Crown Prince Challenged by Linda Snow McLoon Read Free Book Online Page A

can’t expect me to stop riding my horse just because a freaky thing happened!
    â€œSarah, calm down,” her father replied sternly. “Your mother and I put a high priority on your safety. We don’t want to someday have to ask ourselves why we permitted you to be in a hazardous situation. I think I will have a conversation with Jack about this. It’s all about risk, and how much risk you’re exposed to riding that horse.”
    Mrs. Wagner was frowning. “And remember, our position hasn’t changed one iota. If that horse is dangerous, you cannot keep him. He will have to go back to Hank Bolton.” Her mother picked up Abby’s plate and began spooning from the serving dish. “In the meantime, let’s have dinner. This was the first day of school, and I’d like to hear how it went for both of you.”
    Later, after the table had been cleared and the dishes loaded into the dishwasher, Sarah decided to get started on her geometry homework. She picked up her school bag and headed for the desk in her room. Before she got to the stairs, the telephone rang. As usual, Abby jumped up to answer it. “It’s for you, Dad,” she said. Abby gave no indication who the caller might be, but Sarah decided to hang around a moment to see.
    Her father was only on the phone for a short time, and with his back to her, Sarah couldn’t hear what he was saying. After he hung up, he turned to face Sarah and her mother. “That was Jack O’Brien. He and Kathleen have been out to dinner and would like to stop by on their way back to the farm. They should be here soon.” Mr. Wagner looked at his wife. “He didn’t say what he wants to talk to us about, but I think we have a pretty good idea.”
    For Sarah, all thoughts about homework were gone. This would be the first time Jack had ever come to their home. He must be worried about her fall. What was he going to say to her parents?
    Abby went into the family room to watch
America’s Got Talent,
but the rest of the Wagner family sat in the living room waiting for the O’Briens to arrive. So many thoughts ran through Sarah’s mind. Could Jack have decided that Prince was not the right horse for her? Was he planning to tell her parents he’d made a mistake in approving the horse at the end of the thirty-day trial? Sarah gripped the arms of her chair a little tighter. She would just die if she had to give up her horse!
    It wasn’t long before the O’Briens’ SUV turned into their driveway, its headlights lighting up the yard. When the doorbell rang, Sarah went to answer it. Her eyes met Jack’s, but no words were spoken as she ushered the O’Briens into the living room. Kathleen looked so pretty, dressed in a green skirt and matching top that complimented her dark auburn hair, a change from the riding pants she always wore when she worked at the farm. It seemed strange to see Jack wearing casual clothes.
    Sarah retreated to her chair while her father welcomed the O’Briens. “May I offer you some coffee or a cold drink?” Mrs. Wagner asked, as they sat down on the sofa.
    â€œThanks, but no,” Kathleen said. “We just had dinner at that new Thai restaurant at the beach.”
    Jack looked serious when he began to speak. “We won’t be stopping with you long, but I suspect Sarah has had a chance to tell you what happened earlier today.” He looked inquiringly across the room at Sarah and her parents. She nodded slightly to let Jack know his news would not be a surprise.
    â€œYes, Jack,” Mrs. Wagner said. “Sarah told us about coming upon the wild turkeys on the trail and how she fell off her horse. You should know that we’re upset to learn that happened. We thought that Prince had proven he would be a safe horse for Sarah to ride.”
    â€œThe trial period was over weeks ago,” Mr. Wagner said, “but that doesn’t mean