Keeping Grace

Someone who wasn’t Dr. Henry got out of the big red Ford F150 vet truck. A pretty redheaded woman with glasses and scrubs on. I made my way over to the arena and heard her introduce herself to Gavin and Stefan as Dr. Brooks. When I saw Thomas exiting the barn, I knew this wasn’t going to go smoothly. He would be expecting Dr. Henry like the rest of us had to be here for this emergency call, since they had only agreed to let Dr. Brooks do the physicals as a trial run.

Much to my surprise, Thomas didn’t overreact as much as I anticipated. He definitely wasn’t happy, but he stayed calm. The vet took x-rays and did an ultrasound of the front leg Storm was favoring. Liam and Gavin assisted her, and she had them recount what happened so she could get a clear picture of the accident. When Dr. Brooks was finished with her examination, Ty and I joined the group.

“He didn’t break or tear anything. It looks like he might have bruised the cannon bone when he hit the poles. There is a little swelling, and it’s tender and warm to the touch. He will need to be monitored overnight and have an ice boot on and off for the next couple days.” She listed the instructions to Liam and Gavin, but Ty and I paid close attention. We would take care of Storm for Grace until she came back, then we would focus on her.

An hour after the vet left, Thomas informed us that Grace was going to be fine. She had a moderate concussion, and she had a mild sprained wrist that would heal just fine. He slapped my shoulder and gave me a look. The look that said he knew everything. He also knew that I was probably in worse shape than anyone after what I had gone through with Hannah.

I marched into the barn, away from everyone. The clomping of boots behind me I knew belonged to Ty. I didn’t stop until I was in front of Jameson’s stall. Bending over, I clenched my stomach as another wave of nausea washed over me.

“She’s going to be okay, Scott,” Ty said.

“We almost lost her, Ty.” I looked at him. “How can you be so calm?”

“You think I’m calm? You don’t think I’m freaking out on the inside?” His hand flew to his chest. “I’m trying to stay strong, for you and for Grace, but my heart is torn apart not being with her right now.”

I straightened and met his gaze. “I can’t do this again.”

“Yes, you can.” He rested a hand on my shoulder and took deep breaths until my breathing matched his. “When Grace gets back, she is going to need us just as much as we need her. You need to be there for her. Are you still in this?”

He was right about one thing. I was going to need Grace when she got back. This feeling of worry sucked, but it helped me see how much I loved her.

Wait. Was I really in love with her?

When had that happened?

I thought back. If I was being honest with myself, the first day we met when she called me out on my attitude, and we pranked Liam after the picnic fiasco.

My worst fears had happened, but Grace walked away from her accident. She was safe now, and if she could get through this, then so could I. I didn’t want to imagine life without her.

“Yes.” I took a deep breath. “I still want this.” I took my hat off and ran my hand through my sweaty hair. “It’s going to be hell until she gets back. My nerves are shot. I need her back here safe and whole before I can completely calm down.”

“Me too, bro. Me, too.” Ty slapped my shoulder, and I placed my hat on before following him out of the barn.

As much as I tried to distract myself, I failed miserably. Even though I knew Grace was going to be okay, the guilt and fear coursing through me would not ease up until I had Grace safely in my arms. The hours felt like eternity until I heard the familiar sound of a vehicle coming down the drive.

When the Range Rover pulled back into the ranch with Grace in it, I abandoned the bale of hay I was carrying and ran to meet them by the barn.

“Peaches,” I said a little louder than I wanted as I yanked open the car door.

Grace looked up from unbuckling her seatbelt and smiled at me. Everything felt right again. She was safe. She was back. She was okay. I held out my hand, and Grace took it. She carefully got out of the car. I could tell the soreness was setting in from the fall. She was going to need a nice, long, hot bath and a good night’s sleep.

“How are you feeling?”

“Like I got thrown from a horse.” She gave a wry laugh. “Just a sprained wrist.” She held up her braced left hand.

When she was standing in front of me, I gingerly lifted her injured wrist to my lips and placed soft kisses up her arm until I reached her neck and buried my face in her hair as I hugged her close. She still had the faint scent of peaches on her, and it eased the ache in my heart.

“Scott…” Grace pulled away slightly to look up at me. “Where’s Storm? Where’s Ty?”

“Ty is with Storm, making sure his stall is fit for a king.” I stepped away and grabbed her good hand and cocked my head toward the barn. “Let’s go see them.”

I started to lead her away when Blake came around the car. “Scott?”

I stopped and turned to give her my attention but didn’t let go of Grace. I couldn’t bear to let go of her now that she was back safe. “Grace has a concussion, so she needs to be monitored for the next twenty-four hours. No strenuous activity,” she said, pointedly, “and do not let her out of your sight.”