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

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.