Black Stallion: Hopeful Chapter 12 Mr. Rosenbalm rushes into the waiting room as he sees Alec collapse and Henry lower him to the floor. "Oh Lord , no! Alexzina!"
Henry quickly tells Rosenbalm, "She's fine."
"Oh thank God." he sighs. Then he gets confused, "Then what happened to him?"
Bill gives Anthony his chair, "Sit, Anthony." Anthony sits. "Twins." Anthony laughs until tears come to his face.
The doctor smiles, "The babies are in the nursery, when he comes to."
A few minutes later Alec comes around. He sees Anthony. Bill smiles at his son, "I know how you feel. Come on, lets go see those babies."
Alec carefully gets to his feet. Bill and Henry guide Alec following Belle. They come to the nursery. The nurse Alec had challenged, smiles at Alec now. She pushes two bassinets towards the window. Alec sees his children for the first time. A little girl with red fuzz and a little boy with his mother's dark hair.
Anthony laughs, "Alec, when I said more than one, you didn't have to do it right away!" Alec blushes.
Belle squeezes her son's hands, "What are their names?"
Alec smiles, "Beth Rose and Ralph William." They all smile. The nurse motions to Alec. He comes to the side door. The nurse has him sit in the rocking chair. She tucks a child into each arm. He kisses them both and then sings them a song his mother used to sing to him. The adults smile at the boy who grew up too fast. He has a new roll now: Parenthood.
When Alex awakens in her room she finds Alec's head beside her arm. She sees her father asleep in the chair across the room. "Alec?" she croaks out.
He lifts his head, "Hi darling."
She smiles, "I can breathe. I feel like I got my lungs back." He smiles and strokes her brow. "I've decided that breeding is cruelty to the mares."
"Okay, anything you want." he smiles.
She gets afraid, "The baby…." He holds up two fingers and stares at him confused. "Hunh?"
"You my beautiful wife, had twins. A boy and a girl."
"How are they?" she is stunned.
"Just fine. They are very healthy," he eases her. She relaxes and sighs. He frames her face with his hands. "I guess it's good we had one of each name." She nods.
She holds his hands, "Are you okay?"
He beams at her, "I am now."
She has tears in her eyes, "I want to go home."
He nods, "Get some rest. It will be a few days."
Then he can hear the commotion in the hall way. Anthony wakes up. He kisses his daughter's head. He looks into the hall.
"It's the press. Do you want me to handle it? I don't mind." Alec nods. "Alexzina, what do you want said?"
"Tell them that Alec Ramsey won a triple crown today. You did win the race, right?" Anthony laughs. "Tell them he is a proud father."
Alec keeps his eyes on his wife, "Tell them I won't leave my beautiful wife's side."
"What about your racing career?"
"It just got a little bit more challenging keeping up with family life. Maybe I'll switch to marathons."
Anthony laughs. He gathers the press further down the hall, "Okay boys. Lets go outside so these mothers can get some rest."
The headlines the next day:
Ramsey Wins Triple Crown
And then it goes on to explain why officials has whisked Alec through the formalities so he could be with his wife for a complicated delivery of twins. It went on to list his history of wins and amazing success. But the closing of the article was, would the excitement of parenthood take the place of racing. What does Black think of this?
Alec and Alex took the sedan home about a week later with their precious children. Alec had never driven so carefully. Alex couldn't help but tease him.
They arrive home. Bill and Belle carry bring the babies into the house while Alec carries Alex up the steps to their home. Once they are settled into the house, Alec nervously looks at his children sleeping in his cradle beside the couch.
Bill teases him, "Alec, you've tamed wild horses and you are afraid?"
Alec nods and nervously laughs, "This is forever, Dad."
His dad wraps his arms around his strong son. He turns him to looks at the horses out in the pasture, "Yes it is son. And then you get phone calls and telegraphs of boats sinking, planes crashing, horse races gone…"
Alec sighs, "I'm so sorry Dad. I never realized…"
Bill laughs, "And then you see that look on your child face that he knows what he is doing. He's good at it. And he's happy."
