Maybe me most of all.
Because after three days of trying to make things right, I’m starting to think the only thing I can’t fix is the one thing I can’t stop thinking about.
Chapter 16 - Tessa
I woke up four days after the incident with a cantankerous bull.I know it wasn't Rex's fault.He's an old bear but has never intentionally hurt anyone.He is big at just over two thousand pounds.And the only other time he hurt me was because the oaf doesn't realize how big he is sometimes.
Kenzie called me in a panic this morning.I couldn't make out all her words, but the gist of it was that Rex has been in a tizzy since the accident, and John was considering culling him.Rex is coming up on five years old, the end of the road for a breeding bull and with the problems he's faced with his foot and leg...well, it doesn't look good.We performed the breeding soundness exam a few months ago, and the veterinarian I work with agreed with me in clearing Rex for at least another year.
It took all of me to get up and get dressed after the call, but I needed to get to the farm.I needed to get my eyes on Rex and talk down John.Bruising covers most of my body now, not just from the impact of the hit but everything that came after.I am stiff and want to crawl back into bed, but I know what's best is to start moving again, even if each step and breath feels like agony.
I swallowed down my pain and packed a bag full of what I would need to make it through the day.As well as making sure my various kits were well-stocked and loaded in the back of my truck.I have other clients I need to check in with.I don't think I have ever been unavailable since I graduated and moved back here.So, I need to show my face, calm the rumours skittering around and let everyone know that in no way was what happened the Carsons' fault.I would hate for the accident to harm their reputation.
I don't go to the main house; I don't need to fight with Eli before I can get eyes on Rex and understand what's going on.From what I gathered, they haven't moved him, and no one has tried to get in to check on him.
Each bump in my truck feels like hell, but I grit my teeth and know this is what needs to be done.I was hoping no one would be out this far, but just my luck, it looks likeeveryoneis.Including a certain hockey player, I can't stop thinking about and his teammates.
Eli is the first to react, a scowl taking over his face as he jogs my way.
I know I need to get out of my truck before he blocks my exit, so I suck in a deep breath and move as quickly as possible, making it out my door just as Eli reaches me."What the fuck are you doing here?"
I roll my eyes at the grumpy ass, "Good to see you too, Eli.I am feeling better, thank you for asking."
He rakes his eyes over me, "I know you aren't feeling better, Tess, Chase, and the moms have been filling me in."
I internally chuckle at the term 'the moms', a group of momma bears who take care of everyone, even us strays.You would never know their kids were all adults and some were having babies of their own.Even though I am technically alone, I never felt it, not since coming back here and definitely not in the days since my accident.I am pretty sure Judy created a schedule, and I had a full rotation of helping hands and food being dropped off like clockwork around the time my pain meds were due.
I make eye contact with him so he can see, "Eli, you and I both know that with these types of injuries, I can't let my muscles lock up or go stiff.Plus, I was going fucking crazy on bed rest.I woke up once to your mom, Diane and Judy planning my wedding.To who...not sure that it matters."
That finally gets a smile from Eli."They love you, Tess.We all do."
I place my palm on his chest, "Then trust me that I know what I am doing."
Eli studies me for a moment and then asks, "Can I hug you?"
I nod, and he gently pulls me in.He is kind of like Rex, a big, grumpy oaf, who is a softie on the inside."You scared the crap out of me, Tess," he reveals on an exhale, "Don't you ever pull that shit again."
I nestle into him for a moment, "You know I can't promise that, right?"
Eli growls in response and then sighs, pulling me closer.I chuckle and try not to wince as I let myself be comforted by him and not for the first time wonder what it would be like with Eli and me.Maggie tried her hardest to push Eli and me together at first, but he always shot his mom down so quickly.
"Your fan club is going to want to say hi," he says into my hair.
I laugh, looking over his shoulder to see a group of hockey players who look like they've been rolling in the mud watching us."Can you get the chute set up for Rex?"
Eli looks at me like I am insane, and maybe I am.But I can't let John make a bad decision that could hurt his business based on an accident."Kenzie called me in a panic, saying your dad is thinking of culling Rex.I can't let that happen, Eli.You know it would be a mistake.You need a few options from this round of breeding for his replacement, and we planned on him having one more year."
Eli curses under his breath and looks over at Rex.Who seems to be watching us."Fine," he mutters."Let's see what these hockey players are made of."
We walk together towards the group.Kenzie is standing close to Nate; his brow is furrowed, and they look to be arguing.
He turns to me, his eyes so similar to Eli's and yet so different."What are you doing here?"
I eye Eli, "You two sure know how to make a girl feel wanted.Hi Nate, nice to see you.I am here because it is my job, and Kenzie called me."
"Why?"his annoyance hasn't lessened, and it pisses me off.
Two can play at this game, "Oh, I am sorry, Mr.Man, I will get my secretary to forward all my appointments, you know, for shits and giggles, my whole calendar.Just let me know how long you plan on playing farmer, and I will coordinate appropriately."
