by Carrie Carr
"She's right, Lex." Amanda helped Martha pull Lex to her feet. "Come on. If you're a good girl, I'll tuck you in and read you a story."
Lex released a tired chuckle. "That's the best offer I've had all day." She draped her left arm over Amanda's shoulders, and felt Martha wrap an arm around her from the right. "I must be doing something right."
"What makes you say that, dear?" Martha asked as they helped her slowly up the stairs.
"I've got the two prettiest ladies in the state of Texas hanging all over me." Amanda tickled her ribs while the housekeeper lightly slapped her rear end, to which she indignantly responded, "What?"
Chapter Five
"OH, STOP POUTING." Amanda glanced at her partner out of the corner of her eye. "You're not going to win this one, so don't even try." She strained to see over the dash of Lex's truck and was afraid to take her eyes off the road for more than a moment. During the night, the temperature had dropped to twenty degrees, and Amanda was worried about hitting patches of ice on the road to town.
Lex continued to stare out of the passenger window. The early morning sun glinted off the frost in the passing fields, and she had to squint in deference to her headache. "I'm not pouting." Her heavy sigh made condensation form on the inside of the window. Lex used her good hand to idly draw a small circle on the glass. Her right arm was still heavily wrapped with the elastic bandage, and Martha had made her wear an old sling to keep it close to her body. Stupid doctor. I've been banged up worse than this before. Why do I have to go all the way into town for a couple of bruises and a damned headache?
As the truck reached the outskirts of town, Amanda tried again. "You can't really blame him for wanting you to go to the hospital instead of his office. Especially when you told him about the headache and the pain in your back." She knew Lex did not like being fussed over, and she thought her lover was probably a little frightened about what the tests might show. "He said it was just a precaution."
"If it's just a precaution, why did you make me pack an overnight bag?" Lex turned away from the window to study Amanda's profile. "What did he say to you?'
"Doctor Anderson asked me to have you pack a bag in case the tests took longer than he thought. I guess he was afraid to ask you." Amanda reached over and patted the nervous woman's leg. "Now just relax. I promise I'll be there with you the whole time, okay?"
Lex moved her hand away from the window and placed it on top of Amanda's. "You must think I'm acting like a child. I'm sorry, sweetheart." She raised their hands and kissed Amanda's knuckles. "Forgive me?"
"Oh, I don't know. How do you plan to make it up to me?" Amanda felt a small thrill chase down her back as Lex nibbled on her fingers. "Okay. You win."
"Yeah?" Lex murmured as she continued her gentle assault. "So, I'm forgiven then?" She looked up as the truck pulled off the street. "We're here already?"
They were in the parking lot of Somerville Community Hospital. The older brick structure was only four floors, but it boasted an excellent staff and handled the needs of the entire area with no problem.
"Yep, we're here." Amanda parked the truck near the side entrance as Doctor Anderson had requested. He had told her he didn't want Lex walking any further than necessary and that they'd be able to check her in at the nurses' station just inside the door. She switched off the engine and turned sideways in her seat to look at Lex. "You want to stay here while I go inside and get someone to help us?" She knew it was probably pointless, but she had to try.
"Nah, I'm fine." Lex unbuckled her seat belt. "Let's just get this over with, all right?" She watched as Amanda climbed out of the truck and hurried around to open her door. "Thanks."
"Any time." Amanda tenderly helped Lex from the vehicle. "Lean on me, okay?"
Lex wrapped her good arm around Amanda's shoulders. "I always do." She was touched that Amanda walked very slowly toward the hospital entrance. "Sweetheart, I won't break, you know."
"I'm sorry. I just--" Amanda stammered, embarrassed at being caught coddling her lover.
"Don't be. I just don't want you to worry. I'm fine, really."
Amanda chuckled. "Don't worry? Why not ask me to do something easier? Like eat your cooking?" she teased as she tried to steer the conversation away from serious matters.
They'd almost reached the side entrance when Dr. Anderson met them outside with a wheelchair. "Good morning, ladies." He exchanged amused glances with Amanda before focusing his attention on Lex. "Lexington, have a seat. I'm not going to let the hospital gossips say I don't treat my patients right."
