He nods in sympathy, and I know I probably sound like an asshole. I could stay and cheer him on, but it’s not in me right now.
“You okay loading up, or do you need a hand?”
“I’m okay. Thanks, though, Toby. It was great to see you and meet Cassandra. Maybe I’ll see you in Kissing Ridge?”
“Yeah, man! We’ll definitely see you there!”
Thankfully, this is my left hand, and I’m fairly capable of using my right to take the tent down and pack my sleeping gear. Tater was hanging out with Toby’s wife, and when I meet her at the camper, her eyes are so full of sympathy I need to look away.
“I’m sorry, Rhett, but I’m glad it’s nothing serious. You’ll need help to make sure that dressing stays clean and dry. Watch for infection and maybe see your doc when you get home.”
“Thanks, Cass. I’ll be okay. See you in Kissing Ridge. You and Toby will have to come by the house if you have time.”
“I’d love that!”
She hugs me like we’re old friends and snuggles Tater one last time before I head back to my truck. Tater jumps in, and just before I pull out, my phone rings.
It’s Diamond.
“Rhett, are you okay? Do I need to come get you?”
It sounds like he’s on the edge of panic, and I rush to reassure him I’m fine.
“I’m okay. Don’t worry. I have a huge gash on my hand, and I’m coming home right now.”
“No re-ride then?”
I laugh because he sounds like me and understands the importance of not having a second chance. “No, which means no money, so there’s no use staying.”
“Can you drive okay? I was serious when I said I’d come and get you.”
“Yeah, I can. But thank you, that means a lot.”
There’s a pause on the line, and Diamond clears his throat. “If you don’t want to go to the ranch, you can come to my place. If you need help or whatever. Just offering.”
“Thank you. I….” I was thinking I’d sulk in private, but Hunter will be at his place and likely have a million questions about the ride. “I might show up.”
“Good. I might still be awake. Drive safe, okay?”
Diamond’s voice is soft, and as I end the call, I know there’s no might. I’m landing on his doorstep.
seventeen
Diamond
Headlights turn into the driveway just past 1 A.M.
I told myself I wouldn’t rush out right away, but I never listen, and I’m already down the steps before he closes the truck door.
“What can I bring in for you? Just a bag?” Rhett’s eyes carry the exhaustion and pain I know well, and it scares me how much I want to wrap him up in this moment and protect him from anything that takes his smile away. My hand goes to his cheek, and he leans into my touch.
“Just the duffle in the back.” He says in a voice so road weary, I wish I could shoulder some of the exhaustion for him.
Tater wags in front of me, and I bend to pet her before grabbing his bag from the back. “Come on, girl.”
Rhett follows me inside, and Tater makes herself at home immediately, jumping on the couch with a doggy smile.
“Is it okay for her to be on the furniture?”
