“I’m fine.”
Luke shakes his head. “You’re not fucking fine.”
I try to grin even though my jaw hurts. “I will be.”
“Logan. Listen to me.” His gaze is hard. “Don’t get yourself torn up by a horse. That’s no way to deal with a problem. Trust me.”
“I didn’t set out with that intention,” I say. “It just happened.”
“Like you just happened to get engaged?” Luke asks in a light tone that belies the seriousness of his question.
“Don’t start on that right now.” I wince as I shift and pain shoots through my ribcage. “I’m not in the mood.”
He nods. “I want you to heal up. So I can drop that subject. But I will say this—I know there’s something strange going on. And I know somehow, helping Macey has to be what’s behind it. I remember our phone conversation from the other day. I put two and two together.”
“This is just between us,” I tell him. “If it gets out…”
“It won’t,” he says. “But do you want to tell me what the hell’s going on?”
After what happened at the rodeo, I feel like my control on things isn’t just slipping—it’s pretty much gone.
“I could use some advice,” I admit. “I’ll give you the cliff notes version of what I’ve gotten myself into.”
“I’m all ears.”
When I’ve finished telling Luke the backstory of my engagement to Gigi, he whistles.
“You really went all out for Macey.”
“And I’d do it again.”
His expression softens. And I know I now have an ally in my crazy plan. Luke doesn’t even smile unless he means it.
“I don’t know what it’s like to care about a woman so much I’d do anything for her,” he says. “I envy you that, Wild.”
I gesture to the IV and machines around me. “But I’ve lost focus. You were right.”
“I don’t think I was.” He sucks in a breath. “Yes, you’re a little off course. But you have the right intentions. So.” He looks at me. “I get why you’re doing this. I think it’s nuts, but I don’t think you can back out now. And if there’s any way I can help, tell me.”
I nod. “I appreciate the support. I could use your help right now, actually.”
He raises his eyebrows. “I know what you’re going to ask. Yes, I’ll go get her for you.”
79
Macey
* * *
I text Mama that Logan’s awake and fill her in on his condition. But when she calls back asking for more details, I don’t have any.
“I haven’t seen him yet,” I tell her, trying to keep the emotion out of my voice.
“Oh, doll.” She goes quiet for a moment. “You know, I wonder if…”
“Mama. I’m okay. I am.”
I tell her I’ll call her later, and I end the call.
