Free The Blackstone Legacy by Rochelle Alers Page A

the children on a tour of the property to see firsthand what makes up a working horse farm. I want them to talk to the grooms, trainers, the people who put up and repair fences, cut the grass, muck out the stables and bale hay. I’d even like to give them a tour of the kitchen. It will help them to appreciate where they live and the importance of their parents’ jobs.”
    Sheldon flashed one of his rare smiles. “Let me know when you want to do it, and I’ll set it up.”
    â€œHow about next week?”
    â€œMonday is a holiday, so that’s out. By the way, we always have big outdoor doings to celebrate Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.”
    Kelly mentally filed this information. “What if we do it over four days? An hour for each presentation should be enough. Any more time than that will challenge their attention span, especially since they know everyone.”
    â€œYou’re right about that. Kids growing up on a farm tend to know a lot more than city kids when it comes to things like birth and reproduction, but we have strict rules about keeping kids away from the mares in heat. Seeing a stallion mount a mare canbe an awesome sight for a child, especially if they believe he’s hurting her.”
    Waves of heat warmed Kelly’s cheeks. She’d seen dogs and cats mate, but not horses. “Thanks for your cooperation.”
    â€œDon’t mention it,” Sheldon said as he left.
    One of the kitchen personnel walked in with breakfast, and the children raced over to the sink to wash their hands as Kelly smiled at her charges. They were so eager to learn and to please. She had bonded quickly with them, refusing to think of the time when she would be forced to let them go.
    The wall telephone rang, and she rushed over to answer it. “Blackstone Day School, Miss Kelly speaking.”
    â€œGood morning, Miss Kelly.”
    Her heart leapt, turning over when she heard the deep, drawling voice. “Hi, Ryan.”
    â€œHow are you?”
    â€œGood.” She wanted to tell him she was very good now that she’d heard his voice. “Sheldon told me about the mare.”
    â€œPeachy Keen is still in recovery, but I expect her to come through okay. She stopped racing several years ago, so we’ve used her exclusively for breeding purposes. Thankfully she has already foaled two colts, both of which could be potential winners.”
    Kelly smiled. “That’s good for Blackstone Farms.”
    â€œYou’ve got that right. I’ll probably be here untilthe end of the week. I want to wait to bring her back.” There was a noticeable pause. “If you’re not busy on Friday, I’d like to take you out for dinner.”
    Kelly wrinkled her nose. Ryan was asking her out. Finally her sister could stop haranguing her about not dating. “I have to check my calendar, but I believe I should be able to put aside a few hours for you Friday evening, Dr. Blackstone.”
    His sensual laugh came through the wire. “Still with the quick tongue? I believe I have the perfect remedy to take care of your tongue.”
    â€œReally?” she teased.
    â€œYes, really, Kelly.”
    â€œHang up, Ryan.”
    â€œYou first.”
    â€œBye.” Depressing the hook, she ended the call. A dreamy smile settled into her features, one that lingered throughout the day.

Chapter Seven
    S ean sat on the padded bench at the foot of his father’s bed, watching Ryan loop the length of a dark brown tie into a knot under the collar of a white shirt. “Do I have to sleep at Grandpa’s tonight?”
    Ryan caught his son’s reflection in the mirror over a triple dresser. He tightened the tie, then turned to stare at Sean. “Yes, Sean.”
    The young boy stuck out his lower lip. “But, Daddy,” he wailed.
    â€œNo whining, Sean. What is it you want?”
    â€œI want to sleep over with Travis and Trent. They are