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James marched over to her and took her hands in his. “I understand that you want to help these folks, but you really can’t.”
“Why not? They clearly need it. They don’t have any parents—”
“What makes you think their parents did much of anything in the first place? I’d love to help them as much as the next guy, but the truth is I can’t. If Wade wanted help, he’d ask for it. So do us both a favor and let’s not get fired.”
He felt the hurt and frustration she wore on her face acutely. He could empathize, but he’d learned a long time ago that there were just some things he couldn’t change. “Look, we’re not going to charge them for our services today. We’ll keep an eye on them and make sure the animals stay healthy.”
“I thought you said that Wade doesn’t accept handouts?” she said.
“I’m sure we’ll come up with some kind of arrangement that he will find acceptable. For now, justplease, stay out of their business.” He squeezed her hand and pulled her a little closer so he could press a kiss to her temple. “I think we can still make it out to the country club for a little dancing if you want.”
She gestured toward her dress which was now covered in straw and probably some fluids from helping him with the foaling process, then shook her head. “Somehow, I don’t think Shane would find my attire all that appropriate.”
“It’s not Shane’s opinion that matters.” He nuzzled her ear with his nose, loving the way she leaned into him with a soft exhale. “Let me take you dancing. It’ll be fun.”
“On one condition,” she crooned.
“What’s that?”
“We stay outside and away from the other guests. I don’t care what you say, Shane is still the owner of that establishment and I’m sure he’d have no qualms about asking us to leave.”
James chuckled. “As long as I can have you in my arms for the night, I’ll be happy.”
Footsteps echoed down the concrete ground toward them, and Wade’s stern face appeared. “I was only able to find a couple towels. We’re a little behind in our laundry.” His gaze shifted toward Constance, then to Liam. “Time for you to go inside and finish your chores. The horse will wait until tomorrow.”
Liam frowned. “But—”
“If you’re going to live under my roof, you’re going to follow the rules. Each of us has weight to pull and until you can handle the bigger stuff, you’re gonna take care of the dishes.”
“Can’t Charlie do them?”
Wade’s expression tightened as he glanced once more toward Constance. “Charlie is doing the laundry with Caleb. I’m not going to ask you again. It’s either you help out around the house or you get a job in town. Which is it?”
“Fine,” Liam muttered. He slipped out of the stall without another word, muttering something about dishes being harder than anything else because of how many people ate supper.
Constance shifted beside James and he gripped her hand a little tighter, praying she’d understand the warning he was giving her. Thankfully, she didn’t end up saying anything.
Wade tossed the towels over the stall door. Constance grabbed them with a small smile before heading over to the animals. They both watched as she dipped the end of a towel in a bucket of water and set to work cleaning the mare of any bacteria the foal might come in contact with.
Wade reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. “I don’t know what you charge for house visits—”
James held up a hand. “It’s fine. I’m not going to charge you for this one.”
As expected, Wade’s jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed. “I don’t need a hand-out. I’m perfectly capable of paying—”
“That’s not what I’m suggesting. What do you think about having Liam come out to the clinic a couple times a week to do some cleaning? He could mop floors and stock shelves.”
Wade returned his wallet to his pocket and rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t know. I suppose I could talk to him about it.”
James clapped Wade on the shoulder. “You let me know what you guys decide. And if that doesn’t work, we’ll figure out a different payment arrangement.”
He nodded. “Thanks, Dr. Pratt.” His focus shifted to the foal who was now standing on wobbly legs but not quite ready to walk. “How is she?”
“She’s perfect—a real fighter. I wouldn’t be surprised if she ends up giving you a run for your money, full of spirit and energy.” James chuckled, then moved toward the supplies and started the process of gathering everything they’d brought. Constance finished her work and left the towels hanging over the side of the stall.
By the time they were on the road, James could sense that Constance was more than a little frustrated. She continued to sigh and shift in her seat.
“They’ll be fine, Connie. They’ve been figuring things out for a lot longer than either one of us has been aware.”
