Bluegrass State of Mind(69)
"Thanks so much, Paige. I'm going to run out to the farm and show Will. He’s on duty tonight, so I think I'll bring him some dinner, too.”
“Okay, have fun. Remember to check your hair for straw before you go to work tomorrow. It would take a whole new meaning to casual Friday if you didn’t!”
Kenna parked her car in the circular drive and looked up at Will’s parents’ house. It was U-shaped and made of brick, which was painted a pristine white. The door and shutters were painted black and made the whole house look elegant.
The front door opened after she knocked on it and Betsy appeared. Totally put together as always, Betsy welcomed Kenna. “Hello, my dear. I didn’t know you were coming over.”
“Hi, Mrs. Ashton. I went Derby shopping and brought some things over to show Will. I also brought him some dinner since I know he’ll be out at the barn all night.”
“You simply must call me Betsy. Will has already gone down to the barn to sit with Spires Landing and Naked Boot Leg.” Betsy shook her head. “I hate that name. William named Spires Landing and I loved it. But, William told Will that Boots wouldn't become a racehorse and he could name it whatever he wanted. The horse William chose, which was supposed to be the Derby contender, was named Spires Edge. Will took exception to the fact we didn’t pick the same horse. One night, he and some of his old teammates who were visiting got carried away and picked this name for him. I call him Boots, but I'll let you know that while I smile and cheer for him, I cringe every time I hear his name called.”
“I can understand that. Will tried to explain what the name meant, but I just did the smile and nod thing.”
“Go on down to the barn, and I'll see you next week for the party.” Betsy pointed down to the road beside the house that led to the stallion barn.
Kenna walked to her car and was putting the covered dish in the back seat when she heard the front door open again.
“Kenna!”
Kenna raised her head and smiled at William. “Hi, Mr. Ashton.”
“It’s William, and I wanted to tell you to honk your horn when you're approaching the barn. Normally, we don’t want to disturb the horses, but since it's dark out, we started this so Will knows it’s someone friendly coming toward him. I wouldn’t want him to accidentally shoot you.”
“Shoot me?”
“Yes, Will is sitting down there with a loaded rifle so make sure you announce yourself.”
“Is the rifle really necessary?”
“Well, Spires Landing is insured for over $30 million and Boots has the same potential. Wouldn’t you use a gun to guard a barn with the combined worth of $60 million?”
“I didn’t think about it that way. I guess I would.”
“Just be careful and make sure you honk. Good night, hon.”
“Good night, William.” Kenna got into the driver’s seat and started down the small paved road. She passed some barns and followed the arrows pointing to the stallion barn. When it finally came into view, she honked her horn and saw the barn door open. Will stood there with a rifle leaning against the open door.
She smiled and waved, though she knew Will would have a hard time seeing the smile in the dim light. She looked around for a place to park and saw Will’s truck in a small parking lot on the far side of the circled driveway.
She parked and reached around to retrieve Will’s dinner when she heard him open her door. “This is a pleasant surprise. You’re right in time. I was just starting to tell the horses about you.”
“Good thing I decided to come see you then.” She handed him the covered dish that had a big BLT sandwich and chips on it. “I thought you might want a snack.”
“Thank you.” He put the dish on top of the car and pulled her toward him for a searing kiss. “Come on, I’ll show you around the barn and introduce you to the boys.” He put his arm around her waist and led her to the barn.
She got to meet Spires Landing first and was shocked by how large he was. He seemed so imposing. But as Will had mentioned, he seemed only interested in the sugar cube she had in her hand. He nuzzled her with approval when she opened her palm to him.
Boots was just the opposite. He was smaller and more compact. He wasn’t won over by the sugar cube. It took an apple to get him over on her side. “They’re amazing. I can’t believe how much personality they have.”
“Yeah, they’re something alright. Boots has a sense of humor and likes to play with his jockey before the race. Boots refuses to allow him to mount until the jockey scratches him behind the ears. As soon as he does, Boots lets him up. If he doesn’t, Boots dances around and will try to buck him off. Spires, on the other hand, is nothing but a sweetheart. He'd be perfectly happy just letting people feed and pet him.”