O'Brien's Lady - By Marsha Doss Page 0,33

early. Michael had seen those same moments his father had and knew that beneath that stubborn, spoiled exterior there beat a kind heart.

For some reason, over the years, Michael had never questioned J.B Mead about his choice of keeping Sonny away at school. He only knew that he looked forward to some holidays and summer vacation when she returned. Even though she was aloof and not willing to come down to the stalls, he would find her watching from afar. She had been a vision that filled his mind. Although he was four years older, he felt she could be pretty remarkable, if she could ever realize just what a wonderful world the Thoroughbreds provided.

Sonny had been given the opportunity to learn, and there were moments of great triumph and joy when he saw it in her face. The way she cared for Lady and Midnight were the most endearing thought that prevailed. Prevailed in his heart while his mind told him this was a bad situation and nothing good would come.

Sonny stepped into her jeans, still trying to steady her trembling hands. She knew Michael would be waiting for her, hoping to see some sign of his impact upon her earlier. He would be waiting to give her the most tiring thing he could find. Anything to make her feel uncomfortable. She was determined to not have him gloating, about waking her so abruptly.

Her late night with Pierre had been exhausting. Stepping back into the cra2ily busy world she had left was almost too much for her, In Pierre's world shopping, seeing people and being seen was at the top of the list. Appearance was everything to him, Now, she felt almost out of place wearing heels, primping in front of the mirror, wearing more make-up and spending too much time on her hair.

She felt comfortable in jeans and boots, and now it would be good to get back down to the ring to photograph Graceful Lady and the sweet Jove between the two animals. Midnight was growing stronger each and every day and responded eagerly to her gentle voice and was responsive to her touch that each day was exciting in its own way.

Sonny pulled her long hair back with a rubber band, tucked her blue plaid shirt in at the waist and slipped on her boots. She glanced over at the clock and was surprised that it was already ten o'clock.

By the time she reached the exercise ring, Michael was already working Midnight with the halter. The chestnut colt responded quickly to Michael's firm grasp and walked proudly with his head held high.

"Where's Billy?" she asked as she entered the ring and took over the reins.

"He's over at Bay Meadows working out with the two-year olds."

Sonny held the reins firmly, but coaxing Midnight in a gentle way. "That's right, Midnight," she said as a smile covered her face.

Michael watched Sonny as she moved with the animal, her blue eyes aglow with pride. He remembered, as a young boy, his father had allowed him to work with a filly one summer. She had been in his dreams at night and in his thoughts all day. He had taken such pride in watching her grow and respond to his command.

As he watched Sonny he felt an urge to hold her. If given enough time, she could learn to be apart of his life and this farm, but with only a few weeks left, there seemed little hope of that happening. He might have had a chance if Pierre hadn't shown up, but now, with the glamour of Paris at her doorstep, she'd never be inclined to stay at Pinebrook.

The future of the farm still troubled Michael. He was not certain that he and his father could come up with the amount she would surely demand to buy out her half of the business. How much easier things would have been if J.B. had left the farm to Will O'Brien. Perhaps then Sonny would not have resented the intrusion upon her inheritance.

After working with the colt, Sonny attended to his grooming. Michael had offered to help, but she preferred taking care of him herself. She loved the luster that came into his coat after the brushing and rubbing and the way his mane became silky and fine to the touch.

''Finished?" Michael asked.

"Almost. Are we on a tight schedule today?" Her words were clipped.

"You've been here long enough to know the schedule."

"I've been here long enough to know what I need