And love
Chap 54 Bareback
SADDLE ROCK RANCH
The Reagan's have arrived for their next riding lesson. While Palmer and Tim take the girls to the stall barn to prepare the animals, Carroll asks Jamie & Eddie to join him in the office.
He starts, "Mother and I have three things to talk with you about," he motions for Deborah to go ahead.
Deborah starts, "When your family started riding lessons you mentioned the desire to take a horseback camping vacation. Is that still something you want to do?"
Eddie & Jamie look at each other, he responds "I don't know. We haven't really talked definitely about it." Eddie nods, agreeing.
"Well, I just remembered that and put together a packet of brochures and information sheets for you. Please take it home and look it over. We would be happy to talk about it sometime, share what we know about any of the places in the packet."
"Thank you very much! We appreciate this," Eddie gives Deborah a hug. Jamie nods his agreement.
"Two more things," Carroll voces.
"Then I have something for Eddie, my dear," Deborah inserts, with a smile.
"Mary Rose is doing great with Joseph. Her sense of balance is amazing," Carroll says. "I would like to begin bareback riding with her and Joseph. With your permission."
"Tell us more, please," Jamie voices.
"She really has maxed out with saddle riding skills. Bareback will be an advancement, will help her and Joseph bond further, and is a very helpful skill when a saddle isn't readily available. As in an emergency."
"Wow, Jamie! This fits with what we are doing with the girls," Eddie exclaims.
"Yes, it does. What do we need to do?"
"Because it's a little more dangerous, we need a signed consent. It's not that much more dangerous, it's just a legal thing. I think you know about that."
"We do," Eddie looks to her husband. They both nod, agreeing. They both sign.
"One more thing for me," Carroll adds. "Dad told me about your inquiry about adding animals to your barn, economically. Have you thought about boarding some horses or donkeys?"
"I have, but I don't know where to start."
"Well, why don't we take some time at your next lesson to talk about this? We know of 3 owners who have asked us, but we have no room. We could put up a poster about your place; but I'd like you to know what you're getting into before we do that."
"Well, I would appreciate that. Yes, let's talk next time. Thanks."
"You are up mom." Jamie and Carroll head out.
"Eddie, I have 2 more lawyers who have contacted me. They are interested in procuring your services."
"Oh, really?" She is rather astonished. "How did this happen?"
"Oh, you know, word of mouth. My big mouth actually. I hope you Don't mind. Do you?" She frowns.
"No, no. I actually appreciate it. Thanks."
"I have their contact info right here. You could meet them here, while your family rides. If your riding skills have reached a level, you are comfortable with, of course."
Eddie smiles, Deborah's rambling is cute. "Yes, that's a possibility. I'll contact them and let you know."
"Very well. You better scoot along and join the family. I'll have a couple dozen rolls ready when you leave."
"Oh, Deborah, you don't have to do that."
"Oh, don't you worry about that. They are already rising and almost ready to pop in the oven."
"I don't know what to say." Eddie is slightly embarrassed.
"Just a simple thank you'll do."
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IN THE ARENA
"Mary Rose," Carroll gets her attention. "Take Joseph's saddle off. I'm going to start teaching you to ride bareback."
"Really? Can I do that?" Big eyes.
"Yes, you can. Just put his saddle up against the wall over there, I have a bareback pad to put on him. Here is a girth to keep it in place."
She does as Carroll asks, and returns to Joseph. After tightening the girth, she stands by 'her' donkey's side.
"Mary Rose, here is a stool. Why don't you try to mount him with that, by yourself."
She does, and is successful. Carroll helps her position herself, then he begins leading her and Joseph at a walking pace around the arena. After 2 laps they step up the pace to a trot. After 1 lap trotting, they stop.
"How does that feel? Are you comfortable, Mary Rose?"
"I'm getting to be. This is strange, but I like it."
"Ok, I'm going to let loose of Joseph. You take control, do 2 laps walking. Then 2 laps at a trot. Remember proper fall technique if you fall. (Tuck & roll) Don't jerk on the reins, remember?"
"I remember. Thanks."
She and Joseph do their laps; it is obvious to Carroll that she is keeping her balance well and gaining confidence. She is an amazing young lady.
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TAKE ME HOME
Their new home is on the edge of the more rural areas of Long Island. As such the rear of the property has a short path connecting with a series of trails going east into Suffolk County. When Mary Rose has a riding companion, they have started to explore that area around them.
When she does that, she is training him as to where home is and the command TAKE ME HOME. All a part of family safety!
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DANNY & LINDA'S HOME – SUPPER
"Hon, you are much more relaxed lately," Linda pecks her husband on the cheek before sitting down.
"Amen to that," both sons eagerly agree.
"Well, I have to admit that doing those self-defense lessons out at Jamie's has made a difference. I mean, I am finding out what a lovely family he and Eddie have."
"Can I quote you on that, dad?" Sean snickers.
He gets a stern look. "Never!"
"I thought so."
"Does this give you something go think about if . . . you know-
"If I can't get back to working with Maria? Hm?"
"Well, you need options, babe." Linda takes his hand and smiles.
"I know. It's just hard you know."
"I know. If I couldn't be a nurse any more I'd be scared to death!"
"But we'd be here for you, Lin!" He squeezes her hand.
"That's a two-way street Danny!"
"Yeah dad, we're here for you." Sean exclaims.
"Yes! Jamie & family; Erin & Nicky; grandpa and Pops. We're all on your side," Jack presses.
Daniel Reagan hangs his head. "I know, thanks guys." He picks up his fork and stabs a piece of fried chicken. 'God, how I love Linda's cooking!'
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BAY RIDGE
The gents are once again relaxing in the sun room after a pork chop supper courtesy of Pops.
"Those pork chops were exceptional tonight, Pops!"
"Thank you, Francis."
"Do you see the same improvement in Danny that I do," Frank asks.
"Come to think of it, yes, I do. I hope he keeps on making progress. I just am afraid that if his ultimate goal is not achieved, that he will regress. Has he looked into his options within NYPD?"
"Not really; that feels like giving up." Frank shakes his head.
"What about self-defense? I think that those lessons with the girls started him on the upswing."
"I agree. But he hasn't come to that conclusion yet."
"Can we help?" Pops wonders.
"What if we started doing some Sunday dinners out on the Island. Start pulling the family back together? If Danny could visualize all the support, he has around him?"
"Good idea. Let's call Jamie and Eddie." Pops exclaims.
"It's late."
"They're young."
VOICE-MAIL
"And busy! You 've been there, remember, dad-of-mine?"
"Barely," Henry huffs.
Frank laughs out loud. He barely remembers also. Where is Kelly's number?
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