O'Brien's Lady - By Marsha Doss Page 0,37

you," Michael said.

"Do that, lad, and good luck today. I hear your entry's got a good chance."

"We hope so." Michael flashed a confident smile in Sonny's direction and she knew that he was more certain of a win than he indicated.

As Seamus moved away, Sonny looked up at Michael with question in her blue eyes. "You're so sure Bright Fancy will do it, why did you act so hesitant?"

"Never hurts to keep em' wondering." A smile embraced the corners of Michael's mouth.

As Sonny watched Bright Fancy in the ring, just prior to the race, she felt an unexpected sense of pride. It had been one thing to work at Pinebrook and care for the horses, but now, watching one of their finest actually preparing made her heart skip.

Billy led her around as the people gathered marking their programs, deciding sometimes by appearance which horse would carry their wager. Sonny could feel the excitement around her and she wondered why it had taken this many years for her to see what this was all about.

"Michael, I think everyone is watching Bright Fancy." Sonny tugged at his elbow, talking inconspicuously out of the corner of her mouth.

"She's a beautiful horse and they know it."

"Look how high she holds her head. That's important isn't it?"

Michael placed an arm around her shoulder.

"Very. Now, let's get ready. They'll be leading them out soon. Do you want to "give a leg up?" Michael asked.

"What do you mean?"

"As owner, one of us helps the rider onto his mount. It's tradition."

Sonny followed Michael over to the side of Bright Fancy, where he talked with Billy, giving him last minute instructions.

"Don't let her take the lead too soon. Wait, be patient, and cut loose around the turn and down the home stretch," Michael instructed.

"Got it! This will be our day, you'll see. She's responding well and this morning's work-out was good." Billy smiled broadly as he adjusted the red and white hat atop his head. His silks were a combination of stripes and dots and his white pants and high black boots hugged his body.

Sonny began to feel the excitement build in the pit of her stomach as the riders were asked to mount and be led out to the starting gate.

She cupped her hands and Billy stepped into them and hoisted himself up on the strong back of Bright Fancy.

"I know she'll win, Billy," Sonny assured him as her blue eyes sparkled.

"We'll give it our best shot," he said.

As the horses were paraded out onto the field,

Sonny was filled with a proud kind of exuberance. For the moment she was beginning to forget Paris, Pierre and anything else that did not directly relate to where she was and what was happening.

"Let's go back upstairs," Michael suggested as he gently put his hand under her elbow.

"Oh no, Michael. Let's go outside, by the fence. I want to be down there when she goes over the finish line."

Michael was stirred with feelings that were again getting out of control as he watched the enthusiasm building in her face. He had brought her here hoping to show her the final product of the farm, but he had not expected or anticipated her response.

It was more than he had hoped for.

Sonny leaned against the fence that separated spectators from the track, and she reached for the binoculars around her neck, focusing them in on the starting gate across the field. She watched Billy as he guided Bright Fancy into the stall, patting her on the side as he waited for the bell. The crowd was mingling around, enjoying the afternoon soon and she listened as the voice over the loud speaker announced the next race.

"They're off!"

Almost instantly, the stands came alive with cheering and everyone around her was standing by the fence, waiting for their favorite to take the lead. Faces were strained as they tried to catch a glimpse of the horses as they moved away from the gate.

Putting the binoculars back to her eyes, Sonny began to cheer. "Fancy. Fancy. Come on, girl. Come on."

Michael could barely keep his eyes on the race, for his attention was turned to the woman at his side. The sun sent shimmers of light through her golden hair and he could smell the fresh, sweet fragrance of her cologne, sending strange sensations through his body which almost touched hers. She was caught up in the thrill of the race and her head bobbed up and down as she positioned herself to see better.

"Michael, she's