In the crush of animals and men, Dayton fights to pull ahead. Some of the riders are in it for fun, others the prestige but most want the three-thousand-dollar purse. Samson is used to riding in a crush of men and animals from his time in the war. It doesn't bother him or his well-trained rider. Not even when a jockey next to him whacks at him with his whip. Glenn is ready for it and grabs his whip, holding it tight and steers Samson closer to the man's horse causing him to panic. The rider struggles to stay in his saddle with only one arm free to control his horse. Glenn releases him with a shove, and they veer to the side giving Glenn the opening he has been looking for. He leans forward and yells, Samson reacts instantly with a push of energy.
Anika watches as four horses pull forward, instantly separating themselves from the pack. Glenn leans over, and it seems as if rider and man become one entity. Dayton pulls next to him as they close in on the finish line.
Everyone leaps to their feet, cheering for their favorite rider. Both babies wake up, startled by the noise. They have no clue their daddy is closing in on the best rider on the east coast!
Glenn grins at Dayton and kicks one last time, urging Samson to take the lead. They cross the line with Dayton just pulling ahead of Glenn by a few inches. The rest of the rider’s thunder across.
Dayton is laughing as Glenn jumps from his mount.
“You had me worried for a second Ward,” he laughs.
“I almost had you, Patrick, maybe next year.” Samson stomps his feet, and Glenn trots him away to be wiped down as the crowd of people surrounds Dayton. A blanket of flowers is placed over Survivor's back, and Glenn pats Samson.
“You did good, boy.” He spots his family hurrying to meet him and dismounts.
“Well done, son,” Allen says with a whack on his back and Daisy hugs him.
“Thank you.” He looks to Anika and asks, “What did you think, Anika?”
“I’ve never seen anything more magical, Glenn. You and Samson ride like you’re one being. It’s impressive.”
“I agree,” Dayton says from behind surprising everyone. “In fact, I’d like to invite you to race in Kentucky. I’m building a new flat racing track. It bound to draw prized horses and seasoned riders from end to end of the East coast. Glenn, with a horse like Samson, all you need to do is win some titles, and the purse will be substantial.”
“How substantial?” Glenn asks with an interested gleam in his eye.
“First place will receive twenty-five thousand dollars.” A collected gasp flickers around the group. Dayton grins, “The fee to enter isn't cheap, but if you win, you can use the money to set up your breeding business again.”
Glenn glances at his family, “I’ll think about it.”
“Don't think too long, Ward. If you'd let a smaller rider on your horse, I wouldn't have stood a chance. Samson is magic. I'll talk to you soon.” With a tip of his hat, he leaves, avoiding Anika. It is easy to see she is where she belongs.
A tug on his hand has Glenn stooping down to hear Delaney. She holds up her ribbon and says, “I’ll share my ribbon with you.”
“Delaney, I don't need a ribbon. You are the best prize.” He scoops her up to her delight and giggles declaring, “I need food. I hear the pie judging is starting soon. Let me put Samson away, and we'll go eat.”
Whatever is left of Anika's defenses fall away at that moment. What will she do?
“I love him,” she whispers as he sets Delaney on her feet and leads Samson away.
‘Trust,’ the Lord whispers to her heart.
Heavenly scents skip on the air, as the judges prepare to taste test the pies. Apple, pumpkin, cherry, pecan and walnut pies so many to eat and so many to sample. Each entrant was asked to bring three pies each for the judges.
“Welcome to our pie judging. We will be judging on three criteria, appearance, taste and crust. This is a blind tasting, which means we do not know who made which pie, though I’m sure you all know, please try to keep it to yourself.”
Anika smiles at the other contestants, standing on the sidelines. Each pie is numbered. Delaney twists her hands and looks at her then back at the table.
Anika’s pie is called Apple Pecan pie. It was her grandmother’s recipe. It is a traditional Pecan pie, but on the bottom of the pie, instead of pouring in chopped pecans, thinly sliced apples are layered with pecans sprinkled on top and topped off with the filling. Then to hide the apples, whole pecans are placed on top to create a beautiful golden top. The secret ingredient is the bourbon. Only a splash but it gives a richness that will make it stand out from the other pies.
Glenn stands behind Anika and bounces one of the boys, nervously watching the first round. When she makes it to round two, he grins at Delaney who is beaming with excitement. Round two only has ten pies remaining. The judges drink water between each bite and are somehow able to maintain blank faces as they continue. After a heated debate, three pies are chosen for the final round. A pumpkin pie, a cherry pie, and Anika's Apple-pecan pie.
Glenn hands the baby to his mother and steps behind Anika. She reaches behind her and he takes her hand in his. The three pies are judged on appearance first and she thankful that Delaney talked her into adding the piecrust leaves
