Voices Deep Inside (Book 1)

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Afternoon Horse Races

After lunch, the men rushed out to the barns to prepare their horses for the races. The women listened as their daughters chattered with the excitement of the morning competition. Talia and Josie convinced their mothers to join them for a sleigh ride out to the horse races.

"Mother, did you and Roman have a pleasant conversation during lunch?" asked her daughter.

"Oh yes. He is a delightful conversationalist," said her mother. "I knew his parents when we were younger. His mother, Rose and I were friends during the weekend parties but after I married Omar, I lost touch with so many of my friends."

"So, what do you think of Roman? He spoke with father today about our future, but father wants to know your opinion."

"Talia, he is a very nice, handsome young man. But are you sure you are ready to be married?"

"I told him I was not ready to be married. But when I do, I know it will be Roman."

"I am happy to hear you will not rush things. I believe he would be an excellent choice for a husband."

That note of approval was enough for Talia as she threw her arms around her mother.

"Thank you. Your approval means everything to me."

Gerald walked over to his two favorite girls and asked, "Are you ready to go on a sleigh ride?"

"Wait, while I get my wraps," said Geneva.

The women joined their husbands as the guests traveled out to the quarter-mile track that the Huntveldts used every year for this annual race. The young men saddled their horses and were exercising them around the frozen track.

Talia was awestruck by how many beautiful horses were on the track. She saw Mick helping the Thanturnam brothers since they did not bring a groomsman with them.

The Huntveldt brothers gave brightly colored sashes to the riders to wear to make them stand out as they raced. Roman wore a bright green sash, and Ridge had chosen a bright pink color.

The twins divided the riders into groups of four by a lottery drawing. Then, the winner of each of the three heats competed in the last race.

Talia and her parents found a seat on the viewing platform. Talia noticed Prissy was active this afternoon. She spent most of the afternoon talking to different people. She even saw her standing next to Roman as he brushed down his horse.

Talia could tell he was trying to be polite as she chattered to him. Then, Roman's horse started acting up, and it frightened Prissy. She ran to Roman for protection, and the horse continued to stomp closer to Prissy. Roman grabbed hold of his reins and pulled him in close. He whispered to the large stallion.

"I'm sorry, Prissy," said Roman. "I need to calm down my horse before the race. If you will excuse me."

Roman turned the horse around and led him away to a more secluded area, leaving Prissy standing out in the middle of the track. She smiled and waved to Roman as he distanced himself from her.

Prissy walked back to Luella and told the girls that she was so glad she could tell Roman that she would cheer for him.

"He really is so competent with horses," said Prissy. "He explained to me he needed to calm his horse down before the first race."