Page 44 of What the Cowboy Wants
As the words of a love song filled the air, Rose moved restlessly.Every now and then, her shoulder would bump against his or her leg would touch his.Finally, he’d had enough and picked up her hand.For a moment it fluttered like small bird in his before she relaxed.Lacing his fingers with hers, he placed their hands on his leg.
His heart sighed.There was no more denying his love for the redhead.On paper, she ticked just about every red flag he could think of—city girl, social media influencer, quick to anger…
Rubbing his thumb over her hand, he stole a glance at her.Since she’d arrived in Marietta, though, she’d left that life behind.Oh, she was still quick to react, he’d seen the flash of irritation in her green eyes often enough to know that, but he loved that she didn’t hide her feelings, loved that she loved his family, his dogs and cat, his horse.He wasn’t sure how she felt about who he is and what he did.She seemed to be okay while she’d helped him with the horses, but he wasn’t sure.
Bottom line was, he loved her but nothing had really changed.Getting married, promising her forever wouldn’t be fair to her.She should have an ordinary life with a steady guy who didn’t do weird things like talk to animals.Nash Johnson was perfect.
At some point, they’d have to talk about what they both knew was between them.Just then, Annie whispered something to Rose and they both got up.
“Excuse us,” Ellie said as they left the table.
Cooper used the opportunity to quickly slip away to the stalls.He knew exactly what he wanted.Within a few minutes he was back.As he walked back, he quickly looked toward Willow.Something was wrong.
Willow was clearly upset.When she caught his eyes, she motioned with her head the direction of their mother.His mom was sitting quietly but even from here, he could see something was wrong.
He was rushing to his mother before he took his next breath.“Mom?”he whispered as he touched her.Her mouth opened, but she couldn’t speak.
Vivian appeared behind his mother and crouched down beside her.She checked her pulse.“We should get her to a hospital,” she said calmly.
“What’s wrong?”Hayden and Becket were up.
“We don’t know, but we should get mom to the hospital as quickly as possible,” Cooper said as he bent and picked her up.
Chapter Thirteen
Two hours later,they were all in the waiting room in the hospital.Hayden and Becket were pacing, Willow and Cooper were standing right in front of the swinging doors through which their mother had disappeared.
Rose was sitting next Vivian, Riley, and Annie.Their husbands and brother had gone in search of coffee for everyone.The children, seemingly unaware of the drama, were fast asleep.
“I had such a fright when we returned from the bathroom and I saw Cooper carrying Arlene,” Annie whispered in the silence.“I just never think of her or Janice as getting old, they’re both so full of life.”
“She’s going to be all right,” Riley said.“I just wish someone would tell us what they’re doing and if she’s fine.”
Just then the doors opened and Vivian walked out, looking tired, but she was smiling.“She’s going to be okay.”
A collective sigh went up.
“She’s had what we call a ministroke,” Vivian continued.“A transient ischemic attack or TIA.It’s a brief blockage of blood that may cause stroke-like symptoms.The good news is, nothing was damaged, but, and you kids should listen, it is a warning.”
“She couldn’t speak!”Hayden called out.“Are you sure she’s fine?”
The doors to the waiting room opened and Hunter strode in.“I’ve heard about Mrs.Weston, how is she?”
“She’s had ministroke,” Vivian repeated.“The symptoms are similar to those of a stroke and may include trouble speaking.It usually lasts only a few minutes but may persist for up to twenty-four hours.Your mother is back to normal, though but they want to keep her overnight for tests so that they can determine what caused the TIA.”
As Vivian discussed the kind of tests they were going to do, Rose moved toward Cooper.He was pale, his eyes on Vivian, but when she reached him, he grabbed her hand without looking at her, gripping it tightly in his.
“You can all take turns to see her briefly,” Vivian was saying.“Cooper, she asked for you first.”
He turned to Rose.“I’m going to stay with her.I… I want to see you.I’m not sure how long I’ll be…”
“I’ll wait for you.”
He pulled her close for a hug and for a moment, she closed her eyes and hugged him back.His whole body was shuddering.It didn’t matter when he wanted to see her, she’d be waiting for him.Always.
*
His mom openedher eyes as he entered the hospital room.The wan smile she tried nearly broke Cooper’s heart.
