With a heavy sigh, he pushed himself up. It was no use. If he stayed in bed, he would be replaying the nightmare that had been the last few days.
It was hard to get the image of Jack out of his head.
Laying there, at Vinny’s feet. The stillness haunting him.
Images of Jack crying out for help and no one hearing him. Then, of him succumbing to his injuries, alone and helpless.
His family would head back to the city tomorrow, meaning he still had the pleasure of a full house for another day. While he loved having everyone together, the constant need to socialize and entertain was draining.
Perhaps he could avoid his guests for a few hours by slipping out of the house before any of them woke. Betsy didn’t work on weekends, so the men had to fend for themselves. No one would starve, with a freezer full of pre-prepared meals and all the leftover pastries and sandwiches from the wake stocking the kitchen.
He would scarf down a few pastries and head out for his morning chores.
There were more now that Jack was gone. Enough to keep his mind and his hands busy. An exhausting day of work sounded amazing. Not to mention, he had to check on one of his newest crops—a sunny spot in a rather dreary time. He was experimenting with new plantings and wouldn’t tell anyone about it until he knew if it was a success or not. Sure, it was probably too early to see any growth, but he was excited to check for progress. June, the owner of the flower farm, had coached him and promised to keep it between them. Reality was, if he made any comments about this particular idea of his, the guys would be way too curious. If they investigated, they might start making some connections he didn’t want them to.
Secrecy was of the utmost importance.
The ranch hands and cowboys didn’t know shit about “diversifying sources of income” or any of the financial stuff he handled behind the scenes. In an attempt to try something new and to impress Colette, he had a plan that could add to their sources of income. If he was successful, his plan could help support the ranch into the future. Jack was the only other person who knew about this new project. He could always trust Jack toadvise him wisely. Once the older man had approved the idea, Marshall had the motivation to try.
“I’ve never heard of a ranch doing that, but maybe that’s why it’s a fine idea,” Jack said. He tapped his temple with his finger. “I always knew you were smart, so I’m not surprised to see you coming up with these great plans.”
“It was Colette’s idea, in a way,” Marshall admitted with a shrug.
“She’s smart as a whip, too,” Jack said with a chuckle. “Together, you guys are going to make this a better place.”
Marshall flushed at the compliment. The idea of him and Colette working together beyond fixing the ranch finances was intriguing. The older man looked down, his mouth tugging up to the side. Marshall studied his face, wondering why Jack would appear a little sad.
“You okay, Jack?” he asked. Jack frowned and nodded, rubbing his hand over his eyes.
“Yeah, I’m worried about Edith. She’s not doing too good. The chemo is hard on her body,” Jack said, his voice thick. “I mean, she’s the toughest woman I’ve ever known, but I wish I could do more.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Marshall said, squeezing his friend’s shoulder. “Sometimes, it sounds like the treatment for cancer was worse than the disease itself.”
“Yeah,” Jack agreed, his voice gruff. “I’d do anything to make it easier on her.”
It hurt, remembering how much his friend had cared for his wife. Now, she would have to live her life alone, without his companionship. The thought spurred Marshall on.
Life was short. If he had an opportunity, he shouldn’t waste it.
He stepped into the bathroom, the bright lights blinding him momentarily.
Marshall wet his hair and combed it, fussing more than he usually did in the mornings when he slapped on a hat and headed out to work. Sweeping his hand through his hair once more, he narrowed his gaze in the mirror, scrutinizing himself.
Was he going to visit Colette?
It was risky.
He would visit her and do what? Use his key in the door and wake her up in bed. Marshall scoffed. That would be a terrible idea. What if she was frightened by his intrusion?
He tilted his head, considering. She did say he could visit anytime.
In some way, those words implied that she was always waiting for him.
Maybe she wouldn’t be upset. Especially if he shed his clothing and joined her in bed when she was warmed by sleep and mussed. It was more likely she would welcome him in her arms, offer him comfort. He could use some comfort. He wondered what pajamas she was wearing. They were always so cheerful. Wrapping his arms around her would give him the strength to get through the day. So what if he nuzzled her a little too? Nuzzles could be very comforting. It would be a quick visit to help him chase away the darkness and help him cope with working in the stables and picturing seeing Jack at his usual post. Or on the ground, next to Vinny.
Emotional support was what he needed.
Holding Colette would be an amazing way to start the day.
