Wes returned to the road to continue the drive. Eleanor sighed, “Mr. Crockett, thank you for everything. I…I’m not used to people doing things for me.” She worried her lip.
“First, call me Wes. Second, I’m sorry to hear that. Third, I have some good news for you. The animals started to arrive. Eighteen horses and six ponies. Another two trailers brought us an assortment of cows, sheep and goats. A final truck brought chickens. I think the barn staff got them into their new homes,” he said.
“Animals are the best; they’ll never hurt you unless they’re defending themselves.” She stopped talking and rubbed her brow.How am I going to do this?
“Ellie, are you alright?” Wes asked.
Her mouth dropped open, and she covered her lips with her hand. “Cow. A cow. That’s why I crashed. It came out of nowhere,” she cried. “You have to believe me.”
“Take a deep breath for me. I believe you. I’ll ask DC to send some people to explore the accident scene. It’s been a long day for you; can I interest you in some dinner?”
“I don’t want to impose any more than I have.” She wrapped her arms around herself.
“Pasta? Grilled cheese and some soup? Eggs?” he offered. “I need to eat too.”
“Pasta, please.” She listened to the voice of the man driving. She could listen to it for days.
She heard a tap, and then the speakers kicked on. “Yes, oh fabulous leader,” a man’s teasing voice filled the truck.
“Troy, is that really you?” Wes sighed.
Eleanor heard the happiness in Wes’s voice.
“Do you know other Troys? How’s your patient?” he asked.
“Patient is beside me.”
“What do you need?” Troy asked.
“I’m ten minutes out. Pasta party,” Wes chuckled.
“Alright, I’ll head to the house and start the water.”
When the call ended, Eleanor observed, “He’s a special friend.”
“Yeah. I almost lost him in August. He’s on a long journey back,” Wes whispered.
“Have you told him?” Eleanor asked.
“Told him?”
“How you’re feeling. How happy you are that he’s here. Or something more?”
Wes pulled onto the drive to the south gate. “I’ll take that under advisement. We’re pulling up to the gate.”
Eleanor heard his emotional shields rise. The Tahoe stopped.
“Good evening, Mr. Crockett,” the guard said.
“Hey, Davis, what’s the good word?” Wes asked.
“The baby is starting to crawl.”
“Fantastic.” The car began to move again.
Eleanor smiled at the interaction. “You know all your staff?”
“I try. I apologize for not knowing you right away.” Wes stopped the car. “We’re home. I’m going to come around to your side.” She heard him tapping his hand against the car as he made his way around. Opening the door, he said, “Let me help you.”
