Page 100 of The Convict Gets His Girl

Peterson shifted uncomfortably. "Margaret quarantined them in the back pasture. Thought it might help prevent spread."

A smart move, though potentially too late. Jewel pulled out her notebook, jotting down initial observations. Each movement cost her energy, but she refused to show weakness. These calves needed her.

"I'll need blood samples," she muttered, preparing her kit. "And we'll need to start aggressive antibiotics immediately."

Margaret hovered close, her worry clear as she asked, "Can you save them?"

Her hands, despite the tremors of her Lyme disease, remained steady as she drew blood samples. Years of training and determination overrode the physical limitations her body tried to impose. Each movement was calculated, precise.

"There're no promises with health." The words rang with truth, and her lips twisted at the irony. "But let me get these blood samples back to the clinic. Give me an hour to confirm, then I'll swing back by with the antibiotics. I'll give them a general antibiotic now, but if it's the type I think it is, they'll need another dose every few hours until they start to eat. We'll know if they'll make it by tomorrow."

Peterson grunted, a sound that might have been approval or skepticism. Jewel ignored him, focusing on preparing the antibiotics. She calculated dosages carefully, her medical training sharp despite her physical fatigue. When she was done, she carefully packed the samples into her bag and stood with a groan.

"You alright, dear?" Margaret asked, coming forward to help.

Jewel waved her off with a pinched smile. "Fine, just my joints acting up with this cooler weather."

"I hear that," Peterson snorted as they walked out of the barn.

Her muscles ached from the repetitive motion, a dull reminder of her body's current limitations. She wiped her forehead with the back of her gloved hand and stepped out of the barn, the crisp fall air cutting through her flannel shirt.

ChapterThirty-Seven

Jewel told them goodbye and drove back to the clinic, exhausted but grateful. She was grateful that her dad trusted her to do a good job on these calls, that she had the knowledge and ability to help, even if she was slower getting around than she'd been a few years before.

She wasn't useless. She could still do her job and save these animals, bringing a smile to their owners faces and lightening their burdens. After running the tests and trying to work on some computer work, she climbed back into the truck with a groan. Another stop at the Petersons, then she turned toward the Williams' just as the sun was dipping below the horizon.

The Williams' ranch appeared like a warm beacon against the golden late afternoon light. Jewel's truck rolled to a stop, gravel crunching underneath her tires.

"Hey, everyone," she called, stepping inside the house.

Lola was already spread out at the kitchen table, her meticulously organized Halloween planning checklist looking like a military operations map. Maryanne and Holly lounged on the couch, their rare kid-free moment filled with relaxed laughter.

"Want some tea?" Taylor asked, stirring something fragrant on the stove.

Ava was seated at the table, her hip surgery recovery evident in her careful movements. "We're finalizing the barn decoration details," she said. "Pull up a chair."

There was no censure in her voice, and Jewel breathed a sigh of relief. She'd expected a snide comment but hopefully Ava had gotten it all out of her system on Sunday.

"I'm not sure how much I can contribute," Jewel admitted as she sat down next to her. "My strength is pretty low this week."

"Why are you so worn out?" Ava asked.

Not thinking, Jewel accepted the cold sweet tea from Taylor with a smile. "Thanks. This Lyme is kicking my butt with all the pressure changes and colder weather. My joints are already aching, and it's not even winter yet."

Ava frowned and opened her mouth. Jewel froze, realizing what she'd just casually shared. She'd kept it secret from so many people for so long, but somewhere along the way, she'd started to accept these people as her family. The past few months had changed her.

Holly looked up, her yoga instructor persona emerging. "When are you going to come to yoga? We'll help you build flexibility and core strength."

"I don't know," Jewel hesitated. "I keep meaning to, but I have a lot of work on my plate right now."

Holly said firmly, "Your body needs consistent movement. No wonder your strength and joints need some work. What supplements are you using? Essential oils?"

Maryanne laughed and joined them at the table. "Forget that, have you tried edibles or CBD?"

Jewel laughed and shook her head. "I'm working with a specialist who—yes—is into holistic methods. I see him once a month in Dallas. He's actually the reason I wanted to move back home. I'll be alright, guys. I'm already better than I was this time last year."

Ava sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she grumbled, "Well, if that's what it took to get you here, then I'm not going to complain. And you shouldn't either. Complaining begets more complaining, and no one needs that energy around here."

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