Star of Wonder by JoAnn S. Dawson

Author:JoAnn S. Dawson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Published: 2008-11-07T05:00:00+00:00

9

The Reunion

THE NEXT DAY dawned warm and bright, and Mary and Jody had just arrived at Lucky Foot Stable when Willie appeared in the doorway, scratching his head and pulling on his earlobe the way he always did when he was about to make a pronouncement.

“Willie!” Mary said excitedly. “You missed our circus act! We practiced yesterday in the pasture field . . .”

“And then Mary landed in a cow plop, and Walter landed on her head when she washed her hair, and . . .”

“Walter who?” Willie asked, peering into the old bunny cage. “Oh, you mean that ugly little squab? He looks like he’s about ready for the stewpot.”

“Willie!” exclaimed Jody. “He’s not ugly! Well, maybe a little. And he’s not a squab anymore, he’s a full-grown pigeon now. Watch, we’ll let him out of his cage. He doesn’t even try to fly away. He stays right here with us.”

“I don’t have time for this foolishness,” Willie interrupted, looking out the stable door into the paddock. “I came over here to see if you’re ready to put this ornery bugger and his mama back together again.”

“Ornery bugger . . . you mean Star? Do you think this is a good time? Is he ready? Is Lady’s milked dried up yet?” Mary asked breathlessly.

“Slow down, girl. Yes, Lady’s milk is dried up and he’s as ready as he’s ever gonna git. Now here’s a lead rope . . . grab ahold of Star and we’ll lead him over to the pasture. I let the cows into the barn a little early, so’s he wouldn’t have to git used to them at first.”

“That’s right! He’s never really seen a cow up close. I wonder if he’ll be scared?” Jody asked.

“That’s what I mean. I figure we’ll let him out in the pasture with Lady and Gypsy, and then later on when the cows come back out, he’ll at least be settled down a little already.”

“Good plan, Willie,” Mary said approvingly as Jody snapped the lead rope onto Star’s halter and led him from the paddock. “I can’t wait to see what Star does when he sees Lady!”

Willie just shook his head as the three approached the cow pasture with Star in tow. Nearing the gate, Star suddenly started prancing and throwing his head up and down.

“Whoa, buddy!” Jody exclaimed, trying to hold Star steady. But it was too late. Star had seen Lady over the pasture gate, and he reacted by letting out a long shrill whinny.

At the familiar sound, Lady and Gypsy raised their heads from grazing at the exact same moment, still chewing. Then they switched their tails lazily and resumed grazing.

“Look, Willie! Lady doesn’t even act like she remembers him!” Jody exclaimed as Mary unhooked the chain on the gate.

“I been tellin’ you that,” Willie responded. “Just watch.”

At that, Mary pushed open the gate and Jody unhooked the lead rope from Star’s halter.

Before Jody could even pat him good-bye, Star took off at a canter across the pasture, heading straight for Lady and whinnying all the way.

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