Everything comes full circle to him. Alec turns to his father and sobs into his shoulder. His father shares his tears. For all those times Bill thought he had lost Alec to Henry, to the Black, to the misfortunes… his son has come back to him.
The next morning, Bell sees her husband and son head out with Black and Black Bear for a gentle walk in the park. She smiles and goes back to make breakfast for the family.
She brings it to Alex in the main room with the children. She is holding Ralph while Beth sleeps. She can see Bill and Alec leaving. She smiles. She knows there is a strained bond between them. She holds her son a little tighter. She hopes she can hold her bond with her children through the thick and thin too.
A few hours later the doorbell rings. Alex tells Belle beside her, "I got it. I need the exercise." She give Beth to Belle.
She goes to the door and opens it. She is surprised to see a man her age in Arab dress. Clearly by his skin tone, he is also Arabian. "Hello?"
He bows slightly. With a hand to his chest he says, "I am Raj. This is my friend Ali. I was hoping to find Mr. Alexander Ramsey."
She stares at him for a moment. Then it dons on her. She beams a smile, "Raj! Of course. Please come in. Alec should be back soon. I am Alec's wife, Alexzina." She steps back and lets them into the house.
As they step in she introduces him to Belle, "This is Alec's mother Belle. Belle, this is Raj and Ali. He helped Alec find Abu."
Belle beams, "It's so good to met you. Please you are welcome to sit."
Raj smiles that Alex knew the story. He sees the children and turns to Alex curious. Alex sits down too, "Yes, these are our children Ralph and Beth."
Raj gives them a blessing.
About thirty minutes pass. When Alec sees a strange car in front of the house he dashes up the stairs. He opens the front door and is very surprised to see and Arab man holding his daughter tenderly. Everyone turns to Alec. Raj carefully puts Beth back into his mother's arms. Then comes to Alec.
The years may have been long but friendship know no time boundaries.
"Raj…" Alex sighs excitedly. They clasp each other in brotherly bond. Then Raj steps back and laughs.
"So Alec, you, a father?"
Alec blushes, "Yeah, still trying to get used to that myself."
There is a hearty laugh around the room. After a good welcome. Alec can see something is serious for Raj. Ali stays in the house. Alec takes Raj to Black. They slip between the rails. Raj is exited to see a healthy Shatan. Black seems to squeal with delight at the smell of his birthplace.
Then Raj tells him seriously, "Ali is a family member. He has made a choice that could have fatal ramifications for him in the Sahara. But is would not be bad here in the states. I care for him greatly. I can't bear the thought of his death. So I am asking you to please take Ali in. He will be good for your Hopeful Farm. He is wonderful with horses. You would never be sorry you took him in."
Alec is very curious. "What did he do Raj?"
Raj sighs heavily, "He has turned his back on the Muslim world. He has become a Christian. He is supposed to be killed. But I have chosen banishment."
Alec puts a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Yes of course he can stay. He is your family. I will take him in as my own."
Raj smiles, "I prayed you would. I know your faith would welcome him in. I knew your friendship would also."
Alec smiles, "Good. Now let's go have a good dinner. My wife is a terrific cook. And my mother's chocolate chip cookies are to die for."
Raj laughs.
Chapter 13 He knew he shouldn't have raced. Something had told him. All his instincts, but he fought them all the way. As he lay there with that all too familiar antiseptic hospital smell, all he could do is replay it over and over again in his mind. What was it exactly that told he him he should not have been on that track at that time? Was it because he had been up all night with sick Ralph because Alex had been desperately tired from all day with fussy Beth?
Henry had found him asleep on the front porch with his one year old son asleep on his broad shoulders. Henry hated to wake him. Maybe he should have given this race to Ali. But Henry hated to make that decision without speaking to Alec first. It would devastate their relationship. Henry has been begging Alec to step back. Alec keeps balking like a stubborn colt needing to be broken. Or maybe like a stubborn old jockey he used to know.
