We hug again. I could stay in his arms forever, but I want to get home. Cody kisses the top of my head and we separate. He stands in the parking lot while I climb into my truck. I peek in my rearview before turning the corner. He’s in the same spot, watching me until we lose sight of one another.
My boss tells me to take off early, so I close up my reports and drive home to the farm.
Chet’s in the barn, carrying on without Dad or Jace when I walk in.
“Need anything?” I ask him.
“No thanks, Carli. I just topped the feed and water. Already checked the litters. We’re good for the afternoon.”
Jace pulls in a few minutes later. My parents get out of his back seat. Dad looks tired, but better than I expected.
Mom pulls me into a hug. When she steps back she says, “The doctor gave us a prescription. Said with the medication, lifestyle changes, and regular follow-ups, most people live full, active lives with the same condition your dad has.”
I look over at my dad. He smiles at me. “It’s going to take more than this to take me down, Carli. You’re not gonna be rid of me that easy.”
I shake my head and step into his arms. “Do you feel okay?”
“I feel the same as I’ve been feeling—with the added humiliation of spending an afternoon at the doctor’s while my farm needed me. But other than that, I’m good. Don’t you worry.”
“Don’t make me worry,” I scold him, giving him a squeeze.
He holds me and we don’t let go like we usually would.
“I’m going to check in with Chet,” Jace says.
“I just did,” I tell him, pulling back from Dad’s embrace. “He said everything’s good.”
“Come in and have some tea for a minute, Jace,” Mom says.
I’m prepared for him to turn her down, but he surprises me. “Tea sounds good.”
We all stay in the main house the rest of the afternoon. A neighbor brings by a rotisserie chicken and salad so Mom doesn’t have to cook. We linger together after dinner until Jace and Dad start yawning. Then Mom yawns and it sets me off.
“Okay, Buckner family,” Mom says. “We’ve had enough of a day. Let’s get some sleep.”
I give everyone hugs and drive home to my cottage. Before I fall asleep, I text Cody and McKenna, telling each of them that Dad’s doing okay.
My phone rings a few moments later.
“Hey, girl!” McKenna’s voice is bubbly as ever, but softer.
“Hey.”
“How are you holding up?”
“I’m ready for bed and I feel like I could sleep for weeks.”
“Do you still want to hang out tomorrow?”
“I’d love to. I need to help around here first, but then I’ll come by.”
“Sounds good. I’m glad your dad’s okay. That was scary.”
“It was.”
I close my eyes. I can almost feel Cody’s arms around me, the way he held me together through the worst of it.
“I’ll let you go,” she says. “Call me when you’re coming over.”
