O'Brien's Lady

by Marsha Doss

  training, breeding and always turning to him for his inherited expertise. This new champion was a descendent of Irish Crystal and might just be the animal to bring Pinebrook the big victory.

  Will stuck the pipe in his mouth again, and then gave Sonny an affectionate pat on the shoulder. "I'll be going now. I've got to pick up the mess I just left on the kitchen table or my sister will have me on a platter."

  Sonny leaned against the fence post as she watched Will hurrying back to his cottage. Having him back made her feel good. She remembered as a child how often she had tried to follow him around as he did his work, always talking and telling him her latest news from school. She realized now just how busy he must have been, but he always took the time to listen.

  Graceful Lady grew nearer to her time, and Sonny could not tear herself away from the gentle eyes of the splendid horse. The solid, flowing lines of her muscular body and the long slender neck that she held so high intrigued her. Sonny worked with her every day, taking her time to brush and rub her down as she talked to her. She found herself telling Graceful Lady things that she was not even aware existed in her heart. The grand and beautiful chestnut horse had become her friend.

  The plush greenery that surrounded the farm was a natural backdrop for Sonny's photographs. She was able to capture all the beauty of nature and still maintain the Thoroughbred as her main subject. As the days passed it seemed that Graceful Lady knew she was being admired. She was "on stage" the moment Sonny put the camera to her face. As well as the shots of her feeding in the pasture, Sonny liked to capture other impromptu moments.

  Being accustomed to her own small dark room, Sonny knew she would have to make some arrangements to have one close at hand. She liked to develop her own pictures and nothing short of that would do now.

  Since her pictures were being taken in and around the stables, Sonny decided to use the enclosed stall at the far end of the main barn. The space was totally enclosed and already had a work bench and double sink. It would be perfect, and so close to everything. While Michael was busy having a meeting with his father and with Billy, Sonny began clearing the few things out of the room, including a mop, some buckets and brushes which she put in the Tack Room.

  She had been out the day before, purchasing the necessary pans and chemicals and now she lined the shelves on one wall with her supplies. For the first time in her life, Sonny had a sense of belonging here. This was her little corner in the midst of her father's world and she whistled under her breath as she worked.

  "What's this?"

  Sonny turned around abruptly to see Michael standing in the doorway.

  "My new dark room."

  Michael leaned his arm against the doorway, and watched her hammering two more brackets to the back wall. She worked diligently, trying to avoid his interest in her. She had four rolls to develop, and if Michael would just leave she could begin.

  "You can't have it here." Michael's voice was matter-of-fact.

  "Of course I can," Sonny snapped.

  "I'll send Billy to help you get this stuff out of here." Michael turned to leave and Sonny grabbed him by the arm, pulling him around with all the force she could gather.

  "I will stay! And don't order me around."

  Michael lifted the fingers that clutched his shirt and held them securely as he drew Sonny dangerously close to him. His eyes frightened her and

  made a chill run the length of her back. They were not lit with fire but with a cold anger that spilled from his lips.

  "You little fool. You want to endanger the health of these animals?" The lines of his mouth were hard as he spoke.

  "What are you talking about?"

  "The odor from these chemicals could make them very sick."

  An odd feeling of defensiveness came over her and Sonny's face became suddenly pale in the dim light of the small room.

  "Are you saying this could really harm them?"

  "That would be an easy out for you wouldn't it Sonny? If the horses get sick we have no farm."

  The paleness in Sonny's face drained and was replaced with a vivid splash of color that began at her neck and worked its way up to her blue eyes, which were watching his every move.

  "You think I would do that?" Sonny whispered in disbelief.

  Michael was certain that her intentions had been innocent enough, but it was that kind of careless thinking that could bring down the stables and destroy everything he had worked for. Wouldn't you? You hate it here, remember?" Michael's dark eyes were menacing.

  "Not enough to harm my horses or property."

  "Our property," Michael corrected.

