Inherit A Dream (Sons Of A Gun Book 4)

by Brenda Sinclair

  Violet dismounted and wrapped the reins around the hitching rail. She hurried inside and closed the door behind them.

  “There’s a sink in back. Go clean up while I take a look at him,” her brother instructed.

  Violet glanced down at her clothes. She hadn’t realized she was covered in blood. Her hand flew to her mouth. How could her dog still be alive? “Is… is Moe…”

  “He’s still breathing. But he’s very weak. And he’s lost a lot of blood.” Roland shook his head. “Frankly, Violet, I’m not certain I can save him.”

  “You have to.” Violet burst into tears again as the words exploded from her mouth. “What good is all that fancy training if you can’t even save my dog?”

  The front door to the clinic opened and someone entered.

  “I saw Violet rushing in here. What happened?”

  Violet glanced toward the door and spotted Simon standing there. She rushed across the floor and threw herself into his arms. “It’s Moe. He’s dying.”

  * * *

  Simon caught her in his arms and wrapped her in a tight embrace. “Roland, is it true?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll see what I can do, but…”

  “He has to save Moe. Father wasted so much money. Roland frittered away so much time he could have been working on the ranch,” Violet bemoaned. “Moe can’t die.”

  Roland explained to Simon that the dog fought a brave battle with a coyote. “I’ll start surgery right away. He has multiple wounds.”

  “Sew him up. Fix his poor ear,” Violet wailed through a blur of tears, clinging to Simon.

  “Forget his ear.” Roland looked down at the dog. “He can live with half an ear. I need to stop the bleeding and stitch up his wounds. All the blood washed out a lot of debris and hopefully the natural cleansing will help curb infection. I’ll try my best, but I don’t hold out much hope.”

  “Try. It’s all we can ask,” Simon encouraged his friend. “Don’t worry about your sister. I’ll watch over Violet.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I’m taking her over to Amanda’s. She can wash up, change her clothes. We’ll be back as soon as we can to check on how it’s going,” Simon added, guiding Violet toward the door.

  “This will take a couple hours. Don’t rush.”

  Violet stumbled across the threshold. “He can’t die, Simon. He can’t.”

  “I know, sweetheart. He’s in the best of hands. Roland will do everything possible to save him. We need a bit of faith that he can pull off a miracle.” Simon helped her into the saddle and mounted up behind her.

  They rode down Main Street and around back of the clothing store before dismounting. Simon pounded on the door and soon Amanda unlocked it. He guided Violet inside and Amanda took over Violet’s care. “I’m taking her upstairs to the apartment for a bath and fresh clothes.”

  “Don’t worry, Violet. I’ll be back soon, and Moe’s going to be fine.” Simon kissed her forehead before heading toward the door. “I refuse to believe otherwise.”

  Chapter 18

  Simon ordered one of his ranch hands who’d accompanied him to town to head over to the Triple C, knowing Faith would be left alone to handle the evening chores. The fellow had been employed with the McLennon family for several years, and Simon didn’t hesitate for a moment, knowing Faith would be perfectly safe working alongside Davie, alone on the ranch.

  “Remember to assure Faith that Violet reached town in time and Roland is operating on the dog right now.”

  “Will do, boss. I’ll give Faith a hand and hang around in case she needs my help with anything. Sleep in the barn tonight if necessary.”

  “Thanks, Davie. I trust you completely. Don’t be surprised if you’re greeted by an emotional female, tears and all. Or the business end of a pistol poked up your nose. Never know with a female.”

  Davie mounted up and met Simon’s eyes. “Not always certain what to do with a crying woman, but I’ll manage to calm her down somehow. The pistol would be less worrisome.”

  Simon chuckled and slapped the man’s horse on the rump and sent them on their way.

  “Tell Miss Violet not to worry either,” Davie called.

  “I will.” He watched as man and horse disappeared around a corner, heading for the outskirts of town.

  Simon removed his Stetson and scratched his head. “Now what do I do?” he muttered to himself. What had begun as a quick trip to town had snowballed into an all-day event. Perhaps he’d be here until tomorrow, depending on how that operation turned out. But one thing for certain, he wouldn’t be deserting Violet when she needed him the most.

