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“I think we’ve done enough so she can walk again.”
I nod. “Enough to be able to survive out there?”
That’s the problem: a lot of the animals that come into my wildlife sanctuary don’t have a home to go to. We can save their lives and fix them up, but that don’t mean they’ll survive a day on the outside. And that’s when we have to make the call on what's the most humane thing to do.
But in this case, this bighorn sheep has a fierce enough personality to make it out there. It pretty much damn near limped itself to me in the desert, like it knew I was the man who could fix her. And I have. We’ve done our best.
“I think so. Might need a couple of weeks with us,” the vet, James, tells me.
“That’s fine. We got the room for her.” Pushing myself upright, I walk over and stroke her head. She’s sedated for now. “Might even keep her here.”
I believe animals—the same as people—come into our lives for a reason. And hell, Hunter has a pet goat that causes mayhem; might as well add a sheep with a hell of a personality to the list too.
My phone buzzes in my pocket for the third time in the last half an hour.
“Sorry. Gotta get this,” I tell James and head out into the burning sun.
Jett’s name flashes across the screen. My cousin, the man who flips personalities like a chameleon. I accept the call and hold my breath, waiting for whatever shit is about to erupt out of his mouth.
“You’re late!” he shouts.
The wind howls around him and he blares the horn five times. “Move out of the way, you fuckin’ spider -lookin’ asshole.”
I bite back a laugh as he erupts into another fit of nonsense insults to whichever poor bastard probably cut him off.
“What is this? Your way of telling me you need me to meet you at New Falls County Jail?” I ask.
“No, dickhead. Your bachelor party. Do you ever read your texts?”
The marriage I’m dreading, and I’m intrigued by my bride. But a party hosted by Jett Lawson? This will be far worse than the wedding.
“Not really, Jett.”
“Oh, yeah, I forgot, you send a message and then jump in a rocket to space by the time I fuckin’ reply.”
I laugh at that one. I ain’t the easiest man to get hold of. I’m usually either workin’ or fuckin’.
I check my watch; it isn’t even four pm.
“Where have I got to be?”
“Are you serious?! There was a group chat with everyone.”
The horn goes again. “Fuck you! And your mom!”
I blow out a breath and head towards my truck.
“Rosie’s is where we’re starting. Get your ass there now,” he orders and then cuts the call.
I guess I’ve got my orders. I won’t say no to getting shit faced in celebration of a wedding I don’t want to be the groom at.
Or maybe I do? I did jump at the chance when the offer was put on the table.
Didn’t even need a second to contemplate it.
CHAPTER FIVE
Gianna
