I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I reckon that’s what this is. Family.
Then Cal’s mobile buzzes. He glances at Junie, who doesn’t notice, then me. “I’m sorry. I have to take it. I’ve got coverage at the clinic, but I’m still on call.”
He digs it out of his back pocket and answers, “This is Dr. Holloway.”
I don’t hear what’s on the other end, but I know Cal’s brow-crease-worried look well enough to guess it’s not good. Junie hums and helps a stuffed bunny sip tea.
“Yep. On my way,” he says, then ends the call and sends me an apologetic look. “I’ve got to go,”
“Another mare?” I ask.
He stands, already prepping to go. “Heifer in distress.”
“Do you need help?” I follow him as he grabs his keys from the hook by the back door. “I make a good assistant.”
He shakes his head. “You don’t want to go on this call with me. This isn’t an expensive horse in a clean stall.” He stops, looks at Junie. “But you could help me by staying here withJunie. Mom wasn’t planning to have her today, so I’m sure she has things to do. I hate to ask…”
I put up my hand to stop him. “Cal, no worries. Course I’ll look after her.” I glance back at Junie to make sure she’s still busy with her toys, then lean into him. “Long as I still get that alone time you promised.”
His eyes dance. “Absolutely.”
Then he turns serious again. “I’ve gotta go take care of a mama cow, Bug, but Frankie’s going to stay with you until I come back. That okay?”
Junie’s head shoots up. “Frankie’s staying?”
Cal looks at me for an answer.
“Yeah. We’ll finish our tea party, then play some games, and…”
Junie shakes her hips back and forth in a little dance. “Yay! And we play tomorrow too? And yesterday?” Junie asks.
I look to Cal for clarification. He shrugs like he doesn’t understand either, so I answer, “Definitely tomorrow.”
Then Cal leaves. Junie and I finish our tea party and play a million games of Go Fish where she cheats with no shame whatsoever. We jump on her trampoline, even though it’s blazing hot, and watch an episode ofBluey, which she doesn’t get through before falling asleep on my lap.
I can’t move without waking her, and I don’t want to. I smooth her hair off her damp forehead and run my finger along her long, feathery eyelashes. I can’t reach the remote, so I watch another episode ofBlueywhile her chest rises and falls in heavy breaths.
My mobile buzzes with a voicemail notification. I’ve had it on silent all day and only check it now in hopes it’ll be good news from my solicitors. Instead, there’s a message from my agent.
I stare at the transcript of the message, then press play and hold my mobile to my ear, hoping Junie won’t wake.
Alison Fisher wants you back for a chemistry reading tomorrow at three. This is huge, Frankie. For all practical purposes, you've got the part. Call me ASAP.
A squeal of excitement escapes and Junie’s eyes flutter open, then close again.
It’s only then I remember I’ve promised her a tomorrow.
Chapter 28
Cal
Itry not to rush with Donna’s heifer, but she couldn’t have chosen a worse time to give birth. After losing hope I’d ever see Frankie again, she’s back. This time for good…I think. I hope. Either way, I’ve got a second chance with her.
But instead of my hands cupping her beautiful face, they’re in a very different place helping a first-time mom deliver a healthy calf. There’s beauty in that, too, but I’d still rather be with Frankie right now.
Finally, the calf comes. Once I know he and mama are both healthy, I clean up a bit and head home to Frankie. The house is quiet and dark by the time I arrive. The only light on is in the guest room, which is good news. Frankie and I may actually have some alone time.
I open the door carefully, not wanting to wake anyone, especially Junie. But I’ll need a shower before I get anywhere near Frankie, otherwise I’ll be spending the rest of the night alone. I stink.