  Realizing he was also covered in blood from Violet’s clothing, he scrambled over to the general store and bought himself a new pair of denims and a new shirt. He changed clothes in back, instructing Ray to burn the others and spare Mrs. Sheridan the chore of attempting to clean them. Then he strode up Main Street, returning to his sister’s store, knowing Violet wouldn’t remain there a moment longer than necessary once she’d been cleaned up. He entered through the front door, no longer fearful of frightening her customers, arriving with his clothes covered in blood.

  He met eyes with his Aunt Ruby, standing at the front desk. “How’s Violet?”

  “Doing as well as can be expected. We’ve had a dickens of time keeping her calm. She’s all tidied up, sipping a cup of tea in back. That girl’s on pins and needles, worrying about her dog.”

  Simon nodded, handing his aunt a few bills. “This should cover the cost of her new clothes. I’m here to take her back to the vet clinic. I’m praying her brother is having a least some success with the surgery.”

  “I’ll pray for Moe also,” Ruby promised.

  Simon strode toward the back and pulled aside the cloth curtain. He immediately met Violet’s puffy and red, tear-filled eyes.

  “Is Moe…” Her lower lip trembled.

  “No, no.” He rushed to her side. “I haven’t been back to check on him. I sent Davie out to your ranch to give Faith a hand, and bought some new duds at the store.”

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

  “Nonsense. I’m here to take you back to the vet clinic. Let’s go see how Moe’s doing.” Simon reached for her hand and assisted her out of the chair. Violet wavered on her feet and he wrapped his arm around her middle. “Are you all right?”

  Violet straightened her back. “Yes. I can walk.”

  Together they made their way through the back door where Atlas waited. Simon seated her on the horse and settled behind her, wrapping an arm around her middle to ensure she didn’t fall off. “Good thoughts now, all right?”

  Violet nodded. “He’s got to be alive. I… I can’t lose him.”

  Simon suspected the dog had been her father’s favorite companion on the ranch, and Violet held an equally strong attachment to the animal. “Roland will do his best. You know that, right?”

  “I know. I… I need to apologize for…”

  “He knows you didn’t mean it. Only the worry talking.” Simon kissed the top of her head. “Think good thoughts, remember?”

  He nudged the horse’s sides and they rode to the vet clinic in silence. Each of them praying for good news.

  * * *

  Simon couldn’t feel his hand with Violet gripping it so tightly. He suspected she’d cut off the blood supply a half hour ago. When they’d arrived back at the clinic, they discovered a scrawled note hung from string on the examination room doorknob.

  Surgery in progress. Do not disturb.

  Simon had a devil of a time convincing Violet that the note applied to family as well. He settled her in one of the wooden ladderback chairs in the waiting area and paced the floor on her behalf for a while before sitting with her for the hour.

  “How much longer is this going to take?” Violet muttered, impatience bordering on annoyance evident in her voice.

  “I don’t know,” he admitted. “But on the bright side, if Roland is still operating then Moe remains
alive.”

  Violet gasped. “You’re right.” She slumped back against the seat and closed her eyes, no doubt continuing to pray for her beloved critter.

  Simon patted her hand and stood, gazing out the front bay window where Roland had set up a display of supplies for equine and bovine care. No mistaking the clinic served veterinarian patients, not people. His friend opened the practice a few weeks ago, and today might be the first real test of Roland’s abilities and training. Simon continued his pacing from lack of anything else to do. He sympathized with Violet. He couldn’t be more concerned for a positive outcome had the patient been his own dog, Floyd.

  Suddenly, the door opened and Roland stepped out, wiping his hands on a clean towel. He wore a long white coat covered in blood, but a broad grin appeared on his face. “Well, that went better than I expected. I actually think I saved that animal’s life.”

  Violet leapt off her chair. “Moe’s all right?”

  “So far. If he wakes up from the operation and doesn’t succumb to an infection in the next few days, he should be as good as ever.” Roland screwed up his face. “Of course, he’s missing the better part of one ear, but he can boast about his war wounds.”

