10- Dominick and Rachel
Cotey walked hand in hand with her husband Sam. She was carrying their three and a half year old son Dominick and he was carrying their daughter Rachel. They were almost identical, both with Sam’s black hair and a birthmark on their cheekbone.
“Do you want to take them down to the track later, or should we call Jess?” she asked. Sam shrugged. Jess was their regular babysitter, and was 21 years old.
“Why don’t we take them with us? Call Jess and see if she’s going over to the track with Sir Chivalrous. Maybe she can watch them while we’re working.” Cotey nodded.
“I’ll jog back to the house, you can take care of the little people,” she said, placing a big kiss on Dominick’s cheek.
“Silly Mommy,” Rachel said between giggles. Cotey smiled and tugged her ponytail.
“I sure am sweetheart. You guys stay with Daddy and I’ll be back. Maybe if you’re good we can go for a ride later.” Both kids broke out in smiles.
“Goody!” they said in one voice. Sam smiled and winked at his wife. The kids were already in love with horses, and were both showing promise. Since their birthday was that Saturday, they had purchased two ponies. Rachel’s was a palomino and Dominick’s was a pinto.
“OK, say bye to Mommy,” Sam said. The two kids waved and Cotey smiled.
“I’ll bring down their breeches and stuff in case Jess decided to lead them around. I’ll call her after I change.” Sam gave her a quick kiss and watched as she jogged back up to their house.
At the race track people waved to the Giran family. Dominick and Rachel waved back, thrilled at all the attention they were getting. Cotey held Sam’s and Rachel’s hands. Rachel was walking beside her. Suddenly someone scooped the toddler off of her feet and Cotey whirled around. Jessica Michaels was spinning the little girl around in the air.
“Jess you scared me half to death,” Cotey said. Jess put Rachel on her shoulders and smiled.
“Sorry, I was just happy to see this little cutie. How’re you Dom?” she asked, glancing at the little boy. He smiled shyly.
“I’m ok.” Jess smiled and winked at Cotey. Rachel was playing with Jessica’s long blonde hair, tugging hard.
“Rachy, would you stop it? That’s my hair you’re pulling.” Rachel stopped and Jessica said, “I’m glad you guys are in your riding clothes. Let’s go get Sir Chivalrous ready,” she said. Jessica took Dominick’s hand and they walked off. Cotey and Sam watched, smiles on their faces.
“Well it looks like they’re all set. Let’s go get Jeeves.”
Cotey gave Jeeves more rein as they flew around the far turn, saying, “Good boy!” Sam, Jess, Dominick and Rachel stood at the rail. Cotey stood in her stirrups and pulled up. She walked him off the track, smiling broadly.
“That looked reasonable C,” Jason Fute told her. He had just walked up with his two and a half year old daughter, Elizabeth. Cotey smiled at the blonde haired girl.
“Hey Bethy, how’re you?” The little girl glanced up shyly, a small smile playing across her lips.
“OK. Can I ride?” Cotey laughed.
“Not right now Bethy. Jeeves is tired and I have some other things to do. Maybe you can come over to our house when I go home and we’ll do some riding then?” she suggested, glancing at Jason.
“Sounds good, so long as you don’t mind,” he muttered. Cotey looked at Sam, a concerned look in her eyes.
“Of course I don’t mind. Sam would you take the kids and Jeeves up to the barn? I need to talk to Jas for a minute.” Sam nodded, took Jeeves’ reins from her, and led the group away. Cotey put an arm around Jason’s waist and they began to walk.
“So what did you need to talk about?” Jason asked. Cotey glanced up at him.
“What’s wrong?” Jason sighed and put his arm around her shoulders.
“Christine and I broke up. She said that I couldn’t commit to her when I was letting a ghost sleep in the same bed with us.” Cotey sighed.
“Maybe she’s right Jason,” she said. Jason stepped away from her.
“You think I haven’t accepted that Carrie’s dead? I know she’s dead… I’ve made my peace with that,” he said angrily.
“That’s not what I meant Jason. You’re always comparing people to Carrie… especially Christine and Beth. That wasn’t fair to Christine, and it certainly isn’t fair to Beth.” Jason shook his head and started to stalk away.
“Why don’t you just butt out Cotey?” he demanded.
“Because I care about you Jason. I know how much it hurt to lose Carrie… I lost her too. It’s been almost three years, and it’s time to move on.”
“I will never forget Carrie, and nothing you or anyone else says is going to make me.”
