Spurs & Stilettos

by Johnson, Ashley

  He continues to study me with a slight frown on his face. I’m not hooked up to a million different machines like he was but I know this is still hard on him.

  “Are you done babbling sweetheart?” he asks with several tears lingering in his eyes. “I was so scared I lost you. Amber didn’t know how bad it was but I couldn’t help but think the worst. When can you leave?”

  “I’m not sure, hopefully soon. I know you have to get back Wes. Amber will take care of me.” I squeeze his hand giving him a slight smile. The thought of him leaving again deeply upsets me but I won’t show him that. I was selfish before, I can’t be that way again.

  “I told Hank I’m not going back Hope. I’m not missing anything, I don’t know what I was thinking leaving you the first time. I want to take care of you and our baby.” His expression hardens but his eyes stay soft practically pleading me to realize he’s telling the truth.

  “Wesley, I can’t let you do that. This is your dream. This is your life and I’m not going to let you do this.”

  “Look at me Hope.” I focus on him trying to look for some sort of sign that he’s just saying these things to make me feel better but I can’t find a thing. “You and that beautiful baby in you’re carrying are my life. I don’t care what I lose. None of that matters to me. I’ve walked away one too many times. You are the best damn thing that’s ever happened to me.”

  He brushes a strand of hair from my face and leans down gently pressing his lips to mine. I kiss him softly wincing through the pain in my shoulder. Our mouths part as he gently slides his tongue inside moving it against mine. I manage to find the back of his head and pull him in closer. He pulls away and looks me dead in the eyes. “I’m not leaving you Hope. I swear on my life.”

  This feels like a moment of déjà vu. Not long ago I rushed to his side in Vegas and refused to go anywhere until he was better. I stood by his side waiting for him to wake up. My whole world stood on eggshells at the time and I kept waiting for it to crumble beneath me but it never did. I’ve never been happier in my life to be able to stand strong.

  “I don’t want you to regret this. I don’t want you waking up one day and hating me for not going back to what you love.”

  “Hope,” he speaks softly. “I would regret walking away from you again. I won’t do that. I could never hate you, not in a million years sweetheart.”

  Chapter 35

  A soft knock at the door brings us back to the reality that my parents are out there and also hopefully a doctor who will dismiss me. Wesley plants one more quick kiss on my lips before telling them to come in. The door opens slowly and my parents walk back in followed by Amber and a nurse.

  “I’m getting your discharge papers ready Ms. Trahan. I want you off your feet as much as possible for the next few weeks. Take it easy. Don’t try to be the hero, ok?”

  “Yes ma’am.” I nod my head in agreement and groan shortly after. I just finally went back to work and then this happens. I’ll be lucky if Mr. Collins works with me on this but in my defense this wasn’t my fault.

  I sign papers and receive the doctor’s orders which are everything she just told me. I’m given a pair of crutches but I really have no intentions of using them. I had to use them once as a kid and had a hard time, I assume being pregnant and trying to talk on them will be much harder. I don’t want to end up back here again, not until it’s time to give birth to my beautiful baby girl.

  Amber leans in closely whispering, “I’m going to get my car and bring it up front, ok?”

  I look to Wesley and he smiles a perfect smile. I smile back before turning to face Amber. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to home with Wesley.”

  She glances at him and shoots him a questioning look. “Are you sure, Hope?”

  “Yeah, I am.” I tell her confidently.

  She pats my shoulder and steps back so the nurse can help me get into a wheel-chair. I didn’t know it was possible to be this exhausted but I find myself yawning. Mom and Dad hug me and Mom begins crying again. My eyes are cried out and the thought of crying makes my head pound.

  “Mom, please don’t cry. Everything is ok.”

  “I know baby, I’m sorry. Wesley, take care of my baby girl. If she gets to be too much you call and I’ll come help.” I love my Mom for everything she does. I’m all her and Dad have left so her protectiveness doesn’t bother me at all.

  “Yes ma’am.” He replies pulling her in for a hug. Mom hugs his tightly for a moment and it looks like she may not let him go. When she does, he shakes hands with my dad and then helps get me in his truck.

  A thousand waves of panic hit me once he starts the truck. The rumble of the truck used to soothe me but right now it has me with an uneasy feeling. “Wesley, I’m not ready.”

  “Not ready for what sweetheart?” He turns to look at me.

  “I’m not ready for you to drive. I’m scared.”

  “Just breathe Hope, its ok. I won’t let anything happen to you. You have to trust me ok?” I hear his seatbelt unbuckle and his hand is behind my neck pulling me into him. He wraps his arms around my body and cradles me close until my breathing becomes normal again.

  I’m content in this moment and if we could stay right here in his truck I wouldn’t mind at all but he slowly pulls away and his lips land on mine. “I love you Wesley.”

  “I love you too Hope.” He smiles as he slides back over to his seat and begins the drive back to his ranch.