  "You don't have a right to my land, Michael." Michael pulled her toward him and his eyes burned through her cold skin. "I belong here…and it's as much mine as yours."

  She moved against the force of his grasp and the unbridled anger that filled her heart now spilled over into her blue eyes.

  "We'll see about that," Sonny snapped. "Now, if you don't mind, I have work to do."

  "Just get these chemicals out of here. I don't want them near the barn." Michael insisted.

  "If you wanted them moved, why didn't you just ask?"

  "Even a gal from Paris, France ought to have enough sense to know what not to put near horses." Michael's voice was hard and sarcastic and every word cut through her like a hot knife.

  He turned and strode over to the stalls at the other side of the large barn. Sonny dug her toe into the dirt with such force that tears came to her eyes. Her intentions had been innocent, but she hated to think of what the smell of the chemicals might have done to the horses. She would not have hurt them for the world, but Michael saw it as another chance to make her six months here just as demeaning and miserable as possible.

  She carried her equipment up to the house, and soon found a portion of the garage that could be used.

  It was already sectioned off with plywood and had a small sink in one corner. Even though it was small, it would work fine. Her lack of training was certainly showing today, but she would soon learn what it was that Michael thought he was so good at.

  Relocating her work room had taken most of the afternoon, and by four o'clock, Katy was rustling pans in the kitchen and opening and closing the large pantry door. Having her cook meals for her was such a joy for Sonny who was accustomed to dinner out and had long ago forgot the real goodness of home cooked food.

  Sonny would have to watch her waistline, because Katy was a meat and potatoes woman who still believed in serving hearty meals. It was no wonder that Will and Michael were so strong and muscular.

  "Smells good," Sonny said as she popped her head around the kitchen door.

  "That it is. I brought a little Irish stew for you and some of my warm soda bread." Katy was heating the meal on the electric range and slicing a loaf of freshly baked bread.

  Katy placed the bowl of stew in front of Sonny and put the bread basket in the center of the table. They chattered about the weather and several other conversational topics before Katy finally approached the subject of Michael, trying to find out what Sonny's feelings about him were.

  "Michael's always workin' himself to death," Katy said, "what he needs is the love of a good woman. "

  Sonny looked into the dark eyes across from her that were filled with specks of merriment and mischief. She always knew when Katy was trying to make a point, because her accent became quite heavy and she resorted to her native language patterns.

  "I'm not that woman, Katy."

  "Now, did I say you were? I was just makin' a statement. Take it as you will."

  "Michael and I don't see eye to eye on much of anything. Or haven't you noticed?" Sonny savored a bite of hot stew.

  Katy pushed her brows into a frown, then leaned forward on her elbows. "You're fighting over this farm. Now you've got to be gettin' on with other things." Sonny smiled wickedly. "Like what?" she asked.

  "Marriage, and maybe a baby or two." "You know what I'm talkin' about."

  Y
es, Sonny knew all too well. Even if she and Michael could work out their differences, which she doubted, there would be no time in his life for a woman, much less a child. It would be just like it had been with her father. She would be left alone most of the time, and neglected. And Sonny wanted to be loved. That was more important to her than anything.

  What she felt for Pierre was not love, but at least it was comfortable and he was there when she needed him. He represented the security she needed and also the glamour she desired. Sonny wanted to tell Katy that, but she knew it would only hurt her.

  After the dishes were washed and put away, Katy went back home and Sonny kept herself busy in her newly arranged dark room. She worked for almost two hours, developing the film she had taken of Graceful Lady. Her work was very good, and not one picture turned out bad.

  As Sonny hung the paper to dry, she noticed the subtle changes in the chestnut horse. Will had said her time was very near and this morning, they had talked of moving her to the double-stalled brood barn.

  The moment of birth was going to be exciting and Sonny had informed both Michael and Will that she wanted more than anything to be there with Graceful Lady.

