by Vivi Holt
He walked toward the stables to fetch the three-wheeler. He had to fix that fence before dark, or the herd, which was all the way at the other end of the property now, might find the opening and get loose. Within a few minutes, he was racing toward the western fence line, the growl of the engine drowning out every other sound.
Afternoon shadows crept long across the grass as the sun headed toward the horizon. And Eamon’s mind wandered back to Emily – the touch of her hand on his arm, the feel of her lips against his, the way her smile lit up her dark eyes …
He found the big oak, and the long low branch that had fallen in a thunderstorm the previous night and landed on the fence. It was the longest fence on the property, covering the entire western and southwestern boundary lines. It was also one of the few remaining stretches of barbed wire on the property, and he shuddered at the thought of how much work it would be to replace it all with paling, the way Dalton planned for them to do. He pulled the three wheeler to a halt and slid to the ground.
The branch was a big one. It would take a while to cut it up and remove it from where it lay, obstructing the fence line. Worse still, when he stepped around the tree’s wide trunk, he saw Sassy, one of their mares, lying tangled in the fence. She raised her head to look at him, the whites of her eyes showing, then lay back on the ground with a long sigh, exhausted.
His heart fell – how long had she been there? He’d checked the fence early that morning, looking for damage from the storm – that’s when he’d found the fallen branch. But she hadn’t been nearby. At some point in the day she must have wandered away from the rest of the herd and gotten tangled. He’d kept a close eye on the horses to make sure that exact thing didn’t happen, but somehow she must have evaded him.
He ran to her side and knelt on the ground, surveying the damage.
“There, there, Sassy, I’ve got you now. We’re gonna get you out of here in no time. Hold on for me.”
The wire was tangled around her legs and had punctured the skin, leaving a trail of blood across her limbs, chest and belly. He couldn’t tell yet how badly injured she was – it might just be a few nicks, or it could be worse. He ran a hand over her side, murmuring words of encouragement all the while.
She raised her head again with a snort and thrashed around for a few seconds. Then lay still once again. While she moved, he stepped back out of the way, his face stricken. “Come on, girl, stop that. You’re just making it worse.”
When Sassy stilled, he hurried back to the three-wheeler and grabbed rope and wire cutters. He marched back to her side and knelt beside her with the cutters. He looped the rope into a makeshift halter, fixed it around her head, then set the loose end of it down. “Shhhh now. I’m just going to cut this wire off you. Hold still …”
She kicked, catching him in the thigh with her hoof. He winced, took a deep breath, then continued working on the wire. Every time a barb dug into her flesh, she struggled again, but after the first kick he was ready and leaped out of the way.
Within moments, she was free. He pulled the wire back and she lurched quickly to her feet, eyes wide, snorting and gasping. He reached her in two strides and took hold of the rope dangling beneath her neck. With pats and more words of encouragement, he led her over to the tree, tying the rope around its thick trunk.
He sighed deeply and tipped his hat back to scratch his head. Now what? It was times like this he could really use Dalton’s help. But he had to show himself – and Dalton – that he could handle whatever the ranch threw his way. Yes, he was an accountant by trade, but he was a rancher too now, and ranchers didn’t always have the luxury of turning to someone else when things got tough. They had to act on their own.
Her wounds didn’t look too deep, but you never knew with horses – their legs could be problematic. He remembered that from his youth spending time on a hobby ranch in Tennessee. His father hadn’t ever wanted to run a working ranch, but they’d had property with horses, a few cattle and chickens. He hadn’t spent all his time outside with the horses like Dalton had, but he’d picked up a few things.
And he knew this mare, like all their breeding stock at the Cotton Tree Ranch, was valuable. He couldn’t risk her being injured or developing an infection.
He chewed his lower lip. Should he leave Sassy there? If her legs were badly injured, it wouldn’t do her any good to walk her all the way back to the barn. And she was safe now.
He patted her again, then hurried to the three wheeler. The engine started right away and he accelerated across the field, standing high over the seat to avoid being jostled too badly as he went.
