Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 84868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
“I’m sorry, sweetheart, I didn’t mean it like that.”
Colt smiled at his mother. “You’re fine, Mom. You’re only speaking the truth.”
Ryan Muster was a twenty-two-year-old from Boise, Idaho, who was more of a flirt than my brother Gatlin, and that was saying something. He was handsome as all get out, and he knew it. I’d lost track of how many times he’d asked me out.
Clearing my throat, I said, “I think I’ll go ahead and head back to River Falls.”
Lynn approached me and wrapped me up in her arms. “Thank you so much for everything, Ensley. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
I squeezed her back. “You know you’re both like my second parents,” I said, as I drew back and smiled at her. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you and Jacob.”
She grinned and nodded her head. “I know.”
Stepping back, I walked to the other side of the bed, opposite Colt. Leaning down, I kissed Jacob on the cheek. “I’m so glad you’re feeling better and going home tomorrow.”
He gently patted my hand. “So am I. Thank you so much for being here, Ensley.”
Tears pricked the back of my eyes as I thought about how this could have been a totally different outcome. Thank God it wasn’t.
“Love you, and rest up. Don’t worry about home. Everything will get taken care of now that Colt is home.”
I could feel Colt’s intense stare but refused to look at him.
When I stepped back, I cleared my throat. “Okay, I’ll see you in River Falls.”
Colt stood. “I’ll walk you out.”
“You don’t have to do that. Stay here with your parents. I know how to get to the elevator.”
He frowned slightly, but sat down.
I quickly turned and headed out of the room. My heart thundered in my chest, and I felt like another freaking panic attack was about to come on. I decided at the last minute to turn left, pushed the door open to the stairs, and rushed down them as fast as I could.
I needed to get back to River Falls right now.
And away from Colt.
Actually, what I needed was my mother.
Colt
“Do you need anything?”
My father looked at me from his favorite chair in the living room and smiled. “Colt, you don’t have to cater to me. I’m fine.”
“You had a heart attack, Dad. I’m not catering to you; I’m making sure you’re comfortable and don’t need anything.”
His smile grew. “I appreciate that, son. I’m good. I’m just happy to be out of the hospital and back home.”
I nodded. “I’m sure you are.”
“Colt…there’s something I want to talk to you about before you head out to my office.”
“Dad, don’t worry about work.”
“I need to tell you something so you’re prepared for what you see.”
He stopped talking the moment my mother walked into the living room, carrying a tray.
“Let me get that, Mom.”
“It’s fine, Colt. It’s just some tea and fruit for your father to snack on.
Dad’s lip went up into a snarl. “Fruit? I was hoping for some chips and queso.”
Mom set the tray down on the coffee table and shot my father a warning look.
He held up his hands and laughed. “I’m joking, Lynn. Fruit sounds amazing.”
She placed his tea next to him on the side table and then handed him the bowl of fruit.
“Mom, is there anything you need me to do before I head out to the barn?”
“No, sweetheart. I’ve got a roast in the oven, and Vivianne dropped off some of her kale salad.”
“Kale?” my father and I both asked at the same time.
“Yes, kale. It’s good for you, and you will eat it! She makes a wonderful and healthy lemon dressing for it. She even put some craisins in there for you.”
“Craisins?” my father asked. “What in the hell is that?”
I fought to keep from laughing.
“It’s raisins, but made from cranberries.”
His brows raised. “Yum…sounds so good.”
“That’s my cue to leave,” I said, as I kissed my mother on the cheek before heading out the door.
“Colt, that talk?”
“Dad, don’t worry!” I called over my shoulder. “I’ll take care of everything.”
The barn wasn’t far from the house, so I walked down the familiar path. I thought being back home would be more painful, but it was the opposite. I felt a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in a very long time.
As I walked to the barn, a young kid who looked to be about eighteen came walking out.
“Um, hi there?” I said, in more of a question than a statement.
He pulled off his work gloves and reached for my hand. “You must be Colt. Ensley told me you were home.”
I smiled. “I am, and you are?”
“Oh, sorry,” he said with a laugh. “Buck is my name. Ryan hired me to come and look after the animals. He was going on vacation and Mr. Owens was in the hospital and all.”