Page 116 of Love, Lies, and Whiskey

Wynnie drew her into her arms, holding her a little longer, and tighter, than usual. Juliette had gone so many years without hugs from anyone other than Lucas, she hadn’t realized how much she’d missed them, and she was grateful for the extras.

“I can understand that,” Wynnie said. “It’s a hard day for everyone. I made you some of that lemon cake you were so fond of the other night. I left it on your kitchen table.”

“Aw, thank you. That was really nice of you.” She’d eaten three pieces the other night. “I swear, I’m either stress eating or unable to stomach a thing lately.”

“There’s a lot of that going around in our family right now.” Wynnie touched her hand. “How are you holding up, honey?”

She pressed her lips together, shaking her head, and shrugging. “Doing the best I can. You know. I keep telling myself he’s going to be fine, and that works for a while. Until it doesn’t, and then I’m bawling in the bathroom or pulling over on the highway to wipe my tears.”

“Oh, sweetheart.” Wynnie squeezed her hand. “I’ve been doing the same thing. But we’re all putting positive energy out there, hoping and praying for the best. Whatever happens today, we’ll get through it together. All of us.”

Tears sprang to Juliette’s eyes, and she fanned her face. “I’m sorry.”

“Sweetheart, it’s okay to cry.” Wynnie embraced her again, speaking softly. “You’ve got a mountain of worry in your heart. Let it out, baby girl.”

That made her cry harder. “I just…I’m so scared. What if it’s bad news?”

“Then we’ll deal with it. Doc has been gathering information, talking to doctors, finding out who the best physicians are for every possible outcome.”

“He has?” She drew back, wiping her eyes. “Why didn’t he tell me?”

“Because he loves you, and he doesn’t want to worry you. He’s hoping for the best, like the rest of us, but he wasn’t going to walk in there today unprepared. He wants to be strong for you and Lucas, and the only way he feels like he can do that is to be ready for anything.”

Guilt swamped her, drawing more tears. “I should’ve been doing that. I’m his mother, and I didn’t think to do it.”

“Honey, you’re doing everything you can to keep your head above water in a very trying time. But I understand how you feel. You and I are a lot alike. We’ve had different journeys, but we’re strong, hearty gals who are used to dealing with the ups and downs of life on our own. I helped my father run the ranch and helped him grieve my mother. The woman he loved his entire life. It was not easy, and when Tiny came into my life, letting him take the lead and take care of me went against everything I knew. But he showed me how we were stronger together. Sometimes Tiny needs to lean on me, and other times I need to lean on him. And occasionally we do things without mentioning them to each other, because we know they’re best handled that way. That’s love, sweetheart. You and Lucas are Doc’s world. It’s okay to let him do the heavy lifting right now. Doc needs that as much as you need to cry in the shower and muck the stalls.”

Juliette swiped at her tears. “I know you’re right, but I keep thinking about all the years I wasted when Seeley and Lucas could’ve been together, and now we’re dealing with this. I feel so guilty.”

Wynnie took her by the shoulders, holding her gaze, and said, “Listen to me, sweetheart. We don’t even know what this is yet. What we do know is that nobody blames you for those lost years. Not Doc or me, or Tiny, or anyone else. You and Lucas are our treasured gifts, and nothing will ever change that.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, tears spilled down her cheeks as she choked out, “Thank you,” and embraced Wynnie.

“You’re family, sweetheart, and in our family, that bond is unbreakable.”

Chapter Thirty

THE HOURS PASSED too slowly, giving Juliette far too much time with her own thoughts. She finished mucking the stalls and doing the other chores Lucas would normally do after school. Then she baked mint chocolate chip cookies for him. Seeley called twice, asking if she wanted him to come over, but she knew he had animals to care for, so she’d said she was okay.

Fifteen minutes after the second call, he was in her driveway, and she’d never been more thankful to see anyone in her life.

Her heart skipped as she went out front to meet him. “I told you that you didn’t have to come over.”

“What can I say? You’re a sucky liar.” He wrapped her in his arms. “I love you, Jule, and I’ll always know when you need me.”

She kissed the center of his chest, reveling in the depth of his love before meeting his warm gaze. “I love you, too, Seeley, and I hope I always know when you need me.”

“Not a minute goes by when I don’t need you.” He pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss. “Want to take a walk?”

“A walk?”

“Yeah, you know, that thing where you put one foot in front of the other, breathe in the crisp fall air, appreciate the beauty around us.”

She gave him a deadpan look.

“Come on, darlin’. Let’s get out of that pretty little head of yours.” He took her hand, tucking her against his side as they walked away from the house.

“Your mom came by this morning.”