“Jason come on…” she began. He shook his head.
“I don’t think we should talk anymore Cotey. And I don’t want Beth going to your house.”
“Don’t do that to her Jason! She loves coming over and riding… and playing with the twins.”
“She’ll have to get use to not being there,” he muttered. Cotey sighed and watched as he sauntered away.
Cotey held the longe line and watched as Jess did her warm up exercises. The girl swung her arms in slow steady circles, and then took the reins again. She pulled the horse up and took her feet out of the stirrups and crossed them in front of her.
“Do you want me to trot or canter?” Jess asked. Cotey kept staring ahead, a blank look on her face. “Cotey?” Jess said. Cotey shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts.
“What were you saying Jess?”
“I was asking if you wanted me to trot or canter.”
“Oh. Start at a sitting trot, then do a half halt and then canter.” Jess nodded and took the reins. She squeezed gently and Miami broke into a smooth sitting trot. Cotey couldn’t see the signal that Jess gave him for the half halt, but he performed one anyway. The same was true for the canter. “Very nice Jess!” she called. Jess nodded, but focused her attention on the horse beneath her. Miami was moving at a collected pace and Jess was relaxed but still on guard. Just then Rachel and Dominick came rushing into the ring. Miami reared up, but Jess stayed aboard. Cotey looked at the kids and then at Jess. “Is everyone ok?” she demanded. Jess nodded and patted Miami’s large muscular neck.
“Yeah. Are the twins ok?” she asked, worry in her large blue eyes.
“I think so.” Cotey turned to the kids and said, “Are you guys alright?” They nodded, but then shook their heads.
“Daddy fell off!” Rachel exclaimed. Cotey handed the end of the longe line to Jess and jogged from the ring.
At the hospital Cotey watched as the doctor put a cast on Sam’s ankle. She smiled and squeezed his hand.
“You’re a lucky man Sam. You could’ve broken a lot more than your ankle,” the doctor told him. Sam nodded.
“Thanks a lot.” Cotey sighed and smiled at the doctor apologetically.
“How long does he need to be in the cast?” she asked.
“At least two months. You can get around on crutches in a couple weeks, but riding is out of the question. You should take it easy for at least a month.” Sam shook his head.
“How the hell am I supposed to manage that? I have races and horse shows to think about, not to mention a farm to run. Just how do you expect me to take it easy.”
“You’re going to have to. I’m sorry about it Sam, but this is how it has to be. Go on home and get some rest,” the doctor explained. Sam nodded, picked up his crutches and left the room. Cotey glanced at the doctor.
“Sorry about that… he just hates to be out of commission for so long. I’ll get him to rest. He knows that I’ll do his shows and races for him, but you know Sam.”
“Everyone in his family is stubborn. Take good care of him,” he said.
“Thanks again,” she said, walking out of the office.
Jason walked around the backside of the track late one night, checking on horses. Sam had several stabled there for upcoming races. He checked on Law last, and then started to leave. Laughter caught his attention, so he followed the sound to the tack room. Patrick Giran was in a stall with his horse. It had been a long time since anyone had seen Patrick; there had been a big fight between him and his father regarding Sam’s farm. Mr. Giran had given the farm to Sam rather than Patrick, and when Sam chose Jason to run it after his marriage to Cotey, Patrick had vowed never to speak to him again. He also tried to convince Sam that he and Cotey had been together during their two year break up, but Sam had refused to believe that Cotey would do that.
“My brother won’t feel so hot if he thinks I’m the father of his kids, will he Jermain?” Jason felt anger begin to boil beneath his skin, but he stayed where he was in the shadows. “Cotey’s going to pay for always ignoring me. She’s going to lose what’s important to her. And so is Sam,” he muttered. Jason watched for a moment more and then walked out to his truck. He knew he should warn Cotey and Sam, but after his fight with Cotey he decided he should just go home to his daughter.
Later the next day Cotey dropped the twins off at Jessica’s house. She had to pick up their birthday gifts and then the ponies.
“I should be back in a little while, I just have to pick up those two things and then some new tack.” Jess smiled nervously.
“Ok,” she muttered. Cotey glanced at her sharply, wondering what was going on.
“So, are you going to tell me what’s going on or will I have to guess?” Jess sighed and pulled her long blonde hair from her neck.
“This guy I like, Drew, he’s coming over soon. I just wanted to make sure it’s ok.”
