Wildflowers

Henfordshire, Everwood Estate
Cameron Residence

The sun was beginning its descent, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills of Henford-on-Bagley. Liam rode through the countryside on Amber Whisper, his faithful Thoroughbred mare. Her golden chestnut coat shimmered in the evening light, and her graceful, fluid movements were a testament to her noble lineage. The rhythmic clip-clop of her hooves blended with the gentle rustling of leaves as they made their way to Everwood Estate, where a new foal had recently been born to the Cameron horses. But in his heart, he secretly hoped to catch a glimpse of Lady Maeve.

As he approached the estate, the familiar sight of the manor came into view, its ivy-clad walls exuding timeless elegance. He dismounted and made his way to the stables, where the sound of soft nickers greeted him. The foal, a delicate and spirited creature, stood by her mother’s side. She had a sleek, dark bay coat inherited from her Thoroughbred parents, ‘Glen Moray’ and ‘Brae Star’. Her black mane was short and soft, promising to grow long and flowing like her parents’. A small white star adorned her forehead, a perfect blend of her noble lineage. Liam’s touch was gentle as he inspected the young horse, his expertise evident in every movement.

Inside the manor, Maeve stood by her window, a collection of cherished knick-knacks and packaging supplies spread out before her. She picked up a delicate porcelain figurine, her fingers gently wrapping it in a piece of bubble wrap. The melancholic look on her face hinted at the bittersweet memories these items held. As she carefully secured the wrapping with tape, her thoughts were miles away.

Suddenly, her eyes caught sight of movement outside the window. She saw Liam arrive and felt her heart flutter. A smile spread across her face, breaking through the melancholy. She put down the packing supplies, her fingers lingering for a moment on the bubble wrap before she turned to check her reflection in the mirror. Smoothing her long, chestnut brown hair and straightening her dress with the millefleur pattern, she took a deep breath, determined to make a good impression, before hurrying down to the stables.

“Liam!” she called out, her voice carrying a blend of excitement and melancholy as she hurried through the pasture gate. The wind played in her hair, and her warm brown eyes sparkled with anticipation. Her dress fluttered around her as she moved, adding to the graceful picture she presented.

He turned, a warm smile spreading across his face at the sight of her. His deep green eyes, shades darker than her father’s, lit up with genuine affection. His hair, a mix of dirty blond with tips lightened by the sun, framed his face. “Maeve,” he greeted, his voice warm. “Cheers! I popped ’round to have a gander at the new foal. Your dad rang and asked if I’d take a look.”

She nodded, joining him by the stall. The foal, named Caledonia, sensing her presence, nuzzled her hand. “She’s so beautiful,” Maeve murmured, her fingers gently stroking the foal’s soft muzzle.

“They always are,” Liam replied, his gaze lingering on Maeve. “But you think this is beautiful? Just wait till summer. I’ll take you to the Meadow of Wildflowers. The hills will be blanketed with blossoms, and the air will be filled with the sweetest scent. It’s absolutely magical.”

Suddenly, Maeve’s composure crumbled. The thought of missing such beauty, combined with the weight of her impending move, overwhelmed her. She burst into hard sobs, her shoulders shaking as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Confused and concerned, Liam instinctively wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. His embrace was strong and comforting, providing a safe haven for her storm of emotions.

“M-Maeve, what’s wrong?” he whispered, his voice tender and soothing.

Through her tears, she managed to choke out, “My parents are moving away from Henford-on-Bagley, and I don’t know what to do. I can’t stay with Jake and your sister—they’re newlyweds, and that would be so awkward. I know Jake and Claire wouldn’t mind, but I would. I’ve checked everywhere, and there are no small homes or apartments available for rent. The only options are live-in farm helper positions, but, not to sound high and mighty, I am related to VIPs on both sides—so, just no. I could live and work at Cromwell Stables, but I don’t know enough about horses to do anything other than being a stable hand. Plus, the queen is my cousin; I can’t be seen mucking out her stables. But I don’t want to leave. I don’t know what to do anymore!”

Liam’s heart ached at her distress. He tightened his embrace, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered back, “Then stay with me.”

Maeve pulled back slightly, looking into his eyes. “You mean that?”

