"Nick this is the best fried chicken I have ever had," said Carter biting into a chicken leg

"Correction, this is the best fried chicken WE'VE ever had," said Kevin sipping his Dr. Pepper before spooning mashed potatoes on his plate

"Yea Nick where did you learn to make this," said Joe

"Well working at the local diner has its advantages," said Nick putting another leg on Carter's plate. She had apparently had a bad day. Turns out the mare had been spooked by a rattle snake so she really wasn't needed.

"By the way Kevin thanks for fixing my car."

"No problem."

"What was wrong with it anyway?"

"Well like you said it was the carborator but no worries I got it fixed. Your car is up and running."

"Before or after I stepped in," said Nick as the others laughed while Kevin playfully punched Nick's shoulder.

"Hey Joe how's that mare of yours doing," asked Carter as Nick, Kevin, Big Rob and Frankie grinned

"Good, but she looks a bit…"

"Stout," said Nick

"Fat," said Kevin

"Pudgy," suggested Carter

"I was going for bloated but yea."

"Maybe it's the feed you're giving her," said Big Rob winking

"No if it was the feed then wouldn't Atticus be fat too?"
"You know what guys he's right. Maybe it's just Mariposa," said Nick, "by the way he changed his mind about getting another horse."

"A little too late for that," said Frankie eating some green beans. At that moment Joe stopped eating his chicken. He turned to Nick who was smiling. He turned again to see Joe and Carter with equal expressions.

"Excuse me," he asked

"I think it's time for Joe to see Mariposa. Don't you agree guys," said Kevin as everyone nodded. One by one they began to make their way to the barn

"What's wrong with her," asked Joe once they were in the stables

"Come here pretty girl," cooed Kevin leading Mariposa to where Joe was and put his hand to her side, "Joe put your hand right next to mine."

"Why?"

"Joe just do what he says," said Nick while balancing Frankie on his hip

Joe did as he was told and it wasn't long until he finally got it.

"HOLY SHIT SHE'S PREGNANT!"

"Good job Joseph you figured it out," said Carter as she and Nick clapped

"Oh man I'm such an idiot," said Joe going to the front of the horse and kissing her head, "Congratulations girl."

"So I guess you will be getting that third horse after all huh?" said Frankie

"Yea I guess so."

"By the way we're going to have to be on round the clock watch," said Carter

"Why?" asked Kevin

"Cause horse number three is about to make his or her grand appearance."

*Four Weeks Later*

"How's it going," asked Nick from his spot at the stove. Kevin had just walked in with Joe not far behind. Both boys looked exhausted, except Kevin was leaning on Joe

"Depends on what you call getting stepped on by a horse. A pregnant one at that," said Kevin as Joe slowly lowered him to the couch. At that moment Nick stopped what he was doing and went to tending Kevin.

"Just be thankful that she didn't head butt you. I heard that was the strongest part in a horse," said Nick as he gently took off his brother's boot, but that still didn't stop Kevin from crying out in pain causing Nick to stop.

"Hey Nick when you get done taking care of Kevin's foot can you please bring out some warm water," said Joe

"Yea Joe," said Nick, "but before you go back out there to help Carter can you get me that wooden spoon over there."

"Yea why," said Joe handing his brother the spoon who put it in Kevin's mouth

"This is why."

With that Nick removed the boot in one fluid motion causing Kevin to scream out in pain.

"SHIT! NICHOLAS WARN ME NEXT TIME!"

"I did. I put the spoon in your mouth."

"WELL NEXT TIME TELL ME TO GRAB SOMEONES HAND OR SOMETHING!"

"Sure thing bro."

An hour later Kevin was in a cast and back outside with Joe, Nick and Carter. It was now currently 9 pm and still no baby horse…yet.

"How much longer," asked Frankie who was half way asleep on Kevin's lap

"Could be about another hour. Why don't you boys go get some sleep," said Carter

"I'm not leaving," said Joe

"Neither am I," said Kevin standing by Joe

"Kev you broke your foot," said Nick

"So I'm not crippled. I promise I'll stay off it tomorrow."

"Fine I'm gonna go put Frankie to bed. I'll be back shortly."

Nick was about to pick up Frankie when he was stopped by said brother.

"Nick I want to see the baby get born," said Frankie

"You're about the fall asleep kiddo."

"Let him stay Nick," said Carter, "Birth is an amazing thing."

Nick willingly agreed and let Frankie stay. An hour went by and still nothing. Nick and Frankie dosed off for 30 minutes before opening their eyes again.

"Anything," asked a tired Nick standing next to Kevin

"If by that you mean one more push and we'll have horse number 3 then yes."

"Wait no longer," said Joe wiping his hands on a towel, "Come here."

The three followed their brother to Mariposa's stall and soon were looking at the newborn horse that Carter was wiping off.

"Well he's a handsome devil," she said as the young horse tired to stand up

"He sure is," said Kevin letting the foul sniff his hand, "Have you got a name for him?"

"How about Mickey Mouse?" said Carter as the boys looked at her funny

"Someone read The Outsiders. What about Acorn," suggested Nick as Frankie petted the horse

"He looks like a Stark," said Kevin. Everyone stopped for a moment then grinned

"I like it," said Joe as he too began to pet the young horse, "Stark it is."