“Don’t worry about it. Just make sure you pay attention to the kids. I’d like them in one piece so they can have their party tomorrow.” Jess smiled gratefully.
“Thanks. I’ll get them some lunch and then bring them down to the barn.”
“Great. Maybe later you can come over to our house and help me with Fantasy?” Jess smiled, her eyes shining. Fantasy was a seventeen hand tall Arabian mare. Jess had fallen in love with her.
“Wow. That’d be great. I’ll see you later.” Cotey turned and started back toward her car.
“Oh Cotey?” Jess called. Cotey turned. “Did you know that Patrick was back in town?” Cotey’s eyes darkened.
“No. Is he racing that horse of his?”
“I’m not sure. Crystal told me that she saw him in a show last week. I don’t think you should worry too much about him.”
“You’re probably right. I’ll see you later. Thanks again for watching them.”
The next afternoon party guests began to arrive. Many of their friends, as well as relatives showed up with gifts.
“Look how excited they are,” Cotey said. They had eaten cake and ice cream, and it was now time to open presents. Everyone watched as the twins opened each gift. Cotey sat by Dominick and Sam sat by Rachel.
“This one is to Rachel from Christy,” Sam said, handing the gift to her. She tore it open and found a new pair of riding gloves. She smiled and opened the second part of the gift and found a new Breyer model horse named starlight. Dominick opened his gift and found a pair of gloves like Rachel’s, and a picture book about horses. There were many more gifts, most having to do with horses, but some that were totally unrelated. Finally there were no more.
“Alright guys, Daddy and I have to get your present. Why doesn’t everyone go to the tack room?” The party group went into the tack room, and found that it too had been decorated for the party.
“Where are our presents?” Rachel asked.
“Wait here.” They walked out of the tack room and got the presents. When they were groomed up each pony was saddled in the new tack, leg wraps, Cotey and Sam picked up the boxes with the rest of their equipment in it. They had gotten each twin all of the gear they would need to take care of their new horses.
“Let’s bring these down to them and then we can bring the horses,” Cotey said. When all the boxes were in the tack room, the twins were allowed to open them. They started with the smallest box and found a grooming kit. Rachel’s was dark blue and Dominick’s was red. The opened the boxes containing the halters, lead shanks, saddle pads, and coolers. When then were done they looked at their parents.
“You have one more present each. We’ll go make sure they’re ready, and then we’ll call you guys.” They went back to the ponies stalls. “OK guys, come on down!” Cotey called. The twins came racing down the aisle with all of their friends following. They reached the stalls and looked inside. Rachel began jumping up and down and Dominick hugged his father.
“I’ve got a horse!” Rachel exclaimed. Jess had just walked in and smiled when she saw the horses.
“They’re nice looking animals,” she told Cotey. Cotey smiled at her as she unlatched the stall doors. Rachel went into the stall quietly.
“Oh Mommy he’s so beautiful,” she whispered. Dominick went into the stall with his pinto and smiled.
“Wow,” he whispered. Cotey smiled at Sam.
“What are you going to name them guys?” Sam asked. The twins looked at each other and then at their horses.
“I think I’ll name him Island… remember that book we read Mommy? About the islands where it’s always sunny?” Dominick asked. Cotey nodded and smiled.
“That’s a great name Dom. How about you Rachy, what’re you going to name your pony?” The four year old frowned.
“I don’t know what to name him.”
“You’ll figure something out. Let’s go clean up the mess outside.”
“Can I stay here and try to think up a name?” Rachel asked. Cotey smiled.
“Sure. Maybe your brother will stay and help you,” she said. Dominick nodded and went into the stall with her.
“Thanks Mommy. Can we ride soon?”
“I was wondering when you were going to ask! Let’s wait for a couple people to leave and then you can ride them.”
After many of the guests had left Cotey and Sam helped the twins saddle up. Rachel was wearing a pair of paddock boots, hunter green breeches, and a white T-shirt. Dominick was wearing a pair of black breeches and a bright red shirt.
“I’m so excited!” Rachel exclaimed happily, leading her still nameless pony out into the sunshine. Dominick followed, a smile on his face. Several relatives had stayed, and Jess was there too. Cotey gave each of the twins a leg into their saddles. She stood in the center of the ring as the twins moved around the ring, Rachel in the lead as always. They began trotting at the same time.