“Yes! I mean, it’s not like we haven’t known each other for a long time now, even though… well, not that close, but… umm… you know…” Liam struggled to explain his offer logically, considering he and Maeve had been nothing but friendly and platonic so far. He felt his cheeks burning red when suddenly Maeve shot forward and kissed him.

Stiff with surprise at first, he wrapped his arms around her and returned the kiss, which turned into a long make-out moment until they both realized the nickering of horses was actually someone clearing their throat. Separating a little too quickly, they both stared at Gavin, Maeve’s father.

“Well, when you are done inspecting my daughter, would you mind telling me if the foal is all right? The vet said to keep an eye out for odd behavior, but we wouldn’t know what would qualify as odd, since this is the first foal we ever personally had anything to do with. Since my son and his new bride are away on their honeymoon, I would hate for them to come back to grim news, knowing how much both were looking forward to the foal.”

Bright red, Liam swallowed hard, looking over at the foal, then at Gavin, nodding, acting very weird, then turning, stumbling over his own feet, blushing harder.

“Umm, yes, she is fine. A little filly … female horse,” he giggled awkwardly, fidgeting with his hands.

“Yes, I have been able to deduce as much, thanks.” With a side glance at his equally tomato red daughter, he added, “Maeve, how about you invite Lord Kensington inside for tea then? It would be the polite thing to do, don’t you think?”

“Oh, Lord Kensington isn’t with me!” Liam quickly explained when Maeve shot him a glare, shaking her head.

“He means you!” Maeve clarified.

“Oh, right, yes, I am also Lord Kensington, I suppose. And I am here,” Liam responded, a bit flustered.

“Yes, again, thrilled we were able to clear that up. Whenever you are done giving my horse a bun hairstyle, come inside. Both of you,” Gavin added with a hint of amusement.

Gavin turned and started to walk off, as Liam realized he had been twirling the little horse’s mane awkwardly, so he ruffled it back into order and followed Maeve, who had turned to start for the pasture gate. Trying to be a gentleman, Liam hurried up to pass her, reached for the gate closure at the same time as she, their hands touching again, both snapping away as if electrocuted, staring at each other until jolted back into reality by Gavin’s voice.

“MAEVE, the front door is THIS way!” Gavin called out, his voice tinged with frustration.

“Coming, Mom. I mean, Dad. Dad, sorry!” Maeve replied, hurriedly.

“Jesus Christ!” Gavin mumbled with a headshake as he entered his home.

Assembled over tea in the parlor, an awkward silence was only interrupted by the sound of the keys from Maeve’s mother Bianca’s texting, until Gavin put his hand over her phone screen, whispering, “I am sure you can call AG later, Bee!”

Shooting him a telltale defiant glare, Biance obliged by putting down her phone, Gavin turned his attention to Liam, who was trying to stare at everything that wasn’t a person, while Maeve sat next to him, playing with the hem of her dress.

“All right, so Lord Kensington, or is it okay if I call you Liam?” Gavin started, continuing after receiving a wide-eyed nod from the addressed. “So… you want to have my daughter move in with you? I wasn’t aware you both were romantically involved…” The latter part was addressed mostly at his daughter, who didn’t even look up, until her mother kicked her under the table.

“OUCH! What?” Maeve shot a look at her mom, then her dad, while Liam spoke up.

“We aren’t. Weren’t. I mean… still aren’t. Really. Umm,” Liam stammered.

“Well, that kiss I saw says otherwise,” Gavin remarked.

“That was the first time, Sir!” Liam exclaimed.

“So you two mean to tell me that after one kiss you want to move in together?” Gavin questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“OMG, he must be some kisser! What happens after a roll in the hay?! Marriage proposal before they even know each other’s birthdays?” Bianca blurted out, receiving a kick under the table from her daughter, both women exchanging glares, while Gavin rolled his eyes.

“You can’t deny your mother makes a valid argument. Seriously kids, I am not the type of parent to tell my adult daughter what she can and cannot do, but this does seem a bit irate, you both have to admit that.”