  Later that evening, Sonny brushed her long blond hair and changed into a white fleecy robe, which she tied around her waist. She felt like sitting for awhile with a good book and promptly curled up on the chair next to her bed and began to read.

  At ten o'clock the phone rang, piercing the quiet and Sonny almost jumped when she heard the sound. Michael's voice at the other end was excited and he said only two words before hanging up.

  "She's ready!"

  CHAPTER 5

  Sonny cursed herself for not grabbing a flashlight, but there hadn't been time to think of anything. All the weeks of caring for Graceful Lady and waiting for this event were about to be realized.

  The path was dark except for the little reflection from the full moon. Sonny crept along, tripping occassionally on rocks and branches as she made her way down the hill.

  Adrenalin pumped through her veins and she became numb with anticipation. Her heart beat against her chest and she hurried to the brood barn which shown with light, guiding her through the darkness like a lighthouse that stands alone.

  She entered the barn, slightly out of breath and was immediately surrounded with the smell of fresh hay and heavy sweat.

  Graceful Lady was pacing in her stall, her nostrils flared and her shoulders glistening with moistness.

  "Steady old gal." Michael's voice was unusually calm and he moved easily. He seemed ready to help while not wanting to intrude on the animal's natural instincts.

  Sonny hurried to his side and watched with a mixture of fear and excitement welling up in her.

  "I'll need your help," Michael said. His eyes never left the sight of the horse and he continued to stand still.

  "Michael…I don't know what to do." Sonny was filled with panic and her feet seemed planted to the ground.

  "Get a bucket of water, plastic gloves and some sponges. Quick."

  Sonny ran to the far end of the barn where she filled the bucket nearly full with fresh water. Her hands had begun to tremble and the enormity of what was about to happen filled her with apprehension.

  Where was Will O'Brien? If she was to be Michael's helper, then what would become of Graceful Lady?

  Her mind was filled with unanswered questions and she carried the supplies back to where Michael stood. His jaw had tightened and there was an inner light that seemed to fill his broad face.

  "She'll go any minute now," he said quietly as he glanced at his watch. "By eleven we should have ourselves a new champion."

  Sonny tugged at Michael's sleeve. "Where's your father?"

  "Had to drive to Sacramento. He'll be back tomorrow." Michael glanced over at her and his mouth turned up at the corners. "So, you're all I've got tonight. You'll have to help deliver this one."

  Sonny watched, mesmerized, and Michael continued to talk to Graceful Lady. His voice seemed to calm the animal. From the outside Sonny could hear the occasional whinny of the other horses who were bedded down for the night in the main barn. Except for their sounds and the labored breathing of theLady, the night was still.

  The wind rustled in the tall pines and Sonny felt a chill that moved up her arms and then down her legs. Although she wasn't sure if it was from the chill of evening or the wonder of what was happening.

  Graceful Lady, whose deep chestnut coat was now beaded with sweat, suddenly stopped. She turned slightly, and then lowered her huge body onto the fresh hay. She began to push and then paused, waiting for Michael's encouragement. And then she pushed again.

  "Good girl," Michael said. "We're almost finished. Just keep it up."

  Lady's large brown eyes seemed wide with effort and then she lay her head back against her bedding. Beads of sweat had formed on Michael's forehead and instinctively, Sonny sensed that something was not right.

  "What is it, Michael?" Sonny dropped to a kneeling position next to him.

  "I think the foot is curled under," he said with a thick voice. "Have to move it."

  Every muscle in Michael's face was taut. He would have to move quickly to save the foal. Sonny was too frightened to speak and she watched in silence as Michael reached inside the animal to correct the position of the foal. Michael worked diligently, his face red and his mouth clenched.

  The chill that Sonny had felt earlier was now being replaced with a rush of heat that filled her cheeks.

  "What's happening?" Sonny's voice caught in her throat and watched the determination and concern on Michael's face.

  "It's got to come feet first, with the head tucked between the legs."

