I’m glad someone is.
27
Nash
I’m standing outsideof Bruce’s room in the ICU watching Isabelle as she talks to her father. Grace has taken a walk to get some coffee and, hopefully, some food. She’s been worried sick about Bruce, but I think the minute he woke up and asked for her, she shifted into the Grace I know. The farm wife. The one who takes care of her family no matter what. She changed from forlorn to determined in seconds. Women are amazing. But, honestly, nobody can hold a candle to a farm girl.
I’m watching Isabelle as she leans over the bed railing to listen to her dad. I can tell from here, he’s in pain. So, when Bruce smiles and I hear a giggle come out of my girl, well, I’m not going to lie, I get a little teary-eyed. Even with all this shit going on, he can still make his daughter laugh. I hope it stays that way. As long as he can stave off infection, I believe Bruce will be okay.
“Nash?” a soft, raspy voice says from his bed.
I look up at Bruce. “Yeah?”
“Can I talk to ya before you kids leave?”
Isabelle and I are heading home soon. She wants to get back to see what’s happening at the farm, and I need to check on Andi. Apparently, there was an incident with Ivy and my mom, but I’ll tell you about that on the way home. Isabelle hasn’t heard about it yet.
“Sure.” I step into the room as Isabelle leaves.
“I’m going to find Mom and tell her we’re taking off. Okay?”
I reach out and touch her hand as we pass. “Yep.”
Stepping up to Bruce’s bed, he looks pale, almost white. “Bruce.” I’d usually reach out and shake his hand, but the remaining arm he’s got has got IVs and there are tubes and wires running all over the place. “You gonna make it?”
Bruce chuckles. “I’ll make it. With one less appendage, but I’ll figure it out.”
“I know you will.” And he will. “You wanted to say somethin?”
“It’s about Isabelle.”
I figured.
“First, thanks for bringing her. I’m glad she didn’t have to drive upset.”
I nod. “No problem.”
“Second… the farm.”
I don’t even wait to hear what he’s gonna say. “I’ll help her out at the farm. She’s—”
He interrupts my words. “No.” He shakes his head slightly with a wince. “She’s more than capable of running the farm. Hell, she’ll be better than I ever was. Just let her do what she needs to do. All I ask is for you to be there for her––andifshe asks for help with the farm, then help. But I was thinking maybe you could make sure she eats, that sort of thing.”
It’s my turn to chuckle. He’s asking me to take on another role. “Sure. No problem. I’ll make sure she’s taking care of herself.”
“That’s my boy.” He moves slightly and winces again. “I know she loves teaching, and I wouldn’t want her to have to quit doing that if she can help it, but if she chooses to farm, she can take over mine with my blessing.”
Jesus. His operation is nothing to sneeze at. It’s the biggest in the county, hell, maybe even the state, and the most diverse with some dairy, Simmental beef cattle, and almost 8,000 acres for crops. I’ve got dairy and 5,000 acres myself, and that’s a damn big farm.
“I’ll be there for her. It’s what neighbors do.”
“Bullshit.” Bruce coughs and his face pales further. Squeezing his eyes shut, he sucks in some deep breaths. When he opens them, his eyes are like laser beams. “Stop fucking around, boy. You love her and she loves you. It’s obvious. Don’t screw it up by second-guessing that shit.”
“Bruce….” I nod. “I’ll do whatever I need to do to help Isabelle. The rest… well, we’ll have to see.”
“Bullshit,” he mutters again as he reaches for the button that calls the nurse. “Go on home so the only thing I have to worry about is Grace and getting back on my feet.”
“Yes, sir.” I give Bruce a small smile. “We’ll be up to see you this weekend.” He’ll, hopefully, be in a regular room by then. I know they’re keeping him here for some time before he’s transferred to rehab.