When he reached the ranch, he ran past Emily, still seated on the porch. She was reading a book, and glanced up at him in surprise when he bolted past. He hurried to the kitchen, grabbed the phone and dialed the number for the vet, which was stuck to the side of the fridge with a Domino’s Pizza magnet.
Will’s receptionist informed him that the vet was out on a job and wouldn’t be back in the office that afternoon. If it was an emergency, she said, he could call the vet over in Ocilla – they had a reciprocal arrangement. Eamon sighed and wrote down that number, thanked her and hung up. He rubbed his chin and closed his eyes.
The creak of the kitchen door made them fly open again. “Is everything okay?” asked Emily, resting her hands on top of a chair back.
“A mare’s been injured along the western fence line – her name’s Sassy. I’m trying to find a vet who can come check her out. I don’t want to walk her back to the barn if something’s wrong – it could make things worse.” He put one hand on his hip and breathed deeply, his heart still racing from the exertion of getting back to the house.
“Can I help?”
He considered her offer. She was a doctor – maybe there was something she could do.
“But you’re not a vet.”
She shrugged. “True, but I could assess the damage, apply first aid, that kind of thing.”
“Hmmm … you don’t mind?” It would save time and money if she was able to take care of it. Even if they could just get the animal back to the barn, it would make things simpler. He’d still get the vet out, but wouldn’t have to sweat the hefty emergency fee. And the way the ranch’s accounts looked, every saving counted.
“No, I don’t mind at all. It’s not like I’m doing anything.” She laughed and pushed her hair behind her ears.
“Okay, great. I’ve got some first-aid supplies for the horses in the barn. Just follow me.” He left the kitchen, Emily close on his heels. He glanced back over his shoulder, realizing as he did that she was barely even limping now. “And thank you.”
“You’re most welcome.” She grinned up at him and his insides melted.
* * *
Sassy stood still beneath the sloped branch of an enormous oak shadowing the fence line, her dark coat shining in its shade. Emily got out of the pickup, grimacing as her sore ankle touched down. The mare’s head hung low, glancing their way as she and Eamon hurried over, but otherwise not moving. She looked to be favoring one of her hind legs.
“Hello there,” she said, sliding a hand gently down the horse’s shoulder.
Sassy stamped her front foot and turned to sniff Emily’s hand. Emily had grabbed some carrots that were kept in a bucket in the barn as treats for the herd, and handed the mare one. The horse snapped it up and chewed eagerly.
Emily squatted beside the mare’s injured leg and ran her fingertips down it. There were multiple lacerations on both hind legs and her hindquarters, but particularly the left leg. She pressed gently along the length of it, then examined the horse’s front legs, and belly and found several other cuts, but nothing bleeding too badly.
She stood and pressed her hands to her hips. “I’ll bandage up that hind leg and just put some antiseptic cream on the other lacerations. She was lucky – it doesn’t look like she hit any major veins or arteries. And nothing seems to be broken, although you’ll probably want to make sure with the vet when they come.”
Eamon scratched his chin, then strode to the truck for the first-aid supplies. Emily was grateful he and his brothers kept such a good stock on hand for times like this. She helped Eamon carry the items over to Sassy, and then ministered to the animal’s wounds as best she could. “Some of these cuts need stitches, but I can fix them up back at the barn. I’ve got my medical bag with me – I’ll need to sterilize my instruments, but I’m happy to do it if you’d like me to.”
He nodded enthusiastically. “Thanks, that’d be great.”
Emily drove the pickup back to the barn and began preparing everything she’d need to finish working on the mare while Eamon slowly walked the mare back. As she watched them approach the barn, she was relieved to note that the mare no longer appeared to be limping or favoring the injured leg as much as she had at first. The anesthetic cream must have taken effect.
By the time she’d finished stitching up the wounds, Emily’s back ached and her neck was cramped. She wasn’t used to working in a hunched-over position like that. She stood and stretched her arms high, rolling her head from side to side to loosen her tight neck muscles.