Blurry eyed Alec had looked at Henry that morning as he touched his shoulder. Henry just tells him quietly, "It's five. Ali already has the horses loaded. Do you want to sit this one out?"
Alec carefully shakes his head, "No. Give me five minutes." Henry just nods. Then he watches Alec carefully get up and take his sleeping son back into the house. It pangs his heart how quickly his own children had grown.
Alec carefully tucks Ralph into his crib and secures the quilt around him. Ralph reaches for his soft black pony. Then he goes to his own room to change quickly. He finds his beautiful wife with their red haired daughter in her arms. It's hard to say what gives him a bigger thrill these days: racing or watching his children grow. He kisses them both softly on their heads and tiptoes out the bedroom door. When he gets to the front door and tugs on his boots, something is nagging him. He stops and tries to figure out what he forgot. But his thoughts are broken by the engine turning over on the van.
Alec hurries to them and hops in. "Are you alright, Aleec?" Alec always smiles at the way Ali draws out the e's in his name.
"I'll be alright," he reassures his young friend.
It's a long drive to Maryland. Alec is the one who pulls the van to the stables. Black gives him a harder time during the workout. Alec is still stewing over the children's health and therefore blames the lousy work out on himself. Ali has a better time with Black Bear. Henry is not happy with Alec's performance. Black is still being a pain. "I know, Henry. Focus," Alec says before Henry has a chance to chastise him.
Henry throws the towel down, "If you are such a smart trainer, then why am I here?" Henry storms off.
Great! His wife is mad at him, his horse is being a brat, his kids are sick, and he is being stubborn. Not a good attitude to race with. Alec submits to letting Ali race Beanie in the first race. Ali does an expert job of guiding Beanie to second place. He had under estimated the horse to his left. Ali is receptive to Henry's advice. Henry glares at Alec.
Alec takes Black to the gate alone. The warning bells are ringing in his ears. He shakes his head. But he didn't pay attention. Black was not himself. But Alec missed that sign.
The gate opens. He almost missed the bell ringing because he thought it was those darn warning bells in his head again. Black takes a slow start. Alec tries to encourage him. He gives Black the rein, he doesn't make a move. "Come on boy. You've got this in the bag. Let's go!" Then comes the turn. Those warning bells are deafening now. He leads Black to an opening. And then the misstep… the stumble. And before Alec knew it, his face was in the dirt and Black was shrieking. But the shrieking suddenly stopped. It was drowned out by his own shriek of pain as a metal shod hoof comes crushing down on his shoulder.
Henry's heart almost stopped. He saw it as they left the gate. Black wasn't himself. Alec should have stopped him. Henry knew he should have scratched them. He knew better than that boy. But that boy was more in tune with his horse than anyone. Who was it that stumbled? Black or Alec?
It doesn't matter now. Right now Ali and Henry were racing the medics across the infield while Alec and Black shrieked in unison. It was an eerie sound. Ali reaches Black first and keeps him still while the paramedics stabilize Alec. All Alec kept mumbling was "Black… Alex…Black… Alex…" It was like Alec was being torn in two between the love of his horse and the love of his wife.
Ali and Henry are able to roll Black to move so the paramedics can slide Alec out from under his horse. As soon as Alec looses contact with his horse, he goes unconscious. The contact is broken. Henry and Ali get Black to his feet with the help of the veterinarian.
Ali grabs Henry's arm, "I've got Black. He will be fine. Go with Alec." The medics are wheeling Alec away. Henry squeezes Ali's arm tightly and then rushes off to be at Alec's side.
Rosewood's groom comes over and removes Black's saddle. Ali and the groom slowly lead Black away. Black makes a mournful cry in Alec's direction. He even stops when he hears the sirens take him away, Ali sooths the Black's muzzle, "Come Boy. Let me care for you." Black won't let the veterinarian touch him until Ali gives him the sedative himself.
So here Alec was now. In a hospital bed, again, staring at the white walls and ceiling. The guy in the bed next to him has clearly been there awhile. He smiles at Alec, "So, what do they got you in for?"
