“That you, doc?” a deep male voice asks.
“Yeah. Dr. Blair Littlefoot, George’s niece.”
“OK. Been expectin’ you. Gate’ll open slowly. Just move through and make sure your vehicle’s clear otherwise you’ll lose the rear when it closes.”
“Thanks. Good to know,” I reply, watching the thick metal farm gate slowly pull back.
Following the instructions, I wait until I’m shut in before making my way up the long winding driveway. A few minutes later, an old brown two-story house appears through the trees.
Parking up, I grab my medical bag from the back seat before moving toward the front stairs. Taking a look around, I realize it’s not all that different from the Cooper’s ranch. Just bigger. There are also a lot more animals from what I can see, different types too.
Then there’s a huge barn in the distance behind the house, as well as a big open shed full of vehicles and farm equipment.
Looking behind me, there’s an established orchard with lots of grown fruit trees that seems to disappear down the mountain. Next to that is a field with some grazing horses, a small black pony and a donkey that could pass for Grumps’s long lost twin.
“Did you find the house OK?” the voice from the intercom asks. I whirl round to find a man who’s as broad as he is tall watching me from the front doorway, his bearded lips twitching at my squeak.
“Hi. Yeah, I did. And uh… sorry for looking around. This place is massive.”
“Hard not to look when it’s all you can see.”
I hurry up the stairs to greet him, holding out my arm for his. “Doctor Blair Littlefoot, but you can just call me Blair,” I say with a smile which he returns.
“Derrick Wilson. Thanks for takin’ the time to come out here. The old man’s as stubborn as that mule of ours out there. Even if it’s gonna be the end of him.”
I nod in understanding. “My uncle filled me in. I’m fully up to date with your father’s illness.”
“And his temperament too, I bet,” he says dryly. “George is good people though. He’s been very kind to my father when he hasn’t had to be–or shouldn’t have been,” he explains before looking back into the house. “Shall I take you to him?”
“Yes, but first, can you tell me whatyouthink about his current condition?”
“You want to know why my sister asked for a house call?” I nod. “You’ll see for yourself soon enough, and when you do, I think you’ll agree that it was a good idea for me to call Em home for a spell.” The expression on his face and somber tone of his voice is all the confirmation I need.
“Em?” I ask before it clicks. “Is that Marion?”
His smile leaves me in no doubt that he loves his sister. “Yeah, old habit. Everyone calls her Em. Marion never quite fit her…personality,” he says with a kick of his lips that hints of mischief.
He rubs the back of his neck and it’s hard not to notice that he’s a handsome man. He’s got nothing on Sutton Cooper–and I only have eyes for him in this town–but I’m sure if Alex or Cate ever come to visit me while I’m staying here, they wouldn’t be disappointed by the caliber of mountain men in this town.
Derrick's face falls but at least–even if it was for just a moment–it was like he was able to see past the situation he has found himself in and the future he’s facing in regard to his father’s failing health.
“I think it’s pertinent that I see your father, Derrick. At least then I can get an idea of what we’re facing and what–if anything–I can do to help. Yeah?”
Staring into my eyes, he nods. “Follow me. I’ll warn you though, if he says anythin’ that leaves you wonderin’, I’m happy to talk through with you afterward if you need me to. He’s just been…differentlately.”
It’s then I realize that Derrick knows all too well about my connection to the Coopers. At least he’s giving me the benefit of the doubt, I guess.
Since I’ve never been comfortable keeping secrets, I decide to head off any potential issues about that ahead of time. “I take it you already know I’m staying at Cooper Ranch?”
He nods. “Yep. I have no issue with it, but I’m not the one that has a problem with the Coopers. That whole rivalry business is generations old, and my father is holdin’ on to it with every last ounce of strength he’s got left. It ain’t got nothin’ to do with me, and I’m not goin’ to let it cloud my judgment movin’ forward.” It looks like my assessment of the man was on point.
Wait… rivalry business?
“OK. I’m glad we cleared that up,” I say with a polite smile.
“Besides, I know there’s a double weddin’ comin’ up and you’re not one of the brides. That mean you're single?”
A giggle escapes me. “Sorry, I’m spoken for.”