  Violet laughed, her relief evident in her expression. “Boast my foot. If that dog even looks at another coyote, I’ll scold him.”

  “He showed his mettle today, sis.” Roland tossed the towel aside and removed his lab coat. “He’s one darn good cattle dog.”

  Violet threw her arms around her brother and kissed his cheek. “And you are one darn good animal doctor, big brother.”

  “Just doing what I was trained for,” he mumbled, appearing a bit embarrassed by her praise.

  “I need to apologize for my hurtful words earlier. I should never have—”

  “It’s forgotten.” Roland waved off her apology. “Most animal owners are a bit distraught when they bring their critters in for emergency doctoring.”

  “Well, Doc, we can’t thank you enough.” Simon stuck out his hand. “You’re one heck of a veterinarian.”

  “Thanks.” Roland shook hands with him.

  “I agree. Father would be so pleased with you. He loved Moe so much.” Violet hugged her brother tightly.

  “Go on home, the both of you. I’ll stay with Moe until I’m confident he’s out of the woods. He’ll need to remain here for at least three or four days, more depending on how quickly and how well he recovers.” Roland stood hands on hips. “You know I’ll take the best of care with him.”

  “We know.” Simon reached for Violet’s hand and guided her toward the door. If he didn’t get her out of here now, she’d be volunteering to sit vigil at the animal’s bedside until she could take him home. “I’ll accompany her back to the ranch before I head home. Davie’s out there now helping Faith.”

  “Maybe leave him there until Moe’s better,” Roland suggested. “Without the dog to warn of unwanted visitors, Davie will be there to ward off trouble.”

  “Good idea.” Simon nodded. “We can spare him on the Double M for a few days and he’s already volunteered to sleep in the barn.”

  “You’re certain Moe’s all right? Maybe I should take a look to see how—”

  “No, ma’am. We’re burning daylight. I need to return you to the Triple C and show up on time for supper since I haven’t warned Mrs. Sheridan I’d be late returning home.”

  Violet’s shoulders slumped.

  “He’s fine, Violet. Honest. Come back in a couple days and you’ll see for yourself. I’m confident Moe will be well on the mend by then.” Roland walked them to the door. “Besides, you’re family. I won’t even present you with a bill when you take him home.”

  Violet gaped.

  Simon chuckled.

  Roland burst into laughter. “Unless of course, you insist on paying for my services.”

  “Go, quick. Before he changes his mind.” Simon hurried her out the door and down the steps. He’d fetched his horse from outside the general store before returning to his sister’s to collect Violet. They waved to Roland after mounting up and the vet stepped back inside the clinic and closed the door.

  “I’m going to pay him,” Violet muttered. “Any fee is worth it to save Moe.”

  “Moe is Roland’s dog, too,” Simon reminded her. “Don’t worry. Everything worked out well. Now, let’s get you home.”

  “All right.” She looked deep into his eyes. “What would I ever do without you?”

  Simon wondered if she’d intended to say the latter part aloud. But he often thought the same thing about her. “You’ll never know. Because I intend to stand by your side for the rest of our lives.”

  Violet nodded and reined her horse around. “You don’t need to accompany me home. I’ll be all right.”

  Simon noticed her saddle and parts of the mare were covered in blood. He’d have Davie clean tack while he bathed the horse when they reached the Triple C. He’d suggest Faith send Violet to bed as soon as she finished supper. She must be dead on her feet from the day’s worry and anxiety.

  “I know you’ll be all right. You’re a strong, independent, capable woman.” Simon smiled. “And that’s why I love you. But I’ll see you home so don’t argue otherwise.”

  A small smile crept across her face and she nodded.

  Simon realized what he’d said. That’s why I love you. He hadn’t meant to make his feelings so crystal clear, but the words had popped out of his mouth. She hadn’t appeared the least bit perplexed by his confession, and he reckoned that a good sign.

  She straightened in the saddle and rode for a few seconds. “I love you, too,” she whispered.

  Just loud enough that he heard.

