Heather stepped in closer, her sharp green eyes taking in the scene with quiet curiosity.
Cole returned with the wrap and ice packs, thrusting them forward like lifelines. “Here, Dr. Watkins.”
“Thanks, bud.” Lyle took the supplies and methodically wrapped the mare’s leg, his fingers deftly securing the wrap over the ice pack with just the right amount of pressure. “This’ll help reduce the inflammation for now,” he said, sparing a glance at the boy. “I don’t recommend putting her through X-rays just yet. We’ll watch her for a couple of days, then check her gait, make sure there isn’t any ligament damage.”
“Thanks, Doc.” Cole pushed his cap up slightly as he dared to meet Lyle’s gaze full-on for the first time. His hazel eyes were slightly wet.
“I’ll write out some instructions for you and swing by your place tomorrow to check on her,” he said, the warmth in his voice causing the young man’s shoulders to relax a bit. “But you’ve got to do your part. That means keeping her on stall rest, making sure her wraps stay snug, and no sneaking her any extra sugar cubes, all right?”
Cole nodded fervently, his face lighting up with a mixture of gratitude and awe. “I’ll take real good care of her, Dr. Watkins. Promise.”
“I’m not just talking about her,” Lyle said, his voice softening as he placed a reassuring hand on the boy’s shoulder. “I’m talkin’ about you too, Cole. Horses can feel everything we’re feeling. So if you’re tied up in knots, she’s gonna feel that too. It wasn’t your fault she tripped coming out of the trailer. That happens to even the most experienced horse owners. You stay steady, and she’ll stay steady.”
Heather felt her chest tighten at Lyle’s words, the care woven so seamlessly into everything he did. She’d always known Lyle Watkins was good with animals. That was apparent even back when their lives barely overlapped beyond neighborly visits. But seeing him in action now, helping not just the mare but her young owner...it was something else entirely. Something deeper.
She watched as he led the mare out to Cole’s trailer and walked the horse inside, helping Cole secure the young chestnut for the ride home. Once the trailer was secure, he joined her just outside the barn door and together they watched Cole slowly pull his rig out of the driveway, creeping along at a snail’s pace lest the smallest bump hurt his sweet horse even more.
She nudged her shoulder against Lyles, her voice soft but teasing. “You know, there are professionals who charge for pep talks like that.”
Lyle shot her a quick grin. “What can I say? I’m an overachiever.”
The barn fell silent for a moment, save for the faint rustle of hay carried on the breeze. Heather watched as Lyle dusted off his jeans with a slow, practiced motion. But there was something in the way his shoulders subtly sagged once Cole was out of sight that hinted at the weight he carried beneath his easy charm.
“You’re good at this,” she said quietly, stepping closer.
“Good at what? My job?”
“At giving people—or animals—something to hang on to when they’re scared.”
He glanced at her, and this time, his handsome features softened into something almost sheepish. “Guess I’ve had plenty of practice.”
Heather tilted her head. “With the animals? Or the people?”
“A little of both,” he admitted, shrugging slightly. “You forget I was raised by a preacher. Plus, I figured out pretty fast in the Marines that a steady hand does more good than a loud voice ever will.” He paused, his gaze dropping to his boots for a heartbeat before rising again. “Not sure I’ve got everything figured out, though. Especially not where it counts.”
“You’re doing darn well where it counts,” she said, surprising even herself with the firmness of her tone.
The blush that crossed his cheeks was almost imperceptible, but Heather caught it. And this time, she didn’t bother trying to hide the smile blooming on her face.
“You make people feel safe, Lyle,” she continued, her voice soft enough to drift like the breeze. “Like Charlotte. Like Cole. That’s a gift.”
He held her gaze for a moment, the silence stretching just long enough for Heather to feel it in her chest and not just her ears. She had an insane urge to rise up on tiptoe and kiss him. And as though they were connected on some subliminal wavelength, he seemed to feel it too.
But before Lyle could respond, a sharp bark from outside the barn door broke the spell, and they both turned to see Biscuit trotting in, his ears perked up and his tongue lolling happily.
Heather laughed softly, nervously, bending to give the dog a quick pat. Thank goodness for distractions. “Looks like my shift’s starting early.”
“What brought you by in the first place? We don’t usually see you over here in the mornings.”
“I’m developing an addiction for your brother’s coffee—or a laziness in getting to the store to buy my own.”
“I’m sure Mike’s happy to show off his fancy machine.”
“It is quite impressive.” She ducked inside the barn and came back out with a mug. “And since I detoured to watch you at work, I ended up finishing my coffee.” She held out the cup. “Mind returning this to the kitchen for me?”
“I can do that.” He tipped his hat and flashed her a grin that somehow made her feel both steadied and unmoored at the same time. “Guess I better get things cleaned up here. Kenny’s got a stallion he wants me to look at.”
Heather clipped a leash to Biscuit’s collar. “Yep, I’m behind a bit too, but it was worth it to watch you work.”
