Page 36 of Beneath Pearly Irish Skies
Chapter Nine
His dad was going to be stubborn.
Even though Kade wasn’t surprised, he still had to fight the bite of frustration rising inside him as he patted one of the five horses his father had presented to him. The giant black Oldenburg nickered as if he sensed the tension in his father’s stables. “Dad, none of these stallions are going to work for Legend.”
“Why not?” he asked, pointing to a beautiful chestnut Dutch Warmblood. “Titan would be perfect for her. As would any of these stallions.”
Kade walked over to his father so they were only a meter apart. “Dad, none of them are gentle enough.”
“Gentle?” he scoffed, his mouth twisting. “This is breeding, son. Not pony riding.”
Duke chose that moment to pad into the shed. He’d told the dog to stay in their part of the yard, and it was unusual for him not to listen. Sorcha’s doing? “You asked me to help you find a horse Legend would accept. None of these will do.”
His father put his hands on his hips and glared at him. “How do you know?”
Duke gave aruffas he said, “I know.”
“What about Red Zephyr?” his father pressed.
He’d thought about it and dismissed it. Sometimes two animals—or people—who were healing could help each other, and both would benefit from the connection equally. This wasn’t one of those times. “Not a good match either.”
His father tapped his foot a moment, looking like a vexed horse, before saying, “Then what are we going to do, eh?” He started to lead the horses back into their stalls, and Kade stepped in to help as his father’s trainers had wisely left the shed.
“Show me some other horses that meet your criteria,” Kade said, opening the Marwari’s stall and putting a hand on the horse’s flank when he stomped a foot, mirroring his father. “None of that now.”
“That one’s trouble,” his father said. “Mind yourself, or he might take a chunk out of you.”
He snorted. They both knew he’d never been bitten by a horse. His father had a few scars from them, but then again, he liked to struggle and battle with everything. Kade understood it fed something primal inside of him—he just didn’t possess the same instinct.
“You’re supposed to put Legend in the right mind for breeding with a horse of my choosing,” his father said, pushing a black Arabian back into his stall when he showed a spurt of rebellion. “Not make my life harder.”
“Dad, I’m not trying to make your life harder,” he said, nudging the Marwari into his stall.
“So I need to search for a gentle horse with great breeding.” Killian’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “Any suggestions then? We’re talking about a Morgan or an Appaloosa, right?”
“Or a Connemara pony,” Kade said, expecting an explosion in response.
“We’ve had this discussion before.” His dad secured the last stallion in his stall. “I am not using a Connemara for breeding.”
“It would be a good choice for Legend, Dad.”
His growl made Duke race out of the stable. “Why?”
His father knew why, but Kade said patiently, “Connemaras are known for their athleticism and heart. Legend already has plenty of speed and heart. The match would be sound.”
“You give me an impossible task.” His father stomped over to the Arabian. “You think Joris will accept anything other than the best in a foal?”
“He’ll accept whatever breeding you do, Dad.” Kade rubbed the back of his neck. “You know your business.”
“But a Connemara isn’t my choice,” Killian said, his mouth tight.
“Be open.” He checked his watch. “I have to go. You’re going to find the right horse, Dad. I somehow think it will be right under our noses.”
“Wait a minute!” his father called as he started to walk away.
“Yes, Dad,” he said, setting his hands to his hips impatiently.
“Eoghan O’Dwyer came by this morning to ask me to host the horse race they’re planning for this St. Stephen’s Day fair for the arts center.” His scowl told Kade what he thought of that. “He mentioned Donal’s concern about securing a permit for the event. It seems he and his father remembered that my mother took care of Tom MacKenna’s grandmother back in the day.”
