THERE WAS NOTHING more exciting to a horse lover than the Kentucky Derby.
Kathy stood with Truman in Far Turn Farms’ owner’s box. They’d been invited for the big day. She clutched her wide-brimmed hat as the breeze threatened to sweep it off her head and scanned the horses coming out onto the track for the last race of the day. The most important race of the day. “Do you see him, Tru?”
They’d taken this trip to celebrate Kathy’s completion of her veterinary-assistant certificate. All her dreams were becoming reality.
“There!” Truman pointed to a two-year-old chestnut colt wearing the distinctive purple and yellow of Far Turn Farms. There were still scars across his chest, but they were faint. And the story of his survival made for great PR. He may not have been the odds-on favorite, but he was a crowd favorite. Everyone wanted to root for Sugar’s First Chance.
Dylan dodged through the crowd to join them, barely limping anymore. He smelled of hay and horses. He put his arm around Kathy. “You should have seen him down there, prancing around like this is no big deal.”
“Have you decided to root for him, then? Instead of Phantom’s colt.” As if on cue, a colt black as night entered the track. He’d been bred before Dylan rescued Phantom.
Dylan scoffed. “That’s like asking which of your kids is your favorite.”
“Me.” Truman laughed. “Zach had to stay at home.”
“You’re my favorite older son.” Dylan ruffled Tru’s ginger hair. “Zach was celebrating Daddy Bob’s birthday this weekend.”
Truman raised his binoculars and watched the horses parade past.
“You didn’t visit Phantom’s Revenge, did you?” Kathy knew her husband too well. He loved all animals, and he still carried home injured ones and strays in addition to the horses that were regularly brought to them. “Please don’t tell me you bet against Chance.”
Dylan kissed Kathy until she was breathless. “I know better than to bet against that horse. He’s a survivor. Like you.”
“It takes one to know one, love.” She wrapped her arms around him and didn’t let go until Chance crossed the finish line. First.
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