AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Oh, my freaking heart could burst.
“Absolutely baby! I will never turn down getting to spend time with you. I’ve missed this more than I thought. Getting to do it with you is an even better bonus.”
I builtmyself a new routine over the next few weeks. We loved being together in the evenings. It was something to look forward to because it gave us the alone time that was hard as hell to find on the ranch.
We were working together one evening when Travis screamed from inside the bunkhouse and then ran out the door. “Oh my god! Oh my god! Preacher just called, but I missed it. What do I do?”
Holt came out of the bunkhouse a second later, a towel wrapped around his waist and soap in his hair. “Why are you screaming?”
My boy and I watched them with curiosity, our hands never stopping their rhythm. He’d practiced enough in the daytime to keep up with me now. We’d finished a number of scarves andhats. He was now on a blanket while I focused on a sweater for him.
Ashley’s size was often a problem when it came to clothing. I’d seen him get frustrated more than once after ordering something and finding out it didn’t fit right. We’ve had to return a few things since his arrival. I wanted to expand his wardrobe options without adding to his fury.
The best way I could think to do so was simply to make it myself. He’d been asking me for days what I was making, but I’d deflected each time so I could keep it mostly a surprise.
Travis repeated his words to a hesitant Holt. “I’m not sure what to do next.”
“Call him back, maybe?” My boy said slowly, like he thought they weren’t the right answer.
Holt and I agreed by nodding, so Travis pressed the button on the phone to redial. He put it on speaker, then said, “Please help” to us all as the ringing began.
Holt wrapped a still dripping wet arm around his boy as we all waited for whatever news came. When Preacher answered, Travis could barely speak.
“Hey Preacher. This is Holt. We’ve talked before.”
“Yes. I remember you. I’m guessing Travis is a nervous wreck after missing my call. Am I right?”
“That sums it up. Tell us what you’ve got,” Holt replied with a rough chuckle.
Preacher sighed, which sent alarms off in my mind. “The news isn’t great. I found him. He’s ok from what I’ve seen. I approached him to speak, and he didn’t appear to be in any kind of distress. When I told him who I was and why I was speaking to him, his mood shifted. He became… well, I can’t call it angry or sad. It was more closed off. He told me that he wouldn't come back to the ranch right now, nor did he want me to tell you where he was. He said he’d be in touch when he was ready.”
Travis’s face dropped. He tucked his head into Holt’s shoulder. The other man gave me a look that I felt deep in my core.
We’d lost Gerald. There was no doubt about it. The sheriff could have been exaggerating, but there was no reason for Preacher to. He was getting paid to deliver information. Technically, he was doing just that, and it was the same report we’d already had.
“I’ve already spoken with Robin because I was able to confirm his brother was ok as well. Neither man wants contact at this time. I’d advise you not to pursue anything further. I’ll keep tabs on them and if things change, then I’ll let you know. As of now, though, I’d say that you just find a way to move on. It’s hard but necessary.”
“Thanks for letting us know. We’ll pass the word along to the others on the ranch.”
Holt cut the call after, which left us with an ominous silence. Things would never be the same.
I was filled with mixed emotions. While I hated that Gerald wasn’t coming back, and I longed for my old friend, I was also the happiest I’d ever been. I had my boy, and we were building a life together. Minus the scare with his leg breaking, we’ve been doing good. Great, actually.
It was a perfect example to me of how life would balance itself out. One good thing for one bad. One positive for one negative. One friendship lost for one new love gained.
Epilogue I
Ashley
“You’re healing so well,Ashley. I suspect you’re going to do great in PT next week. Your scans show the bone is right where it should be and according to Corey, you’ve been resting as you should. He even mentioned a new hobby,” Dr. Pointe said as he looked over my folder.
He’d been very positive since my first post-surgery visit. We were heading into the next phase of the treatment plan now that my cast was gone. He’d only sawed it off at the start of this appointment, but I felt leagues better already.
“I’ve been knitting. What started as a way to keep busy has really become one of my favorite things to do.”
“Well, that’s good. You’re still going to have plenty of time to do it too. We have to take it slow and steady to get you fully back on your feet. That means not jumping right into things. Don’t pack those needles up just yet.”
I shook my head. “Not a chance.”
