The horses were skittish, kicking their stalls.
I could hear other more distant sounds, the jumpers breaking through the walls, sirens blasting. Men yelling. But everything faded as I swept the beam across the floor, finding her covered in debris. I rushed forward, still feeling as if everything was in slow motion, ripping the boards away. I was frantic, tossing one after the other, my hands seared from the heat.
Nothing would stop me.
Breathe, baby. I’ll get you out.
The last board was lifted, exposing her almost lifeless body.
“Grace,” I yelled as I gathered her into my arms.
She lay limp in my arms and I was forced to back away as a roof truss fell across our path. Fuck that. Backing away, I took off running, jumping over the wood and out of the barn.
“Get the horses,” I choked out, stumbling forward until I was free of the danger. As I eased her down, I pressed my fingers against the pulse on the side of her neck.
Barely any movement. I was enraged.
And terrified.
Oh, God. She had to be okay.
“Is she alright?” Rock said as he crouched near me.
“She’s barely breathing.” I positioned her head back, pinching her nose and opening her mouth. “Come on, honey. Stay with me. Stay with me.” As I gave her mouth to mouth, I sensed the horses being brought to safety one by one.
I waited, studying her then repeating the action.
“Come on. Baby. Please.”
I tried once more, my mind a complete blur.
Everyone around me was holding their breath.
When she coughed, I threw my head back, roaring to the heavens.
There were people everywhere, one emergency vehicle pulling up after another.
“You did it, buddy. You saved her,” Rock said, clapping me on the shoulder.
Her slight movement was encouraging.
“Grace.”
She finally opened her eyes, reaching for me. “I knew…” Coughing, her entire body convulsed.
“Don’t talk. The ambulance just pulled up.” I brushed my fingers across her cheek, still fighting the rage.
“I knew… You’d come. He said… You were dead.”
“Jenson?” Even with Aimee, I’d never felt this enraged.
“Yes. But you’re here. I knew it. I… love you.” Her voice was so small, so broken that the fury only continued to increase.
“I love you, baby.” I pulled her closer, rocking her for a few seconds.
“I’m okay. I’m okay.”
Easing back, I slipped hair from her face. “Yes, you are. One fine-looking woman.”