“Good job guys!” Cotey called as they began to post on the correct lead. Soon they were cantering, each sitting to the gait with ease. “Come on into the center guys.” The twins rode in. “Who wants to try trotting some cavaletties?” she asked. Rachel smiled.
“Oh can I go first?” she asked. Cotey nodded and watched as she moved out and began to trot. There were ground poles set up on one side of the ring, and a cross rail on the opposite side. Rachel went over the poles and then went around the jump. After several times around Rachel came back to the center and gave Dominick a chance. Dominick moved out and went over the poles. When they got to the side of the ring the jump was on, Island went over the jump. The twins had each only begun to jump, but Dominick went into his two-point and took it easily.
“He has a mind of his own doesn’t he?” Sam asked. Rachel shook her head, watching as Island and Dominick went over the jump again.
“Dom told him to jump,” she said loudly. Dominick pulled up, a guilty look on his face.
“Dom, you know better!” Sam exclaimed. Dominick nodded.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“May I jump my pony?” Rachel asked. Sam and Cotey exchanged a glance. Rachel was showing the most promise in jumping, and both parents knew she could handle the low rails.
“Go ahead honey.” Rachel told her pony to trot, then canter. She rose into a two-point, going for the low cross rail. The pony soared over the jump three times. When they stopped Rachel patted his neck.
“I think I’ll call him Sunny,” Rachel said with a grin. Cotey smiled.
“What a good name sweetheart. Can you take care of your ponies by yourselves? Mommy has to go work with Jess and Fantasy.”
“I’ll help them. What are you working with Jess on?” Sam asked.
“I thought we’d go out cross country. I’ll take Miami out… he’s been lazing about lately,” she murmured, giving one of his crutches a nudge. Sam grimaced.
“Yeah, yeah. Are you guys scheduled to race anytime soon?”
“We’re both going down for the Derby this coming weekend. She’s going to ride Law for you, and I’m going to ride Jeeves.”
“Maybe we should all go. The twins would probably have a good time.” She smiled and gave him a kiss.
“Sounds like a good idea. I’ll be back in a bit,” she said, walking off with Jess.
The following weekend Cotey and Jess walked up the aisle in one of the barns at the Kentucky Derby. It was still quiet, but Cotey knew it wouldn’t stay that way for long.
“How does it feel to finally be racing against one of the greats kiddo?” Cotey kidded. Jess laughed.
“Not all that different from being taught by one,” she said with a smile. “I’m not really that nervous. I mean… you’ll be out there with me.”
“Well I won’t be calling instructions to you today Jess. I’m in this thing to win the Triple Crown.” Jess nodded.
“What if I actually win?” Jess asked suddenly. Cotey smiled.
“Then I’ll come down to the winner’s circle and congratulate you… and then you’ll ride your best in the Preakness and the Belmont. Don’t get freaked out. If you win, I’m going to be proud of you.” Jess nodded and walked into Law’s stall.
“Morning girl,” she crooned. “You ready to go out there and try to win?” Cotey smiled and wet to see Jeeves.
“Hey big guy. Let’s go out there and kick some butt.” There was a noise outside the stall and Cotey turned. Patrick Giran was standing there, watching her intensely.
“Hey Cotey, nice to see you again,” he said. She felt herself getting angry and was unable to hide it. Her eyes turned to stone and her hands rolled into angry fists at her sides.
“What the hell are you doing here?” she demanded.
“Racing my horse. No worries though, we’ll be in some of the smaller races. So you won’t have any real competition out on the track for the Derby.”
“Like I would ever be concerned about you racing against me. With that nag you call a horse, I could beat you on any of my horses.” Jess walked up and frowned when she saw Patrick.
“How much grain do you want Law to have this morning?”
“A scoop and a half.” Jess nodded and walked away. Patrick watched her, a smile on his face.
“She’s still a groom?” he asked.
“No, she’s a jockey Patrick… a damned good one. She’ll be riding Law in the Derby today. You remember Law don’t you? She’s one of the many horses that you were never allowed near.” Patrick frowned.
“Shut up Cotey,” he muttered angrily. Cotey let herself out of the stall, staring up at him.
“If you think you frighten me, you have another thing coming. The only thing you do is make me sick. Stay away from me, and stay away from my horses.” Patrick shook his head and stalked off. Jess walked over, hands on hips.
“He’s a real jerk Cotey,” Jess said, a disgusted look on her face.
“He’s up to something. There’s no way he would’ve come up to me otherwise,” she murmured, staring after him with a feeling of worry and dread forming in the pit of her stomach.
