I say goodbye, then pick my keys off the hook and place my hat on my head. I grip the bill as I take a breath and bounce my shoulders to get rid of the tension there too. As I walk out onto my big porch, I sniff the air.That’s better.Then head down the steps to my F-350 dually that’s parked right next to the barn.
When I get closer, I can see there’s someone already inside the building. “Hey, Justin.” I grin, happy to see him.
“Morning, Sir.” It looks like he’s already checking in on his next project and she’s happily chomping on the apple she just slurped out of his palm. “Thought I’d stop by and see what’s going on before I head out to my next client.”
“So what do you think, horse whisperer?”
He puts a hand on either side of the animal's neck as her head pokes through the opening in the stall. “It looks like she’s standing comfortably this morning. I haven’t seen her walk, but she doesn’t look like she’s in a lot of pain.” He pauses and looks at her for a moment. “I’ll bring her out and walk around, just to see what I’m dealing with. If she needs any kind of special shoe to accommodate her injuries, I can get to work on that.” He runs a hand over her nose. “The vet stopping by today?”
“Yep. This afternoon. But I think she’ll check out with some rehab and rest.”
“How’s her rider?” He asks genuinely.
Can’t get her out of my fucking head.Is the response that my mouth wants to spit out first. But I go with, “She’ll be okay. I’m headed to pick up a pair of crutches for her right now. She’ll be staying with us until she can walk again.” He must sense something is off because he has a look on his face like he wants to keep asking questions.
“She?”
“Oh, yeah. Did I forget to mention that?” I chuckle nervously as I wave my hand and I step up into my truck. “Thanks, man. See ya!”
I knock three times on the wooden slab in front of me, then hear arguing and feet running toward the door.
“I’ve got it!”
“No, I’ve got it!”
“Evie, get out of the way!”
“No! Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you’re always first!”
The door swings open, and without a pause Adelaide and Evolette are in my arms, nearly smacking my nose with their foreheads, knees coming dangerously close to my crotch as I pick them up.
“Daddy!” They both squeal.
“Have you two been raising hell while I’ve been gone? It hasn’t even been three whole days.” I set them down and give them each a stern look as I wait for a response.
“Sorry, Dad. We’ve been helpful, I swear!” Addie promises.
“We really have been good! It was just…” Evie stops mid sentence as my niece Lythie fills the doorway, her month old baby in her arms.
“I think excitement is the culprit here.” She smiles, and I reach for the baby.
“Give me that little chunk, mama. Grandad needs his fix.”
Blythe grins and willingly places little Jake into my open arms. He’s awake and I can see that twinkle in his eye that says, “I’m about to spring my first smile on someone soon, but good luck trying to catch it on camera.”
I bounce him in my arms and exaggerate my shock.“What have you been feeding this kid? Meat and potatoes?” A group laugh bursts from everyone and Evie responds before Lythie has a chance to.
“It’s breast milk! And sometimes formula…but that’s only when her boobs are empty and he’s still hungry. Which is kind of lot actually…” Evie lifts an eyebrow and looks at Blythe.
“It is a lot, huh? He’s so hungry and I try! I really do… but sometimes we have to supplement. Life goes on.” I hand the butter ball back to her, but she continues. “I heard a mom say once, that no matter what they eat as babies, they’re all going to be toddlers eating French fries off the car floor someday.”Shit, if that’s not the truth.
“You’re a wonderful mom, Lythie. You just keep doing what you’re doing, and your little man is gonna turn out perfect.”
“You know it!” She winks and plants a kiss on his chubby little cheek. My girls run back inside to grab their things—then we get in the truck and I silently prepare myself for the conversation we’ll be having on the way about our new living arrangement.
“What’s her name again?” My oldest daughter Adelaide asks as I turn onto the dirt road that takes us home.
“Her name is Dixie. She’s one of the new hires that showed up Monday, and she sprained her ankle terribly. She can’t do much and needs to rest and recover. So I thought you two could keep her company.”
