“My thoughts exactly. There’s a lot we can learn from other cultures and the stories they pass down from generation to generation. I believe there might even be a tiny bit of proof in a lot of it. Who’s to say that the gods the Greeks worshiped weren’t just guardian angels that our God sent to protect his people?” James bit back a laugh at the stunned expression on Constance’s face.
His theories weren’t something he often shared with people in town. Most everyone who lived within a hundred-mile radius was Christian, himself included. Not many ventured far enough to learn about other people’s religions. People like his mother frowned on such things. That was why he kept this sort of stuff to himself. But it was fun thinking up theories on how itcouldall tie in together. With their one true God of course.
James clasped the lead rope to the bridle Calliope wore and Constance jumped back, holding the stall door open. He led the mare down the long aisle, her horseshoes clicking against the ground in an even rhythm.
Constance’s hurried footsteps followed close behind and she finally caught up, walking by his side. “I love that theory. The Greek gods and goddesses are really just angels? I’ve never heard it before.”
He chuckled. “As much as I’d like to continue our discussion, we should probably see about getting Calliope ready. I’d wager there isn’t much time now.”
“How soon do you think her baby’s coming?”
James tilted his head, studying the horse’s gait and how she carried herself. “It could be as soon as this evening.”
She gasped. “Really?” That small crease appeared once more on the bridge of her nose. The rate of her breathing had increased as well.
He reached out and touched her forearm. “It’s going to be okay. I promise. We’ll get her set up in a nice, small pasture with some wildflowers, and she can find a way to get comfortable. Then when it looks like she’s getting ready to deliver, you can give me a call. I won’t be far.”
Constance hurried around him, forcing him to stop. She shook her head. “I don’t think you should go. If she’s going to deliver, you should stay here. We have plenty of room.”
“It will befine. Calliope is a strong mare. She will know what to do. It’s nature, Connie.”
Her brows lowered. “Please don’t call me that.”
“Oh. Of course.”
Constance pressed her lips tight in a firm line. “I know you don’t believe me, but I have this feeling deep in my gut. Something is going to go wrong, and I think it would be best if you stay.”
If she wasn’t so scared, this whole situation would have been almost comical. He placed a firm hand on her shoulder and locked his eyes on hers. “I’ve got other animals to visit. I have office hours. I can only be here if there’s an emergency.”
“I know that. Ido. But—”
“Look, I’ll try to stop by after I visit some of my other ‘patients.’” He gave her a warm smile, one that he hoped would settle her heart somewhat. But by the looks of it, he failed. She didn’t brighten up. Her shoulders actually slumped even more. She let out a sigh and nodded, stepping out of his way.
He tugged on the rope and Calliope dug her hooves into the dirt beneath her. She shook her head and let out a shrill whinny. James tugged again, more firmly but got the same reaction. Strange. She should be fine to walk the next several yards to get to the corral they had set up for her.
James shot a quick look in Constance’s direction. He didn’t think it was possible, but she managed to look even more worried than before. She moved closer toward Calliope, but he held up a hand. “Don’t.”
She paled and stumbled back a step instead.
“She’s distressed over something,” he said.
“It’s the baby.”
He shook his head. “Not necessarily. She might just be tired, or she could be nervous. All we need to do is soothe her, calm her down so she’ll be willing to get to that pasture. It’s got grasses and a tree with some shade. I’d really like to get her over there rather than out here in the open.”
Constance glanced over her shoulder in the direction they were supposed to go, then her gaze swung back to meet his. “I think you’re wrong. She’s upset, and I’m guessing it has to do with the baby. You need to do something right now.”
“Do what?”
“I don’t know! Aren’t you supposed to be able to check her or something? Stick your hand in there and make sure the baby is facing the right way?”
“Constance, it’s going to be fi—”
She gasped and her hands flew to her mouth as her eyes locked onto Calliope’s backside. A bubble had emerged beneath her tail, with a hoof clearly visible.
James chuckled. “You know very well that this is how the process begins.” He glanced toward the corral they had filled with extra straw. “Let’s get her over there and I’ll check her out.” He gave her a crooked grin. “I never thought a Callahan would be so nervous.”
She fidgeted beside him as they made slow progress toward the corral. “The last time Calliope went through foaling, it didn’t survive.”