He threw her the big lifeline smile. ‘Sure.’

They put the horse in a chifney bit and double led him, a technique she’d perfected with Lester that just about kept control whilst running the gauntlet with him rearing and plunging across the yard and as far as small paddock to the circular fenced area, where Beck exploded into a fly-bucking, rolling breakdance routine.

Trying to look disapproving, arms crossed, head tilted critically to the side, Luca let out an involuntary laugh as they watched the sheer energy of him charging round at liberty. ‘I never thought I’d see him alive again.’

‘He certainly has bit of a death wish.’ Ronnie winced as Beck bucked, smacking his hind feet against the metal fencing which rattled and hummed, sending him into a careering frenzy.

‘God gave that one springs on his springs,’ Luca whistled. ‘I’d forgotten how he moves.’

Ronnie watched his face in delight, seeing the old Luca merriness light up in it.

Some horses stole your heart, even a tough old pro like Luca who rode ten a day. Ronnie recognised it because Beck had stolen hers, too.

They watched him spin and plunge, Luca shaking his head, big smile conflicted. ‘He was a nightmare to breed from, you know that?’

‘Some of the best ones are. He’s not sired many, but those he has are all first class. He’s going to father lots more now,’ Ronnie predicted confidently. ‘My plan is to have a full stud book come March.’

Hearing a dog yap she spotted Pax over the wall of the stable cottage garden and beckoned her down across the paddock to join them.

‘Pax is brilliantly organised, so she’ll keep the bookings in order,’ she told Luca, familiar with her daughter’s OCD need to file. She beckoned Pax more impatiently, her own mother’s firm voice in her head, demanding they all sacrifice ego. The stud needed to rally its troops, and this was all it had. Reluctantly, Pax let herself through the garden gate and started making her way down towards them.

‘I do the selling and marketing side. I need you to focus on straightening out this chap’s bad attitude, Luca.’ She watched Beck trumpet his authority, the ultimate cage fighter. ‘He’s a total rapist. If he’s going to cover naturally – which he’s only ever done once to my knowledge, by accident not design – he must be a lot safer to handle and better mannered. And if we’re flogging straws of semen fresh from the dummy or deep freeze, he needs to be as reliable as a student going into a cubicle with a pot and a porn mag.’

‘I’ve missed the ladylike way you talk.’ The green eyes sparkled, a flash of the old Luca again. ‘I’ve missed everything aboutcha, Ron.’

‘It’s been a long time.’

‘You’ve not changed a bit.’

Pax joined them with a self-conscious cough, paler than ever, watching Beck still rodeoing around like his tail was on fire. ‘I know that feeling.’