“As long as he’s gonna be fine. I don’t care if his eye is broken,” Cal said, his voice pinched and tight. “But he can come home tomorrow, though?”
“Yes, sir.” Tandy stooped, looking the boy squarely in the eye. “Let’s shake on it? So you’ll feel better.” She shook his hand. “When you come to get him tomorrow, I’ll tell you what we need to do to take care of Tanner and get him back on his paws again, okay?” she said.
Cal nodded and wiped the back of his hand across his eyes. “Okay.”
Brody hurt for the boy. And India. They’d had more than their fair share of loss and grief. Losing Tanner wasn’t an option. Just like standing by, doing nothing, wasn’t an option for him. He slowly made his way to where Tandy was making notes and whispered, “Can I do anything?”
Tandy shook her head. “He’s had the antivenin and some antibiotics. Other than the topical ointment, there’s not much to be done.” She shrugged. “There’s no guarantee he’ll keep his eye, but he’ll adapt easily.”
One eye or two, Cal wouldn’t care as long as he had his dog. But he remembered something India had said, something about paying for the truck repairs. “I’ll take care of the bill,” he whispered.
Tandy’s brows rose. “Are you sure she’ll be okay with that?”
He frowned. “No. She’ll fight me tooth and nail.” She was too determined to be independent—even when she could use the help. “Maybe you could help with that?” He paused. “You know, chalk it up to a family discount? Since she’s your cousin? Something?”
Tandy glanced at India and Cal.
“I’d owe you.”
She nodded slowly. “I’ll figure something out. But you don’t owe me a thing.”
“I don’t want to get you in trouble,” he argued.
She rolled her eyes. “With who? I’m pretty much my own boss at this point. I’ll be taking over the practice next year.” She smiled. “Click told me, Brody. I know why you’re doing this. Maybe it’s time you told India how you feel?”
He stared at the woman, reeling. He’d never told a soul about his feelings for India Boone. So how the hell did Click Hale know? “I don’t know what you’re—”
“It’s the way you look at her when you think no one’s watching you. I’ve seen it myself, so don’t try to tell me otherwise. I see it now.” She patted his hand. “Click said it’s always been that way.”
Brody shook his head, his gaze shifting to India and Cal. He had more than most folks—he knew that. But, seeing them, he couldn’t help but want more. He’d always loved her. He always would. And Cal? He was a good boy—a son a man could be proud of. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t share your observations with anyone.”
She nodded. “Don’t wait too long, Brody. I know India pretty well. She keeps her head down, planning what’s next and how to get there. You need to get her to look up and see what’s right here, in front of her. You, your girls and the family she’s always wanted.”
“Is that all?” he tried to tease, Tandy’s words all too tempting.
She shrugged. “Or you let her go and you move on.”
His stomach tightened. He’d let her go before, he could do it again—if it made her happy. But he’d never moved on.
“He’s sleeping, Cal. We should let him get some rest,” India said, pushing off the floor. “Tandy will call us if she needs us, okay?”
Cal pressed a kiss to the top of Tanner’s head and stood, staring down at the dog. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Tanner,” he whispered.
“He’ll be feeling better tomorrow, Cal. And, when he is, we’ll come get him.” India nodded, looking worn out. “You ready?”
They were a solemn, quiet group as they made their way back into the reception area. Cal did his best to put on a brave face, but by the time they left the clinic he was fighting back tears. One look at India told Brody she wasn’t in much better shape.
“The girls are with their grandmother at the Soda Shop,” Brody offered. “How about some lunch and ice cream?”
“How about some French fries and a root beer float? Sound good to you, Cal?” India asked with as much cheer as she could muster. It made Brody’s heart hurt.
“A little.” He paused. “He’ll miss us, Mom.”
India took Cal’s hand in hers. “He will, but he’ll be mostly sleeping. Like when you get sick? It helps him heal.”
Cal nodded. “Okay.”
“Tomorrow will be here before you know it,” Brody tacked on.