Page 111 of Love, Lies, and Whiskey

“They can be caused by lots of things, like viral infections and sore throats,” Juliette said. “Maybe you’re coming down with something.”

“It’s probably nothing,” Doc said to reassure them. “But we’ll get it checked out. Thank you, Dr. Chen.”

“Let me feel it.” Juliette got up and felt Lucas’s neck. Concentration lines deepened across her brow. Doc could tell she didn’t like what she felt, but she managed a small smile. “Yeah, it’s probably nothing. We’ll follow up and get it looked at.”

“Can I still go horseback riding tomorrow, Dr. Chen?” Lucas asked.

“Absolutely,” she said. “Try to land on your feet when you dismount.”

He smiled. “I will.”

“You might be sore tomorrow from your fall. Tylenol or Motrin should help,” Dr. Chen said.

“Thank you, Dr. Chen,” Juliette said, her voice heavier than before. “Ready, Lucas?”

“Yeah. Can I get a Dr Pepper from the vending machine on the way out?” Lucas asked as he and Juliette walked out.

Doc hung back and touched Dr. Chen’s arm, stopping her from walking away. “Robin, between you and me, should we be worried?”

Her expression turned apologetic. “If he were my child, I’d get him in right away.”

Doc managed a nod, and as she walked away, he quickly scanned the paperwork for the referrals. Dr. Michael Santowski, Pediatric Oncologist and Dr. Bethany Rodgers, Pediatric Oncologist.

His stomach plummeted. He looked down the hall at Juliette and Lucas pushing through the doors to the lobby, and a million thoughts hit him at once, his gut twisting. Emotions swamped him, making it hard to breathe. Pull your shit together.

He forced himself to focus, mentally batting the painful thoughts away. He needed to figure out how to break the news to Juliette and how they’d get Lucas to an oncologist without scaring the ever-living-fuck out of him.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

IT WAS AFTER midnight when they finally got home. Juliette was a mental mess and trying not to show it, which was as exhausting as the rest of the day had been.

“I’m whipped,” Lucas said as they walked in the door. “I’m going to bed.”

“Okay, sweets. Do you want some Tylenol for your back?” Juliette asked.

“Nah. I’m good, thanks.”

“Come here.” Juliette hugged him a little tighter than usual. “Congratulations on your wins. I’m really proud of you.”

“I am, too,” Seeley said. “Mind if I steal one of those hugs?”

“You’re gonna steal one anyway,” Lucas said, and Seeley embraced him. “Did you ever end up in the hospital after a bull ride?”

“No, but I probably should have a time or two. When I was growing up, if you remembered your alphabet and didn’t have a bone sticking out, you carried on. But ask Dare next time you see him. He got hurt so often, he had an ER bed with his name on it.”

Lucas laughed. “I bet. The night of the bonfire, he told me about the crazy stunts he’s done on his motorcycle. Standing up riding on the highway? Jumping over buses? Is that true?”

“Yes. And don’t get any ideas,” Seeley warned.

“Don’t worry. I’m not that big of a risk taker. I told Layla about how fun the bonfire was. Do you think we could invite her to the ranch for one some night?”

“I think that’s a great idea,” Seeley said.

“Cool.” Lucas yawned. “G’night.”

“Night, buddy.”

“Good night, honey,” Juliette said. She waited for Lucas’s bedroom door to close before looking at Seeley. She felt her maternal mask cracking.