Lex eyed the contraption warily. "I really don't think I need that, Dr. A."
Amanda maneuvered Lex near the chair. "Consider this another one you're not going to win." She met Lex's stubborn glare. "Don't try that look with me, Slim. I'm not intimidated."
Lex released an aggrieved sigh, but she allowed Amanda and the doctor to assist her into the chair. "This is ridiculous. I'm just a little sore."
"Uh-huh. Tell me another one." Amanda patted her on the shoulder and leaned down until her mouth was right next to Lex's ear. "Behave yourself and I'll give you a nice hot oil massage when we get home." Amanda kissed the ear before moving away to allow Dr. Anderson to wheel the chair into the hospital.
Dr. Anderson laughed at the blush coloring Lex's face. "Well now, Lexington, I was going to get onto you for being so pale, but it looks like you've developed quite a bit of color in your cheeks." To escape her possible wrath, he quickly rolled them through the automatic doors and to the nurses' station.
"Good morning, Dr. Anderson," a middle-aged nurse said. "I see you found your patient." She smiled at the woman in the wheelchair. "Good morning, Lexington."
Dr. Anderson nodded. "That's right, Gina. I didn't even have to send out a search party."
Lex waved at the petite woman with her good hand. "Nice to see you again, Mrs. Fowler. Have you heard from William lately?" The gray-haired nurse's son had worked at the ranch three years ago, the summer before he graduated from high school. After graduation, the lure of adventure called him into the Army. The last postcard Lex had received from him had been postmarked Germany. Much to her amusement, the young corporal had hastily scrawled a teasing note about the beautiful fräuleins he had found there.
Nurse Fowler laughed. "Just last week, as a matter of fact. He has leave next month and will be coming home for Christmas."
"That's great. Tell him I said hello." Lex gestured over her shoulder. "Mrs. Fowler, have you met Amanda Cauble? She's living at the ranch now."
"It's nice to meet you." Understanding dawned in the nurse's gray eyes. "You're Anna Leigh and Jacob's granddaughter, aren't you?"
"Yes, ma'am. It's nice to meet you, too." Amanda unconsciously placed her hands on Lex's shoulders. "Do you know my grandparents?"
"Oh yes, I certainly do. I'm on the historical committee with Anna Leigh."
Amanda didn't think Gina Fowler was one bit fazed by the obvious closeness she must see between the two younger women. Chalk one up for our side, she thought.
"I hate to break up this little chat, but I'd really like to get started on those tests." Dr. Anderson motioned for a nearby nurse to take command of the wheelchair. "Come on, young lady. Let's get you settled and changed into one of our fancy gowns."
"Can I," Amanda started, but was stopped by Dr. Anderson's raised hand.
Nurse Fowler grabbed a clipboard. "Lexington, if you'll just sign at the bottom of the second page, you'll be all set. Then I can show Amanda where the cafeteria is and she can grab a cup of coffee."
Amanda watched as Lex was wheeled down the hallway. I'll be right there, love. Hang in there. She looked at the kindly nurse. "I promised Lex I would stay with her while the tests are being run."
"Honey, she's a big girl. I'm sure she'll be just fine." Nurse Fowler patted her arm
"But legally it's okay. She gave me power of attorney a couple of weeks ago," Amanda assured her. And what a surprise that was, too, Amanda remembered fondly.<
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Lex had worked late with the ranch hands that day, not coming back to the house until almost midnight. Amanda was beside herself with worry because she knew they were searching for lost cattle in remote areas of the property. Lex hadn't been seen or heard from in over five hours, and all the hired help had returned to the bunkhouse hours earlier.
Amanda had fallen asleep on the sofa in the den while waiting up for any word of Lex. She was startled out of a deep sleep by the sound of the back door closing and heavy boots treading slowly down the hall. The worried young woman jumped off the couch and peered around the doorway. "Lex? Is that you?"
The dark figure moved toward her slowly in the darkness. "Amanda? Sweetheart, what are you doing up this time of night?" Lex kept her distance, however, allowing only the barest glimpse of her profile in the dim light.
"I was worried about you. Are you all right?" Amanda took a step closer, only to have Lex step back. "What's the matter?"