Cotey and Jess rode side by side in the post parade. They both waved to the crowd.
“Good luck Jess,” Cotey said.
“I hope you win Cotey… I hope we both do,” Jess said with a grin. Cotey smiled too.
“So do I kiddo.” They loaded in the gate, Jess in the second position and Cotey in tenth. Cotey went into a tight two-point and concentrated. The bells rang and Jeeves shot from the gate. She got him out to the rail and then held him tightly until they reached the far turn. She let him out slowly, smiling as they reached the stretch. She glanced under her arm and could see Jess and Law making their move. “Come on Jeeves,” she muttered. She went up further on his neck, rubbing his neck. Jess was moving up on his flank, and then was at his side. Cotey glanced under her arm and smiled at Jess. Jess smiled too. The each gave their horses more rein, but in the end Cotey went under the wire first. She stood in her stirrups and eased Jeeves to a trot. Jess wasn’t far behind. They walked their horses toward the winners circle together. Cotey leaned over and hugged her friend. “Great job Jess,” she said. Cameras were flashing.
“Thanks Cotey,” Jess murmured, riding off to take care of Law. Cotey smiled and faced the reporters.
At dinner that night Sam looked at Jess and said, “That was one hell of a race kiddo.” Jess smiled.
“Thanks Sam.” The twins were sitting beside her.
“He’s right. I’m proud of you Jess,” Cotey said.
“Maybe I’ll catch you in the Preakness or the Belmont,” Jess kidded. The adults all laughed, but Cotey stopped suddenly. Patrick had just walked into the restaurant.
“What is he doing here?” she muttered. Sam turned and frowned when he saw his brother.
“Do you want to leave C?” he asked.
“No, I won’t give him the satisfaction,” she said. Patrick walked up, putting a hand on Sam’s shoulder.
“Get the hell away from my family,” Sam said menacingly, shrugging Patrick’s hand away.
“Didn’t Cotey tell you?” Patrick said.
“Tell him what?” she asked. He smiled, a look in his eyes that was threatening and full of humor at the same time.
“That you invited me to dinner,” he said.
“I never under any circumstances invited you to dinner. You make me sick.” Patrick shrugged.
“Your manners have certainly diminished. You did ask me to come Cotey, but you didn’t tell me the family would be here. Maybe they weren’t suppose to be?” Sam stood up, knocking his chair over.
“You should leave now, before I cause a scene,” Sam whispered angrily. Cotey had stood up too, and was holding on to Sam’s arm. The twins were glancing back and forth with big eyes.
“Mommy, who’s that?” Rachel asked.
“This is your Uncle Patrick guys, but he’s going to be leaving soon,” Sam said. Rachel nodded and glanced nervously at Jess.
“So you’re going to deprive me of seeing my niece and nephew?” Patrick demanded, his eyes still dancing.
“Absolutely. Get the hell away from my family,” she said angrily.
“OK. Sam you better be prepared… right Cotey? It’s going to come as a huge shock when the truth finally comes out.” With those final words he turned and walked away. Cotey stared after him, wondering what he was talking about.
“What’s going on?” Sam demanded. Cotey shrugged and sat down, still watching the door.
“I have no idea,” she muttered.
Two days later Sam and the rest of his family arrived home. It was late and the twins were asleep between their parents in the front seat of the truck. Jess was in the trailer with the horses.
“Which one do you want to lug in?” she asked.
“I’ll take Dom, you grab Rachel.” They each picked up a twin and walked to the house. Cotey went into Rachel’s room and laid her gently in bed, taking off her sneakers and shorts before covering her up.
“Night night sweetheart,” she whispered, placing a kiss on the girl’s forehead. She went out into the hallway and smiled at Sam.
“Everything done in here?” he asked.
“Let’s hope so. Come on, let’s go get the horses settled.” Sam smiled and they walked downstairs holding hands. They opened the doors of the trailer and found Jess asleep on the tack boxes. Cotey grinned and pointed to the truck. There was a camera on the front seat, so she picked it up and took a quick picture.
“That’s a prize winner,” Sam murmured. Cotey laughed and went to the front of the trailer.
“Come on Jess, time to wake up,” she said, giving the girl’s shoulder a shake. Jess stretched.
“Sorry I fell asleep. These horses aren’t big conversationalists,” Jess said with a smile.
“Let’s get these guys settled and then I’ll take you home,” Cotey said.