  Chapter 19

  A week later, Violet brought Moe home to the Triple C. The dog wasn’t completely healed, but Roland permitted her to bring him home to finish recuperating with strict orders that he would not be running out in the pastures or chasing cattle. Another run-in with a coyote before his wounds were totally healed, could result in a different outcome for Moe.

  Violet promised to keep him tied up outside during the day and allow him to sleep in the house all night.

  “We’re home,” she called, entering the kitchen, leading Moe on a rope tied to a leather collar Roland had rigged up.

  Faith poked her head out from the back room. “Come see what I did.”

  Violet continued forward and peeked inside. “Look, Moe,” she exclaimed. Faith had fashioned a bed out of a large rectangular wooden box by removing one of the longer sides. Violet recognized one of the old faded quilts she’d been using to cover plants in fall when frost threatened to ruin produce not yet picked for preserving. The cotton bedding had been folded and placed in the bottom of the box to ensure a comfortable sleep for the dog. A bowl of water and another bowl for food scraps were lined up nearby. “This is so thoughtful, Faith. Thank you.” Violet hugged her tightly as Moe helped himself to a drink of water. “And Moe thanks you also.”

  Faith chuckled. “He does, does he?”

  “Definitely.” Violet pointed to the dog. His tail wagged as he slowly stepped into the box, turned around a couple times and carefully lowered himself onto the quilt. He lay with his head on his paws, gazing up at them from the doorway of his new bed.

  “Good boy, Moe.” Faith crouched down and patted his head. “How are you doing, boy?”

  “Roland assured me Moe’s on the mend. But those stitches won’t come out for a few more days.” Violet returned to the back entry, hung her bonnet up on a hook, and then dragged her hands down her skirts.

  “That sounds good.”

  “Roland promised he’ll come to Sunday supper and tend to Moe then.”

  “Think of all the money you’ll save, having a veterinarian in the family.” Faith chuckled. “You are one lucky ranch lady.”

  “Lucky? We almost lost Moe. Hopefully, we’ve seen the last of the problems on this ranch,” Violet replied.

  Moe barked from the back room.
r />   “Hello! Anyone home?” Someone called from the front veranda.

  “Appears we have company,” Violet muttered, heading to the front door. She swung it open and smiled, discovering Lily McLennon and Amanda Manning standing there.

  “Ladies, it’s so good to see you. Come in. Come in.” Violet stepped aside and allowed them to enter her home.

  “Nice to see you, too,” Lily said, removing her bonnet.

  “Where’s your little boy?” Violet loved Lily and Jackson’s son, so adorable and well-behaved. He’d celebrated his second birthday last month.

  “Mrs. Sheridan insisted he remain home with her.” Lily laughed. “He’s going to help while she bakes up a large batch of oatmeal cookies. Edward will enjoy eating one, I’m sure.”

  Amanda smiled. “Her cookies are so moist. She’s one of the best bakers I know.”

  “I can attest to that and she’s very generous. Every time Simon drops by, he arrives with a pie or a loaf of bread or something under his arm.” Violet led them toward the kitchen. “Would you like a cup of tea? Faith baked a cake yesterday. We’ll have a slice.”

  “That sounds wonderful.” Amanda touched Violet’s arm. “And we’re here to extend an invitation to both of you.”

  “An invitation?” Faith blurted as they entered the kitchen.

  “To dinner at our house tomorrow night. Daniel and Iris arrived in Milestone yesterday, with their new daughter, Edna Iris McLennon. She’s so beautiful. I can’t believe she’s almost four months old already,” Amanda gushed.

  “That’s right. They named her after your mother.” Violet smiled.

  Amanda nodded. “The perfect name for the first granddaughter.”

  “It’s too bad your mother’s not here to meet her namesake.” Violet filled the kettle and set it to boil on the woodstove.

  “Visit with your company and let me do that,” Faith offered, adding a log to the stove.

  Violet laughed. “Won’t get an argument from me.” She met eyes with Lily. “If you hire a ranch hand, make certain she’s a better cook than you. You’ll receive double the help.”