Rosie nodded. “No, that wouldn’t work. But this would save us a lot of time and trouble.”
Ross began beaming again.
“Is the equipment for sale separately or with the building?” I asked as Rosie and Klutz literally disappeared down a rabbit hole.
“We had it valued as a whole and then priced it accordingly,” Ross replied.
“Rosie will know if it’s a fair price,” I warned.
“I’m not out to gouge you; we want your business here in town. We work hard not to become one of those dying towns where our kids move out to the bigger cities. Any opportunities we can give them, we will,” Cates replied.
“Which was why you were so excited at Ice, Harley, and Falcon moving here,” I surmised.
“Yes. The children will look up to them, and having idols around might help keep them on the straight and narrow,” Ross answered without a hint of shame.
“We’ll see what we can do.” I chuckled. “I think we’ve lost those two for a bit. They’ll be hours making lists. Do you want to show us the other places? Maybe Cates can stay here with them?”
Just then, Cates rushed in from the outside, looking panicked. “Where’s Rosie? Masie’s gone into labour, and Jana says she’s not doing well!” she exclaimed.
“I’m here. Get your sister to carry Masie here, and if you don’t mind, we’ll use one of those treatment rooms. Klutz, begin scrubbing down a room. Calamity, run back to the hotel and fetch my bag, please, and bring some scrubs. Demi, help Klutz; I want that room spotless. Hunter, get one of the birthing pens I spotted in the back. Scrub it down thoroughly. Penny, I won’t use blankets here; can you buy me some new ones that are packaged? They’re not ideal but should be free of contaminants.”
“I’ve some sterile ones in the truck,” Klutz mentioned to Aurora. “Grab them, babe, and my bag too. I’ve got some scrubs as well.”
Cates phoned her sister as those nominated sprang into action. Rosie began rolling up her sleeves and headed out back.
“We had best leave; we can’t do anything here,” I said to Ross, who looked undecided.
“Ross, go, it’s okay, Jana will be here,” Cates muttered as she paced back and forth. He nodded and followed the rest of us out.
“Why don’t you show us the other places you had in mind?” I suggested to distract him.
Ross huffed, and then said quietly, “I guess you think I’m overreacting. Eliana is my cousin, and Maise is her whole world. Eliana was shot and nearly died three years ago. Masie saved her life, gave her a reason to get out of bed.”
“Rosie is the best out there, and I’m not just saying that because she’s my wife. She’ll do everything possible for Maise and Cates. Maise is in safe hands,” I said.
“Good. That’s reassuring,” Ross replied.
Chapter Five.
Rosie
Awoman rushed in carrying a clearly pregnant German Shepherd.
“Eliana, you’ve got a vet?” she cried as she entered.
“Over here, please, bring Maise,” I intervened, appearing. To her credit, Eliana didn’t try to take Maise from her sister but followed. Maise’s eyes were wide, and she was panting heavily.
“Here,” Klutz said as he waved towards the birthing pen. Jana carefully laid Maise down and cracked her back. I instantly crouched and put out a hand for Maise to sniff. Eliana sat beside her, muttering soothing words and stroking Maise’s head.
“She’s in distress. Has she had any hip issues?” I asked as I looked her over. Maise released a yelp of pain.
“None that I know of, but I have been worried.”
Maise grunted and reared up a little, and I saw her trying to push. I watched for a few moments as Eliana continued to stroke her. Maise collapsed back down, and I checked her pulse.
“Her heartbeat’s slightly elevated, but she’s not in the danger zone yet. Klutz, have you prepared the injection?” I asked. It was a simple pain reliever designed to help Maise.
“Yeah. I’ll keep it at hand,” he replied.