“I’ll camp out in the loft tonight. You guys have done enough driving for one day.” Cotey laughed.
“You can stay here, but you can sleep in one of the twins’ rooms.” Jess smiled.
“Whatever’s easiest. I don’t want you to go to any trouble… we had enough trouble in Kentucky to last awhile.” Sam frowned.
“Patrick has some goddamn nerve. He caused enough trouble before we got married and now he’s back trying to cause more.” Cotey nodded, leading Jeeves toward the barn.
“Yeah. I just wish I knew what he was up to.”
The morning of the Preakness came quickly, and Cotey and Jess were up early. Cotey fed and watered both horses while Jess was mucking Law’s stall.
“You know, you’ll have to do Jeeves too. I fed both of them so it’s only fair…” Cotey trailed off and Jess smiled.
“I was planning on cleaning his stall too. Let me just finish up here, then I’ll get to him.”
“Thanks kiddo. I’m going down to get some coffee. Do you want anything?”
“Could you get me a cup of those jelly beans they have?” Cotey frowned.
“Jelly beans? Jess, it’s four thirty in the morning.”
“They taste good no matter when you eat them.” Cotey rolled her eyes.
“Whatever you say. I’ll be back in a minute.” Cotey walked out of the barn and toward the concession stands. Patrick Giran fell into step beside her.
“Hey Cotey,” he said.
“Go away Patrick,” she muttered.
“So have you told Sam yet?” he asked. She stopped walking and glared up at him.
“I haven’t the faintest idea what you’re talking about Patrick. Please leave me alone.”
“If you don’t tell him, I will Cotey,” he said, loud enough for people to hear. Sam’s father was walking toward them.
“Is Pat bothering you Cotey?” he asked. Cotey shook her head.
“No, I was just leaving. Thanks anyway Dad,” she told her father-in-law. She turned and stalked back to the barn.
After another win at the Preakness, Cotey was excited about the Belmont. The whole family was coming this time. Jess would be riding again, and was hoping to finally win.
“What am I doing wrong Sam?” Jess asked him on the day of the race. Sam shook his head and smiled.
“Nothing that I can see. Cotey’s probably the best jockey in the United States right now, and you’re just starting. To have a place in two of the jewels of the crown is amazing Jessi. Do your best. Nobody is disappointed,” he assured her. Jess smiled and got a leg into her saddle from a groom.
“Thanks Sam,” she said.
“I’m heading up to our seats. Good luck ladies,” he said. He gave Cotey a kiss and patted Jess’s knee.
“He’s telling the truth. You’re running very well Jess,” Cotey said.
“I hope that you win,” Jess said with a smile. Cotey got a leg into the saddle.
“Let’s get out there and do this,” she said. The moved onto the track and loaded into the gates. Cotey went into her two-point, and looked ahead. The bells rang and they shot forward. They moved to the rail quickly and Cotey fought to hold Jeeves in check until the far turn. The field set a fast pace that day, and Jeeves tried hard to get more rein from her. At the turn she let him out and smiled as she felt him dig in. They went under the wire first and Cotey stood in her stirrups, holding up one hand and smiling at the cheering crowd.
“Ladies and gentleman, Cotey Mallory has just taken the Triple Crown!” the announcer said. Cotey leaned down and gave Jeeves several sound pats on the neck.
“Good boy!” she exclaimed, brushing tears from her face. She went to the winners circle and smiled as reporters started taking pictures and asking questions. Sam and the twins arrived moments later and Cotey reached down as Sam handed the twins up to her. She leaned down and kissed Sam. “I can’t wait to get home,” she murmured. He smiled and patted her knee. Neither one of them realized that home would be far more chaotic than the track had ever been.
Late that night Cotey, Sam, Jess, and the twins arrived home.
“I’ll take the twins up and you guys can get the horses settled,” Jess offered. Cotey smiled and patted the girl’s shoulder.
“Thanks Jess. Come on down when you’re done if you want. We might still be getting stuff put away.” Jess carried Rachel and held Dominick’s hand as they went to the house. Sam was standing at the barn door, holding a piece of paper in his hand.
“What’s that?” Cotey asked, coming up behind him. Sam turned, anger in every feature.
“Why don’t you tell me?” he demanded. Cotey took the paper from him and read:
Sam,
I told Cotey that if she didn’t tell you, I would. I’ve been asking her for months. I’m sorry… but I’m the father of the twins.
-Patrick
