Maggie's Wish

by Marilyn D. Anderson

"Yes," said Dad. "I bought some equipment from him, and it should be here later today."

"Good," said Chuck. "You'll love working with horses. They're a lot more fun than tractors."

"Come on," said Dad. "I'll write you a check."

When the men left, Mom looked down at Maggie. "So, what do you think of our new horses?"

Maggie sniffed. "They're too big."

Mom sighed and nodded. "I know. Sometimes you're father gets so carried away with things I just can't talk to him."

Mom left too, and Maggie studied the horses in silence. Dad came back. He said, "Well, do you like your surprise?"

"They aren't my surprise," she replied. "I wanted a horse I could ride."

Dad's grin faded. "You can ride them," he said. "In the olden days all the kids rode draft horses like these."

"No way," Maggie said under her breath.