Her neighbor’s eyes narrowed, her mouth tight. “There was nothing wrong with your mother. Not until she met that man. He was bad news.”
“She was always sad and listless. I get that way sometimes, too.”
“You listen to me, dear. Your mother lived here until she was a young lady. There was nothing mentally ill about her. Nothing genetic, anyway, yet after living for years with that controlling man—I still hear your poor grandmother lamenting the day they got married—she certainly could have become unstable. The evil in him could make anyone anxious and depressed.”
Chelsea’s eyes roamed across the yard to the turbulent ocean that rolled under the cloudy sky. Like how she felt today. In turmoil.
Mrs. Cullen’s hand on her arm brought her gaze back. The lady’s sweet expression exuded calm.
“We all have days where things seem a bit grim, but it’s what we do with that time that counts. You have a wonderful man and an adorable daughter who both love you to pieces. Enjoy every second you have. When things start to close in, remember that love you have.”
“Thanks, Mrs….uh, June. I’ll remember.”
Calling Bandit to her side, she went back in the house, washed the dishes she’d used, then gathered up her computer and fabric swatches. After placing everything in the car, she still didn’t feel clear enough to drive, so she took Bandit for a walk. Good thing she’d left the kittens at home. At Theo’s home.
The wind gusted past, whipping her hair in all directions. After a while, she began to feel better. As Jordan was being picked up at school by a friend and eating dinner at her house, she drove straight to Theo’s.
One of the park SUVs was in the driveway, and her heart thudded. It was too late for Theo to be home for lunch and too early for the end of the day. As she hustled into the house, she heard Theo’s deep voice growl.
“Stop fussing over me and get back to work.”
“What’s going on?” she asked Rico’s back. The man moved aside. Theo sat on the couch, his arm in a sling. “What happened?”
Rushing to his side, she knelt at her husband’s feet.
“Nothing to worry about. A dislocated shoulder. It’s back where it’s supposed to be.” The look he sent to Rico told her there was more to the story.
When she stared at Rico, waiting for his version, he shrugged and said, “Dislocated shoulder. Little accident on the Precipice.”
She tilted her head. “Why were you up there? I thought the falcons were still nesting.”
“Part of our job is to make sure no one’s bothering them and figure out when they’ll be gone.” Theo adjusted on the seat and grimaced.
“What did the doctor say? What do I need to do?”
“I’m fine. You don’t need to do anything.”
A snort burst from Rico’s mouth, and Theo glared daggers at him.
“He’s got some anti-inflammatory meds and should ice it for a while. He can take over-the-counter painkillers if needed, but I have a feeling the tough guy will gut it out. The sling needs to stay on for a few days, and he shouldn’t do any heavy lifting for five or six weeks.”
“Snitch,” Theo muttered. “Go back to work. You’re still on the clock for a few more hours, and you already spent the last one with me at the doctor’s office.”
“Here’s his prescription, although they gave him something at the doc’s.” Rico handed her a piece of paper. “Oh, and he has an egg on the back of his head from hitting the rocks. If you need anything or he gives you too much of a hard time, call me.”
“I will. Thank you, Rico.” Standing on tiptoe, she kissed the ranger’s cheek.
Rico smirked at Theo, who glared at him.
“Next time you get injured, payback won’t be fun.”
All Rico did was chuckle as he strutted out the door.
“How do you feel?” She took a seat next to him. “Do you need me to get you anything? Should you be upstairs in bed?”
A grin split his face. “Upstairs in bed sounds great.” His eyebrows rose and fell.
“To rest, I mean. How exactly did this happen?”
