Page 17 of All We Thought We Knew
“Kurt and I trailered Moonlight up to Shelbyville. We weren’t there long. Sir Admiral knew exactly what to do.”
Even though I’d grown up on a farm, I felt my face grow warm. I returned my attention to the ledger. “His sire was Big John Blue. I’ve heard that name before.”
“He has an impressive pedigree. Having a foal from his bloodline would be good for Delaney Farm. We’d be able to use that in marketing.”
It was my turn to be surprised. “I don’t remember you ever having an interest in horses. Cars and football were all you thought about in high school.”
Nash pointed to a stack of books on the floor next to the desk. “I’ve been reading up on horse breeding, farm management, bookkeeping. Your dad took a risk hiring me. I want to prove to him that he didn’t make a mistake.”
I couldn’t help but be impressed. “Is the farm doing well? Everything looks good.”
Concern crossed his face. “Some of the owners who raise performance horses got wind that your dad was on board with legislation to ban the practice of soring. Granted, not everyone who enters their horses in competitions uses chemicals or chains and stacked shoes to make the horse lift its feet higher, but your dad and others feel it needs to be stopped. There’s been some troublebecause of Kurt’s stance. False accusations. Rumors of abuse here at Delaney Farm. It’s hurt business.”
My blood boiled. “I’ll never forget the first time I saw a horse that had been sored. The poor thing was in horrific pain. He couldn’t even stand up. It’s a vile practice, and I agree with Dad. There needs to be legislation against it.”
His mouth quirked. “I think the American Horse Protection Association is looking for volunteers to go to Washington. You’d be perfect for the job.”
His teasing didn’t offend me. “Maybe I will.” I returned the ledger to the drawer and stood. “So,” I said as we moved from the office into the interior of the stables. “What’s the routine around here? Is it just you and Dad, or do you have other help?”
I’d seen at least twenty horses in the pastures, with others in paddocks. Between feeding, grooming, exercising, and a plethora of other daily duties, caring for the animals and farm was a big job. Then there were hayfields that needed to be cut, fence and equipment to maintain. Farming isn’t for the faint of heart, that’s for sure.
“Before I was hired, Kurt did everything himself. Your mom told me he was exhausted, but he wouldn’t hire anyone until I came along. It’s still a lot of work for just the two of us, but we manage.”
We exited the stables into midmorning sunshine. I glanced up to the house. “I better check on Mama. If she’s awake, she might be hungry.”
We parted, with neither of us bringing up the unpleasantness from earlier. I made my way to the house. Dad was in the kitchen washing out a small bowl.
He glanced at me when I came through the back door. “Your mama would like you to help her get a bath, if you feel up to it.”
A tremor of apprehension rolled through me. “Is that okay? I won’t hurt her?”
“She enjoys soaking in the warm water. Just be gentle when you help lift her.”
I hurried upstairs. Mama sat in a chair by the bedroom window. Her eyes were closed as warm sunshine spilled over her swollen face.
“Mama?”
She smiled when she saw me. “My Mattie. It’s so good to have you home.”
I took her outstretched hand. “Dad said you’d like to take a bath.”
“Your father is good to help me sponge off, but sometimes a good old-fashioned soak in the tub works wonders on my spirit.”
I helped her get to her feet. She leaned heavily on me as we made our way to the bathroom in the hallway. The slow steps. The weakness I felt in her body. It all seemed surreal.
“I remember helping Granny when she got to the point she couldn’t bathe herself,” Mama said, out of breath after the short walk. I closed the lid on the commode so she could sit down. “Granny had always been so independent. It was hard for her to accept help. Especially from me.”
Working together, we got her undressed and into a tub of warm, sudsy water. I wadded up a towel and placed it behind her head as a cushion.
“Tell me about California,” she said, her eyes partially closed. “Is it as pretty as everyone says?”
Regret choked me as my throat convulsed.
I should have never left. I shouldn’t know what California looks like because I should have never been there. Mama’d needed me here. If I’d been home, I would have seen her growing weaker and insisted she see the doctor. Had my selfishness put Mama in jeopardy?
“Mattie?”
I found her gentle gaze on me. Tears spilled down my cheeks.“If I hadn’t gone away... if I’d been here, you wouldn’t be...” Silent sobs overtook me.
