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“You call the vet?” Stone asked, already headed toward the back door.
“Granddaddy’s on the phone now.”
Juliana strokedBlue’s head and whispered soothing words in her ear while her father continued to examine the mare.
His face was grim when he looked up. “There’s a chance she’s about to abort.”
“Doc Isaac is on his way.” Granddaddy knelt beside Blue to check for himself. “She was fine this morning.”
“These things can happen like that.” Mr. Morgan snapped his fingers.
I’d noticed the milk leaking earlier but thought it was normal and didn’t say anything. How could I admit that to all of them? What if I’d hurt my horse or her foal by acting like I was already a vet when the truth was I didn’t know my ass from a hole in the ground? I slipped out and ran from the backyard around the house to the front porch.
No sign of the vet. I kicked at a rock and started pacing in front of the steps.
“She’s going to be okay.”
Juliana’s soft voice jolted me to a stop. I couldn’t turn around, knowing full well the sight of her would do me in.
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
The sound of her boots on the grass grew closer. “I’m not.”
Unable to take it, I turned toward her. She leaned against the railing, that face I loved more than anything overshadowed with concern.
“I thought they were okay. She’s been fine since I got home.” I lifted my ball cap off my head and plowed a hand through my hair before I pulled it back on.
“I know you’ve been watching her like a hawk.” There was a twinge of the old affection she’d once held for me in her tone.
“I haven’t seen this before. You’d think all that time I’ve spent working with animals, I’d know what yellowish milk meant. Maybe I’m not cut out for this.” I shoved my hands in my pockets and scanned down the driveway for the vet.
“You’re not fully trained yet,” she defended.
“Might as well be for all the time I’ve spent with Doc Isaac.” A sense I’d done something that couldn’t be fixed weighed heavy on me.
Juliana pushed off the railing and planted her hands on my shoulders. I continued to stare down the long, dirt driveway as her sweet scent invaded my nostrils.
“Mitch.” How long had it been since she’d said my name? It brought back memories of nights under the stars, she and I tangled together. “Look at me.”
Reluctantly, I dragged my eyes to hers. “This is why you’re going to be an amazing veterinarian. Animals can feel how much you care.”
“I guess people can’t.” The words were out of my mouth before I could take them back.
Headlights shone on us as a truck rumbled down the drive.
“Doc’s here.” She dropped her arms to her sides, and I backed away.
He’d barely opened the door before I was on him. “Lactation is yellowish. She seems okay, but Mr. Morgan thinks the foal might be at risk.”
Doc Isaac thrust out his hand, and we shook. “We’ll see what’s going on.”
He grabbed his bag, and we hustled back to the barn.
Everyone was there by now, and they all parted to let us through. I stayed right at his side, determined to save my horse and her foal.
Doc swiped at the liquid and held his finger up to his nose. “When was she bred?”
“Two hundred eighty-seven days,” I said.