Alec ponders his answers. He's almost afraid to speak. He might loose it. The guys sees Alec is worried.
"My name is Tim. I got hit by a drunk driver. He's fine, but I've got a broken hip and no delivery truck. You?"
Alec sighs, "Horse racing."
Tim laughs, "Did you get that from the horse or the guy you stole the horse from?" Alec can't help but grin a little at Tim's joke and contagious laugh. Tim turns solemn quickly when he sees a nurse comes towards their room, "Watch that one," he whispers.
The nurse comes in and takes Alec's chart, "Mr. Ramsey?" Alec nods. "Have you talked to the doctor yet?"
Alec shakes his head, "I don't know. These pain killers are a doosey." He looks down at his left arm in a sling bound to his body. Then he gasps, "My wedding ring!"
She pats his right hand, "Mr. Daily has it. Your hand was starting to swell and we didn't want to cut it off." Alec lays his head back and sighs. "Do you want the doctor to go over your chart again?" she asks softly.
Alec closes his eyes, "Is Henry, Mr. Daily still here?" he almost chokes on his words.
She squeezes his hand, "I'll go get him." She leaves the room.
Tim turns to Alec, "You look familiar. I know you aren't a celebrity or you would have a private room. So how do I know you?"
Alec is silent, lost in his own thoughts. This is not a good day. He wishes he was back home.
Then the familiar footsteps. The warm callused hand on his arm. Alec turns to him. They both have tears brimming in their eyes. But Henry says it first, "Alec, I swear you are going to give me a heart attack."
"I'm so sorry, Henry. I should have listened. I swear I'll listen to you from now on. I should have listened myself… I knew… I knew…"
Henry hushes him with a stroke to his brow, "I called Alex-"
Alec tries to sit up, "-I don't want her to see me like this-"
Henry nods, "I know. I told her. I told her I would have you home in less than a week."
"But Belmont! Black?" Alec starts to move again. The pain in his shoulder stops him before Henry's pressure on his right shoulder.
"I know you were out of it earlier. Black is fine. He is listening to Ali. The kid is amazing. Black's racing days are over."
Alec sighs heavily. It hurts as much as Henry saying his own were over.
"That's how I know you! YOU'RE Alec Ramsey! The Black! Wow! You really did hurt yourself in-"
"Shut up!" Henry glares at Tim. Tim obeys. Henry turns back to Alec. "Black is fine. If you promise to stay put, Ali, Beanie and I will go to Belmont. They can do it. You know they can."
Alec can only nod. What else is there to say? "I'll be ready by-"
Henry shakes his head, "Don't, Alec. Don't even think about it right now. Just heal."
"But Henry! This isn't the end-"
"Stop it!" Henry warns. He takes Alec's chin in his worn hands and stares him down like a stubborn colt. "You are a father now. This is exactly what Clara warned me about. You have to think about Alex and those babies now. The farm will run just fine with you in charge. You can train. Ali is a good asset." Henry lets go of his chin and pats his shoulder, "So help you if Ralph has half your desire to race." He tucks Alec's wedding ring into his left fist.
Anthony comes into the room. He touches Henry's back. Anthony looks grim, "You know, when I found out you married my daughter, I sighed with peace that someone else can worry about her. It never occurred to me that I would gain a son to worry about." Henry smiles.
Alec quietly says, "I'm sorry."
Anthony smiles and kisses his forehead, "Oh Alec, shhh. You've been through this how many times? Why is this any different?" Alec ponders the words for a moment. Then he holds up the wedding ring. Anthony takes it and looks closely at it. He never had looked that closely at their rings. He traces the silver horseshoe with the A & R at the tip of each point. "I knew you loved her the moment that Black Beast of yours let her touch him. I was only worried if she loved you or was angry with me." He hands the ring back, "I guess it was you." Then he looks directly at Alec, "Trisha has gone to Hopeful to pick up Alex and the babies and Black. As soon as they release you, you'll come to Rosewood."