Lex held her hands up to ward off any contact. "I'm a mess. No sense in you getting all nasty because of me." She took another step back, moving nearer the staircase. "Why don't we go upstairs? I can get cleaned up, and you can get to bed. I'm sorry for keeping you up, but I lost the radio I was carrying."
Amanda closed the distance between them. "You haven't answered my question. Are you all right?" The closer she got, the more she could see and smell. Lex was covered from head to toe in dark and reeking mud.
"I'm fine. Just tired and really stinky." Her white teeth shone from a gunk-covered face. "I'm really sorry you were so worried. I was kind of stuck for a bit." Lex turned and motioned for Amanda to precede her.
After Lex got out of the shower, she told Amanda about her day. The first part of the afternoon was spent tracking. She finally caught up with the missing cattle after dark. They had somehow fallen into a pit of mud, and Lex had worked for the next several hours to dig them out. She figured her radio ended up somewhere at the bottom of the pit since she couldn't find it in any of her pockets.
"I'm sorry that I worried you." Lex crawled into bed, on her left side with her hand propping up her head.
Amanda mirrored Lex's posture. "I think it was more the uncertainty than anything else. Not knowing if you were okay." She looked deeply into Lex's eyes and whispered softly, "I wouldn't be able to survive without you, Lex. You've become such a part of me."
They settled down to sleep after a long talk. Lex did everything she could to assure Amanda she wasn't going anywhere and that Amanda would always have a home on the ranch.
Two days later, Amanda woke up alone. She rolled over to Lex's side of the bed and saw a large manila envelope with her name on it lying on Lex's pillow. She opened it and cried softly. Inside were signed and notarized papers giving Amanda Lorraine Cauble complete power of attorney for the Rocking W Ranch and Lexington Marie Walters. The note on top of the papers said it all: "This just makes it legal. Forever yours, Lex.'
"SEE? I TOLD you I was fine," Lex grumbled as they drove to Amanda's grandparent's house. Because Dr. Anderson found some minor tendon strain, he had put a sturdy and extensive splint on her right arm and instructed Lex to keep it immobile for at least a week to allow the tendon to heal. The test results showed considerable bruising and swelling along her back and shoulders, but no permanent damage was detected.
Lex took great enjoyment in her condition and continued to harass Amanda. "Spent half the damn day proving my point, but I think it was worth it." Her last words were slightly slurred since she was fighting the obvious effects of exhaustion.
Amanda cut her eyes over at her jubilant lover. "You can be such a poor winner sometimes." She stuck her tongue out at Lex. "Be nice, or I'll tell Martha that the specialist said for you to stay in bed for the rest of the week."
Lex glared at her. "You wouldn't." Even in her less than sharp condition, she registered the smirk on Amanda's face. "You would."
"Yep. My silence is not cheap." Amanda continued to watch the road in front of her. She could almost hear the wheels turning in Lex's mind. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
"Not cheap, huh? Are you saying that you can be bought? Just at an inflated price?" Lex was enjoying this conversation. Her mind was fuzzy, and seemed to be getting worse. Damned fatigue. Feels like I'm about half drunk.
Amanda turned the truck onto her grandparent's street. "Well," she pulled up in the driveway and shut off the engine, "I'm just saying," she unbuckled her seat belt and leaned toward Lex, "that for the right price, I'll keep your secret."
Lex raised her left hand and tangled it in Amanda's hair to guide her closer. "You will, huh?" she whispered, their lips only a breath apart.
"Yeah," Amanda growled as she covered Lex's lips with her own. "Wanna hear my price?" she asked after they broke apart breathlessly.
"Uh," Lex had to clear her throat. "Uh-huh. I sure do."
Amanda kissed her again. "You have to promise me," she dropped a quick peck on Lex's lips, "to stay," another one, "in bed until Thursday. I promise to make it worth your while."
TAP TAP TAP!
The knocking on the passenger window made both women break apart quickly. Jacob Cauble stood outside the truck with a big smile on his face. "You two going to play kissy-face all day, or are you coming inside to visit?"
"Hi, Grandpa." Amanda wiggled her fingers at him as she blushed. She regretfully pulled herself away from Lex and climbed out of the truck. After she circled the vehicle, she almost knocked her grandfather to the ground with the force of her embrace. "I've really missed you."
