Page 84 of Sheriff's City Girl

She shook her head. “No, that was years ago, and I believe you.”

“Thanks,” I chuckled. “Most people did, but there’s always those who like to talk—and there always will be.”

“Tell me about it,” Emma grunted. “It’s wild how many times I get asked about Graham—and what it was like to be kidnapped. It blew my mind that people actually had the nerve to walk up and ask me directly about it. It’s like no one even thought about the fact that I might not want to discuss it.”

I shook my head, letting out a laugh. “That sounds about right for Millfield. You’re officially one of us now.”

“I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way,” Emma joined me in laughter. However, it faded quickly. “You know, Lucas’s ranch is still in bad shape… I heard from Drew that he’s fixing to sell off all his cattle to try and put off the foreclosure.”

“All this happened on the day I was out?” I exasperated, panic creeping into my chest. “You have to be kidding me. There’s no way…”

Emma frowned. “Lucas knew, but he was putting it off, I think. I don’t think he wanted everyone to know just how bad of shape he was in when it came to his finances.”

“Man…” My shoulders slumped defeat trickled in. “I don’t even know what to do.”

“Well…” Emma shifted in her chair. “About that…”

I looked up at Emma, seeing a hopeful look on her face. “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?” I squeezed her hand as she gave me a teasing expression.

“The entire town now knows about the state of the ranch,” Emma began, crossing one leg over the other. “And while I know that’s hard for Lucas, I think we could actually use that in our favor. I think that we should put on a big fundraiser. We could do an auction, bake sale, dance—or maybe all three intermixed. The community cares about the ranch. It was the start of this town. I think everyone would pitch in, and I think even if it didn’t pay off all his debt, it would help.”

I was surprised at the passion in her voice. “You really want to help with all this after all the trouble it’s put you through? You should be wanting to leave this town at this point—and I couldn’t even blame you for that.”

“Oh, Mason,” she said, drawing out a sigh. “I’m not going anywhere. Besides, we have a baby that we need to prepare for.”

“Yes, we do,” I couldn’t hide the excitement from my voice. “And I can’t wait to have a baby with you, Emma.”

“Really?” she sniffled, her eyes growing moist. “I was so worried that you didn’t want any more kids—and you wouldn’t be excited about it.”

“It was definitely a shock,” I chuckled, shrugging my shoulders and then groaning out at the pain that shot through my chest. “But I’m excited now,” I choked out through the pain.

“Are you all right?” Her eyes went wide as she reached for the nurse button. “I can call for Hannah.”

“Hannah?”

“The nurse,” she clarified as she punched the button. “She’s been really great. I like her.”

“Are you okay, Dad?” Jess appeared from the doorway, looking concerned. “Why are you hitting the button?” She looked at Emma.

“He’s just in some pain. I think it’s time for the morphine.”

“I don’t need morphine,” I argued, leaning forward as the pain shot right through the middle of my torso. “I don’t need anything.”

“You’re such a lug head,” Jess snapped, rushing to the bed and placing her hand on my shoulder. “Just tell us how bad it hurts.”

“Not that bad.”

“You look like you’re about to pass out,” Emma jumped to her feet, punching the button again.

“I’m not about to pass out,” I argued, shaking my head as I started seeing stars. The pain was nearly the worst I had ever felt—worse than the pain after the accident.

“Are you okay?” An unknown voice said, sounding distant. “What’s your pain level?”

“Nine,” I managed to grunt, before my vision went black.

“Oh my god,” Emma gasped. “What’s wrong with him, Hannah?”

“It’s just the pain,” Sarah, whose voice I hadn’t known, spoke up. “Let me get the morphine going again. He should be fine—he’ll probably take another nap,” she added with a laugh…

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