Page 83 of Lucky Baller
“It’s also called opossum’s disease. It’s where horses come in contact with opossum feces, and it affects their neurological system.”
“Sounds serious.”
“It is. If caught early enough, most horses recover, or so the vet tells us. However, Buckwheat is old. He’s twenty, so that will play a factor in it, as well.”
“When will you know if he’s out of the woods?”
She sighs heavily. “Hopefully, we will see an improvement in the morning. The vet is coming back out for another injection.”
“Anything I can do?”
“No, but I appreciate your willingness to help. What smells so good?”
“I made baked spaghetti.”
“I’m starving.”
“Perfect. You sit tight, and I’ll make you a plate.”
“I can do it,” she says as her phone rings. She pulls it out of her pocket. “It’s Autumn.”
“Take it. I’ll be right back.” I kiss the corner of her mouth and make my way to the kitchen to grab us both a plate. After setting a plate for her and one for me on the table, I head back to the kitchen. I grab a bottle of water for myself and pour Tessa a glass of her favorite wine; she looks like she could use it. When I make it back to the dining room, she’s still on the phone, but she’s eating her spaghetti. She mouths “Thank you” when I set her wine in front of her.
“Yeah, the vet said it’s a fifty-fifty chance of recovery at this point. We caught it soon, which is good. It’s just a wait-and-see kind of thing,” she explains to Autumn. “Oh, and before I forget, he wanted me to tell you he’d be back next week for the other animals' checkups and that if you want to bring Pinky, plan on Thursday.”
I still can’t believe that Autumn and Jeremy have a pet pig in their house. A farting pig, apparently, from the stories I’ve heard. It’s odd, but to each their own. Hell, if Tessa wanted a pet pig, I’d move heaven and earth to get her one. I can only imaginethat was Jeremy’s exact reasoning when it came to Autumn. There’s not much a man won’t do for the woman he loves.
Including giving up his career. I hope that it doesn’t come to that. I don’t think that Bridgett has that kind of pull. Case is right, talking to Coach is the right step. I’m going to hold off on mentioning it to Tessa until I talk to him. I don’t want to worry her, and frankly, I want to have more information on what she can and can’t do. I don’t want to give her a chance to push me away.
“Okay. Give JJ a hug from Aunt Tessa. See you in the morning.” She lays her phone on the table and reaches for her glass of wine. “Thank you for this.” She holds it up before taking a drink. “Sorry about that. She wanted an update on Buckwheat.”
“I get it. I hope he’s okay.”
There is sadness in her eyes. “Me, too. If this doesn’t work, if he doesn’t respond to treatments, we’ll have to have him put down.” Her voice cracks.
“Think positive.”
She nods. “This is amazing, by the way.”
“Good. Eat up. We have plans after dinner.”
“Landon, I really just want to chill.” Her shoulders slump as if she’s disappointed she has something else added to her plans tonight.
“Good. That’s exactly what we’re doing. So, eat up.”
A slow smile tilts her lips. “I love you.” Her words are soft, but the meaning is no less powerful.
Leaning over the table, I kiss her. “I love you, too.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Tessa
“Go relax on the couch while I clean up.”
“I can help.” I stand from the table to gather my plate, but his hand over mine stops me.
“I’ve got this, baby. Now, go sit.”