“Dad, STOP! I’m 19, so who cares?! I can move in with anyone I want, whether I know them 10 minutes, 10 days or 10 years, which is how long I have known Liam! I have told both of you that I just don’t want to move to stupid Brindleton Bay! Nor do I want to live with my brother and his new wife like the fifth wheel either! Knowing them, they’ll be pregnant in no time, and I just don’t see my life purpose as being an aunt slash free nanny! But did anybody ever ask me what I want?! NO! First, we live in DSV, then suddenly you move us to Willow Creek, Jake and I didn’t even speak the language, neither did you or Mom, so off to Newcrest we were, but we have barely come around, we blink and are living in Brindleton Bay. We finally make friends, and the next thing we know, we’re here playing Lords and Ladies, here. Do you even know how long it took Jake and me to get accepted among our peers here?! Do you have any idea how lonely Jakey and I were when we first moved?! I’m more outgoing than him, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t know I was only hanging out with the other girls because I practically invited myself! Jakey and I STILL don’t sound Henfordian and never will, but FINALLY, he has found his direction. He loves Claire and is happy, and I finally have friends and hobbies, and now, here we go again! Mom gets a wild hair up her butt and Dad obliges! So either I go with you and start all over again in Brindleton Bay with those arrogant elitists, or I have to live with my brother. Thanks parents, super choices, way to take care of your children! If I go with you to the Bay, I have to start college so I can have one of the approved careers to make it there, or marry some rich hedge fund snob, neither of which I am interested in. And I don’t know if you noticed, but there aren’t any options for single young females around here to live or work! Screw that! Screw everything!” Tears sullied her words as she jumped up and ran out. Her footsteps on the stairs were the only sound until her mother jumped up to run after her. “Maevey!”

With a deep sigh, Gavin looked at Liam. “You sure you want that? Despite the harsh words she had for me and her mother, we are a very tight-knit family, I love my children and I will not speak ill of my daughter, but she is an emotional rollercoaster. You sure you wanna get onboard? Living with Maeve is sitting on a barrel of gunpowder with a lit match at all times.”

Smiling, Liam nodded. “To be perfectly frank with you, Lord Cameron…”

“Call me Gavin, please. My wife and I told AG and Max—I mean, Their Majesties—that we don’t want those titles anymore. Making me a Lord was never anything short of ironic if you think about it, considering I’m Blaine Cameron’s son, for crying out loud. And God knows I love my wife, but she is ditsy and as far from a Lady as one can be. Unlike our children, the only reason we ever get invited to anything around here is because they know we are close to the royal family, I am sure you know the queen is my niece, even though we’re only a couple years apart in age. But we moved here for Bianca and AG to be able to spend time together as best friends, although that has become incredibly rare over the past years; the queen is just too busy.
If everything goes as we all imagine, she and Max will be even busier yet, planning some weddings before too long, and they have two younger daughters requiring their guidance, along with the horses and so many royal obligations, so the two besties hardly ever see each other anyway. There is nothing here for us. What my wife and I want is a quiet life but with all the creature comforts and luxuries we both grew up with. We came to the conclusion that we had all that in Brindleton Bay, we both loved the country club and all the amenities there, plus it is less than two hours from San Myshuno if we want some city life and we both have family living there. The Bay is a lot more laid-back and slower-paced than it would be to live in my birthplace—and that of both our children—Del Sol Valley. When our realtor contacted us about a wonderful estate that had just come on the market in the Bay, we had to pounce on it; unfortunately, blind-siding our kids, but good real estate for the way we are accustomed to is rare in all locations.
But we are not moving there as Lord and Lady Cameron, just Gavin and Bianca Cameron, no more titles. We still have friends there, and AG can visit without too much ado. Our new home is on a hill and secluded, so security won’t be a nightmare, and they are accustomed to more upscale residents. So, consider that nobility bit as good as renounced. No worries, my son—well, your brother-in-law—and presumably my daughter are keeping their titles since Jake is staying here with your sister and as you heard, Maeve has very clear ideas about what she doesn’t want,” Gavin said, shaking his head.

