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“No, I didn’t hear you,” I said once my heart finally stopped racing. “And yes, I was thinking about a hot bath. How’d you guess?”
“That was my first thought when I saw the guestroom I stayed in when we first got the ranch going. I took a bath at least once a week for the first year. Really helps with sore muscles when you’re digging gardens and painting all day.” Jessie laughed as she came over and rested a hand on my shoulder. “Come on. I’ll show you around before dinner.”
Jessie led me downstairs where the kitchen, the dining room, and the living room were. She pointed out where Declan and Thomas’ offices were. The house was gorgeous but deceiving. The tile foyer was massive, and it didn’t give off the homey feel I would have expected from a main ranch house. The dining room was formal too but looked well used. The living room was where the house completely changed. This room looked more like a bachelor pad, complete with an oak slab bar. I could see Thomas grabbing a drink at the end of a long day.
When Jessie finished the tour, she excused herself to the kitchens, letting me know dinner would be ready in an hour.
I sank into the plush slate gray couch in front of a solid wood coffee table and curled my feet under me. The large flat screen took up the wall, making me envious. I could picture myself watching movies and football games with Thomas and Declan by my side. Heat rose in my cheeks as I let the little daydreamswirl around in my mind before I pulled out my phone.
I needed to call my father. Hopefully he could stop by and feed the dogs while I was away.
He answered on the third ring.
“Alex, sweetie, how are you?” He sounded out of breath.
“I should ask you that, Dad. Why do you sound like you just ran a marathon?” My chest tightened. Was something wrong? I’d never forgive myself if he was hurt and I wasn’t there to help him.
“I’m fine. My phone was in the other room. I just had to run to get it, so I didn’t miss your call.” He chuckled.
“Do you have everything you need for the storm? I didn’t make it out in time before the roads closed. I’m stuck at the ranch to wait it out.”
“I know. Duke called me already. So did Thomas.”
“He did?” My voice rose, and tears filled my eyes. I knew Thomas and Declan said they would handle everything, but I honestly didn’t know whether they’d follow through. They were so busy with everything. I wouldn’t have been surprised if checking in on my responsibilities was last on their list.
“Why do you sound so surprised? The Kingstons are good guys. Thomas called and wanted to make sure someone was handling the clinic and, until you could make it back home, the dogs were looked after.”
I wiped at the tears on my cheeks. Thomas had done that for me?
“I went to your house and got the dogs. Brought them back home to keep me company and wait out the storm. I called the clinic, and Spencer is going to take care of locking up. He said something about bunking in, and he would call me in the morning. Don’t worry, Alex, we’ve got everything covered.”
“Are you sure you can handle it all? You know the dogs can get rowdy. I don’t want them accidentally hurting you.”
“I’m retired, sweetie, not dying. I can handle two dogs. Plus, I picked up another stray in town.”
“Oh no,” I groaned. Just what I needed.
“I’m kidding.” He chuckled into the phone. “It’s only Martin. He got caught in town and couldn’t make it to the ranch. I’ve got a second set of hands here, so you can sleep easy now.”
“I admit, I feel a lot better knowing you have help. And I’ll call Spencer when I’m off with you and get a plan going.”
“Okay, sweetie. I’m going to let you go now. Martin needs help in the kitchen.”
“Stay safe, Dad. I love you.”
“You too. Love you.”
As soon as I ended the call, I immediately dialed Spencer. Since we didn’t have any animals staying overnight, he was going to head home, and we would speak in the morning. I could only hope we wouldn’t lose power and the clinic could stay up and running in case of emergencies.
A heavy sigh slipped past my lips, and I leaned against the couch, letting my head fall back. Today had been exhausting, to say the least. I took a few deep breaths and tried to relax. It felt weird not to have immediate responsibilities to take care of. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been so still.
A throat cleared nearby, and I snapped my head up. Thomas leaned casually against the door frame, staring at me. Nervous to see him so close, I stood up so fast, my vision blurred, and white spots danced before my eyes as I swayed on my feet.
“You didn’t have to get up. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” He ate the distance in a few strides and was beside me, hands cupping my elbows to stabilize me.
“No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to invade your space. I can head to my room until dinner.” I looked down at my feet.
“You didn’t invade anything.” He curled his fingers under my chin and tilted my head to meet his gaze. My heart fluttered as he smiled. “Please, sit back down. I’ll join you.” Thomas gestured toward the couch.
