Page 56 of The Cowgirl's Secret Love
“A little like death warmed over, and it’s good to see you as well. I expected you out at the ranch this past week,” Finn admitted.
“Ended up with a bunch of emergencies, including a middle-of-the-night call that went for nearly twenty-four hours.” Josiah fought a yawn before giving in to it. He covered his mouth, eyes screwed tight before blinking hard. He gestured to the coffee cup in front of him. “I might last maybe two more hours before all I’ll be seeing are the inside of my eyelids.”
They chatted as Finn waited for Karen’s arrival. Julia was on the phone, but when he caught her eye, she offered a thumbs-up, so he tried to relax and enjoy the outing.
The potluck started. That’s when Finn realized again how much being injured sucked. He couldn’t handle his crutches and a plate.
Tamara took pity on him. She dropped baby Tyler into his arms as an excuse. “Here. You take the babe, and I’ll grab you food.”
“Thanks.”
At three months old, Tyler already had more personality than he’d had a few weeks ago. Finn looked the kid in the eye and straight up told him the truth. “You got yourself a good woman there. Make sure you appreciate it.”
A feminine giggle rose behind him, followed by another. Part of Zach’s bevy strolled by with plates in their hands, checking him out carefully.
“Too bad you’re off the docket.” Zach settled into the chair across from Finn. “With the way the women are eyeing you right now, you’d bring in a lot of money. Babies are like magnets.”
“I’m surprised you came up for air,” Finn said, settling Tyler more comfortably and giving the kid his finger to gnaw on.
“It’s all for fun,” Zach said, but he grinned.
Julia paused on her way past. She grabbed Zach’s cheek, scrubbing red lipstick marks off before offering an epic eye roll and continuing back to her spot.
People returned with full plates, musical chairs ensued, and other than no sign of Karen, it was a perfectly straightforward meal.
Finn kept glancing at his watch.
The microphone clicked on, and Malachi Fields stepped to the podium. “If you’ll stack up your dishes and pass them to the end of the table, we’ll gather them and get ready for the next portion of our celebration. Nearly time, gentlemen. I need all of our brave bachelors to make their way to the side stairs and onto the stage in the next fifteen minutes.”
Good-natured ribbing sounded around the room along with the clinking of plates and utensils.
Somewhere nearby a phone went off, and while it should’ve been just another part of the background noise, Finn’s attention swiveled.
Kelli Stone blinked hard as she scrolled through something on her phone screen. She leaned toward her husband and whispered in his ear before rising and heading straight for Josiah.
She spoke softly into the veterinarian’s ear, but Finn caught mention of Karen’s name. Damn if he would stay quiet while his curiosity and worry simmered.
He laid a hand on Josiah’s arm before he rose from the table. “Karen?”
Josiah glanced at Kelli then tilted his head toward the exit door. “Go. See if you get her on the line.”
Kelli took off, hitting buttons rapidly. Concern was written all over her expression.
Only a second passed before Josiah leaned in, but long enough Finn had pictured all sorts of terrible scenarios. “Karen found one of the wild mares in labour. It was a quick message sent before she started trying to help. The fact it arrived now probably means she’s on the move. You want to come along and see what’s happening?”
No way in hell he was doing anything less.
Josiah led them to the emergency exit rather than trying to manoeuvre through the crowds of people.
Zach caught his eye right before they pushed through the door and held a hand to his ear like a phone. Finn dipped his chin. Soon as they found out what was going on, he’d let his friend know.
Kelli was hanging up the phone and scrambling in her pockets for keys. “Karen’s on her way to the ranch. She’s got the foal but says it’s not breathing very well. You mind coming out?”
“Of course I don’t mind.” Josiah glanced at Finn before giving Kelli a brisk nod. “Go back in and spend time with your family. Finn and I have this.”
“But—” Kelli slammed her lips together. “Yeah. You’re right. She messaged me because she didn’t want to haul you out if neither of the horses made it. But there’s not much I can do more than what Karen’s already done.”
Josiah squeezed her arm. “It’s good to know people trust you that much. And it’s well deserved—but for now, go enjoy the event. And make sure you get all the details so we can tease Zach later.”
