O'Brien's Lady - By Marsha Doss Page 0,26

the important thing to remember. He has to learn to take his commands from that rein."

"All right, but he's strong." She pulled back slightly on the reins, just enough to let the colt know that she was still doing the leading. His head turned in her direction and then he slowed to a comfortable gait.

"She's got em' now," Will said. "Look at em' Michael, he can hardly wait to run again." Will's dark eyes burned with excitement and he folded his arms and watched Midnight responding to training. He had waited many years for this kind of a horse, and was sorry that J.B. weren't here to see it himself.

Michael came forward and situated himself so that Sonny had to brush past him each time she made

the round. She tried to keep her head turned away, but some force pulled her around and each time, she looked into Michael dark eyes.

He was not the gentle made in the dark room who had kissed her with such warmth. Now he was strong and determined and every bit the experienced trainer.

As her leg brushed past his she felt the surge of excitement that passed through her and she tried to move away the next time.

The afternoon breeze rifled through Sonny's hair, and she forgot about the split end she had just conditioned and reached in her pocket for a rubber band. Tieing her hair back from her face, she watched Graceful Lady take the lead as she was returned to the ring. Midnight's haltar was removed and he followed close behind. As the chestnut horses galloped around, the green pines served as nature's perfect back drop for their sleek, muscular bodies.

"There's not a creature on this green earth to top the Thoroughbred," Will said.

"I think you're right," Sonny agreed as sheleaned against the wood fence.

Will slipped his arm around her shoulder.

"Your father loved this place. He was always happy to be home after his travels."

Sonny turned away, but not so quickly that Will could not see the pain in her blue eyes. He had

watched her leave the farm, and now she was back, fitting into the routine of the stables quite nicely. He noted the sheer joy on her young face as she worked with the Lady and her colt. Those were signs of hope. For, if Sonny did not stay here, then a sale might be eventual and Will could not bear to leave his home or the animals he loved.

Michael closed the gate and joined them. "He's coming around, Dad."

"You handled him well, son."

Michael ruffled Will's salt and pepper hair with his hand in a playful gesture. "I had a good teacher."

Sonny watched their playful exchange and envied them. Her father was not a playful man. He was serious most of the time, bent on his business and keeping things run smoothly.

Sonny had always admired those traits in J.B. She on the other hand was impulsive. Given to change, she didn't always think things through. Even her trip to France had been quickly decided. Her long time friend Jan had landed a modeling contract with an agency in Paris and wanted a roommate. Sonny had gone along, hoping to get enough work herself through an agency to help pay the rent.

Modeling had soon bored Sonny, and through her photography, she found the career that best suited her needs and talents. She wondered what life would have been like if she had stayed here. Would she and her father ever had time together? It was a question that occurred to her often and one she would never have answered.

Michael gave his father a mock punch in the stomach and then turned his attention to Sonny.

"You look bushed. How about dinner with me, tonight?"

Sonny shook her head. After his appearance in the dark room earlier that morning, she preferred to keep her distance. "I have some reading to catch up on. Maybe some other time."

Will winked at Sonny. "Better say yes. He may not make the offer again."

"Yes, I will. Again…will you have dinner with me?" Michael's eyes danced with merriment and

one thick eyebrow arched as he watched her reaction. She suddenly found him hard to resist, and what could be wrong with dinner. She would just see that he kept his distance.

"All right, Michael. I'll go." Sonny smiled and winked mischievously at Will, whose face shown with satisfaction.

Michael swept his hand under her chin and kissed her lightly on the tip of her nose. "I'll shower and change and pick you