The X-ray results show a bad sprain. When Doc shows her the images, I think I’m even more relieved than she is.
“You need to stay off it for at least forty-eight hours, but seventy-two would be better. When you get back home, I want you to keep it wrapped and elevated. Apply ice packs for fifteen-to-twenty minutes at a time, frozen peas work well,” he says and raises his gaze to mine.
All of us keep several bags in our freezers for this reason.
“After a few days, you can try some gentle movements but stay off it as much as possible. I’ll get you a set of crutches before you leave. If the pain or swelling gets worse, you need to take her to the ER, Asher. There could be something else going on we can’t see with this old machine.”
“Got it.”
“Thank you, Doctor Winston. I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’m used to babying it. I promise I’ll treat it gently.”
“See that you do. And no more running through the woods. It’s too dangerous.”
“Don’t worry,” Emma says with a grin. “I think I’ve learned my lesson.”
“Good. Okay, let’s get those crutches, and then you can be on your way. Remember, ice, elevation, keep it wrapped, and stay off it for at least two days, but three would be better.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’ll make sure she does. No worries, Doc.”
After he leaves, I put Emma’s sock back on as she keeps her head bowed, twisting her hands in her lap. “I’m sorry I scared you into running. My brothers, especially Andrew, are always giving me shit about my temper. I hate that you’re hurt because of me.”
Emma sniffles. “It’s okay. Just a huge misunderstanding. If I hadn’t panicked, I would have realized you were yelling words and not making bear grunts. But how am I going to finish my research now?” A tear slips down her cheek.
I catch it with my thumb. “You’ll get it done. I’ll help you. Whatever you need, I’ll make sure you have it.”
“Really? It’ll be a lot. I can’t even walk right now. Don’t you have work to do?”
“No worries, Raindrop. Ashbear is reporting for duty. There’s nothing I won’t do to help you.”
Emma’s giggle eases the tightness in my shoulders, and I can finally take a full breath. In the space of a few hours, this girl has turned my world upside down, and I don’t mind at all.
“Ready to go meet the rest of the Gallants and have dinner?” I’m already lifting her into my arms. She wraps her arm around my neck to hold on, and whispers in my ear, “For sure. I’m hungry enough to eat a bear.” Then shakes with laughter.
Considering how she doesn’t even use curse words, I’m sure she doesn’t realize how enticing her words are, but my cock sure does. Keeping my hands to myself is going to be hell.
We meet the doc in the waiting room. He follows me out to my truck and then waits while I get Emma settled inside.
“Take care of yourself, young lady. If you need anything, the Gallant boys can get a hold of me.”
“Thank you, Doctor Winston.”
He nods at her as I shut her door, then hands me the crutches. “You’d better not hurt that girl, Asher Gallant. I know how your temper is, and I’m sure I didn’t get the whole story about how she got hurt. Make sure she stays off that foot. If it’s not looking better in two days, bring her back to see me. Give her over-the-counter pain meds before bed, but no aspirin. I don’t want to risk further internal bleeding.”
“I’ll take good care of her. You have my word.”
“See that you do. She’s special, that one. Hold on to her if you can.”
“Thanks, Doc.” I grin, then stash the crutches in the truck bed and walk around to the driver’s side.
“Next stop, Gallant Homestead. I’m not sure whose turn it is to cook, but there’ll be plenty of food.”
No sooner do I finish speaking than her stomach lets out a noisy grumble. “Oops, I guess that’s a good thing.”
“Just a few more minutes, Raindrop, I promise.”
six
