Page 11 of Rancher's Healing

“I didn’t realize Nora’s auction was actually a fuck fest.” She said loudly, and the people around her giggled. “I’m going to have to save all year, so I can win the good doctor next year.”

Smiling sweetly as I dropped tip money in the jar, I kissed Fred’s cheek and grabbed my lunch. As I walked past the table, I stopped. “He won’t be available next year, Starcie. Looks like you lost to a Miller yet again.” Fred laughed as I left the coffee shop.

CHAPTER NINE

TAYLA

“Ok, what’s the plan for tonight? I’m boyfriend and kid free.” I walked into Fallon and Nash’s house for girls’ night.

“Boyfriend?” Nora and Kristin asked at the same time, each sitting up a little straighter.

“Yes, boyfriend. What did you think he was?” I asked as I sat down on the couch.

“Well, you’ve never defined it, so we weren’t sure what was going on,” Fallon said, as she walked out of the kitchen with a tray of appetizers. She set them on the table and sat beside me.

“It feels juvenile calling him my boyfriend, but he’s not my partner, and I don’t know what else to say. So, boyfriend, it is.” I shrugged as I leaned forward, scooping a tortilla chip in the dip Fallon had made.

“They’re so cute at the clinic. They try to hide the fact they’re in love, but the longing glances and the kisses in the staff room are a dead giveaway.” Elle said, as she giggled.

“Hey that’s work secrets. You aren’t supposed to talk about it.” I looked over at Elle, who couldn’t stop her laughter.

“So what’s new? I’ve been so busy at the clinic and teaching Jake’s girls to ride, I feel like I haven’t seen you all for a month.” I looked at the girls, and we fell into comfortable chatter.

My phone rang, and I looked down at Jake’s number. The girls ooh’d and huddled around me as I answered the call. “Hi babe.” My words chipper and the girls all awed behind me.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt your evening.” He sounded tired, and I could tell there was tension in his voice.

“What’s wrong, Jake?” I stood from the couch and walked into the kitchen, where I could have some privacy. “Are the girls okay?” My stomach dropped, thinking something might have happened to one of them. The thought took me a little off guard, because I’d only ever worried about myself, and now here I was asking my boyfriend if his kids were okay.

“They’re fine, but Jason and Hattie were in a car accident. The girls were at her mother’s house, and I want them home. I hate to ask you but…”

“I’m on my way. Does she still live in Weston Gap?” I walked out of the kitchen and grabbed my purse and rooted through it for my keys. Grabbing a piece of paper, I wrote what Jake had told me, and I ran out the door.

“Yeah, same house as always,” he sighed, and I wanted to be there for him, to be the one he relied on.

Getting in my truck, I turned the key, and it roared to life. “Okay, I’m leaving the ranch now. Do they know?”

“Yes, I talked to them. They are upset, and rightfully so, but they just want to be in their own house tonight. The hospital has relieved me, and I’ll head home as soon as my replacement gets here, but it will be late when I get there.” I heard a muffled page in the background that included his name. “I have to go. I’ll call you when I’m leaving.”

“All right, sounds good. Jake?” I said my stomach was churning, but I needed to say it.

“Yeah?”

“I love you.” Silence filled the space between us, and I wondered if I’d said the wrong thing.

“I love you too, sunshine. Gotta go.” His voice was slightly perkier than it had been only moments ago.

“Bye.” I said just as the line went dead. He loved me, too. There was no hesitation. He’d just said it, and I couldn’t stop smiling.

* * *

My drive to town was slightly accelerated. I just wanted to get to the girls and get them home. Knocking on the door, I was greeted by Hattie’s mother. “Hi Mrs. Wallace.”

“Thank you for coming to get them. They want to be in their own beds, and I need to get to the city.” She stepped out onto the step and pulled the door almost closed behind her. “The hospital just called, and things aren’t looking good for Hattie right now. They want me there as soon as possible.”

“Oh no, do you need someone to drive you? I don’t like the idea of you driving all that way alone.” Fallon and Hattie had been best friends growing up. I’d spent a lot of time here over the years, so it wasn’t quite as awkward as it could have been. There were frogs croaking and crickets chirping, but other than that, nothing was said.

“I appreciate that, Tayla. There aren’t many women who’d offer to help the ex-mother-in-law of her boyfriend.”

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