“I don’t care much for titles either, umm… Gavin, and I rather think I understand you more than you might imagine. I feel quite the same way, you see. In my heart of hearts, I remain a stableboy, now and forever. I still find myself looking around in confusion when someone calls me Lord Kensington. And as for the original Lord Kensington, well, I can’t see him as my father, and it is more than clear that I am just a vessel to continue his lineage. He doesn’t care about me as a person. My dad is Roland Hawthorne, and that’s that. He loves me, and I love him, I see him a lot, neither of us cares that I don’t carry his genetics. Oh, the Rosewood Manor is splendid, I love my room, I love having my own horses and not having to muck out after others is rather nice, and not being ordered about from dawn till dusk is a relief, but I feel utterly adrift. The King saw fit to remove me from the Royal Guard—honourably, mind you—but still, as I’m certain you’re already aware,” Liam responded, a touch of melancholy in his voice.

“Oh, yes. You and Victoria were all the talk among the ladies for months with that whole story. Both Max and AG think very highly of you, despite all that. But it’s safe to say the dust has settled, at least on Victoria’s side. I’m no expert, but that girl is in love with her Duke Hendrik, and I must admit I like the young man for her,” Gavin said knowingly.

“I know, and I’m absolutely fine with that. I’ll always hold her dear, but nothing more. It’s awkward enough for me to be called ‘Lord.’ There’s no way I could see myself being more than friends with a real princess. Just so you know, nothing ever happened between us. Just… dreams that never came to be, which have long fizzled away,” Liam explained sincerely.

“Believe me, I’m well aware of the details, kid. My wife seems to be a living, breathing gossip column. But you and Maeve barely know each other, unless I’m mistaken… Moving in together? That feels like putting the cart before the horse to me. And how does your father feel about this?” Gavin asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Which father? Oh, you must mean Lord Kensington, of course. Well, he has health issues, as I’m sure you’re aware, and signed over the estate to me, fearing his ex-wife might try to claim a share if something happened to him. They don’t get along and haven’t for a long time, according to Claire. I know I was the final straw that broke them up, which only makes everything more difficult for me,” Liam explained, trying to clarify.

“No need to tell me, I had to help plan a wedding with both of those in the same room, and they are my poor son’s in-laws. I know Lady Beth comes across as charming, until her ex-husband walks in and the atmosphere turns explosive. And I know the old lad is as stubborn as a mule. You sure he’d just let you move in Maeve? Because let’s be clear, my daughter is as sweet as they come, until she’s not. Maeve has inherited her namesake’s fiery temper—she’s named after my late grandmother, who was part of a very successful band and known for her spirited ways, frankness, and fierce demeanor. I am not worried about my daughter being able to hold her own, I know Maeve, I am more worried about your biological father having a heart attack when she ends up giving him a piece of her mind. Not to mention you went out for a lovely ride to check on my horse and come home with a new girlfriend. I don’t know Kensington Senior that well, but well enough to know the old chap is gonna flag that,” Gavin remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“I’d explain the situation to him. Like I said, the estate is officially mine already anyway, he can’t forbid me from inviting her to live there. Besides, he’s been rather… pressing the issue of me getting involved with… ladies. Umm, not saying that’s what I’m thinking, but he might, and he’d be fine with it because Maeve is titled and close with our Majesties and all. And Claire’s old room is vacant. That’s what I thought for Maeve. I wasn’t trying to… I didn’t mean she and I… in my room. Unless she’d want to. I mean, umm, of course not that,” Liam stammered, blushing crimson, which made Gavin smile at the authenticity of his reactions.

“Look, kid, I was born at night, but not last night. Maeve’s 19, and I’m shocked she hasn’t really dated much, and nothing serious. I know how I was at that age. Well, at least in my head. In reality, I was more than awkward and couldn’t get a word out around any girls. Look, I’m not expecting my children to be epitomes of chastity until marriage. But that doesn’t mean I want my daughter to move in with the first boy who kisses her when she’s already evidently in some inner turmoil,” Gavin said, his tone a mix of concern and fatherly protectiveness.

“She kissed me, actually…” Liam said quietly, blushing again.

With a deep sigh and an unimpressed expression, Gavin shrugged. “Liam, look. You and my daughter are both adults. If you’re interested in her and she in you, I don’t have any say. But I am close with my children and want to make sure this isn’t some dumb idea born for the wrong reasons. So, I’ll be more direct: are you physically interested in my daughter, or is this something deeper?”

Liam stared at him, blushing deeply again.

