Page 64 of Unyielding
“Everyone knows that Dr. Wilcox is a tough old chick who’s been around forever,” Zoe said. “I can’t even imagine the pressure Declan must’ve been under to impress her. But if he managed to do it and bought her out of her practice, that would’ve secured his place here in Poplar Springs. And then he could’ve stayedhere…with you. To start a real future together.” She paused to let her words sink in.
“Oh no,” I whispered as the realization flooded me. “He did it for me, forus, and I pushed him away. I’m the absolute worst.”
“No, you’re not!” Zoe and Fiona answered in unison.
I stared glumly at the photo on the laptop screen, a romance novel cover-worthy shot of Declan dipping me backward and me laughing.
I could fix it.
Or at least I could try.
The idea slammed into me. I was partially to blame for Declan losing the practice. If I hadn’t let Becca taunt me into a confrontation at the cattlemen’s meeting, no one would’ve known about Declan’s mistake. So if I was going to take some of the responsibility, maybe I could also find a way to be the reason why things turned around for him?
“Would it be crazy to try to make it right?” I asked.
Zoe finally relaxed with a smile. “I think it would be crazy if you didn’t. How can we help?”
FORTY
DECLAN
“Ican’t believe you talked me into this, Declan.”
Becca pretended to pout, but it was obvious that she was teasing me. We stood in the driveway at Black Hat, squinting in the bright morning sunshine, watching two of her hands prepare the horse trailer I’d borrowed from Ruth for a VIP passenger.
“It’s Dr. Morris—and you drove a hard bargain, Becca,” I said, only half kidding.
When I’d reached out to her to discuss the possibility of buying Sunshine from her, she’d immediately said no even though I’d offered her more than she paid Mary Dugan for the mare. That is until I countered with the offer I knew she couldn’t refuse: the option to purchase an influential mare named Butter who’d birthed two racing champs and was thought to be the next big thing. I’d called in every vet school favor I was owed to get in on the deal, but I knew it was worth it. With that prospect on the table, Becca had finally agreed to sell Sunshine at the price she’d paid.
“You seem like you’re up to something,” Becca mused, eyeing me up and down. “Something more than just shuffling horses for yourgirlfriend.”
I knew better than to take the bait. “I’m simply trying to make things right for a client—fortwoclients. You’re the one making out on this deal. Butter wasn’t due to be sold until next quarter, but I pulled some strings.”
“I bet you did,” she replied, fluttering her lashes at me. “I like that about you. You make things happen.”
If only she knew just how much I was about to make happen.
“Thanks,” I said. “Butter will be ready to go by the end of the week, and I’ll make sure to get the funds for Sunshine transferred to you ASAP.”
“Should I reach out to Shannon directly?” Becca asked with an innocent, wide-eyed expression.
“No!” I exclaimed with a little too much conviction. If Becca knew it was a surprise, she would’ve found a way to let it slip to Shannon. “I’d appreciate it if you left that to me, just to streamline everything.”
“Mm-hmm,” she answered, narrowing her eyes at me. “Right.”
We watched as one of the men got Sunshine ready for the trailer.
“I guess that’s it for now,” I said, turning toward Becca and thrusting out my hand. “Once she’s loaded up we’re good to go.”
She placed her fingertips in my palm. “Are you sure I can’t convince you to stay for some coffee? I have some warm cinnamon rolls too…”
There was no way I was going to get trapped in one of Becca’s webs again. Plus, I had a busy day ahead of me. Getting Sunshine away from her and on to her rightful owner was only the first part.
“I appreciate the offer, but I need to hit the road. Thanks again.”
I tipped my cowboy hat at her and jogged over to help get Sunshine loaded before Becca could say anything else or change her mind.
There was still a lot I needed to fix.