  After all of that anxiety, I fell asleep in the truck. I wanted to stay awake but my body and mind are so exhausted. When I wake in the morning, I’m lying in his bed. I don’t remember arriving at the ranch but I know I’m hurting like hell today. Everyone says the day after an accident is the worst and I totally get that now. Mom has already texted to check on me. I reply letting her know I’ve been sleeping since last night and I let Amber know the same thing.

  I glance at the clock and try to jump up a little too fast when I notice the time. I move a little too quickly for my own good. I forget for a split second that my ankle is sprained until I set my feet down too quickly and cry out in pain.

  Wesley comes running in the room shirtless and my heart drops. I almost forgot how nice that chest of his looks and now I just want to touch it. “Christ, Hope, are you ok?”

  He’s at my side helping me sit back on the bed comfortably as the anxiety begins taking me over. “I need to call my job, I’m supposed to be at work in ten minutes!”

  “Calm down, we’ll take care of it. Didn’t the doctor tell you not to be the hero?”

  I roll my eyes at him and playfully shove his chest. “Maybe I’m just waiting on my real hero to show up. Have you seen him?”

  “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me about this hero of yours--?” He asks with devious eyes. My heart skips a beat as I get the courage to continue.

  “Well you see, he has these amazing arms that I fit perfectly in. When he holds me, I forget everything. Then there’s this chest that’s so hot you could melt butter on it. His eyes are the most amazing shade of green I’ve ever seen and he has the softest lips I’ve ever kissed. I could go on for days. I have to say, I’m pretty much in love with my hero.”

  “Really? Well, what about these arms?” He moves in slowly wrapping his arms around me and I shudder at his touch. “I think these fit perfectly, what do you think?”

  “These seem to pass the test so far. Go get some butter, I need to see if you pass the next part.”

  He goes to stand but I pull him back onto me wincing when he accidentally brushes against my shoulder. “Are you ok?” he asks.

  “Just the seatbelt burn, I’m ok.”

  “I don’t want to hurt you or the baby.”

  “Wesley,” I ask timidly changing the subject. “Can you forgive me for storming off that day?”

  His lips meet mine softly as they work against them. Slowly my back rests on the mattress and his body hovers over mine. “I don’t want to talk about that anymore,” he says be
tween kisses.

  The ache between my legs is hard to ignore, I need to feel him so bad. His hands graze my hips as he my removes my pajama shorts. I moan in pleasure silently begging for him. He reads my mind and I’m elated as he delivers. We skip the foreplay going straight for the good stuff. My fingers fumble around with his zipper and once his jeans are off, he enters me in one swift movement. I fall apart immediately feeling more alive than I ever have in my entire life.

  I’m lying on Wesley’s chest in total bliss. His lips graze my forehead in a tender kiss. His hand rests on my belly massaging little circles. I’m completely relaxed until I remember the reason that brought him back into the room to begin with.

  “Can I use your phone Wes? I really need to call work?”

  He reaches over to his nightstand and hands me his cell phone. I hold my breath as I dial the number to the firm. When Bailey answers, I struggle to find my voice. Amber keeps proving to be the best friend ever. Bailey explains that Amber already called this morning and then patches me through to Mr. Collins. I’m now pretty terrified but I know what I have to do. I explain everything to him and he listens until I’m finished. My heart is pounding out of fear he will fire me but he doesn’t, not even when I tell him I’m not sure when I’ll be back. He assures me I’ll always have a job there and not to worry. I love my job so this is the hardest phone call I’ve ever made. I thank Mr. Collins for everything and apologize all at once. As I end the call I look up at Wesley feeling confident.

  His phone rings almost as soon as he sets it back down. He lets out a groan once he sees who is calling him. I didn’t get to see before he answers but I feel his chest tense. He barely gets a word out before the other person begins laying into him. I can’t make the conversation out but I can make out a rather angry voice.

  “Look Hank, I told you. I can train and do everything I need to do from home. I have plenty of free space. I’m not leaving her again.”

  I hear more yelling from Hank’s end of the phone. I let out a sigh as I attempt to sit up but Wesley pulls me back down beside him. I flash him an uneasy grin as he begins to speak again. “I don’t care if I fuck that up. I’d rather fuck that up than lose her.”

  Hank rambles on about something else before Wesley cuts him off again, “You know what Hank? This is bullshit. You’re fired. Yeah, you heard me. You can easily be replaced.”

  My eyes are wide after hearing him fire Hank. “Wesley, are you sure you want to do that?”

  “I know who has my best interests at heart and Hank does not. He likes to make me think he does but if he did, he would understand what’s going on right now.”

  “Please don’t stop your life because of me Wes.” I beg with him. I can’t believe he just fired Hank. Yes, I’m doing a happy dance on the inside right now but on the outside I’m shocked.

  “Sweetheart, my life is just beginning. It’s fine. My dad can help me find a new manager. I’ve been doing this for years. I know what I need to do anyway. Stay right here, I made you breakfast and I didn’t get to bring it to you because you decided to be stubborn this morning.”

  “I’m just keeping you on your toes.” I say with the best pouty face I can come up with. He laughs as he slowly gets up and disappears into the kitchen.