  "Can we do it, Michael?"

  Sonny watched, helpless, as Michael continued his exploration, the dark hair on his arms now covered with sweat. The gleam in his eyes had been replaced with concern and Sonny held her breath and waited.

  "There. It's ready now. Grab the leg and help me cradle the head."

  Sonny responded numbly and the beats of her heart came irregularly, causing her to gasp at the air that seemed to thin. As the foot appeared, she reached for it with one hand while guiding it carefully with the other. Michael's large hands were around the other foot and the two of them cradled the head which was now between its legs."Quickly," Michael whispered, "ease em' out."

  Sonny's heart was pounding. Carefully, as Graceful Lady tensed every muscle in her large body, she gave one last shove.

  It was finally over.

  The foal lay on the clean hay and Michael threw a towel to Sonny. "Here, we have to wipe em' down."

  She reached for the towel, and followed Michael's lead. His face was still tight and his dark eyes burned with an excitement she had never before seen. She was enthralled with his assurance and the love that he had shown for the baby that now lay at their feet.

  After the two of them wiped down the coat of the foal, Michael smiled. "There, that should get the circulation going."

  He sat back on his heels and watched with interest and amusement in his eyes. The long, spider-like legs seemed incongruous with the large body and the baby wobbled before he fell again.

  Sonny's own legs were unsteady and she wanted to feel the warmth of Michael's arms around her once again.

  "We'll have a fine stallion here, Sonny."

  "You sound like a proud, bragging father."

  "I am. This colt will make racing history.

  Just look at his coloring and the lines of his body."

  The colt was a deep chestnut color, just like his mother. He had a streak of white just between his eyes and around his left leg. He was distinctive and beautiful. Sonny watched him with an emotion that was somewhere between love and exultation.

  She and Michael moved over to the bucket of water, cleaning their hands.

  "It's a wonderful thing, isn't it Sonny. Foaling is the new hope that all horsemen thrive on."

  Sonny turned to look up into Michael's face. What
a marvelously rugged face, she thought, scanning every line with her eyes. If she had felt ill toward him earlier that day, it was over now. All she could see at this moment was the kind and gentle man who had worked so diligently to deliver the baby. And all she could feel were the warm currents of shocks that raced through her body when he touched her.

  "Michael, I've never done anything like this before." Her lips trembled.

  "I know." He pulled her to him and cradled her in the warmth of his chest. Sonny was beyond thinking and she molded the soft curve of her body into his and her arms went around him, touching his back and drying her tears on the warmth of his shirt.

  Michael bent down to kiss her lightly on the forehead. There were no words to be spoken at that moment and they both watched in silcne as the foal, content from his first efforts at nursing, lay down to sleep.

  "What shall we name him?" Michael asked.

  "It's almost twelve, Michael. Can we call him Midnight?"

  He nodded his approval just before his lips touched hers. Moments later they left Lady and her baby and went outside. The night air felt cool against Sonny's warm face. She had walked this path back up to the house many times before, but now there was a spring to her step.

  "I feel like dancing, Michael… or maybe singing, shouting. Do you understand what I mean?"

  "Yes, I do. Come on, and I'll walk you up to the house."

  Michael strode along beside her and she felt that this night should go on forever. Whatever this wonderful feeling was, she didn't want to lose it. Not now.

  "I'm not even tired, Michael. Can you imagine?"

  "That's a normal reaction," Michael said smiling. "Especially your first time."

  "You were pretty excited too. I could see it in your face," Sonny teased.

  "All right, so I did. Every time there's a new life, there's new hope."

  "Hope for that Triple Crown you're always talking about?"

  "Mostly that, but the breeding of good Thoroughbreds goes on. Without it, they wouldn't be the wonderfully pure animals they are today."

  Sonny opened the gate of the white fence that enclosed the Mead house, and took the final few steps up to the back door. What was the feeling that now held her so tightly, she could barely breathe?