Page 139 of Westin

He nods. “I’ve always liked being so far out, away from town. But now, I wish the hospital was closer.”

I clap my hand on his shoulder, giving him a shake.

“I’ll get this cow fixed up,” I say. “You go to bed.”

He nods, finding his shirt and leaving. In the quiet of the barn, I ease the cow into the back of the stall and dip my fingers into the water. Slowly, I get her to taste it, then to drink. Then, just as the morning sun cracks through the window, she starts eating. Her eyes go from glassy to watching her calf with interest.

Relieved, I settle with my back against the wall and close my eyes. For right now, the world is right.

“Westin.”

I crack my eyes open to find Diane leaning on the door. A shaft of sunlight cuts through the window and makes her golden hair glow.

“Good morning,” I say wearily.

“Long night?” she asks. “Keira said Sovereign left at three and didn’t come back till five.”

I nod, rising. I’m streaked with iodine and afterbirth, but my heart is light. I kiss her, and she unlatches the door to let me out.

“Want breakfast at the ranch house?” she asks.

“Let me shower. I’m filthy.”

She cocks her head as we head back to the gatehouse. “Want company?”

My dick twitches. “I’d never turn that down, darling.”

Nothing feels better than stepping into the hot shower after a night like that. I stand under the water with my head back and just let it beat down on my chest. She takes her time pinning her hair up. It’s gotten so long, it hangs to her waist. Then, she slips in beside me and grabs the soap.

Her hands are soft and careful as she lathers it over my torso.

“Sorry I have to keep leaving you at night,” I say.

She shrugs. “I grew up on a farm. I know how it is.”

“This spring has been hard.”

Her face sobers, her soapy palm stilling on my upper abdomen.

“Spring is here,” she whispers, “which means, they’ll start building the road soon if no one stops them.”

I lift her chin. “Deacon and I are going to take care of it,” I say. “It’s in his interest to stop the people doing this as much as it’s mine.”

Her forehead scrunches. “Is that what you talk about with him?”

“It’s some of it.”

“Can I know what you’re planning to do?”

I shake my head, using my thumb to smooth the worry wrinkles from her brow. “Trust me, darling, I’ll always come through for you.”

“I’d bet a lot on you two,” she manages.

“That’s my girl.” I kiss her forehead.

Her eyes close. She takes a deep breath, and they open again.

“You’re both wild cards,” she said. “Please get my farm back, but don’t do anything that will kill you. I need you. If I have to pick, I’ll take you.”

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