“Aha, both then. Got it. Kid, I am not that type of dad, if I were, it would be ironic, considering who all I am related to. Look, if you think you can get her living with you past your father, go ahead. I have my hands full babysitting my wife. I always thought Bianca would eventually outgrow her impulsive ways and inability to keep from blurting out the most ridiculous things at the worst possible moments, but I was wrong. This inability is probably the main reason why the king and queen so readily agreed to our decision to renounce the titles and move away from nobility altogether. Bee might be AG’s bestie, but that doesn’t mean she’s not embarrassed by her. Her latest nugget was rating AG’s former lover’s asses, of course without making sure nobody was in hearing distance. As a result, Vivienne and Max both were treated to this dubious evaluation. Luckily, he came in a close second to our very own resident cowboy Jack, but still effectively humiliating everyone, including the queen. I’m sure you’re well aware of that whole triangle of drama between AG, Max, and Jack, and Vivienne being his biological daughter even though Max iss raising her as his own. So, that is Maeve’s mother, and Maeve does have some of that in her veins too. You have been warned. And don’t get me started on my dad—rock musician extraordinaire with a potty mouth and a passion for life, if you catch my drift.”

Smiling sheepishly, Liam shrugged. “Oh yes, Blaine Cameron. I once had the pleasure of seeing him at the palace stables back when I was still a nobody. Only certain staff members are allowed to be seen by the VIPs, and even fewer are allowed to speak to them, and I was not one of them. As you know, I grew up in horse stables as Hawthorne’s boy. Trust me, I’m well-acquainted with everything you’re saying. I either can’t get a single word out, or, nine times out of ten, it’s the wrong one and too much.”

He paused, his expression thoughtful. “No matter who fathered me or how hard I try, I’m not made to be noble. I was born a commoner, and I think I’ll always feel like one. I’ll never fully fit in with the nobility, not really. It’s just not who I am. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t make a rose out of a wildflower.”

Gavin laughed, getting up, Liam rose too, so he patted the young man’s shoulder.

“I like you, kid. I think I don’t mind this arrangement, and at least I don’t have to deal with two vocal bombs at the same time. So, if you can really get old Kensington to let Maevey move in with you, you’ve got my blessing, kid. And for anything beyond that. I know my little girl, and I know when she really wants something. And I’ve seen her really want something today. Just like my grandmother Maeve, she decided she wanted my grandfather Everett long before he was ready for anything like this, but he never stood a chance, and history already told us who won that battle,” Gavin said, winking at Liam, making him blush deeply again.

***

As autumn turned to winter, winter to spring, and spring blossomed into summer, Maeve found herself standing in the Meadow of Wildflowers—the very place Liam had promised to take her. The hills were covered in vibrant blooms, their colors dancing in the breeze. The air was sweet with the scent of flowers, mingled with the freshness of the earth.

At noon, the meadow was bathed in bright, golden light. Hand in hand, they stood together on a cozy blanket spread out for a picnic, a basket nearby filled with their favorite treats. Maeve held a bouquet of freshly picked wildflowers in one hand, the other intertwined with Liam’s.

Close by, two golden chestnut Thoroughbreds grazed peacefully. “Amber Whisper,” Liam’s trusted steed, and Maeve’s mare, “Gaia’s Grace,” named for her spirited and noble nature.

Liam’s thumb traced gentle circles on her hand, anchoring her in the moment. The diamond engagement ring on Maeve’s finger caught the light, shimmering brilliantly. The ring was a symbol of their love and the promises they had made.

Their eyes met, and in that silent, shared moment, the memories of their journey filled the space between them. From childhood acquaintances to discovering Liam’s true heritage, and the challenges and changes that followed. Maeve remembered the day she moved in with him, the surprise of their first kiss, and how their connection had grown into something undeniable.

As they stood there, surrounded by the beauty of the meadow and the warmth of their love, their eyes held a world of unspoken promises. Leaning in, their lips met in a kiss, tender and filled with the memories of their past and the promise of a future together. It was a kiss that sealed their bond, a kiss that spoke of a love that had weathered the seasons and emerged stronger, more radiant, just like the wildflowers around them.

In that moment, they were not just Liam and Maeve, not Lord Kensington and Lady Cameron, but two wildflowers in full bloom, thriving in the meadow of their love.

*