Derby.”

Wilson held hands with his very pregnant wife. “I don’t think Sam and Victoria parted on the best of terms.” An understatement, indeed.

Sofia eyes twinkled with mischief. “Introduce us, Sam.”

He mentally rehearsed his approach. But he needn’t bother. His gregarious brother saved him the trouble and called out, “Victoria!”
She turned, facing them, and smiled at Wilson. “Sheriff Drake.” Her smile tightened almost into a grimace. “Samuel. This is a surprise.”
Sofia reached past Samuel, offering her hand. “I’m Fia Drake.”

“Victoria Draper.” She shook Sofia’s hand. “So you’re here to see the big race, too?”

Sofia moved forward and walked beside Victoria. “This is Sam’s first Kentucky Derby. Mom lives here, and I helped fill her house with guests this week.”

Victoria winced. “Poor Mom.”

“Oh, on the contrary. She loves company.”

“Sofia’s mother is a most hospitable hostess and fabulous cook, too,” Samuel said, but Victoria avoided his gaze. “She graciously gave me her Derby ticket.”

“How generous.” She directed her smile at Sofia.

Sofia gave a dismissive wave. “Mom doesn’t enjoy the derby since Dad died. My brother’s wife is way pregnant and the last thing she wanted was to dress up and face this crowd. He won’t leave her side.”

Victoria gestured toward Sofia’s abdomen. “You appear ‘way pregnant,’ too, and Wil dragged you here.”

“Hey, this was her idea, darlin’.”

Samuel tried again to capture Victoria’s attention. “Perhaps we’ll see you in the clubhouse.”

She finally met his gaze, and her smile slipped. “Perhaps.” The chill in her voice said otherwise.

Samuel didn’t blame her. Three years ago he had dumped her, with appalling behavior. Victoria fled town before he’d had the good sense to make amends, and he had suffered since. Never one to be romantic, Samuel had been frightened by the truth. He’d chased away the only woman he loved. Could fate be handing him a second chance? Or was he three years too late?

Victoria gave a finger wave. “Nice meeting you, Fia. I need to catch up with my friend.”

Friend? Or lover? Samuel’s gut twisted with jealousy. His gaze stayed glued to her bonnet as she moved toward the steps. She plowed through the crowd as though determined to escape. He must not lose sight of her. Friend or no friend, he had to talk to her alone.

Wilson nudged him. “You gonna let her get away?”

“Are you suggesting I chase after her?”

Wilson snorted. “If it were Fia, I’d already be shoving and elbowing my way through this mob.”