"She's definitely in labour but nothing seems to be happening. Do you think I should call the vet? She's getting pretty tired."
He hobbled back to the stables with her and checked the mare. "Yeah, if she goes too long she won't have the energy to push it out. First foal could be a big one. The vet’s number is on the wall by the tractor."
Sami hurried to get the number and called. "The number you have called is not in range. Please leave a message."
"Shit." She ran back to the stable.
"He must be away somewhere. Is there another vet we can call?" She looked anxiously over at Mallika and cringed when she whinnied loudly.
"Not one close enough to do us any good. Call Mason, he's a dab hand at this kind of thing. It was what his grandfather did, bred horses."
"No."
"Look here, Sami, you have to get over whatever it is you have against the guy. He will be over here like a shot. This isn't about you, it's about her." He reached up and stroked a rough hand over Mallika’s sweaty nose.
Sami chewed on her lip biting hard enough to draw blood before speaking. "Give me his number."
Tibby rattled off the number and she punched the numbers in and waited.
"Hello."
"Mason, sorry to bother you," she sighed loudly and swallowed, "I need your help. It's Mallika. We think the foal might be stuck."
"I'll be right there." He hung up and she turned to Tibby.
"He's on the way."
The old man nodded his head. "Damn fool kids. Can't see what's in front of your own eyes for looking."
She rested her head against the mare’s neck and stroked her trying to send out calming vibes until help arrived. She heard the car pull up outside and the door slam. Tibby went out to meet Mason and she heard their muffled voices.
Mason hopped in on his crutches and dropped a bag on the floor by the door. He reached up and stroked the mare’s nose. "Hey girl, having a hard time, eh?"
"Thanks for coming over." She couldn't keep her gaze on him. It hurt too much.
"Anything you need you only have to ask, Sami. Now let's have a look at this lady. You'll have to hold her head while I check her out. If this foal is stuck we have to do something pretty quick."
Mason opened his bag and donned long plastic gloves and hobbled to the back of the horse. Sami held Mallika’s head and tried to soothe her while she skittered around trying to get away from the invasion.
"Hold her still." Mason mumbled to himself for a couple of minutes and then groaned when Mallika pushed him back against the wall. "Hold her." He cried out before she slammed him back again.
Sami tried to pull her forward to give him space and eventually she managed. "Good girl, he's only trying to help you. Sshh now."
"Hold her tight for a minute."
Sami could hear him groaning and gritted her teeth. No novice to animal husbandry, she knew what it felt like when you were elbow deep in an animal during strong contractions. With another few groans, Mason cheered.
"Got it." He stood back and grinned at her. "Big foal, but here it comes."
Sami relaxed her hold on Mallika’s halter and stepped back to see. Two perfectly formed hooves were protruding from the horse and she watched as the mare pushed, and the foal slowly made its way into the world.
By the time it was on the straw being washed by its mother, she was leaning against Mason, the tears rolling down her cheeks. "Sorry, it gets to me every time."
Sami tried to break away from him but he held his arm around her shoulders keeping her close. "Mason, you should sit down or something. I mean, your leg is still healing and I've probably done you more harm than good making you stand here."
"I'm fine Sami. Let me lean against the wall and watch the foal for a bit longer. Once she is nursing I will make a move home."
"Is Mallika okay? I don't need to call the vet to check her out tomorrow?"
"She will be fine, a little tired, but now her foal is here she will pick up."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Thanks for your help. I don't think I would have coped by myself. You know, with Tibby out of action at the moment."
"I've already said you can call me anytime and I meant it, Sami. Look, I have to say this and I won't let you go until I'm finished." He gripped her by the shoulders and forced her to face him. "Clare is nothing to me and never has been except in her own mind."
Sami pulled away and crossed her arms. "No, Mason listen—"
"No, let me finish. You have no reason to believe me, I know that. I'm not the type of person to do the kind of thing she suggested. It was her way of getting rid of you and it worked sadly enough. She won't be back ever again, it's something I can promise you." He ran a hand through his hair and gave her a lopsided grin. "I never thought I would fall for a farm girl who would have me running in circles chasing my tail. You are so strong, Sami, and brave and you know your own mind. That does it for me. I don't fit in with the city crowd, I never did. After university I kept in touch with a few of them but it was never Clare I wanted. I want someone honest and hardworking who knows the value of family. Someone who isn't scared to put themselves on the line for what they believe."
"Why would you even think you have to explain yourself to me, Mason? You did nothing wrong."
"Yes I did. I shouldn't have let you go that night. I know but in my defence I thought you should be given
