Cal’s mouth tightened but he didn’t yell like Brian or Luke would’ve. Instead, he nodded. “If that’s what you think, I’m not going to argue with you, but if you ask me, you aren’t giving yourself enough credit for what you’ve accomplished. Instead you’re constantly worried about what others might think.”
I didn’t have an answer for that. I knew it wasn’t true, or at least, I didn’t think it was. We finished up the last of the ring barely speaking. I had several partial retorts floating around in my head but by the time I figured out what I wanted to say, it was lunchtime and we were finished.
“Thanks for the help. We’ve got some stew inside, if you’d like to stay for lunch. Henry’s got a short day today and the bus should be dropping him off soon enough. I’m sure he’d like to see you.”
I set the tools back on the cart. While some of Amy’s stew sounded like a great idea for lunch, I didn’t think I could stomach it. I was saved from making my excuses when my phone pinged with a text. Every time it happened, I’d reach for my phone, hoping it was a message from Julia. Even something work-related with the livestock would be a balm to how I was feeling. But it was Davis letting me know he would pick up the order waiting for me at Martin’s on his way in tomorrow.
I needed the distraction, so I tapped out a message letting him know I’d get it on my way back to the ranch, then gave Cal my excuses. “Appreciate the offer, but my order’s in at the supply store. I’m going to grab it on my way home and get it to the hands, so they can keep working. Give Amy and Henry my regards.”
I got out of there as quick as I could. I knew I was in a surly mood. It’d already been pointed out numerous times already and I didn’t want to risk another altercation with Cal. The last one had us both spending the night in a jail cell. Not that I thought my half-brother would call the cops on me.
When I arrived at the supply store, I drove around to the loading dock to get my order loaded. Unfortunately, half of my order was missing and wouldn’t be coming in until the end of the week. I grabbed what was there and was almost home when I heard what sounded like a gunshot before the truck started listing to one side.
A blown tire. I barely made it home and when I got out to survey the damage, I kicked the side of my truck in frustration. The tire was completely shredded and driving it that last little bit after it blew had bent the rim.
“Dammit!” I shouted and kicked the truck door again, leaving a half boot print in the indentation. I was pretty sure the rim on the spare was the same size and I was not looking forward to finding out I was wrong.
“Jake? Everything okay?”
I whirled around, prepared to yell at whoever was asking me if I was okay now, but it was my mom.
Shaking my head, I gave her a partial answer. “I tried to make it home on a flat when I should’ve stopped to change the tire. Now the rim’s messed up. It’ll be fine, it’s just one more task to add to my list of things to do.”
“I have AAA if you want to call someone out to do it for you,” she suggested but I was already shaking my head.
“They’ll only call Shane out and he’ll give me no end of grief if he finds out I couldn’t be bothered to change my own damn tire. I got it. If it turns out to be too much, I’ll ask Davis to help.” It wouldn’t be the first time someone around here blew out a tire. “It’ll be fine.” Shane owned a local fuel station and mechanic shop and also had the towing contract for law enforcement and the different services, including AAA.
I realized she had a loaded tote bag that was filled to the brim. “Where are you headed? Book club?”
“Something like that,” was my mom’s reply. It wasn’t like her to be so cagey with her answers, but I just didn’t have the energy to follow up on it.
“Okay, well, I’ll see you later.” I was already attempting to reorganize my growing to-do list in my head and decided Ineeded to start with the damn tire. I couldn’t afford to be down a vehicle right now.
“Well, if it’s not one thing, it’s another,” I muttered digging the jack out of my truck. I quietly cursed wondering when I was finally going to get a break. Something had to give soon before I lost my damn mind.
THIRTY-FOUR
JULIA
The days were blurring one into the other. I finished up with my last patient and managed to update the patient files before calling it quits for the day. When I turned onto the private road leading to my place, I was surprised to see a car parked in front of my house. As I got closer, I could see someone standing beside my corral petting the horses.
I sped up, careful not to churn up too much gravel. By the time I pulled in next to the car, I could see who it was.
“Laura?” I called out as I exited my truck. I tossed my medical bag onto the porch and met her by my barn. “Is everything okay? How’s Queenie?” I hadn’t heard from Jake since I left the ranch. Not that I really expected to.
“She had the cutest little filly,” Laura said.
“Oh. That’s good. And she’s healthy?” I was surprised that Jake hadn’t at least messaged me to tell me about it or arrange for a vet visit. Maybe he’d already decided to work with another vet.
“Both of them are. How are you, dear?” She clasped my hands and kissed my cheek.
I’m terrible, I wanted to say but instead I went with a polite response. “I’m fine. I wasn’t expecting guests, but I’d be happy to make you a cup of tea.”
“That would be lovely, but let’s sit first. I brought you some things I thought you might like to have.” Laura strode to my porch and picked up a large canvas bag that I hadn’t noticed earlier, resting it on her lap when she sat.
“Okay.” I sat down in the other chair and waited to see where this was going.
Laura dug around in her bag and pulled out two boxes, which she handed to me. When I opened the first one, my hand trembled. “Now, I know it’s early,” she said, her tone apologetic, “but these were Jake’s when he was a baby. Grandma Thorne stitched all those appliques on his clothes. I know it’s too soon to know if you’re having a boy or a girl, but these seemed gender neutral and… What’s wrong?”
