O'Brien's Lady by Marsha Doss Read Free Book Online

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