Eamon patted Sassy’s side affectionately. “All done?”
“Yes, all done. I’ve stitched the lacerations that needed it and bandaged them. Other than replacing the bandages regularly, she should be all taken care of.”
Eamon stepped closer. “Thank you.”
“You already thanked me.” Emily swallowed. It suddenly felt hotter in the barn.
He took another step forward, making her shiver. “I’m thanking you again.”
“No need …” She cleared her throat, her eyes locked on the small patch of blond hair sprouting just above his top shirt button. Her gaze drifted upward and over his full lips, slightly parted, finally resting on blue eyes that were flecked with gold and brown. He was staring at her. She swallowed again as her heart thudded.
His hand brushed against her arm, setting the small hairs on end. Then his fingers closed around her hand and he raised it to his lips, his eyes still fixed on her.
“What are you …?” She didn’t get to finish, as he closed the gap between them and pulled her to him, his eyes full of fire.
His lips met hers, and sent a bolt of heat through her. Her eyes closed and she moaned. She hadn’t been kissed like that … ever. Her hands found his hard back muscles and worked their way up to his neck as she stood on tiptoe to lean deeper into the kiss.
The world spun around, every thought in her overactive mind dissolving. She didn’t want to think, only to be. And to feel like this forever.
Chapter 8
Emily rested her elbows on the kitchen table and rubbed her tired eyes. For the past two hours she’d been sending resumes to every hospital she could think of, and now she could barely see straight. She was used to hours in front of her laptop after so many years of study, but had barely touched it in the two weeks since she’d arrived at the Cotton Tree.
Was it really two weeks already? She smiled at the realization – she could already see a difference in herself. When she’d looked in the mirror that morning after her shower, she’d seen plumper cheeks, brighter eyes, skin fairly glowing with health. She felt more like herself than she had in years. It seemed all she’d needed was some rest and good old Southern cooking.
She snapped the laptop shut and stood with a yawn, stretching and letting the tension of being seated in a hard chair so long work its way out of her neck and shoulders. With a sigh, she carried her empty water glass and crumb-covered breakfast plate to the sink, rinsed them off and set them in the dishwasher. After drying her hands, she wandered out to the porch. Her ankle was back to normal – she could walk comfortably without even a twinge, and had gone for a short jog the previous day with no ill effects.
Parker was in the pasture with the prize stallion, Rocket Peak, whom she’d taken to visiting with a carrot or handful of oats every morning. A new mare had arrived that morning and Parker led her into the field, then slipped the lead from her halter before stepping back toward the gate. Rocket high-stepped over to greet her, his muscular neck arched and rippling in the bright morning sunshine. She laughed as the mare snorted at the approaching stallion, then turned her back on him and made a display of kicking a hoof at the green grass. He shied away, then moved toward her again and stretched out his nose to touch hers.
Emily skipped down the porch stairs and across the yard to where Parker stood, his arms leaning on top of the gate to watch the interaction. She climbed up beside him and rested her arms on the gate as well. “Morning, Parker. How’s it going?”
He glanced her way with a smile, then tipped his hat back further. “Good morning Em. It’s going well so far, I think. He’s got his work cut out with this one.” He chuckled as the mare nipped at the stallion, sending him into retreat once again.
Harley trotted out from behind the house, his nose and one side of his body coated in mud. He ran over to Emily and pressed his nose against her leg, leaving a dirty trail across her thigh. “Ugh! Harley!” She jumped back, but the dog followed. Thinking it was a game, he leaped up with bright eyes to press his feet on her shirt, his tongue lolling out the side of his mouth.
“Harley, down!” commanded Parker, suppressing a laugh as Emily tried desperately to brush the mud from her shirt and thigh. “You spoil him. He’d never get away with doing that to Hazel.”
