Kentucky Sunrise Read Online Free PDF Page B

Littletree watched his wife when she stepped out of the car at Blue Diamond Farms, a look of pure rapture on her face. She was home, and that said it all. He felt out of control for the first time in their yearlong marriage.
    Nealy had agreed to move to Santa Fe so he could be near his legal firm, which also meant she could be near her son Nick. His stomach started to grind in turmoil as he watched her run down to the barn, where Emmie was waiting for her. He watched mother and daughter hug, and even from this distance could see the tears on both their faces.
    Had he made a mistake by taking Nealy to Santa Fe? After this reunion visit, he would know for certain. He listened to their excited chatter. He couldn’t remember the last time Nealy had been so animated, so excited. This was her home, and she missed it. Maybe it was time to make some adjustments in their lives.
    Hatch walked down to the barn when Nealy motioned to him. “Hurry, Hatch, Emmie wants us to see the two yearlings. Oh, I can’t wait to see those two beauties.”
    â€œThey’re in the north paddock, Mom,” Emmie said, as she hugged Hatch. She winced when he squeezed her. “It’s good to see both of you. Come on,” she said, walking away, trying not to limp. Today both her knees and ankles were hurting. She’d put on Ace bandages but they weren’t helping. She didn’t want to think about how many aspirin she’d taken already, and the day was just beginning.
    Gadfly and Hifly were grazing on the spring grass when the trio approached. Gadfly raised his head and looked at Emmie.
    â€œOh, Emmie, he’s a beauty,” Nealy said, admiring the horse’s conformation. She leaned over the board fencing to see him better.
    Hatch could see the sparkle and the love in his wife’s eyes and knew the answer to the question he’d asked himself just moments ago. Yes, it had been a mistake moving Nealy to Santa Fe. He’d been selfish trying to keep her to himself. Nealy belonged at Blue Diamond Farms with her horses.
    â€œWhere’s Hifly?”
    Emmie pointed to the paddock farther down. She watched as her mother frowned. “That’s the horse you think has potential! He looks like a runt! No! How much did you say you paid for him? For God’s sake, Emmie, his legs are too short. He could never run the distance. On top of that, he looks like a plow horse. You actually paid money for this plug!”
    Emmie deflated like a pricked balloon. “I disagree. I know he’s small and that his legs are short, but he has heart, Mom. I paid five thousand for him at Keeneland like I told you in my letter. He might not look like Gadfly, but his sire is still Shufly. I’m sorry you don’t like him, but it doesn’t really matter. He’s mine, and I’m training him.”
    Nealy looked up to see Hatch flash her a warning look. She backed down immediately. “I’m sorry, Emmie. I guess I didn’t think Shufly could produce anything but large, beautiful offspring. He is small. He’s strange-looking, too. What exactly are you training him to do?”
    â€œMaybe some stakes races. Maybe the Derby. If I could find just the right jockey, I think he could run the Derby. I mean that. Take a good look at him, Mom. He’s an absolute love. He’s gentle, he listens, and he’s a quick learner. Gadfly is none of those things, plus he’s mean as hell. Mean, Mom. Tell me who Hifly reminds you of?”
    â€œJohn Henry,” Nealy said without thinking. “Everyone remembers John Henry and his rags-to-riches story. He’s a legend.”
    â€œNobody wanted this guy. It was actually embarrassing. Metaxas wanted to give him to me, but I said no. So I bid five thousand bucks for him, and he’s all mine. I think he knew no one wanted him and was grateful to me for taking him. He’s good as gold. You know, Mom, you aren’t always right. Give me some