  Wesley walks back in holding a tray with a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon and toast on it. He also gives me a glass of orange juice that I nearly drink in one gulp. Everything tastes amazing. “Thank you Wes, this was delicious. At least let me help you do the dishes or something.”

  He shoots me a serious expression. “You need to stay right where you are. I’ll throw them in the dishwasher real quick so hang tight.”

  “Don’t worry warden, I’m not going anywhere.” I cross my arms over my chest and begin to pout. This sucks immensely, although I appreciate this more than he will ever know. All I want to do is be able to help him somehow. Being catered to is new to me, I’m not sure how to adjust to this. ‘

  “You are something else, you know that?” he chuckles as he walks back into the kitchen with the empty plate and glass.

  When he returns we resume lying together. I hate feeling helpless in this bed, I want to get up and do something for myself but I decide to let Wesley do this. He seems so content with doing these little things for me so I leave it alone. No sooner I fully relax on his chest.

  Chapter 36

  There are several things that I’m completely sure of. Things I know without a shadow of a doubt. I know there was a reason I went to the rodeo that year with Karlee although it was my anniversary with Brad. There was a reason Wesley pulled me from that car. There was a reason I survived. I’m as sure as the sky is blue that I stood in the right place at the right time when I wanted that beer at the rodeo. Fate has funny ways of coming into your life. If I hadn’t then Wesley would have never spoken to me, who knows what path I would have gone down. I can’t help but wonder if there would have been a different ‘Wesley,’ but at the same time I don’t care because I have the real deal. Our relationship has been tested since day one and at times I wasn’t sure any part of it would survive. It’s been a struggle but a happy one in the end.

  I haven’t been back to work since my accident five months ago. Mr. Collins continues to insist I have a job waiting and I thank him over and over again. Bailey drove over to check on me last week and brought me a bowl of my favorite soup. She filled me in on everything going on and asked how I’ve been.

  Truth is I’ve been perfect. Wesley has a new manager and he’s doing all his training from the ranch like he wanted to. He’s gone to compete in a few different rodeos that I practically had to shove him out the door for. I refuse to let him keep putting his career on hold. Amber and I went to one that was close to home and everything about it reminded me of the very first time I ever saw him ride, except this time we got to stand behind the scenes. His ranking is slowly moving back up and I’m proud of him.

  The baby shower Mom and Amber threw went perfectly. Nora helped out quite a bit also helping by different pieces of baby furniture. My mind was blown when I walked into the baby room one morning and saw Nolan and Wesley painting the walls a pastel pink. I had my heart set on that color the first time I saw it in The Home Depot. Wesley rolled his eyes and ushered me away from anything remotely close to pepto pink. We’re having a girl, what does he expect? The two of them were actually getting along and it made me smile to see that. Family is the most important thing you can have. Friends may come and go but family is always there. I smile thinking about how happy the past few months have made me. Some I wasn’t sure I could survive but a hand above was looking out for me.

  I smile looking at the latest ultrasound picture. My due date is in about two weeks and I’m more than ready to meet this little girl. We haven’t decided on a name yet. We’ve discussed it but that’s as far as it’s gotten. Neither of us can agree. I feel like a whale today. I can’t see my feet and I’m miserable. I feel like Violet from Willy Wonka. Wesley could probably roll me down the hallway if he wanted to.

  I’m itching to get out of the house. We stayed in all weekend without a single plan. His manager insisted he take the weekend off to relax and we did just that. I brush my hair and let it fall loosely down my back before turning to walk out the bathroom. Half the contents on the corner of the vanity fly off and land on the floor with a thud. I groan as I prepare to bend down and pick them up. I thought pregnancy was fun earlier, this just plain sucks. My knees are bent and I’m about to slowly lower myself when I hear Wesley.

  “I got it babe, you ok?” His arm catches mine and he steadies me. I huff and puff as he picks up everything my humungous belly threw around.

  “I’m tired of being fat.” I complain.

  His eyes shoot up to mine as he places the last item on the vanity. “Hope, you’re not fat. You’re pregnant. There’s a huge difference.”

  “My belly is huge. It should be considered a weapon of mass destruction.” I try to edge past him but there’s no
way I’m squeezing through.

  He chuckles pulling me in for a kiss. “Stop it baby. I have an idea that may brighten your mood.”

  “You’re going to induce labor? I’ve been reading up on that you know. There are certain positions we can try and…” I’m talking animatedly because the idea just makes me excited. The sooner we try, the sooner we can maybe have a baby and my body can go back to normal.

  “That does sound extremely tempting,” he kisses my collar bone and I moan softly. “But I was thinking of taking you car shopping.”

  After the insurance company settled from the accident, I just kept the money set aside. I wasn’t in a hurry to run out and buy a new car. I let Mom, Amber and Wesley chauffer me everywhere. With the baby set to come soon, a vehicle is something to consider. With Wesley getting ready to get back into the rodeo, I have to stop depending solely on him although I know it doesn’t bother him.