Read Shifted By The Winds for Free Online Page B

across his face. He held out his hand to John. “Would you like to come with me?”
    John grabbed his hand quickly, but looked back at his mama and daddy.
    “We’re coming, too,” Moses assured him.
    “Is it a surprise?” John asked solemnly.
    “Not for much longer, son. The only way you’re going to find out what it is, is to go with Robert.”
    John grinned and pulled Robert toward the door. “Let’s go, Mr. Robert,” he yelled, his eyes snapping with excitement. “I want my surprise!”
    Robert followed willingly. He had learned that while neighboring plantation owners weren’t interested in buying his horses, they were more than willing to take his money. It was actually Moses’ money, but no one would have sold to him, so Robert had handled the transaction.
    When John flung the door open, he stared up at Clint towering over him. “Are you my surprise?” There was no mistaking the disappointment in his voice.
    Twenty-year-old Clint, his handsome face wreathed in a big smile, reached down and pulled John up into his arms. “Aren’t I a good enough surprise for you, little man?” He laughed, and then turned around before John had to come up with an answer. “ There is your surprise!”
    Robert and the rest watched silently as John froze, his mouth forming a big “O” as he gaped at the driveway. His eyes grew wide and his mouth opened and closed several times, but he didn’t seem capable of speech.
    Moses laughed, stepped forward to pull his son from Clint’s arms, and then walked down the porch stairs. “John, I would like you to meet Patches.”
    John continued to stare at the black and white pony standing patiently in the drive. “Patches?” he whispered, his eyes devouring the pony. He turned back around to look at Rose, a huge question in his eyes.
    Rose’s eyes filled with tears as she smiled at him and nodded. “Patches is yours, John. Your daddy bought him for you.”
    Robert hid his smile. He knew Rose wasn’t at all sure John was old enough to ride by himself, but he had convinced her that he was riding before he was five, so John could too.
    John turned back to stare at Patches for another moment, and then he gave a crow of delight and squirmed to be let down. When Moses released him, John took a tentative step and held out his hand. “Patches,” he said softly, his voice quivering with delight.
    Robert just watched. He had already taught John to move slowly and carefully around all the horses, and Amber always watched him like a hawk to make sure he did.
    John stepped forward slowly and lifted his hand to touch Patches’ neck. “Hello, Patches,” he said reverently.
    Patches turned his head and nudged John gently. Robert knew it was the first time John had ever been around a horse that didn’t tower above him. He recognized the instant look of love that suffused the little boy’s face. Robert had never forgotten his first pony — it had been love at first sight.
    Moses moved forward and knelt down on one knee. “Do you like him, John?”
    “I love him,” John breathed, turning away just long enough to look into Moses’ eyes before he swung back to stare at Patches. “He’s really mine, Daddy?”
    “Yes.”
    “And I can ride him?” John demanded. “All by myself?”
    “Yes. I’m going to start teaching you after work today. Pretty soon you’ll be able to ride in the fields with me.” Moses’ face glowed with satisfaction and pride.
    “On my very own pony,” John said, his eyes devouring Patches as he reached up to touch his face. He turned to look at Moses. “Thank you, Daddy.” Then his eyes swung to Rose. “Thank you, Mama.”
    Annie stepped out onto the porch. “That be a real nice pony, John, but y’all need to get back inside this here house if you want something other than cold biscuits and bacon!”
    Clint grinned as he reached for the bundle she held out to him. “Mama fed me before I left this morning, but I reckon I can eat more.”
    “Ain’t