Emily sighed, but couldn’t help laughing at the same time. No matter what he did, she just couldn’t stay mad at that dog, with his floppy ears and mischievous sparkling eyes. She could swear he was grinning at her too.
“Hey, thanks for your help the other day with Sassy,” Parker continued. “The vet says she’s all good, and he admired your handiwork with the stitches – said he’d never seen better.” He looped a rope around his arm, tying the end around the loops to hold them in place, and set off toward the barn.
Emily fell into step beside him. “You’re welcome. Actually, it was kind of fun. It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed medicine – even if I was treating a horse. I’ve been so stressed that I’d forgotten how much I like it. I’m actually looking forward to getting back into my scrubs. Whereas before …”
“You just wanted to hide?” asked Parker, eyebrow raised.
“Yeah. How did you know?”
“Oh, I recognize the feeling.” He smiled ruefully.
Emily heard tires crackling on the gravel driveway, turned to see Eamon’s pickup curving toward the house, and her heart skipped a beat. She shoved her hands into her shorts pockets and hunched her shoulders as she wandered over to greet him. Just being near him made her pulse race and her ears buzz with adrenaline. She swallowed hard and tried in vain to calm her breathing.
Eamon parked the vehicle, climbed out and pulled two bags of groceries from the bed of the truck. She waved, and he nodded in response, setting the groceries on the ground. When she reached him, he put his arms around her waist with a hint of a smile, then leaned forward to kiss her. When he pulled away she grinned, her cheeks burning. “Can I help?”
He grinned too, leaned down and handed her a bag. “Thanks.”
Over the past two weeks, things had changed between them. The intensity of her attraction to him had grown each day, and he’d taken to walking with her hand in his, holding her and kissing her whenever he felt like it. She wasn’t sure where things were headed between them, but each day felt like an adventure she didn’t want to miss.
She still hadn’t booked her return flight to Boston. It was always on the edge of her thoughts – she had to go home, had to face her parents sometime. They were currently in Europe on vacation, so they might not have noticed her lack of communication. In truth, she was avoiding them – avoiding everything.
Including telling Eamon about the job in Tifton. She knew she should, but the timing never seemed right. She’d sent them her resume too, even while thinking nothing would come of it – but they’d had her in for an interview and offered her the p
osition on the spot. Dr. Hamilton, the senior partner in the practice, was a man in his fifties with kindly eyes and an open, friendly face, so different from the department heads at the Brigham. She’d asked for a few days to think it over, and he’d agreed.
She wanted to accept the position … but her stomach churned at the thought of having to tell Eamon, Hazel and most of all her parents. And she’d kept sending out her CV hither and yon – once again, avoiding.
Her thoughts spinning, Emily followed Eamon inside and set the groceries on the kitchen counter. While he brought in the rest of the bags, she stowed his purchases in the fridge and pantry. It felt good to be doing something simple that didn’t require any thought. It made her heart sing that she could allow herself to just be without focusing on achieving. She knew that sooner or later she’d have to make some decisions, but right now she was happy to leave it until later.
“I thought I might get started on dinner,” he said, setting the last bag on the floor. “I was going to work on the HVAC, but it’s too late really …”
She laughed. “You mean, you don’t want to work on the HVAC.”
He rolled his eyes and flashed his dimples. “Yeah.”
“Maybe it’s time you called in help.”
“What, you don’t believe in me? I’ll fix it … I just have to …”
“Figure out what on earth the big gray box is for?” She smiled and set a jug of milk in the door of the refrigerator, then pushed it shut.
“Hey! I know what I’m doing … or at least I will as soon as I sort out just what the spring thingy is supposed to do.” His eyes twinkled and he pushed himself up to sit on the counter, his feet swinging free beneath him. He reached for Emily, caught her by the waist and tugged her closer until she stood between his hanging legs. With soft fingertips he looped strands of her hair behind her ears and caressed the side of her face.
“All joking aside, I do believe in you. I also believe there’s no shame in bringing in an expert when you’re in over your head.” She kissed him boldly on the lips.