secondraspberry pastry, Jessie and Keeley sauntered into the kitchen, sleepy eyed.
âHi, Mom. Will you be home all day?â Jessie pulled a carton of orange juice from the refrigerator.
âAll day and night. Catch me while you can.â Taylor Brady opened her arms to her youngest child as Keeley ran toward her at full speed.
Once both girls sat down with bowls of cornflakes and berries, Ken called the monthly meeting of Twelve Elms Stables to order. He explained the recent cancellations of two of their boarding clients, stated Jakeâs proposal to hire a professional trainer for Eager to Please, and reminded everyone that Jessie would leave for college over the weekend.
His mother, who usually kept a low profile during stable business, murmured four deadly words regarding her husbandâs sole possible solution to their financial situation: âGood grief, another mortgage?â
Jake stated his argument succinctly. After all, he was a former member of the Charm high school debate team. While he made his case, his mother nibbled her cereal and his dad stoically remained quiet. Afterward, Virgil and Keeley shrugged their shoulders in typical teen fashion. They seldom formed opinions except for which video games to purchase or what movies to watch on family movie night. Jake waited, barely able to draw breath.
Finally, Jessie set down the spoon and cleared her throat. âWell, since we paid all that money to sire the colt, we might as well go the distance. Itâs too bad Jake feels unable to train the horse by himself.â
He might have hoped for a bit more confidence in his plan and diplomacy from his sister, but at least she had voiced her support. âThanks, Jess.â
âIâll come home weekends to keep giving tours. That will bring in some income until winter.â She shot a smile in his direction.
Virgil poured more cornflakes into his bowl. âI donât know what I can do other than my chores.â
Keeley propped her head on her hand, fighting off sleep. âYou can have my babysitting money to help pay this guy.â
Taylor looked at her husband, meeting his gaze without speaking.
Ken opened his palms. âJust to make sure everyone understands the consequences involved, to pay this second mortgage weâll have to cut our budget down to basics. It could work to our advantage in the end, but there are no guarantees a pro can take the colt all the way to the winnerâs circle. If Eager to Please fails to measure up, we might lose the farm to the bank and have to rent a house somewhere.â
âThat would be the worst-case scenario,â said Jake, grinding down on his back teeth.
No one spoke. No one moved except for Virgil and Keeley, who continued to eat as though it were any other weekday breakfast. âIf there is no more discussion,â said Ken, âmay I see the hands of those who wish this family to go deeper into debt to improve Eager to Pleaseâs chances as a three-year-old?â
Jakeâs hand shot up first, followed by Jessieâs, and, after a moment, Virgilâs. Keeley peered from one of her siblings to the next, a little surprised. But because she seldom disagreed with her brothers and sister, she lifted her arm.
âThose opposed?â asked Ken. Taylor joined her husband in opposition. âAs your parents, we could override this vote because we bear the financial responsibility for the family, but we wonât.â He met Jakeâs eye. âThere comes a time when a man needs to follow his gut instinct and his dreams. You have your chance, son. Use it wisely. Start checking the availability of good trainers who are willing to move to Charm.â
âThanks, Mom and Dad,â he croaked, oddly choked up.
There was no need for more speeches. A much paler Ken Bradyreached for his Cincinnati Reds ball cap and strode out the back door. His mother scraped the rest of her breakfast into the garbage