Alec closes his eyes, "I want to go home."
Henry tells Anthony, "He has a broken collar bone, torn rotator cuff and a couple cracked ribs. It could-"
"I know!" Alec barks. "I have seen men and horse killed in racing. I'm not eleven anymore. I'm not naive. I've seen my share of death. Faced it my self. I know, I know, I know!"
Anthony is the voice of reason this time, "Alec, it was one thing when the grown ups are afraid you would never be an adult. But now we are talking about a wife. A daughter. A son. Growing up with out a father. What are your priorities? Or is it your own selfish desire to beat every horse you meet on the Black Friend of yours? I know you have a special bond. But what about your bond with your family? You have been through things together that no child or adult should ever have to go through. But what do you want to go through with your children?" He taps the hand clenched around the ring, "What is your thrill now? Beth's first steps or beating Sunraider?"
"That wasn't fair," Alec says quietly.
"No, it was reality. Henry and I understand the thrill of racing and winning. We have been talking while you were in surgery. I'm beginning to understand what Alex already does. I didn't understand before what she tried to tell me. She is very patient. She is very strong to watch you head out. My jockeys were employees. But you are family. Weather you go to Hopeful or Rosewood, look closely at those children. They are your legacy. Where do you want them to be in ten years? Riding beside you on the beach or looking at their father's wins next to his obituary?"
Henry leans in and squeezes his hand, "For Clara." Anthony kisses his fore head again and also leaves.
Tim wipes the tears from his eyes, "Wow! That is some family you have. Not something to take lightly."
Alec closes his eyes, "I need some sleep."
Chapter 14 The next day Alec doesn't speak much to Tim. In the afternoon, an envelope arrives for Alec. He fights trying to get it open. Finally he uses his teeth and tears it open. A black rope loop falls out. A bracelet?
Tim sees it, "That's cool. What is it? Rope? Neat design." Alec's eyes get misty. It isn't rope. He knows that feel. He rubs it through his fingers. He's run his fingers through it so many times. He would know that feel anywhere. He looks closer at it. It's two different, but closely similar, strands of black hair. It's in a four strand braid. Alex's braid. Alex's hair. Black's mane. It's tied off with silver thread. From his silks. He tucks it under his gown crushed between his chest and bound arm.
She knew neither she nor Black could be there. She knows he heals faster at their sides. She sent them to him instead.
The rest of the day he is in a better mood. Alec talks with Tim. He finds out that Tim, ironically, was a beer delivery driver hit by a drunk driver. Yeah, he is definitely considering a different line of work. If that wasn't a blatant answer from God, what could be much clearer? He finds out also that Tim is a budding writer. So maybe this was the push he needed to get into action. Luckily his children are older and could help with some of the household chores.
Alec sighs heavily. He isn't of much use to Alex or the hands right now at Hopeful. When he got home, he would do everything he could to help.
A few days later, Tim is released. He will always need help walking with a cane, but he is alive to see his children succeed.
Alec is alone now. It wouldn't be so bad being alone. He had done it in the desert and on the island. He fingers the braid. Yeah he'd had Black then.
The next day the reporter comes by with a newspaper, "I thought you might be bored." The front page of the sports section: Ali and Beanie take first. Alec smiles.
"Do you mind if I do an interview with you? There are a lot of people worried about you." Alec nods. This reporter has always handled the human interest side of the sports with dignity and respect. "Henry sent me," he starts off with.
Alec smiles, "He's teaching me to be a trainer and this is part of it."
Thomas smiles, "So what do you think of Ali's win?"
Alec fingers the braid, "Wish I was there to congratulate them myself. But I know they are in good hands."
Thomas makes notes, "Are you alright?"
Alec laughs, "I'm alright. I'm bored. Miss the smell of horses. I miss my wife and children most of all." He smiles to himself. He's been married for almost four years now, a father for over a year. And yet his family still seems likes new concept for him.
"They haven't come?" Tomas asks concerned.