"Hello there yourself." Jacob wrapped his arms around Amanda, lifted her and spun her around. "I've missed you, too." He deposited her gently on the ground and studied her carefully. "How are you doing?"
Amanda gave him a relieved smile. "Much better now." She moved around him and opened the passenger door on the truck. "Are you ready to be sociable, Lex?"
Lex grudgingly accepted Amanda's help in climbing out of the truck. "Thanks." She leaned a little shakily against the truck. "Hey, Jacob. How's everything going?"
Jacob tried to hide the grin that threatened to break out over his face. "Never been better. Would you like some help getting into the house?" He watched Amanda pull a duffel bag from the back seat of the truck.
"That would be great." Lex took a wobbly step. "I seem to have a little problem with my legs right now." Not to mention how blurry everything is.
"Watch out, Lexington. I think my husband is putting the moves on you," Anna Leigh's voice warned from behind him.
Amanda closed the truck door and turned around. "Gramma." She walked to the petite woman and enveloped her in a hug. "Long time, no see," she teased.
Lex and Jacob edged around them. "I think Jacob needs to be the one who watches out. I may just run off with him myself." He was the grandfather that Lex never had, and she adored him. She allowed him to lead her into the house as Amanda and her grandmother stared in surprise after them.
"I'm sorry, Gramma. She's so exhausted, I think her mind's half gone." Amanda linked her arm with Anna Leigh's as they followed the pair into the older, but well kept home.
Anna Leigh laughed. "She's something else." She sobered and slowed their walk momentarily. "How is she really, Mandy? She looks so pale."
"Her arm and shoulder tendons are severely strained, and she has a couple of nasty bruises on her back, but Dr. Anderson said that all of the tests came back negative." Amanda followed her grandmother into the house. "He was pretty concerned about the head injury and wanted to keep her overnight, but I promised to get her to rest here, instead."
The two Cauble women watched as Jacob escorted Lex up the stairs. "Almost there, Lex," he encouraged her.
"Did y'all add a few extra steps since the last time I was here?" Lex asked. "It sure seems like it."
Amanda exchanged grins with her grandmother and jogged up the stairs. She stepped behind Lex and put her hands on the unsteady woman's hips. "How about an extra set of ha
nds?"
"Good idea." Jacob stood on Lex's left side with her good arm wrapped securely around his waist. "I think we're running out of steam. Think you can make it now?"
Lex sighed. "Damn, that's a hell of a walk. I'm pooped."
After she sat, Jacob lifted Lex's legs and swung them up onto the bed. He patted her knee. "You get some rest, and I'll see you later." He walked over and met his wife at the door. They watched for a moment as their granddaughter fussed over the extremely groggy rancher. "Come on, love," Jacob said. "Let's go downstairs and give these girls a little privacy. The coffee should be ready by now." He kissed Anna Leigh on top her head before they turned and made their way back down the stairs.
Amanda gently eased the sling off the injured arm as Lex fought to keep her eyes open. "Stay awake for a few more minutes and help me get you comfortable, honey."
"Mmm. Are you tryin' to take advantage of me, cutie?" Lex murmured with a sly grin. "I got to warn you. My girlfriend is the jealous type." She opened one eye as gentle fingers unbuttoned her shirt. "You're pretty good at that."
Amanda helped ease Lex into a sitting position so that she could remove her top. "This is going to hurt when I try to pull your sleeve over that splint." The metal and foam brace covered her arm from her elbow to her knuckles, and Dr. Anderson had told them both not to remove it for a week, when he expected Lex back for her follow-up exam.
Lex sighed. "No problem." She reached up with her good hand and took a firm grip on the right shoulder of her blue cotton shirt. Pulling hard, she ripped downward until the sleeve was lying down loosely over the splint. "There. No more sleeve." She grinned and closed her eye.
"Oh, boy." Amanda shook her head and removed the rest of the shirt. She's going to be upset about that later. "Okay, sweetheart. Let's get this tee shirt on you now."
TEN MINUTES LATER, Amanda walked into the kitchen with a tired but relieved smile on her face. She ran her hands through her hair to give it some semblance of order.