Page 48 of Wilder Heart

“Oh, Cash, before I forget. There’s a big cattle auction over in Bozeman coming up next month.” He winced. “I’m hesitant to go, because it’s a little closer than I’d like to Mary-Beth’s due date, and the doctor warned us twins are often born premature—hell, Wilder and I were a little over a month early. But she insisted that she’d be fine here at home while I’m gone. I’d like you to come. We should have the cattle settled by then, and the hands can handle a couple of days without you, right? You’ve always had a good eye for new stock. I’d like your opinion before I make any big purchases.”

It wasn’t the first time he’d tagged along to a cattle auction, but this time, he hesitated. Things between Billy and Wilder were tense, and that would be on the tail end of Wilder’s recovery.

Still, they could use some more cattle to pad the herd.

“Sure, boss. I’d be happy to come. I can put Clyde in charge while I’m gone.”

Lain brightened. “Great. I’ll text you the details later. I don’t want to spend more than one night away, so it’ll be a quick trip.”

They said their goodbyes, and Cash slipped gratefully out into the night.

His eyes snagged on movement right away. Wilder was at the horse barn, leaning against the fence with his crutches propped up beside him, watching Blaze rest. Exasperated fondness filled him as he crossed the yard. He should’ve known Wilder wouldn’t stay put and rest.

“He’s okay,” Cash said as he approached. “You have nothing to feel guilty about.”

“I should have noticed something was wrong with the saddle.”

“I’m the one who put the saddle on in the first place, Wilder,” Cash said, glancing around to make sure they were alone and then wrapping his arms around the man from behind. He expected Wilder to tense at the touch, since he was so worried about others finding out about them, so he was surprised when Wilder melted against him instead, like the effort of holding himself up had been almost too much to bear.

“You wouldn’t have put it on wrong,” Wilder said with certainty.

“I don’t think so, no.” He’d been saddling horses for about twenty-five years now, and this had never happened before. He was also familiar with that saddle, even used it himself some in the past.

“How did it come loose, then?”

Cash ducked his head, pressing a kiss to Wilder’s neck. “I’ll look at the saddle in the morning. Right now, you need to get back to bed. You’re supposed to be resting.”

“I know. I just wanted to check on him.” His fingers threaded through Cash’s, and Cash’s stomach swooped. “What did Lain say?”

“He asked how you were and said you could have all the time you need to heal, as I expected. He also said he remembered you being very good with horses growing up, and he couldn’t imagine this accident had been your fault.”

Wilder was quiet for a handful of heartbeats, and then he gave a telltale sniffle.

Cash’s heart squeezed at the sound, and his arms tightened around him. “Wilder.”

“No, I’m fine, it’s just dust.”

Cash guided his face toward him and kissed him sweetly. “If you say so.” He reached for the crutches and handed them to him. “Now, come on. I promised to tuck you in. Did you take your pill?”

Wilder tucked the crutches under his arm. “Yes, mother.”

“Don’t sass me, young man.”

It was hard for Wilder to get up the slight hill before the bunkhouse, and by the time they got back to his room, he was panting. Cash closed the door behind them and left the lights off, laying the crutches just under the side of the bed while Wilder collapsed on the mattress.

“Walking with crutches isn’t supposed to be so complicated.”

“Well, you’re also dealing with an injury, and you’ve had a very long day. You’re tired.” He pressed closer, and Wilder’s legs widened to make room for him between them.

“I am,” Wilder admitted, looking up at him.

“You should rest, then.” He tugged Wilder’s shirt off. “Do you want a shower?”

Wilder shook his head. “I probably should, but I don’t want to struggle through it right now. I’ll try in the morning.”

“I think that’s probably for the best.” He’d still be in pain tomorrow, but at least he’d be more alert. The last thing he needed was to fall because he was too tired.

His body was riddled with bruises. He was lucky he didn’t have any broken ribs. The right side of his back and shoulder had taken the brunt of his fall. He was sore today, but he’d be lucky if he made it out of bed tomorrow. The bruises were deep, and Cash could already imagine the kaleidoscope of color they would become as they healed. Blue, purple, sickly brown, green, and yellow. Wilder would be stiff as a board tomorrow. Blaze landing on his leg was obviously the worst injury, but none of it would be pleasant for the next few days.

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