Alec holds up the braid, "In a way. But it's a long trip for Alex with the twins."
Thomas nods, "You and Alex have a good understanding of each other's roles." Alec ponders that thought. So Thomas asks him the next one, "So what is next for Alec Ramsey and The Black?"
Alec looks deeply at the braid. The Black. "I think it is too early to tell."
"Do you want your children to become jockeys?"
Alec laughs, "I don't know about that. I think I want them to be happy. And alive."
Thomas talks awhile longer with Alec and then leaves. It was just the boost he needed.
The next day the doctor looks at his shoulder. It's healing well. He shows Alec the exercises he needs to bring the muscle tissue back, But he warns him that for the next six weeks, no stress on the shoulder or collar bone. He could do more damage and never be able to use it again. Alec takes the warning seriously.
Then he sleeps. Not much else he can do, right now. He feels a familiar hand to his cheek, "Hi darling." He opens his eyes slowly. There are the vibrant eyes he knows so well.
"If I'm dreaming, don't wake me up," he smiles at her. She kisses him warmly. He holds her hand close by a tender grip. Then she pulls back, "Do you want to get out of here?" He nods. She sets his familiar bag on the foot of his bed and pulls out a button up shirt. He sits up. She reaches to help him out of the hospital gown.
He holds her off for a moment, "It's pretty bad."
She smirks at him, "Any worse than a dog run over by a tractor?" He cocks an eyebrow at her. "Well?" she pushes.
"I'm thinking! I was run over by a horse or two." he says.
"Alexan-" she tries but he cuts her off with a right hand to her mouth. She can only laugh. He stands up and pulls the string on the gown.
"Let me do it," he says softly. She doesn't argue with him. He does get it off very carefully.
"Let me see." She asks him. He lets her look. There is definitely a horseshoe bruise-print on his chest, the stitches in his arm and the grimace on his face. He's still holding his left arm across his chest where it will be rebound in a moment. A sling would be too much for the collar bone.
She gives him a wicked smile, "Do you know how handsome you are?" She trails her fingers across the safe part of his chest and up the good shoulder. He rolls his eyes and bats her hand away. Then looks back at her and laughs. She can always make him laugh. Some how he manages to get the shirt on with out too much cringing. The buttons. She has to do those. One by one.
He weaves his fingers through her recently cut hair, "Thank you," he breathes. He refers to her support not just his shirt. Then he pulls her close and kisses her like there is no tomorrow.
The nurse comes back in with, "Ah-hem!" The Ramseys break and Alec blushes stepping back. "Oh, don't stop on my account," she teases them. Alex steps closer to get another kiss, be he warns her off with an amused but pointiant stare. The nurse shows Alex how to bind Alec's arm. Then she hands her the pain pills. Alec takes them out of her hands and gives them back to the nurse. The nurse just stares.
Alec kisses Alex's hand, "I have to keep focused." The nurse respects his wishes. The nurse leads them down stairs to the discharge station. The nurse is trying to talk to Alex and Alec but no one can be heard because of the chatter from the reporters and the flash bulbs going off.
Finally Alex turns to the reporters with a whistle and hands on her hips. A woman in command. Alec looks at her in awe. She winks to her husband and turns on the reporters, "Okay boys! I can't hear the nurse's instructions. So give us a minute. Better yet, wait outside." Most leave but a few stay silent inside.
The nurse tries again, laughing, "Okay, so keep it bound for the next six weeks, unless bathing. After that slowly retrain. He already knows the exercises. Slowly. You've done this before. You know the drill." Alec nods. It strikes a cord in Alex's heart realizing this isn't Alec first brush with death and disability. But she better turn to humor quickly or she could plunge into despair.
She smiles, "Oh that's okay. I have plans for Alec that don't include his left hand." Alec turns to her in stunned silence by the double meaning. The few reporters left quietly snicker. The nurse shakes her head amused. Alex takes the discharge papers and hands them to Alec, "Yep, looks like you have bills to pay and you only need your right hand for that." Alec's jaw drops. Alex winks at the press and leads the way outside.
They step out into the sunshine. Alec sees the jeep with their small horse trailer attached with Hopeful's logo on the side. Now the press all crowd around again.
"Are you finished racing?" "How is Black?" "What are your plans now?" "Where are you going?" "Is the Black in the trailer?" "Will you ever race again?"
Alex waves her hands for them to stop so she can respond. But it's Alec who responds, tossing his bag into the back, "I don't know about my racing career. I just want to see my children and Black right now. That's my priority."
Alex steps up, "We are headed to Rosewood. And if Black was in the trailer, would I let you so close? Na! That's Hope in there." Alec cringes at her words. He quickly gets into the Jeep, disappointed. Alex waves to the press and drives away.
Alec is silent and fuming. He is festering in his lack of choices for his life. Then he notices that they are headed south on the highway, not north. "But…?" he starts to ask, pointing to the southbound sign.
She smiles at him and grasps his right hand, "I wanted to throw them off. Dad said he would love to entertain the press for us."
Alec is very confused, "Where are we going?"
"Chincoteague."
He is now totally baffled, "Chincoteague?"
"I want to get a Shetland for the kids. They have an awesome auction every year." He sits back. He is very confused. He can't tell if he is mad or what. Then Alex turns solemn, ""I've missed you, Alec. You and I could use a break. I have a friend who has a cottage. She's going to let us use it."
"The kids?" he asks.
"Trisha and your mother are going to take care of them. It's only for a few days." Alec settles back and relaxes. It's all he can do. He is at peace.
A couple hours later and a ferry out to the island, they pull up in front of the cottage. Alec gets out and stretches his legs. "Help me," she asks coming around to the trailer. They get the padlock off and release the latches. As Alex drops the door/ramp, Black snorts. Alec just stares. Alex comes to his side, "I love you, Alec"
Alec wraps his arm around her shoulder, "I love you so much." Then he goes in and releases his horse and backs him out of the trailer. He buries his face in his horse's mane. Black stomps and tries to rear up to stretch his own cramped legs.
Alex smiles at he boys, "Take him around to the back. There is a beach side paddock." Alec drops the lead and snakes an arm around her waist. He draws her into a kiss that sends her melting against him. They so need this vacation. Black snorts in their faces. They have to break laughing at the hot breath of the stallion.
Alec takes the stallion around to the back. Out in the sunshine away from everyone he can take a good look at his horse. He very carefully examines Black from tip to tail. From ears to hooves. Black in turn sniffs Alec all over. They relax in each other's presence. Black rests his head on Alec's shoulder. Alec takes solace in the feel of his horse under his finger tips.
The boys lift their heads to a whistle coming from the second story porch. Alex laughs and point to them. The both have the same look on their faces. Even Alec has to laugh. Alec leads Black over to the paddock. The roof of the shelter is actually the floor of the porch above. Black looks around and give Alec an approving gesture. Alex comes down the back steps to his side, "Can you help me unload the car?" He takes her hand and they walk to the front of the house.
They bring the feed supplies around to the back, Alex with her two hands and Alec's strong one. She can't help but smirk at that. A few more trips and they have the jeep and trailer unloaded. Then she hands Alec a pen and paper, "Lets go shopping."
Alec groans, "I should have kept the pain pills." She laughs at him. Alec helps her get the trailer unhitched and then says, "Aren't you sure you would rather go alone?"
She pats his hand, "Your mom has been teaching me a lot. I only want to go grocery shopping." He turns to the ocean view.
She reaches over and slips her arms around his trim waist, "You said a deserted island with better food. It's the closest thing I could find quickly that we could afford with Black."
He looks at her tenderly. She remembered his fantasy from so long ago. "Does anyone know us here?" He hates being a celebrity.
She smiles and runs a hand up his back, "This is not a community who has time for celebrities. Their celebrities are Misty and Stormy." He smiles. He had read the books to the children. He nods and they get into the jeep.